Tentative Programme Schedule
Day 1
Day 2
28 October 2025 (Tuesday)
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM
Arrival and Registration of participants
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Welcoming Address by The Honourable Dato Sri Hajah Fatimah Abdullah
Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Sarawak
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Plenary 1: Empowering Healthy Ageing with Dignity: Policies for Right, Inclusion and Social Protection
Speaker: Dr Rabindra Abeyasinghe, World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore
10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Tea break/ Visiting booth
11:00 AM – 11:45 AM
Keynote address : Care Across Generations: Policy, Research and Innovation for Malaysia’s Ageing Society
Speaker: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rahimah Ibrahim, Director, The Malaysian Institute on Ageing, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang, Selangor (Malaysia)
Abstract
Malaysia is moving rapidly from an ageing society to an aged society. By 2030, more than one in seven Malaysians will be 60+, and by mid-century nearly one in six will be 65+. Although disability-free years are rising, about 17% of older adults still need help with daily activities, and ageing patterns differ sharply across districts as households with older persons grow.
11:45 AM – 13:00 PM
Concurrent Session 1 : Policies
1. Global Policies on Ageing: Strategies and Best Practices Worldwide
Speaker: Mikiko Kanda, Technical Team Lead for Healthy Ageing, Division of Healthy Environments and Populations, WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific (WPRO)
Abstract
Population ageing is reshaping every region, demanding early, coordinated action. Since the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (2002), governments have converged on a life-course, rights-based approach.
2. Malaysia’s National Policy for Older Persons
Speaker: Encik Asmar Asmadi, Under Secretary, Policy and Strategic Planning Division, Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development
3. Sarawak Government Initiatives on Ageing & Elderly Wellbeing
Speaker: Tuan Haji Semawi Bin Haji Mohamad, Director, Social Welfare Department of Sarawak (JKMS)
Concurrent Session 2 : Current Issues
1. State of Long-Term Care and Social Protection for Older Persons in Malaysia
Speaker: YM Dato’ Dr. Tengku Aizan Hamid, Chairman & Public Interest Director, Private Pensioner Administrator Malaysia
Abstract
Malaysia is experiencing a rapid demographic shift toward an ageing population, yet the long-term care (LTC) and social protection systems remain fragmented, under-regulated, and insufficiently resourced.
2. Cognitive Frailty Trajectories and Outcomes
Speaker: Prof. Dr. Tan Maw Pin, Consultant Geriatrician, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya
Abstract
The Transforming Cognitive Frailty into Later-Life Self-Sufficiency (AGELESS) research programme was funded by a RM6 million grant from the Ministry of Higher Education Long Term Research Grant.
3. Multidomain intervention to reduce risk of dementia
Speaker: Prof. Dr. Suzana Shahar, Professor of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Abstract
Malaysia is ageing and the number of people who live with dementia continues to rise. The irreversibility and high cost and also burden of dementia emphasised the need to identify and implement prevention approaches.
Concurrent Session 3 : Empowered living – Nurturing Resilience and Purpose in Ageing
1. Global Best Practices in Advancing Quality of Life for Older Adults: From Evidence to Action
Speaker: Professor Dr. Roy Rillera Marzo, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Health Sciences, Curtin University Malaysia, Miri, Sarawak
Abstract
As the global population ages, the focus must shift from merely preparing for old age to fostering the capacity to adapt, contribute, and thrive.
2. Ageing in Place
Speaker: Dr Ling Jia Nee, Sarawak General Hospital
Abstract
Ageing in place refers to the ability of older adults to live independently, safely, and comfortably in their own homes as they grow older, without the need to relocate to assisted living facilities.
3. Living a Life That Matters: Purpose, Passion and Wellbeing
Speaker: Ellil Mathiyan Lakshmanan, Fellow of the European Patients’ Academy
Abstract
Ageing is more than the passage of time — it is an opportunity to live with purpose, passion and meaning, regardless of health challenges.
13:00 PM – 14:00 PM
Lunch Break
14:00 PM – 15:15 PM
Plenary 2 : Research on Preparation for An Ageing Sarawak- The Profile of And Ageing Issues of Older Persons in Sarawak
Speaker: Prof. Ida Fatimawati Adi Badiozaman, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus
Abstract
This study aims to support Sarawak’s readiness for an ageing population by 2028 through a comprehensive analysis of demographic trends, needs, and challenges faced by older persons.
15:15 PM – 16:30 PM
Forum 1 : Aged Care Through the Global Lens
Moderator: Mdm Gill Raja, Sarawak Women for Women Society ( SWWS)
Panellist:
1. Ms Kong Wei, Director of the Rights Protection Department, The China National Committee on Ageing (CNCA) (China)
2. Dr Shelley De La Vega, Director, Institute on Ageing, (Philippines)
3. Assoc. Prof. Angelique Chan, Executive Director, Centre for Ageing Research & Education, Duke-NUS Medical School (Singapore)
16:30 PM – 17:00 PM
Tea Break & Networking
17:00 PM
End of Day 1
29 October 2025 (Wednesday)
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM
Arrival and Registration of participants
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Forum 2 : Age-Friendly Cities Initiatives
Moderator: Ms Joan Sim Jo Jo, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak
Panellist:
1. Dato’ Wee Hong Seng, Mayor, Council of the City of Kuching South
2. Dr Deepa Gamage, Public Health Specialist, WHO Representative Office for Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore.
3. Nur Hasanah Binti Ahmad Akhir, Program Manager Family and Children Development, Penang Women Development Corporation.
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
Forum 3 : Economic Empowerment and Financial Security for Ageing
Moderator: Dr Ling How Kee
Panellist:
1. Professor Thanh Long Giang, National Economics University, Vietnam
2. Dr Muhammad Aizat bin Zainal Alam, Deputy Direct or, Social Wellbeing Research Centre (SWRC), Universiti Malaya
10:45 AM – 11:15 AM
Tea break/ Visiting booth
11:15 AM – 13:00 PM
Concurrent Session 4 : Digitalization
1. CRCA Dashboard on Ageing
Speaker: Mr Miao Wensheng and Ms Wu Xiaolan, Chair person China Research Center on Ageing (CRCA) (China)
2. From Digital Divide to Digital Drive
Speaker: Chai Ching Yi, Head of Department, Engineering, Science and Information Technology/Multi
media, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus
Abstract
As technology continues to shape the way we live, how can we ensure older persons are not left behind but instead feel empowered to participate fully in the digital age?
3. Digital Confidence for Seniors: Spotting Scams and Staying Secured
Speakers: Professor Ong Fon Sim and Dr Sivaraman Eswaran, Curtin University Malaysia, Miri, Sarawak
Abstract
In today’s increasingly connected world, older adults are more vulnerable to online scams, fraud, and cyber threats.
Concurrent Session 5: Health
1. Age with Strength : Preventing Frailty and Promoting Resilience
Speaker: Dr Sally Suriani Ahip, Consultant Family Medicine and Community Geriatrics Specialist, Sarawak State Health Department
Abstract
As Malaysia transitions toward aged nation status, addressing frailty among older adults is
crucial to maintaining health, independence, and quality of life.
2. When Memory Fades : Recognizing Early Signs of Dementia
Speaker: Dr Tiong Ing Khieng, Consultant Geriatrician, Sarawak State Health Department
Abstract
Dementia is a progressive condition characterized by a decline in cognitive function, significantly impacting memory, thinking, and reasoning. Recognizing the early signs is crucial for timely intervention and improved management.
3. Strong Minds, Full Hearts : Tackling Depression, Anxiety, and Isolation
Speaker: Dr Azizah Saie, Geriatric Psychiatrist, Sarawak State Health Department
Concurrent Session 6 : Collaborative Networks for Ageing
1. Collaboration for Quality Ageing in Rural Settings
Speaker: Dr Zufar Yadi Brendan Abdullah, Chairman Pusat Aktiviti Warga Emas (PAWE) Lawas
2. Innovating Senior Living : Wellness-Driven Collaboration for Aged Care
Speaker: Simon Yong, Chief Executive Officer, Eden on the Park
Abstract
As Malaysia enters the era ofan aging population, conventional aged care options —such as home-based care, privately hired caregivers, or nursing homes —often lack structure, oversight, and quality assurance.
13:00 AM – 14:00 PM
Lunch Break
14:00 PM – 17:00 PM
Closing Ceremony
14:00 PM
Arrival of guests
14:10 PM
Arrival of distinguished guests
14:20 PM
Arrival of The Honourable Dato Sri Hajah Fatimah Abdullah Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Sarawak
14:30 PM
Arrival of The Right Honourable Tan Sri Datuk Patinggi (Dr.) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Abang Haji Openg, Premier of Sarawak
National Anthem “Negaraku” and State Anthem “Ibu Pertiwiku”
Welcoming Performance
Do’a Recital
Welcoming Address by The Honourable Dato Sri Hajah Fatimah Abdullah Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development
SICA 2025 Video Highlight/Montage
Speech by The Right Honourable Tan Sri Datuk Patinggi (Dr.) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Abang Haji Openg, Premier Sarawak
Souvenir Presentation
Photo Session
17:00 PM
End of Day 2