In a groundbreaking initiative, Ipoh, Malaysia, is set to become a Living Lab for Integrated Ageing and Care, thanks to a collaboration between the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), and Institut Darul Ridzuan (IDR). This partnership aims to develop and test holistic care models that integrate healthcare, social support, and daily life, offering a blueprint for age-inclusive urban living in ASEAN.
The initiative will embed innovation into Ipoh’s social fabric, moving beyond conventional pilot programmes. It will focus on interoperable care frameworks, inclusive tech platforms, and grassroots participation. As the capital of Perak, a state with a high proportion of residents aged 60 and above, Ipoh’s diverse urban-rural mix makes it an ideal setting for this project.
The collaboration was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding signed by key representatives from the three institutions. Professor Tan Tai Yong, President of SUSS, stated, “Ageing is no longer just a health issue – it’s a systems challenge. By turning an entire city into a living lab, we’re breaking out of silos and showing how integration can work at the ground level, for real people.”
The project will unfold in three phases: baseline research and systems mapping, co-designed pilot implementations, and scaling and institutionalisation. This initiative is expected to benefit Ipoh residents, local service providers, policymakers, and the broader ASEAN region by providing scalable models for other cities facing similar demographic shifts. Through this partnership, Ipoh will enhance local health and social outcomes, contributing valuable insights into integrated care for ageing populations across ASEAN.
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