DIHAC Study Principal Investigator Associate Professor Myo Nyein Aung, Department of Global Health Research, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo, led a multi-day research and collaboration trip to Singapore in mid-October 2025. 

He visited

1. SASCO@Khatib Active Aging Centre to observe reminiscence program composed of artful painting and trishaw ride along greeneries 
2. Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), for collaboration of DIHAC study and further analysis of data with the Professor Carol Ma, and her team
3. Age+ living lab and SG assist for future collaboration of empowering caregivers
4. Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) office for further collaboration
5. Lion Befrienders for observation of the whole morning program at Mei Ling Active Ageing Center (AAC) 
6. DUKE NUS Medical School for giving a lecture as webinar hosed by SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute.  
7. Fei Yue Community Services @Hougang Dewcourt Active Aging Centre.
8. SGO office for discussion and future collaboration on digital inclusion and integration of services to digital and AI platform 

The visit began with a community engagement activity at SASCO Senior Activity Centre (SAC). Dr. Myo joined local older adults in painting and trishaw ride activities. These interactive sessions offered vivid insight into how Singapore’s is promoting social inclusion, physical activity, and digital empowerment for older adults. Outstandingly the reminiscence program being composed of facilitated conversation while engaging in the artwork and sharing a trishaw ride to review the memories while riding along Singapore bike lane greeneries was witnessed. It is part of the 15th anniversary celebration of the gerontology program of SUSS. Sheryl from SUSS and volunteers from Cycling without Age and SASCO AAC are acknowledged for the engagement.

Fig 1: Painting activity with older adults at SACO active ageing center (AAC) on 11th October 2025

Dr. Myo then visited the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) for meetings with DIHAC Singapore Investigator Associate Professor Carol Ma Hok Ka, Head of Gerontology Programmes at the S R Nathan School of Human Development, SUSS. They reviewed DIHAC Singapore findings and discussed to finalize the empowerment model and future research collaboration. The team also updates on DIHAC’s progress in Japan, Republic of Korea, and Singapore. They discussed expansion of DIHAC study to India, Malaysia, Vietnam, and future plans for Belgium, Italy, Netherland and Chile. They elaborated presentation of research findings and evidence to different stakeholders of national, international organizations for advocating and empowering digital inclusion for older adults in life-long learning strategy.

Fig 2: DIHAC study team  Associate Professor Carol Ma (lt)  and Associate Professor Myo Nyein Aung (rt) at SUSS on 11th October 2025 in Singapore

He also visited and discussed with executive of SG Assist’s Age+ Living Lab to deepen the innovations and collaboration for caregiving and digital pathways. Adrian Tan, and Grag Tan co-founders of SG assist gave a tour in the lab and discussed with Dr. Myo. The lab showcases gerontechnology products and services designed to support ageing-in-place and caregiver empowerment. On the later day, he also attended the ‘Care Agent’ volunteer graduation ceremony, celebrating the contributions of trained community volunteers supporting older adults and caregivers at Fei Yue Community Services @Hougang Dewcourt Active Aging Centre. 

Figure3: SG assist founders and CEOs at Age+ Living lab, Khatib, Singapore on 12th October 205

DIHAC study investigators Associate Professor Myo Nyein Aung and Associate Professor Carol Ma visited the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Secretariat Office in Singapore. At the APEC office, Dr. Myo met with Mr.  Emmanuel A. San Andres, senior analyst and collogues to discuss aligning DIHAC’s digital inclusion agenda with APEC’s strategic priorities on ageing and innovation.

Fig 4: DIHAC team and APEC Officers on 13th October 2025 in Singapore

The following day, Dr. Myo observed and participated the active ageing programs at Mei Ling Active Aging Centre (AAC) together with Singaporean seniors, for the whole morning. He participated in the exercise program, painting the Lion statue activity for exhibition to showcase seniors’ creativity, and also visited the gymnasium “Gym Tonic” of the Mei Ling AAC. Emily Ong, Assistant executive Director and Social Health Care, Head of the Department, Molly Lek Senior Manager, Social Health Care, Queenstown AAC and Mavis Chow Assistant Manager Social Health Care, Mei Ling AAC received his visit. (Figure 5)   Executive Director Karen Wee of the LB, and LB team from Mei Ling SAC are acknowledged for the exchange of learning and coordination for the engagement.

Fig 5: Emily Ong, LB team and Dr. Myo at Mei Ling SAC on 14 October 2025

The team shared about how they are using the technology to enable seniors’ participation. All the steps such as registration for the activities, gaining points and redeeming rewards help them to increase their confidence in using digital technology. All those processes are integrated as a smart phone application called Kampung app.  Registered members also enjoy checking themselves in the “I am Healthy” one stop service checkup station for blood pressure, heart rate, BMI, body fat and muscle mass composition. It is empowering seniors’ utilizing technology for health.

 During the trip, Dr. Myo delivered a webinar lecture titled “Community Based Social Innovations (CBSIs) for Healthy Ageing and Digital Inclusion” at the SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute. It was hosted by Duke-NUS Global Health Institute. The session was attended by more than 150 international participants including researchers and students from Duke-NUS, Singapore General Hospital, and Juntendo University. During the visit, he also discussed with the host of the event, Associate Professor Dr. Taufique Joarder to explore future collaboration in programme evaluation and regional policy engagement. 

Fig 6: Associate Professor Taufique Joarder and Associate Professor Myo with at SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute after the Webinar of CBSI for healthy ageing and digital inclusion in diverse culture on 14th October 2025 Singapore

He also visited the Silver Generation Office (SGO). Chief of the SGO, Dr Sng Hock Lin received his visit and explained the national strategy of integrating generation and supporting to maximize the impact of social services through the data, digital platform and AI connecting to pave a common system of working together by volunteers, AACs ,community partners health care providers and social service providers.  They discussed Singapore’s support services for older adults, applications and discussed future collaborations.

Figure 7: Dr Sng Hock Lin, the chief of silver generation office (SGO) Singapore and Dr. Myo, DIHC study, Juntendo University, Japan on 15th October 2025

The trip strengthened DIHAC’s partnerships and network for healthy ageing through cross-cultural exchange and direct engagement with community stakeholders, academic collaborators, and regional policy institutions across Singapore.