𝘙𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘈𝘨𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘌𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘮𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘔𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘴𝘪𝘢 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘈𝘚𝘌𝘈𝘕
The Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFFPD) Malaysia convened esteemed parliamentarians, policymakers, experts, and stakeholders across Malaysia and ASEAN to deliberate and strategies on critical issues pertaining to population dynamics, sustainable development, and community empowerment. Together with the Asian Population and Development Association (APDA), the Regional Parliamentarians Meeting on Ageing Preparedness and Care Economy in Asian Region was held to deliberate and strategize on critical issues pertaining to population dynamics, sustainable development, and community empowerment in an ageing world.
Leading the ageing population project in Ipoh Timor and culminating in my appointment as AFFPD Vice President, the conference, themed “Ageing Preparedness and Care Economy in the Asian Region”, underscored the imperative need to address the challenges and opportunities arising from the region’s ageing population. The conference I spearheaded fostered dialogue, innovation and collaboration among stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions for elder care and promote economic resilience in the ASEAN region.
The ageing population in Malaysia is somewhat similar to other ASEAN countries, in which it is experiencing a significant demographic shift towards an ageing population. Modernisation has extended life expectancy to an average of 74.9 years and fertility rates declining from 6 births per woman to 1.8 births, thus putting in place a demographic shift towards an ageing population. By 2050, the elderly population in the region is expected to reach 1.3 billion, or one in four people being over the age of 60.
YB Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, President of AFPPD Malaysia, in his opening address, particularly emphasized the challenges faced by women in this demographic, as women generally live longer and constitute a larger portion of the elderly, reaching 80% in some ASEAN countries.
There is a need for a comprehensive national plan and for private and public sectors to invest in social protection programs and healthcare services. Research and innovation to help the elderly live independently for longer is also key.
YB Liew Chin Tong, in his keynote address, called for a new economic model that prioritizes the care economy and for sustainable development to ensure a prosperous and equitable future for ASEAN societies.
There is currently no comprehensive infrastructure to adequately address the needs of our ageing population, and to some extent, there is inadequate data regarding the population, specifically elders. A comprehensive financing strategy involving public finance, private investments and social insurance schemes as well as initiatives such as subsidies for long-term care, expanding public healthcare facilities and promoting affordable care services is also key to ensuring properly elderly care.
From the economic point of view, there is currently a lack of a clear framework to attract businesses to invest their money and energy in this sector. The economic potential of the care economy is the second largest sector in ASEAN. Should unpaid care work be quantified in Malaysia, it would be valued at an estimated RM375 billion.
AI and technological innovations have the potential to revolutionize the care economy by improving efficiency and decision-making processes. Technologies such as AI, robotics, and digital health solutions can enhance the quality of life for the elderly, providing solutions like remote monitoring, assistive devices, and smart homes.
A solid and comprehensive national plan has to be put in place. Investing in social protection programs, healthcare services, establishing sustainable financial mechanisms and upgrading the skills of our workforce are vital to ensure the well-being and dignity of our elderly citizens. Prioritizing the physical health, mental wellbeing and social engagement of seniors should remain at the forefront as neglecting these areas will only lead to greater resource demands and a loss of potential contributions from the elderly population.
Despite the initiatives that are already in place and the efforts by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development in Malaysia, the current care economy in Malaysia, particular for the elderly, is to say the least, inadequate to support the growing ageing population.
To reemphasize my commitment towards elderly care, I have called for all the parliamentarians, policymakers, experts, and stakeholders that were present at the conference, from across the ASEAN region, to reconvene within a year to bring applicable and practical programmes and policies to the table for shared knowledge, better framework, best practices and policies for faster execution to address this the pertinent issue of an ageing society in ASEAN.
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude towards all the speakers and presenters who took the time to share their insightful views and facts regarding the ageing society in ASEAN.
