Union Comm Supports APEC Seminar on Senior Citizens

Union Communications Hong Kong Limited (“Union Comm”), a leading policy advocacy company, proudly supported the successful launch of the APEC Seminar on Digital Solutions and Technologies for Senior Citizens’ Connectivity and Healthiness (https://pdb.apec.org/Lists/Proposals/DispForm.aspx?ID=6696), held in Beijing, China, from 17–19 September 2025.

The seminar brought together representatives from over 15 APEC economies, as well as experts from international organizations, research institutes, government agencies, and the private sector. Through policy dialogues, capacity-building workshops, technology showcases, and best practice exchanges, participants explored how digital innovation can empower older persons, improve quality of life, and strengthen social connections in the Asia-Pacific region.

The representatives came from Australia; Brunei; Chile; China; Hong Kong, China; Indonesia; Japan; The Republic of Korea; Malaysia; Peru; the Philippines; Russia; Thailand; the United States; and Viet Nam. Experts also joined from leading institutions such as the APEC Policy Support Unit, the ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation, China’s Ministry of Science and Technology, China’s National Health Development Research Center, the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, Thailand’s National Science and Technology Development Agency, Malaysia’s Ministry of Health, the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, the University of Auckland, Waseda University, Juntendo University, China Unicom Beijing Branch, Tencent Time Lab, Tsinghua University Future Lab, and Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, among others. In total, more than 30 distinguished experts and representatives participated.

This initiative comes at a critical time: by 2040, more than half of APEC economies will become “aged” (14% aged 65+) or even “super-aged” (20% aged 65+). Addressing the opportunities and challenges of ageing populations is a key priority in realizing the APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040 of fostering an open, dynamic, resilient, and peaceful Asia-Pacific community.

During the seminar, Sam Han, Partner of Union Comm, presented insights from the project. His remarks highlighted innovative practices from across APEC economies and emphasized the importance of policy collaboration, technology adoption, and community-based approaches to narrowing the digital divide for older persons.

Union Comm wished to extend its sincere appreciation to Dr. Jieni Guo, Secretary General of the Beijing International Exchange Association, who served as Project Overseer. Under her leadership, the seminar not only facilitated meaningful exchanges across economies but also highlighted China’s active role in promoting digital inclusion and healthy ageing.

"Digital inclusion is not only about technology, but about dignity, connectivity, and opportunity," said Han. "We are honored to contribute to this important APEC initiative, and we remain committed to supporting regional cooperation that ensures no one is left behind in the digital age."

With the support of APEC, Union Comm will develop a research report, to be published on the APEC website later this year. The report will provide policy recommendations, highlight successful practices across economies, and serve as a reference for advancing regional collaboration on digital solutions for ageing populations.

APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, https://www.apec.org/) is a regional economic forum of 21 member economies in the Asia-Pacific region that promotes economic growth, free trade, and investment through economic and technical cooperation.