The ASEAN + ROK Conference on Care and Support for Older Persons under the theme: “Nurturing a Shared Future: Bridging Generations, Strengthening Communities, and Innovating Care” was successfully held from 30 June to 1 July 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Supported by the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF), the conference was hosted by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development of Malaysia in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Welfare of the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the Mission of ROK to ASEAN.

The conference addressed the issue of ageing population, one of the megatrends affecting the region, by bringing together over 100 participants from government agencies, academia, and civil society organisations across the region and ROK. These diverse representations enriched the dialogue on advancing care and support systems for older persons.  

The conference was opened by H.E. Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri, Chair of ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Social Welfare and Development (AMMSWD) and Minister of Women, Family and Community Development of Malaysia, H.E. San Lwin, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) via pre-recorded remarks, and H.E. Lee Jang-Keun, Ambassador of the ROK to ASEAN.

An exhibition was held alongside the conference to showcase their current initiatives from the ASEAN region and ROK on elderly care. Open to the public, the exhibition offered valuable insights on existing support, care, and technology of older persons from various countries in the region. Notably, the Korean booth showcased a model of community-based elderly care supported by ICT solutions.

“Attending the ASEAN+ROK Conference was a truly meaningful experience. It was inspiring to hear how different countries are finding creative and caring ways to support their older population” said Siti Zaharah Abd Razak, Acting Deputy Director, Department of Community Development, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Brunei Darussalam. Veronica Dominic, Principal Assistant Secretary from the Ministry of Women, Family, and Community Development, Malaysia echoed this sentiment, “Through this ASEAN+ROK Conference on Care and Support for Older Persons, the wisdom of the old has inspired the young”.

To complement the conference, the participants conducted field visit to Rumah Seri Kenangan Cheras (Cheras Old Folk Homes) and Woodrose Senior Residence in Shah Alam, Selangor on 2 July 2025. The visits provided insights on long-term care facilities provided by both government and private sector for older persons in Malaysia.

Key recommendations from the conference were submitted to the Senior Officials Meeting on Social Welfare and Development (SOMSWD) for further consideration and endorsement. They will contribute to the development of SOMSWD Work Plan 2026-2030 and expected to be reflected in the key documents of the ASEAN Summit scheduled to take place this October. These recommendations aim to guide the development of future initiatives on advancing care and support systems for older persons in the region that are gender-equal, inclusive, and sustainable.