KUALA LUMPUR, June 5 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the importance of prioritizing investments in the silver economy to support active and healthy ageing in Malaysia. Speaking at the International Social Wellbeing Conference 2024 (ISWC 2024), Anwar highlighted the need for infrastructure development and innovation in AI and robotics to improve the quality of life for older Malaysians. Anwar pointed out that increasing the availability and affordability of technological devices, such as smart home technologies and wearable health trackers, can significantly aid older adults in maintaining healthier lifestyles.
He also underscored the potential for accessibility technologies to enhance the productivity of older individuals in the workplace, allowing them to contribute to the workforce for longer periods. Stressing the economic potential of this demographic, Anwar called for investments in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and infrastructure to cater to the ageing population, which is estimated to be a $15 trillion market. Government-linked investment companies like the EPF, Khazanah Nasional Bhd, and KWAP are already leading efforts in this area, and Anwar urged greater involvement from the private sector.
