OUTCOME OF 50PLUS EXPO

Column: 508

OUTCOME OF 50PLUS EXPO: 6.

Mr Laurence Wee Yoke Thong asked the Prime Minister (a) what are the significant outcomes of the recently concluded 50plus Expo held in early April 2010, especially in terms of participation and interests shown by the cohort of older persons and how will these affect the planning of such future events; and (b) whether these outcomes will have any impact on the active ageing and wellness of elderly movement, and what are the changes, if any.

The Minister of State, Prime Minister's Office (Mr Heng Chee How) (for the Prime Minister): The 50plus Expo is one of the key signature events under the Council for Third Age. It provides a platform for community and commercial organisations to showcase products and services that meet the needs and interests of our seniors.

2010 is the second year that the Expo has been running. This two-day event saw a total of 75,000 visitors, an increase

Column: 509

from 68,000 last year. While the majority was seniors, it was encouraging to see that many also came with their families. There was also a wide variety of products and services offered by companies, including that of healthcare and financial products, spa and beauty, fitness and exercise, travel, leisure and education.

An onsite survey undertaken by Forbes Research on the sponsors and exhibitors revealed that 93% expressed "Very Good" and "Good" in terms of overall satisfaction with the Expo. Close to 70% responded that they would participate in the Expo next year. To-date, 25 exhibitors have already signed up to participate in the Expo next year.

We are seeing more businesses which are keen to cater to the mature consumer segment. This is beneficial for our seniors as they would have access to more products and services to meet their varying needs. The C3A-POSB Active Card, which was launched at the Expo, is one good example.

This year’s Expo was held alongside the Active Ageing Carnival. The carnival brought together various community interest groups and showcased the things including tea-appreciation, traditional Chinese opera, line dancing and various physical activities for seniors. It provided seniors with the opportunity to discover new interests and to try out new activities such as scaling up a rock wall. The message is clear – that it is never too late to pick up a new hobby if you are up to it, and to meet new friends. Nearly 90% of the survey respondents indicated that they found an interesting hobby or activity from the carnival that they could and would pursue.

Through the public forums at the Expo, there has been greater public awareness in particular in the areas of active ageing and health and wellness,

Column: 510

63.8% indicated that they learned something useful at the Expo. This should continue to be nurtured and encouraged.

Our active ageing scene is becoming more vibrant with greater partnership across the people, private and public sectors. The Government will put in place the $20 million Active Ageing Capability Fund over five years, starting from FY 2011. The focus will be on further building of capabilities within the sector through a targeted approach to nurture organisations as active ageing champions. Leveraging on the 50plus Expo, the Active Ageing Carnival and other platforms, we will continue to work with partners toward a vibrant active ageing ecosystem that offers more opportunities for our seniors to remain active and well.

Mr Laurence Wee Yoke Thong (Nominated Member): Thank you, Minister, for your very encouraging report on the active ageing scene. I will ask one question only and that is: is the Government prepared to promote greater filial piety as filial piety is connected to active ageing?

Mr Heng Chee How: Mr Speaker, Sir, family ties are very much the foundation of our society, it is the cornerstone of our society and, I think, certainly for Singapore. We will continue to promote the strength of the family. Filial piety would be an integral part of family ties and family values. It is important for children to love and want to take care of their parents. I think it is important for everyone to remember that as parents, we are a model to our children through how we treat our parents; the way in which we expect them to treat us in our old age as well. But at the same time, obviously, it is also important for all parents to remember to bring up their children well and to treat them well so that in your old age, your children will remember your love and the many good things that you have

Column: 511

done for them in their growing up years and treat you properly. So, the answer is, yes, we will promote filial piety.