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The National University of Singapore (NUS) has inaugurated the Centre for Environment and Ageing Well (ENgAGE), an initiative aimed at revolutionising living environments to enhance well-being across all age groups. The centre, established with a generous SG$ 5 million philanthropic donation, marks a significant advancement in how technology and innovation can address age-related challenges and adapt to demographic shifts.
Launched by Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, and Second Minister for Finance and National Development, ENgAGE is set to lead in developing cutting-edge, inclusive environments. The centre’s mission is to tackle the challenges posed by an ageing population and climate change, focusing on integrating technological advancements into urban planning, architecture, and social sciences.
The launch event highlighted the centre’s ambition to address the unique needs of Singapore’s ageing population, which is expected to reach one in four citizens by 2030. With projections indicating that around 83,000 older individuals will live alone and 100,000 will have mild disabilities, ENgAGE aims to create environments that are both functional and supportive. The centre will utilise advanced research capabilities to explore how urban spaces can be designed to promote physical, psychological, and social well-being.
ENgAGE will function as a hub for interdisciplinary research, combining expertise from urban planning, architecture, social sciences, medicine, and engineering. This comprehensive approach will enable the centre to develop innovative solutions that address age-related issues on both local and global scales.
The centre’s research is structured around three main pillars: “Ageing in Place in Asia”, which examines cultural and environmental factors influencing older adults’ ability to remain in their homes; “Design for Brain Health”, focusing on how environmental design can impact cognitive health; and “Climate Change and Ageing in Asia,” addressing the effects of climate change on ageing populations.
In addition to research, ENgAGE will offer specialised education, fostering a new generation of professionals equipped to tackle the complexities of ageing. The centre will also establish a global network of collaborations, drawing on international expertise to enrich its initiatives and enhance the impact of its work. An Information Resource Centre will be created to provide accessible research findings and expert insights to both professionals and the public.
The centre’s approach to community engagement is central to its strategy. By involving older adults, their families, and caregivers in the research process, ENgAGE ensures that its solutions are grounded in real-life experiences. This participatory model not only enhances the relevance of the research but also empowers communities to actively contribute to and benefit from the innovations developed.
The launch event also featured a keynote speech by Dr Hiromasa Okayasu from the World Health Organisation and a panel discussion on ageing and the built environment in Asia. The importance of collaborative efforts across sectors was emphasised, with ENgAGE positioning itself as a catalyst for innovation in creating sustainable and inclusive living spaces.
Mrs Lee Li-ming’s donation, which enabled the establishment of ENgAGE, underscores her commitment to enhancing the quality of life for older adults. Her previous support for educational initiatives at NUS further highlights her dedication to fostering academic and professional excellence in architecture and ecological design.
As the population ages and healthcare demands rise, both private and public sectors are getting involved. As OpenGovAsia reported, St Luke’s ElderCare is at the forefront of innovation, revolutionising elder care by harnessing advanced digital technology.
As Singapore faces the dual challenges of an ageing population and climate change, ENgAGE represents a pivotal step towards building environments that support healthy, independent, and dignified living for all generations. By leveraging technology and interdisciplinary research, the centre aims to set new standards in how we design and experience our living spaces.
