Returning to Singapore recently felt like stepping into a familiar rhythm—efficient, vibrant, and remarkably clean. But beyond the usual impressions, one thing stood out: the strong presence of older adults working meaningfully across everyday life—driving taxis, working in hospitality, and serving customers. It was a powerful reminder that purpose, connection, and dignity don’t retire with age.
During our trip, I had the privilege of visiting our partner St Luke’s ElderCare (SLEC) at their Bishan site. What I witnessed was inspiring: Our VR solution being used to stimulate joy, conversation, and memory recall among elders living with cognitive decline. Facilitator Michael led sessions with warmth and flair—switching between three languages, guiding pre-session stretches, and incorporating tactile elements to deepen the experience. The stories that unfolded as residents virtually revisited familiar places were heartwarming.
Singapore’s multicultural identity—blending Chinese, Malay, and Indian traditions—mirrored the power of our VR content, which supports 30+ languages. Emotional engagement is greatly enhanced when someone hears and sees something in their native tongue. It’s not just inclusive—it’s impactful.
Later in the week, we attended a presentation about Taiwan’s Ageing Challenges by our research partner, Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), which underscored the importance of culturally congruent care.
Taiwan, though just 1% of Australia’s land size, houses a rich diversity of ethnicities and traditions.
One quote particularly resonated: “If we are to live in a meaningful and harmonious world, care must be shaped by people’s cultural beliefs and values.”
Australia, take note: By 2056, one in five older Australians will be of Asian descent. To deliver meaningful aged care, we must reflect this diversity in our practices and innovations.
We also had the opportunity to visit Harmony Village @ Bukit Batok—Singapore’s first community care apartment model for seniors. Here, residents live independently but with built-in care support. The onsite active ageing centre, Good Old Place, recently launched shared VR experiences with SilVR Adventures.
It was an honour to see our technology sparking memories and conversations among residents in this trailblazing environment.
Our Singapore trip was centered on the World Ageing Festival, where SilVR Adventures participated under the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) pavilion. Austrade’s team were brilliant facilitators, showcasing Australian innovation with passion and purpose. Interest from event attendees in Australia’s leadership in aged care innovation was at an all-time high, sparking exciting new opportunities across India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. This follows our recent successful expansions into China and Japan, as SilVR Adventures continues to grow its footprint across the Asia-Pacific and beyond.
The exhibition floor was alive with innovation, showcasing a diverse range of technologies designed to transform aged care. Humanoid robots demonstrated how they can help address workforce shortages while enhancing social connection for residents. Exo-skeletons and haptic devices offered promising advances in mobility support and physical rehabilitation, giving older adults more independence. Meanwhile, cutting-edge dementia solutions were on display, including neuroscience-based tools and soundwave diagnostics aimed at early detection and cognitive support. It was a powerful reminder that technology, when applied with empathy and insight, has the potential to reshape the future of care.
The trip culminated in a proud moment: SLEC’s Virtual World Program, developed with SilVR Adventures, won Best Technology Innovation by Operator at the 2025 Eldercare Innovation Awards 
This award recognises the most impactful and forward-thinking technological innovation introduced by an aged care provider, aimed at reducing social isolation and improving social outcomes for older adults. To receive this honour alongside our valued partner, St Luke’s ElderCare, is a truly momentous milestone.
“Two years ago, we set out to bring more joy, connection, and purpose to our elders through technology—and this award is such a proud moment for all involved. What began as a dream has grown into a powerful, research-backed program thanks to the dedication of our care staff, the vision of our Executive Team, and our partnership with SilVR Adventures. Seeing the smiles on our residents’ faces reminds me why we do what we do—this is just the beginning.”
– Jinq-Yi Lee
From the very beginning, the SLEC team demonstrated a clear vision — to use technology not just for entertainment, but to bring joy, connection, and meaning to the lives of the residents they support. Together, we designed a virtual reality (VR) program tailored to these goals, with sessions that offer immersive travel, reminiscence therapy, cognitive stimulation, and meaningful conversations. Residents have journeyed back to meaningful places from their past, celebrated cultural events, and connected with others in ways previously unimaginable.
At the heart of this partnership is the shared belief that technology must be personal and inclusive. In alignment with Singapore’s vibrant multicultural identity, the VR content library includes over 30 languages, ensuring older adults from all walks of life feel seen, heard, and represented. Our most recent collaboration even saw family members and staff co-create personalised family gatherings for loved ones over Chinese New Year, allowing residents to virtually celebrate in a deeply personalised way — a perfect example of how VR can bridge generations and strengthen community bonds.
We’re deeply thankful for the trust and vision of Dr. Alan Wong, Jinq-Yi Lee, and the entire SLEC team. Their leadership and dedication have been instrumental in bringing this program to life, and this award is a reflection of the passion and care they bring every day.
“This award is a proud moment for all of us at SLEC—it reflects not only our commitment to innovation, but also the power of collaboration. What began as a simple connection on LinkedIn with SilVR Adventures has evolved into a meaningful program that brings joy, sparks conversation, and reconnects our seniors with the world around them. Thanks to our dedicated team, and support from partners like PSA Singapore and SUSS, we’re making technology truly work for outcomes.”
– Dr. Alan Wong
We also celebrated wins by our China partner, Sindora Living (Facility of the Year), and many of our Australian provider partners — with Australia standing out as one of the most awarded countries at the event, proudly showcasing the strength of our sector on the global stage.
With one in four people in APAC over the age of 60 by 2050, cross-border collaboration is no longer a choice—it’s a necessity. We’re excited to continue playing a part in this movement, enabling innovation that empowers, connects, and dignifies ageing lives everywhere.
SilVR Adventures continues to build momentum as a leader in aged care innovation, with recognition across Australia and the Asia-Pacific. We were honoured at the Governor of Victoria Export Awards (GOVEA) 2024, celebrating our international growth and impact. In 2023, SilVR Adventures was also named Start-up of the Year at the national iAwards, Australia’s premier technology innovation awards. These accolades join a growing list that includes: Winner of the Future of Ageing Awards 2020, Finalist in the InnovAgeing National Awards 2021 and Eldercare Innovation Awards 2021, Winner of the Monash Business Award in 2022, and recognition as one of the Top 500 Global Startups in 2021.
