KUCHING: The Sarawak International Conference on Ageing (SICA) 2025 serves as a crucial platform to future-proof Sarawak’s society and policies, ensuring that no one, especially seniors, is left behind, says Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah.
The Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister said that in line with Sarawak’s commitment to achieve a socially inclusive developed state by 2030, SICA 2025 aims to address the ageing population, challenges and propose innovative solutions to support older persons in Sarawak.
“Referring to statistic recorded by the Department of Statistic Malaysia, Sarawak population is ageing more rapidly compared to the national trend, with predictions estimating that about 16 per cent of Sarawakians will be aged 60 and above in 2028.
“The conference aims to advance a comprehensive policy framework that upholds the rights of older persons, ensures their inclusion in all aspects of society, and provides adequate social protection, fostering dignity, empowerment, and equity for an ageing population in Sarawak.
“By promoting active ageing, dignity, and empowerment, we are investing not only in our older population but in the future resilience of our communities.”
Fatimah said this during a press conference in conjunction with the SICA 2025 meeting at Baitulmakmur I building here on Monday (May 5).
She added that the conference forms part of Sarawak’s broader initiatives under the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 and the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021 to 2030).
“The ministry is committed to improve the welfare and inclusion of the elderly population.
“With the theme ‘Empowering Ageing with Dignity: Policies for Right, Inclusion and Social Protection’, the two-day conference will feature a rich programme including plenary by representatives from the World Health Organisation (WHO); keynote addresses by MyAgeing Institute of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and concurrent sessions covering policies, health, digitalisation, personal wellbeing, economic empowerment, and community engagement.”
Scheduled to be held from Oct 28 to 29, the programme will also feature forums with international insights on aged care from China, Japan, and Singapore along with exhibitions, networking activities, and intergenerational programmes involving older persons directly in discussions and activities.
The SICA 2025 is jointly organised with the Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKMS) and Sarawak Gerontology and Geriatrics Society (SGGS), and supported by Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak).
Strategic partners include the MyAgeing Institute University Putra Malaysia; WHO Representative Office in Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore; Sarawak State Health Department; Kuching South City Council (MBKS); Kuching North City Hall (DBKU); Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus; Women and Family Department of Sarawak; State Protocol, Ceremonial and Event Management; State Public Communication Unit (UKAS); Sarawak Arts Council (MSS); Public Works Department (PWD) Sarawak; Royal Malaysian Police; and Curtin University Malaysia.
