Joseph Yeo has always had a soft spot for the underserved in society.
The 51-year-old kicked off his career with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government, Social Work, before serendipitously changing tracks into a 20-year-long career focusing on trade compliance and business development.
But he’s always made time on and off again over the years to volunteer and support Singapore’s growing population of seniors – as a Dementia Champion with the Asian Women’s Welfare Association (AWWA), various ad-hoc engagements with the Rotary Club, and as a longtime senior befriender.
Having spent most of his career in multinational companies like Hewlett-Packard (HP), Apple and Cisco Systems overseeing business processes and managing products, he understands that technology has the potential to improve the ageing process, making it easier to “live longer and live better” by improving physical, mental and emotional wellness.
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The opportunity to address that gap presented itself after he struck out on his own to organise trade shows, when he found a kindred spirit in Dr Tan Jit Seng, a geriatrician and founder of Lotus Eldercare, a home eldercare service provider.
Together, in 2019, they decided to launch the Eldercare Exhibition & Conference Asia (Eldex Asia), aiming to create a trade and consumer event that holistically addresses the full spectrum of the ageing process.
Given its status as a regional hub in Asia, and its proximity to several other ageing hotspots like Japan and Korea, Singapore proved to be the ideal location.
The inaugural edition of Eldex Asia was centred around six exhibition segments: Lifestyle & Wellness, covering sports, beauty, ageing, nutrition and food; Architecture & Fittings, for creating an age-inclusive environment in the home, office and beyond; and Healthcare & Rehabilitation, to address the medical needs of a growing ageing population.
The final three segments included Technology, Digital & IT, where ageing innovations like wearables, apps, robotics and exoskeleton aids are showcased; Financial, Insurance & Other Services, covering the financial aspects of retirement; and finally The Great Beyond, addressing the inevitable need for afterlife family support, funeral services and other end-of-life arrangements.
Apart from the vibrant marketplace of movers and shakers from the international eldercare industry, Eldex Asia also featured a medical conference, a plethora of international speakers and workshops for care professionals.
The trade show managed to attract over 5,000 participants in its first year. It also received support from government entities like the Singapore Tourism Board, Enterprise Singapore and SkillsFuture Singapore.
Stronger focus on consumer feedback for Eldex Asia 2023
Though Covid-19 brought international trade shows – Eldex Asia included – to a temporary halt, the event returned stronger than ever in 2022, drawing a similar crowd despite returning fresh from the pandemic.
What stood out to Joseph was the growing proportion of seniors bolstering the ranks of medical staff, allied healthcare professionals, caregivers, community partners and human resource managers in attendance.
"These consumers are invaluable to the show, as they are the most relevant stakeholders for the exhibitors. By trying out products and services and giving first-hand feedback, these innovators can quickly figure out if their products are actually effective."
The event director also notes that the exhibition environment encourages senior visitors to grapple with difficult topics in a welcoming environment.
Head to Eldex Asia 2023 for the SilverStreak Lounge
SilverStreak will be heading to Eldex Asia 2023 as the event’s official lifestyle partner. The trade show will be held on 3 and 4 November 2023 at the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre in Hall 403.
Look forward to meeting the editorial team at the SilverStreak Lounge (booth B13), where we will be hosting fireside chats with silvers that are all about living fuller for longer.
Entry is free for Eldex Asia 2023 if you preregister here.
