SMU Launches Longevity Institute to Tackle Ageing Economy Challenges

Singapore Management University (SMU) has introduced the SMU Longevity Societies and Economies Institute (LSEI), a new initiative dedicated to exploring how economies and communities can adapt and remain resilient in the face of an ageing population. The institute was officially launched on 14 April by Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, during the World Ageing Festival 2026. The event was organised by Ageing Asia, with SMU serving as co-host and academic partner. Singapore has already entered the stage of a super-aged society, with projections indicating that by 2030, one in four citizens will be aged 65 or older. Across Asia, longer life expectancy combined with declining birth rates is transforming workforce dynamics, healthcare needs, retirement systems and community support structures. LSEI aims to study these developments in depth and generate data-driven insights to support sustainable and inclusive policy responses through a comprehensive systems approach. From research to real-world application LSEI builds on SMU’s existing strengths in ageing research, including the Centre for Research on Successful Ageing (ROSA) and the Singapore Life Panel, a globally recognised high-frequency panel survey tracking financial and well-being trends. By bringing these efforts under a unified platform, the institute aims to convert academic research into practical solutions for policymakers, businesses, financial institutions and community groups. SMU has committed over S$10 million in funding to support LSEI’s development, while also seeking external funding aligned with national priorities such as the Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2030 Plan. Drawing expertise from disciplines including economics, business, law, social sciences, accountancy and computing, LSEI will focus on the broader societal and economic implications of increased longevity. SMU President Lily Kong highlighted that traditional life models are no longer relevant. She noted that systems built around a linear “education–work–retirement” pathway fail to reflect modern realities, where people are living longer,...