Officiated by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the two-day conference served as a platform for national dialogue on longevity under this year’s theme, “Living to a Hundred: Are We Prepared?”
Here are some key takeaways:
Preparing Malaysia for the age of longevity
In his keynote speech, Anwar said Malaysia must rethink certain public policies to address the new realities of longer lifespans.
“Longevity is not just a passing trend. It is a fundamental shift in our demographic and economic future,” he said.
From healthcare to employment and retirement readiness, the policy landscape must change to ensure Malaysians can age with dignity, Anwar said.
Gearing up for economic resilience
Under the GEAR-uP initiative, the EPF plays a central role in strengthening its commitment to domestic investments, particularly in sustainable healthcare, which is critical for an ageing society. This aligns with broader social protection and pension reforms, ensuring our systems can support both the financial and physical needs of older Malaysians.
The GEAR-uP initiative, guided by the Madani economic framework, is a strategic programme to stimulate domestic investments and reinforce the economy’s foundation.
The initiative sees six government-linked investment companies – EPF, Khazanah Nasional Bhd, Retirement Fund Inc, Permodalan Nasional Bhd, Tabung Haji, and the Armed Forces Fund Board – collectively commit RM120 billion over the next five years in sectors such as sustainable healthcare, energy transition and advanced manufacturing.
Retirement reforms for an inclusive future
In his opening remarks, EPF CEO Ahmad Zulqarnain Onn said Malaysia must reform its retirement system to match longer lifespans and new work trends.
“Life expectancy in Malaysia has increased from 54 years in the 1950s to 75 today, and is projected to reach 81 by 2050,” he said.
Former Swedish prime minister Fredrik Reinfeldt said retirement at 65 is less relevant today, urging people to work until 75 to keep pension systems sustainable.
The notion of retaining older workers has faced resistance, with critics arguing that they displace younger employees.
World Bank economist Matthew Dornan countered these concerns, arguing that a fixed number of jobs does not exist, and older workers’ continued employment contributes to economic growth and spending.
More integrated, age-inclusive care system
Unicef’s social policy specialist Lee Min Hui said Malaysia’s health and care systems remain fragmented, making it difficult for the elderly to access coordinated support.
She called for more integrated, community-based services and noted that women are particularly vulnerable due to caregiving responsibilities.
“Policies must cover a person’s needs throughout their life cycle,” she said.
Innovative solutions are key to better care
Dr Jemilah Mahmood of Sunway Centre for Planetary Health proposed the establishment of a national healthcare plan and insurance scheme.
She also advocated for “time banking”, where people earn credits for caregiving, which they can redeem later in life. Civil society should lead in designing local solutions.
“This is because they understand (what the) community needs best,” she said.
Who pays for longer lives?
Guy Standing of Basic Income Earth Network suggested that governments move away from taxing income and instead tax profits from land and natural resources.
He said this could support universal basic income schemes, taking inspiration from models such as the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend.
Harnessing the longevity economy for a thriving society
Rather than seeing an ageing society as a burden, speakers at ISWC 2025 said it is a chance to redesign systems, unlock new markets, and build a society that works across generations.
ISWC 2025 aims to catalyse ideas and policies around the longevity economy, a transformative force that calls for rethinking how societies work, age, and thrive.
Be part of Malaysia’s journey towards a future-ready, inclusive society.