Health Minister Mr Ong Ye Kung Outlines New Initiatives for Super-Aged Singapore at Community Care Workplan Seminar 2026
Minister for Health and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies Mr Ong Ye Kung outlined Singapore’s plans to strengthen community care and ageing support as the country becomes a “super-aged society” during his speech at the Community Care Workplan Seminar 2026 on 7 May 2026 in Singapore.
Addressing community care partners, healthcare providers and social organisations, Mr Ong Ye Kung said that more than 21 per cent of Singapore citizens are now aged 65 and above, with the number expected to rise significantly over the next five years. He noted that Singapore could eventually reach ageing levels similar to Japan, where around 30 per cent of the population are seniors.
Mr Ong Ye Kung stressed that ageing should not be viewed negatively, highlighting that many seniors today remain healthy, active and independent. He shared that more than 400,000 seniors were visited by Silver Generation Ambassadors in 2025, with nine in 10 seniors aged 65 and above found to be well and independent.
The Minister highlighted the government’s “CHOPE” framework, which focuses on Coordination, Health, Outreach, Partnerships and Engagement to support seniors in the community. He said the strategy forms the foundation of Singapore’s Age Well SG initiative.
Mr Ong Ye Kung announced that the Ministry of Health (MOH), Agency for Integrated Care (AIC), grassroots organisations and community care providers will strengthen outreach efforts to identify and support seniors more effectively. He also addressed concerns about data-sharing and privacy, assuring partners that new legislation, including the Health Information Bill and Public Sector Governance Amendment Bill, now provides a clear legal framework for responsible data-sharing to improve community care services.
The Minister also highlighted the progress of Integrated Community Care Providers (ICCPs), which bring together community partners across 84 sub-regions in Singapore to coordinate senior care services. Under the initiative, seniors will eventually benefit from “one assessment, one care plan” across different care providers.
Mr Ong Ye Kung said community health services will also be expanded through Community Health Posts (CHPs) located near Active Ageing Centres (AACs). These services include health screenings, teleconsultations, medication support and preventive healthcare initiatives aimed at bringing healthcare closer to seniors’ homes.
The Minister further announced the expansion of Age Well Neighbourhoods (AWNs), following the launch of the first pilot in Toa Payoh. New AWNs will be introduced in Tiong Bahru-Redhill, Bukit Panjang and Bedok, supported by healthcare clusters and enhanced community care infrastructure.
On Community Care Apartments (CCAs), Mr Ong Ye Kung said the government will slow down future launches after reviewing demand and the increasing availability of alternative assisted living options for seniors.
Closing his speech, Mr Ong Ye Kung reaffirmed the government’s commitment to helping seniors age with dignity, purpose and care through stronger community support systems and partnerships.
Source: MOH
