Speech by Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry) Dr Tan See Leng at the Science of Healthy Longevity Event (Presented by Lucence)

Distinguished guests

Ladies and gentlemen

1. Good afternoon. It is my pleasure to join you today among researchers, clinicians and industry partners who are shaping the future of healthy longevity in Singapore.

2. Having spent many years as a doctor before entering public service, I learnt that when patients spoke about their hopes for the future, they were rarely asking simply to live longer. What mattered most to them was staying well enough to enjoy important moments – spending time with loved ones, remaining independent, and continuing to do the things that gave them purpose and joy. I think that resonates with all of us.

3. Longer life expectancy in Singapore is an achievement we should celebrate. It reflects decades of investment in healthcare, better living standards and scientific progress. However, it is not just about how long we live, but how well we live. Our next challenge is equally important – ensuring that the additional years we gain are healthy, active and fulfilling.

4. Addressing this will require more than good healthcare to treat illnesses. It will require us to better understand the biology of ageing, identify health risks earlier, and continually push the frontiers of science so that we can shift our focus from treating diseases to preventing them wherever possible. That is why healthy longevity is not only a healthcare priority; it is also an important frontier for research, innovation and enterprise.

Healthy longevity is a national challenge and an opportunity for innovation

5. Recognising both the societal importance and economic potential of this area, Singapore has committed $350 million to a Grand Challenge on Maximising Healthy and Successful Longevity under the Research, Innovation and Enterprise, or RIE, 2030 plan. It will bring together research institutions, healthcare partners and enterprises to develop solutions to key ageing challenges such as cognitive impairment and physical function decline.

6. The solutions to these complex challenges could take multiple forms, from diagnostic tools and biomarkers to health monitoring technologies and assistive rehabilitation. Translating these innovations into products and services for healthy ageing will help meet evolving healthcare needs and create new economic opportunities for our enterprises.

Public-private collaborations are key to translating research into real-world use

7. This is where Singapore’s collaborative RIE ecosystem plays an important role. Industry players can partner with researchers and clinicians to develop and validate promising innovations in both preventive and ageing care for real-world healthcare needs.

8. The partnership we are celebrating today, between Lucence, NUS, and A*STAR, demonstrates how complementary strengths across our ecosystem can be brought together to address emerging needs. By combining scientific research, clinical expertise and commercialisation capabilities, they have developed a data-backed health assessment tool that provides insights into biological factors associated with healthy ageing. This supports greater understanding of the differences in how people age. This is an encouraging example of how public-private collaboration can bridge the gap between research and practical applications that contribute to healthier ageing.

9. I would like to congratulate Lucence, A*STAR and NUS on this achievement.

Conclusion

10. Looking ahead, I hope this collaboration inspires many more partnerships that advance healthy longevity through research and innovation. As Singapore continues to age, there will not be a single breakthrough that transforms healthy longevity overnight. Progress will come through sustained scientific discovery, rigorous research, strong partnerships, and a willingness to translate knowledge into solutions that improve people’s lives.

11. On our part, the Government will continue to invest in research and innovation, while enabling stronger partnerships between researchers, clinicians and enterprises to translate promising discoveries into real-world impact.

12. Together, let us continue building a future where we do not just add years to life, but also life to years.

13. Thank you.