Manulife Advances Longevity in Asia with Inaugural Symposium

On September 6, 2025, Manulife hosted its inaugural Longevity Symposium in Singapore, attracting over 1,000 participants, including healthcare professionals, industry leaders, and financial consultants. The event took place at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre and was attended by Minister of State Jasmin Lau from the Ministry of Digital Development and Information, as well as the Ministry of Education. This symposium marks a significant step in Manulife’s ongoing commitment to advancing the longevity movement in Asia.

With a focus on not just extending lifespan but enhancing quality of life, the symposium drew insights from the company’s recent Asia Care survey, which revealed that only 6% of respondents prioritized living longer. Instead, the majority expressed a desire to remain physically, mentally, and socially active, achieve financial independence, and age gracefully. Benoit Meslet, President and CEO of Manulife Singapore, emphasized the insurer’s broader responsibilities: “Our role goes far beyond paying claims or managing risks. We have a responsibility to improve lives – not just by protecting our customers, but by empowering them to make better decisions for their health and financial future.”

Exploring Longevity and Health

The symposium featured keynote sessions, interactive showcases, and expert panels that addressed various aspects of longevity. Topics ranged from AI-powered health diagnostics to retirement and legacy planning. Participants explored how collaboration across sectors could enhance health span and financial readiness, ultimately improving the quality of life at all stages.

Among the key highlights was the launch of the enhanced ManulifeMOVE program. Initially aimed at promoting physical activity, this flagship lifestyle initiative now encompasses six pillars: healthcare, home and nursing care, fitness and wellness, lifestyle privileges, legacy planning services, and community engagement. Harshal Shah, Chief Marketing and Experience Design Officer at Manulife Asia, stated, “Insurance is no longer just about protecting people financially after something happens. It’s about helping them stay prepared for life’s changes.”

Innovating for a Demographic Shift

In conjunction with the symposium, Manulife and UpLink, an initiative from the World Economic Forum, announced the winners of the ‘Innovating for Asia’s Demographic Future Challenge.’ This challenge sought innovative solutions for multigenerational financial resilience and healthy ageing. The ten winning ventures were recognized for their potential to create a meaningful impact in Asia’s rapidly ageing societies.

Solutions ranged from digital tools for home safety to AI-driven platforms for modernizing primary healthcare. The winners will join UpLink’s Innovation Ecosystem, gaining access to networking opportunities and a prize pool of $200,000. Steve Finch, President and CEO of Manulife Asia, noted, “Longevity is reshaping how people across Asia think about their future… Through platforms like the Longevity Symposium and the UpLink challenge, we’re working with partners to deliver practical, preventive solutions that help people live well, for longer.”

The Longevity Symposium represents a pivotal moment in Manulife’s efforts to promote healthier, more confident living across Asia. As the region faces demographic changes, Manulife is positioning itself as a leader in preventive innovation, aiming to not only extend life but enhance the quality of those years.

Founded in 1899, Manulife Singapore has evolved into a prominent life insurer, offering a diverse range of insurance, retirement, and wealth management solutions tailored to meet the financial needs of its customers. For more details on their offerings, visit manulife.com.sg.

As a global financial services provider headquartered in Toronto, Canada, Manulife operates under various brands, including John Hancock in the United States. It serves millions of customers worldwide and is committed to helping individuals and families navigate their financial journeys.