Manulife Launches Longevity Initiative at Inaugural Symposium in Asia

Manulife has taken a significant step in promoting health and longevity in Asia by hosting its inaugural Longevity Symposium on September 6, 2025. The event, held at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore, attracted over 1,000 participants, including healthcare experts, industry leaders, financial consultants, and partners. Attendees gathered to discuss the critical issue of not only living longer but enhancing the quality of life as populations age across the region.

The symposium was attended by Jasmin Lau, Minister of State for the Ministry of Digital Development and Information and the Ministry of Education. It signifies a commitment from Manulife to advance the longevity movement in Asia, following similar initiatives in the United States led by John Hancock.

Empowering Better Living through Longevity Insights

Benoit Meslet, President and CEO of Manulife Singapore, emphasized the company’s role in improving lives beyond traditional insurance functions. “Our latest Asia Care survey shows that only 6% of respondents wished for a longer lifespan, with most prioritizing physical, mental, and social activity, financial independence, and graceful aging,” he stated. Through initiatives such as this symposium, Manulife aims to raise awareness on preventive health, financial planning, and mental well-being.

The event featured keynote sessions, expert panels, and interactive showcases that explored various aspects of longevity. Topics covered included artificial intelligence in health diagnostics, nutritional strategies, retirement planning, and the importance of community engagement. These discussions highlighted the potential for cross-sector collaboration to enhance quality of life across all stages of life.

Launch of Enhanced ManulifeMOVE Programme

A notable highlight of the symposium was the unveiling of the enhanced ManulifeMOVE, a lifestyle programme originally designed to promote physical activity. This revamped platform now addresses holistic well-being across six key areas: healthcare, home and nursing care, fitness and wellness, lifestyle privileges, legacy planning, and community engagement.

Partnerships with organizations such as AMILI, ClassPass Singapore, and Parkway Cancer Centre provide essential resources to assist individuals in managing their health and life transitions, from entering the workforce to planning their legacy. Harshal Shah, Chief Marketing and Experience Design Officer at Manulife Asia, noted, “Insurance is no longer just about protecting people financially after something happens; it’s about helping them stay prepared for life’s changes.”

By empowering customers to take charge of their health and financial decisions, Manulife seeks to foster confidence and proactivity in everyday choices.

Innovative Solutions for an Ageing Population

In conjunction with the symposium, Manulife partnered with UpLink, the World Economic Forum’s early-stage innovation initiative, to announce the winners of the ‘Innovating for Asia’s Demographic Future Challenge.’ This challenge aimed to find innovative solutions to support multigenerational financial resilience and healthy ageing within Asia’s rapidly growing elderly population. The ten winning ventures, which included AI-driven healthcare tools and rehabilitation solutions, were selected for their potential to create a meaningful impact across the region.

The winners will gain access to UpLink’s Innovation Ecosystem, which offers networking and partnership opportunities to help scale their solutions. In total, three of these innovators will share a prize pool of $200,000.

Steve Finch, President and CEO of Manulife Asia, asserted the importance of focusing on quality of life in longevity discussions. “Longevity is reshaping how people across Asia think about their future,” he said. “We see a clear opportunity to help close the gap between aspiration and action.” Through initiatives like the symposium and the UpLink challenge, Manulife aims to deliver practical, preventive solutions that empower individuals to live well for longer.

As the Longevity Symposium concludes, it represents a pivotal moment in Manulife’s mission to champion healthier living in an ageing Asia. The company remains committed to fostering partnerships and innovation that focus on preventive strategies, ensuring that individuals not only add years to their lives but also enrich those years with quality experiences.

For more information about Manulife Singapore and its offerings, please visit manulife.com.sg.