PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is positioning itself to tap into the growing silver economy as its ageing population accelerates, says Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.

The Women, Family and Community Development Minister said the country would explore how healthy ageing can drive economic growth through its participation in an international forum in Kuala Lumpur.

She said the Silver Economy Forum 2026 (SEF26), to be held on Nov 11 and 12, complements the Malaysia Care Strategic Framework and Action Plan 2026-2030 while supporting the Madani government’s aspiration to strengthen the economy through healthier longevity.

“This effort plays a vital role in driving inclusive and sustainable economic growth for the nation,” she said in a joint statement issued by the Global Coalition on Aging (GCOA) and the Malaysian Healthy Ageing Society (MHAS) yesterday.

Malaysia’s population, aged 60 and above, is projected to increase from 11.6% in 2024 to 17.3% by 2040.

Across the region, every Asean country is expected to become an ageing, aged or super-aged society by 2050 with those aged above 65 accounting for more than 16% of the population.

Nancy noted the demographic transition called for an equally bold response.

“SEF26 is an opportunity to demonstrate that government, business and civil society can align around a shared vision where an older population is a source of national strength.

“We are committed to making Malaysia a model for healthy ageing across Asean and beyond,” she said.

The minister said the forum would focus on policies and financing models that maximise the benefits of longer life expectancy by reducing long-term care costs, expanding workforce participation and unlocking new drivers of innovation, productivity and economic growth.

Organised by GCOA and MHAS, the annual forum will bring together policymakers, business leaders, academics, civil society organisations and healthcare experts from Malaysia and abroad to discuss strategies for transforming population ageing into an economic opportunity.

Held under the theme “Healthy Longevity for Economic Growth”, the forum will feature discussions on disease prevention, healthcare innovation, workforce participation, the care economy, financial services, technology and other sectors linked to healthy ageing.

GCOA chief executive officer and founder Michael Hodin said healthy longevity should be placed at the centre of government and business planning to unlock reforms that benefit national economies.

“Kuala Lumpur is an ideal stage for these dialogues. Malaysia is becoming a hub of silver economy innovation, spanning the region and setting the pace globally,” he said.

MHAS adviser Prof Dr Shahrul Bahyah Kamaruzzaman said Asia was ageing faster than any other region, making it crucial for countries to strengthen healthcare systems, workforce policies and investments in innovation.