Hang Seng Bank unveils silver academy to boost senior wellbeing

Hang Seng Bank has launched the community-based "Hang Seng Silver Academy", a dedicated platform that enables senior citizens to stay engaged with local communities and pursue collective learning.

The initiative comes at a time when Hong Kong's population continues to age. Government projections indicate that over one in three Hong Kong residents will be aged 65 or above by 2046. With digital living becoming more widespread, the bank recognises that anti-scam awareness and financial security have become indispensable to seniors' overall wellbeing.

Against this backdrop, Hang Seng Bank has partnered with The Community Chest of Hong Kong and four local community organisations, namely the Evangelical Lutheran Church Social Service Hong Kong, St. James' Settlement, The Salvation Army, and Yang Memorial Methodist. According to the official release, the academy is expected to benefit at least 800 seniors aged 65 and above in its first year.

Designed to holistically support elderly development, the academy strives to enhance seniors' quality of life across three key areas: physical, mental and financial.

On the physical front, the academy encourages seniors to stay active, build healthy habits and boost confidence through a range of emerging sports and inclusive activities. Programmes include pickleball, dodgebee, introductory Thai boxing, Mölkky, electronic darts and pilates.

For mental and social wellbeing, the academy offers shared learning experiences that help seniors broaden their horizons while fostering peer support and social connections. Programme offerings include video editing, an artificial intelligence course, an introduction to Korean culture , and aroma candle making.

Finally, with a focus on anti-fraud education and financial knowledge, the academy enhances seniors' sense of financial security and promotes digital inclusion. To this end, anti-fraud education workshops and senior-friendly digital banking service sessions are delivered by teams from Hang Seng's fraud management department and digital banking department.

Chris Sun Yuk-han, secretary for labour and welfare, said: "The HKSAR Government is committed to building a caring and inclusive society. As Hong Kong's population continues to age, government resources alone cannot meet every need. Close collaboration among the Government, business sector and community sector is essential to combine innovation, community-based services and policy support, and turn challenges into new momentum for society."

Luanne Lim, executive director and chief executive of Hang Seng Bank, said: "As digitalisation and AI reshape daily life and money management, the 'Future Bank' must be inclusive for every generation, including seniors. Through the Hang Seng Silver Academy, we're combining our financial expertise with our community partners to help seniors build digital confidence, strengthen anti-fraud awareness, and support their physical, mental and financial wellbeing. We'll continue working with the government and partners to support the silver economy and demonstrate the value of tripartite collaboration."

Pamela Chan, admissions, budgets and allocations committee chairman, The Community Chest, said: "Research shows that the brain remains capable of learning throughout life. By engaging with new experiences and challenges, seniors can stay active, expand their social connections, adapt more easily to digital living, and strengthen their sense of financial security. Through close cross-sector collaboration, the Academy will promote lifelong learning and help seniors enjoy a richer and more fulfilling later life."

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to Hang Seng Bank for more information.

Don't miss: Chinachem, CityUHK, and Hang Seng Bank join forces for sustainable future

Earlier this year, Hang Seng joined forces with Chinachem Group and City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) for a cross-sector partnership aimed at advancing Hong Kong’s low-carbon transition and silver economy.

By combining the strengths of the financial sector, property industry, and academia, the collaboration seeks to spark innovative ideas and develop practical approaches that bolster Hong Kong’s long-term sustainability and community wellbeing.

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