In late November, an ADI delegation convened in Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR to partake in a series of important meetings and events, including the ADI APRO regional meeting. The week kicked off in Hong Kong, where ADI CEO, Paola Barbarino; Regional Director, DY Suharya; and Head of Accreditation, Amalia Fonk-Utomo partook in 3-days of activities and meetings hosted by the Hong Kong Alzheimer’s Disease Association (HKADA). They then proceeded on to Macau SAR to partake in another series of crucial high-level meetings, site visits, and events hosted by the Macau Dementia Association (MADA), ADI’s member association for Macau.
Hong Kong SAR
The ADI delegation kicked off their trip in Hong Kong. On 17 November, ADI APRO Members visited 2 dementia day care centers and at the Jean Wei Centre, high level discussions brought together policy makers and sector leaders including the Honourable Dr. Lam Ching Choi, GBS, JP, and ADI’s member for Hong Kong, HKADA.
Key agenda items for the meeting included global dementia policy trends, led by Paola Barbarino, regional updates from the Asia Pacific from DY Suharya and Dr. Lam Ching Choi, who provided insights into Hong Kong Government’s dementia strategies.
Then, on 18 November, HKADA hosted the annual ADI Asia Pacific regional meeting, an important moment for ADI and our members across the region. The meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on the past year of APRO’s strategy and progress, while also looking forward towards future priorities. Nearly 40 delegates from 14 countries participated in the meeting, which was followed by a gala dinner for participants.
On the last day in Hong Kong, 19 November, HKADA hosted an all-day symposium “A New Era of Dementia” which brought together global experts, regional leaders, government representatives, and welcomed 200 participants from 17 countries. The session highlighted diverse perspectives on dementia care, policy, and innovation. It demonstrated the strengthening of shared commitment and collaboration across the Asia Pacific region, offering a series of workshops on lived experience leadership, nutrition, stigma reduction, and evidence-based policy.
These three days highlighted the power of partnership, from government and NGOs to academics, industry, and people with lived experience. ADI extends our warm thanks to HKADA for their hospitality and leadership, and to all Asia Pacific members and partners working together toward improved dementia care and policy.
Macau SAR
Following the events in Hong Kong, Paola, DY, and Amalia travelled to Macau SAR for another series of crucial high-level meetings and site visits. They also had the opportunity to attend a symposium and gala dinner in celebration of the 15th anniversary of ADI’s member in Macau, MADA.
On 20 November, Paola, DY, and Amalia joined a high level meeting and discussion led by the Macau Director of Health Bureau Dr Lo Iek Long and Bill Zeng Wen, who presented the MACAU dementia plan. This meeting was attended by individuals representing the Macau Bureaus of Health and Social Welfare of the Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR), MADA and Kiang Wu Nursing College (KWNC).
In the meeting, MSAR discussed the involvement of an advisory group, consisting of individuals with lived experience, to give input on Macau’s National Plan.
The meeting was followed by a visit to the Macau Dementia Medical Centre and the Caritas Foundation, two examples of well-organised and funded dementia health and care facilities who strive for excellence in their delivery of dementia care services.
Later, on 20 November, ADI joined the International Forum on Building a Dementia-Friendly Communities, a key event dedicated to fostering a more dignified, inclusive and friendly social environment for people with dementia, their families, and carers. This forum and the following gala dinner marked a special milestone in celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Macau Dementia Association (MADA). The symposium welcomed 300 participants from 70 NGOs partners working on dementia in Macau. The Gala dinner included partners of MADA as well as MSAR Government representatives from the Health and Social Welfare Bureau.
During the symposium, Paola delivered a keynote address on the global and regional landscape of dementia care, treatment and policy. She emphasised the urgent need for improved diagnosis pathways, greater equity in access to care, and the essential role of community-driven dementia-friendly initiatives worldwide.
On 21 November, DY and Amalia, joined by dementia advocates Emily Ong and Ruth Wong visited the cognitive rehabilitation services at Kiang Wu Hospital.
Over the three days, Amalia, along with Emily, a Global Review Panel member for ADI’s Accreditation process for KWNC, had the privilege of returning to the KWNC facilities as part of ADI’s re-Accreditation service.
ADI extends our warm thanks to HKADA, MADA, and KWNC for their hospitality and leadership, and to all Asia Pacific members and partners working together toward improved dementia care and policy, and for the leadership shown in the region and the commitment to advancing dementia awareness, care and community engagement.