The Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) held a press conference yesterday at the Macao Cultural Centre (CCM) in Nape to outline details of its 10-Year Action Plan for Elderly Services and 10-Year Action Plan for Rehabilitation Services.
Both action plans were launched by the local government earlier this year.
IAS Director Wilson Hon Wai said in a speech that the elderly services plan comprises 96 action strategies centred around four key areas: Physical and Mental Well-being, Active Ageing, Diversified Provision, and Social Inclusion. Meanwhile, the rehabilitation services plan includes 66 action strategies focusing on Physical and Mental Rehabilitation, Developing Potential, Support and Safeguards, and an Inclusive Environment.
Together, the two plans contain 162 action strategies. By adopting a flexible framework of a “10-year strategy and two-year plan,” specific implementation plans for the next two years will be formulated on a rolling basis to adapt to evolving social needs. The framework also includes annual reviews and a mid-term evaluation in the fifth year to ensure timely policy adjustments, according to Hon.
Both plans feature a dedicated, two-pronged governance approach: the Cross-Departmental Coordination Group for Elderly Protection and the Cross-Departmental Coordination Group for Rehabilitation Services., both headed by Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Wallis O Lam, with the IAS director serving as deputy head.
According to IAS Social Solidarity Department Acting Chief Kam Kit Leng, the first phase of the elderly services plan – covering this year and next – will execute 77 action strategies through 104 specific action plans. Key focus areas include integrated health (wellness), smart technology, the silver economy, and age-friendly inclusive environments.
For the rehabilitation plan’s first phase, 56 action strategies will be implemented through 83 specific action plans. Priorities include smart technology, accessible infrastructure, and an inclusive social environment.
Regarding accessible infrastructure, Kam noted that an accessible public library will be established in Zone A, while a bus-stop announcement app for visually impaired passengers will be introduced on at least five bus routes. Accessibility requirements will also be integrated into the approval process for new taxi licences.
Additionally, the government will pilot indoor navigation robots, incorporate real-time AI translation/interpretation at public conferences, and collaborate with Amap* to integrate wheelchair-accessible route planning across Macau.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the event, Hon addressed updates to legislation on removing architectural barriers, noting that the Social Affairs Bureau has entered the stage of signing a preliminary assessment agreement. Given the constraints of the historic city centre and heritage protection rules, authorities must identify specific compliance challenges and balance them against requirements such as fire safety regulations, Hon stressed.
Hon also emphasised that both plans consist of routine policy measures executed across various government departments, meaning a consolidated overall budget will not be compiled separately for the two action plans.
*Amap (高德地图) is one of China’s leading digital map, navigation, and location-based service platforms. Owned by Alibaba Group, it serves as a primary alternative to Google Maps across the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, and Macau. – Gemini
Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) President Wilson Hon Wai (centre) speaks to reporters on the sidelines of yesterday’s press conference at the Macao Cultural Centre (CCM) in Nape. – Photo: Armindo Neves
