Bangkok, 27 January 2026: (ERIA) co-hosted a side event titled ‘Inter-regional, Inter-sectoral, and Multi-stakeholder Collaboration for Active Ageing and Innovation: Concerted Efforts from ASEAN Member States and Alliances’ at the Prince Mahidol Award Conference (PMAC) 2026.

The side event was jointly organised by ERIA, the ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation (ACAI), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the Japan Center for International Exchange (JCIE), with support from the Japan–ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF) and Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC).

The discussion focused on strengthening multi-stakeholder collaboration and promoting knowledge exchange on intersectoral approaches to addressing demographic change, while advancing gender equity, intergenerational solidarity, and economic resilience.

Dr Liem Nguyen of ERIA spoke in the session ‘Intersectoral Collaboration for Active Ageing’, where he presented key lessons learned from strong and flexible collaboration among multiple partner organisations. These included ERIA, ACAI, the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research of Japan (IPSS), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Asia-Pacific Regional Office, the US–ASEAN Business Council (USABC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and other stakeholders engaged under the Financial Sustainability for Integrated Care for Older Persons (FISCO) project.

Dr Nguyen also co-moderated the final discussion with Ms Momoko Abe of JCIE and introduced Professor Keizo Takemi, former Minister of Health, Labour, and Welfare of Japan, who delivered the closing remarks.

PMAC is one of the largest annual conferences held in Bangkok, Thailand. Hosted by the Prince Mahidol Award Foundation, the Royal Thai Government (through the Ministry of Public Health), and Mahidol University, the conference aims to identify actionable, evidence-based solutions that transform demographic challenges into opportunities for economic growth and inclusivity. Approximately 3,000 participants registered for PMAC 2026, including government officials, academics, private-sector leaders, and civil society representatives.

Held from 26–31 January 2026, PMAC 2026 brought together stakeholders from diverse sectors and regions, fostering partnerships and innovative strategies to address the challenges associated with ageing societies. As ASEAN Member States undergo significant demographic transitions, such collaborative initiatives are essential to promoting healthy, active, and inclusive ageing across the region.