Colin Pudsey, Founder of SilVR Adventures, recently attended the World Ageing Festival in Singapore, where the company was recognised for its pioneering use of virtual reality in aged care. Now, on an international roadshow, SilVR Adventures is showcasing its innovative approach to enriching the lives of older adults. In this guest post, Mr Pudsey shares key moments and insights from the first leg of the global journey. We hope to tempt him to continue with updates from the next stops – Korea, Japan and the Philippines…
Returning to Singapore recently felt like stepping into a familiar rhythm—efficient, vibrant, and remarkably clean. But beyond the usual impressions, one thing stood out: the strong presence of older adults working meaningfully across everyday life—driving taxis, working in hospitality, and serving customers. It was a powerful reminder that purpose, connection, and dignity don’t retire with age.
During our trip, I had the privilege of visiting our partner St Luke’s ElderCare (SLEC) at their Bishan site. What I witnessed was inspiring: Our VR solution being used to stimulate joy, conversation, and memory recall among elders living with cognitive decline.
Facilitator Michael led sessions with warmth and flair, switching between three languages, guiding pre-session stretches, and incorporating tactile elements to deepen the experience. The stories that unfolded as residents virtually revisited familiar places were heartwarming.
“Singapore’s multicultural identity—blending Chinese, Malay, and Indian traditions—mirrors the power of our VR content, which supports 30+ languages.”
Later in the week, we attended a presentation about Taiwan’s Ageing Challenges by our research partner, Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), which underscored the importance of culturally congruent care. Taiwan, though just 1% of Australia’s land size, houses a rich diversity of ethnicities and traditions. One quote particularly resonated: “If we are to live in a meaningful and harmonious world, care must be shaped by people’s cultural beliefs and values.”
Australia, take note: By 2056, one in five older Australians will be of Asian descent. To deliver meaningful aged care, we must reflect this diversity in our practices and innovations.
We also had the opportunity to visit Harmony Village at Bukit Batok—Singapore’s first community care apartment model for seniors. Here, residents live independently but with built-in care support. The onsite active ageing centre, Good Old Place, recently launched shared VR experiences with SilVR Adventures. It was a privilege to see our technology sparking memories and conversations among residents in this trailblazing environment.
Our Singapore trip was centered on the World Ageing Festival, where SilVR Adventures participated under the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) pavilion.
Austrade’s team were brilliant facilitators, showcasing Australian innovation with passion and purpose. Interest from event attendees in Australia’s leadership in aged care innovation was at an all-time high, sparking exciting new opportunities across India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. This follows our recent successful expansions into China and Japan, as SilVR Adventures continues to grow its footprint across the Asia-Pacific and beyond.
The exhibition floor was alive with innovation, showcasing a diverse range of technologies designed to transform aged care. Humanoid robots demonstrated how they can help address workforce shortages while enhancing social connection for residents. Exoskeletons and Haptic devices offered promising advances in mobility support and physical rehabilitation, giving older adults more independence.
Meanwhile, cutting-edge dementia solutions were on display, including neuroscience-based tools and soundwave diagnostics aimed at early detection and cognitive support. It was a powerful reminder that technology, when applied with empathy and insight, has the potential to reshape the future of care.
The trip culminated in a proud moment: SLEC’s Virtual World Program, developed with SilVR Adventures, won Best Technology Innovation by Operator at the 2025 Eldercare Innovation Awards. We also celebrated wins by our China partner, Sindora Living (Facility of the Year), our friends at Lenexa Medical, and many of our Australian provider partners, with Australia standing out as one of the most awarded countries at the event, proudly showcasing the strength of our sector on the global stage.
With one in four people in APAC over the age of 60 by 2050, cross-border collaboration is no longer a choice—it’s a necessity. We’re excited to continue playing a part in this movement, enabling innovation that empowers, connects, and dignifies ageing lives everywhere.
