On October 20, 2026, Dr. Kanokwan Suwannarong, Director of SUPA71, and Mr. Thanomsin Ponlap, Senior Research Manager, participated in the National Conference on Ageing 2026 (NCA2026) and the ASEAN-wide Research Networking on Ageing (ARNA) Summit 2026 at the KLGCC Convention Centre, Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in connection with SUPA71’s ongoing collaboration with the ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation (ACAI).
NCA2026 served as a regional platform for research exchange, policy dialogue, and collaboration on population ageing. Under the theme “Intersectionality and Inequities in Later Life: Advancing Health, Social and Technological Solutions for Ageing,” the conference brought together policymakers, researchers, practitioners, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to discuss inclusive, evidence-informed, and sustainable approaches to active and healthy ageing. The October 20 program also featured the ASEAN-wide Research Networking on Ageing (ARNA) Summit 2026, which focused on strengthening regional research collaboration, knowledge exchange, and policy dialogue on ageing across ASEAN. The program highlighted shared challenges, emerging priorities, and opportunities to strengthen connections among research, policy, and practice.
As part of the program, Dr. Somsak Akksilp, Executive Director of ACAI, delivered the keynote address, “Advancing Collaboration, Research and Policy for Active Ageing in Southeast Asia.” The keynote highlighted the importance of regional collaboration, research, innovation, and evidence-informed policy in promoting active and healthy ageing across ASEAN. ACAI also contributed to the Regional Forum on Ageing: “From Today to Tomorrow: Shared Realities for a Future-ready ASEAN.” Dr. Myat Yadana Kyaw, Projects and Research Specialist at ACAI, joined regional panelists to discuss common challenges and future directions for ageing societies in Southeast Asia.
In addition, ACAI convened the Independent Review Panel (IRP) In-Person Meeting and the ACAI 2025 Grantees Workshop. These sessions provided opportunities for ACAI, its technical advisers, grantees, and partners to review progress, exchange experiences, and discuss future priorities for research and innovation on ageing in the region. During the session, Dr. Kanokwan Suwannarong, Director of SUPA71, presented the progress of the Improving Health, Digital, and Innovation Literacy Levels among the Older Population in Thailand and Lao PDR (IHDILL) Project. The project is funded by ACAI and led by SUPA71, with a focus on strengthening health, digital, and innovation literacy among older adults in Thailand and Lao PDR.
Participation in NCA2026 provided SUPA71 with an important opportunity to exchange knowledge with regional experts, strengthen partnerships, and gain insights relevant to the continued implementation of the IHDILL Project. The conference also reinforced the importance of translating research into practical, context-responsive approaches that support inclusive, healthy, and sustainable ageing.
