On September 3, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dang Hoai Bac, President of the Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology (PTIT), held a working session with Prof. Obi Toshio of Waseda University, Japan, to discuss research cooperation, technological innovation, and initiatives applying digital technologies to address challenges arising from population ageing.
One of the key topics discussed was the Smart Silver Innovation initiative under the framework of the APEC Telecommunications and Information Technology Working Group (APEC TELWG), led by Japan and Waseda University. The initiative aims to apply digital and emerging technologies to develop a “Smart Silver Society”, contributing to a more age-friendly, inclusive society that provides greater support for senior citizens.
As part of its implementation, the project focuses on researching and developing solutions based on AI, IoT, Big Data, Blockchain, and 5G for a wide range of areas, including healthcare, quality of life enhancement, physical and psychological well-being, training human resources for elderly care, digital government, and the development of “Silver Smart Cities”. The project also seeks to promote joint research and training, organize workshops, conduct field studies, and facilitate experience sharing among APEC economies.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dang Hoai Bac, President of PTIT, presenting commemorative gifts to Prof. Obi Toshio, Waseda University, and Prof. Akiko Iwasaki, Yale University
PTIT represents Vietnam as one of the 21 economies participating in the project, contributing survey findings on social trends, demographic structures, policies, and the development of technologies supporting older people. PTIT presented these findings at the Smart Silver Innovation Workshop, held on the sidelines of the APEC Conference 2025 in Seoul in July 2025.
During the working session, Prof. Obi Toshio proposed that Waseda University and PTIT jointly organize a Smart Silver Innovation Workshop at the APEC 2027 Conference in Vietnam, with the proposed theme “AI DX for Smart Silver Innovation/AI Government for Ageing Technology”. Under the proposal, Waseda University and PTIT would jointly lead the Workshop’s content, while proposing that the Ministry of Science and Technology approve the initiative and that the Department of International Cooperation facilitate its inclusion in the program of side events of APEC 2027 in Vietnam.
If the proposal is implemented, Waseda University also proposed inviting leaders of the Ministry of Science and Technology to deliver a keynote address, creating a forum for policymakers, experts, universities, and relevant organizations to exchange views on the role of AI and digital transformation in building a society that can adapt to population ageing.
The working session with Prof. Obi Toshio contributes to expanding cooperation between PTIT and Waseda University in technology-related fields addressing social challenges, while opening up opportunities for PTIT to engage more deeply in scientific and technological cooperation initiatives within the APEC framework.
