KUALA LUMPUR: Radium Development Berhad (“Radium”) has concluded a strategic study tour to Japan in collaboration with Tokyu E-Life Design, Inc. (“TELD”), gaining invaluable insights into internationally acclaimed senior living models as the Group bolsters its capacity to support Malaysia’s evolving demographic landscape.
The study tour forms part of a broader knowledge transfer programme established through Radium’s partnership with TELD, a leading Japanese provider of senior living and assisted care services. By visiting TELD-operated senior communities and engaging with industry experts, the delegation explored best practices in integrated care, facility management, universal design, resident wellbeing, operational excellence, and community-centred living.
This visit coincides with Malaysia’s preparation for a significant demographic transition. Having officially become an ageing society in 2021, the country is projected to reach aged nation status by 2048, when individuals aged 65 and above are expected to constitute at least 14 percent of the population. As the Government continues to strengthen policies and support systems to meet the needs of older Malaysians, there is increasing recognition that developing age-friendly communities will require collaboration across public and private sectors.
Against this background, Radium’s study tour underscores the Group’s commitment to investing in knowledge and organisational capability to better understand how the built environment can support healthier, more independent, and dignified ageing. Rather than simply replicating overseas models, the initiative aims to identify internationally recognised best practices that can be thoughtfully adapted to Malaysia’s unique social, cultural, and regulatory context.
During the programme, the delegation observed how Japan has integrated housing, healthcare, and lifestyle services to support residents through different stages of ageing. Particular emphasis was placed on universal accessibility, wellness-oriented community design, resident engagement programmes, operational management, workforce development, and service quality—offering valuable perspectives on creating environments that promote independence, safety, and quality of life.
Radium Development Berhad Group Managing Director, Datuk Gary Gan Kah Siong, said the experience reinforced the importance of preparing today for the demographic realities of tomorrow: “Malaysia’s demographic landscape is changing, and with it comes an opportunity to rethink how our communities can better support people as they age. This study tour has provided our team with valuable exposure to internationally recognised senior living models and demonstrated how thoughtful planning, quality operations, and people-centred design can come together to create environments that enable older adults to live independently, actively, and with dignity.”
He added: “Japan is widely recognised as a global leader in addressing the challenges of an ageing population, making it an invaluable learning environment. Our goal is not simply to replicate what has been achieved there, but to understand the principles and best practices that can be responsibly adapted to suit Malaysia’s unique needs. As a developer, we believe continuous learning is essential to building communities that remain relevant and responsive to future generations.”
The study tour marks the first phase of Radium’s ongoing knowledge transfer programme with TELD, which will continue over the coming months through ongoing knowledge exchange, technical engagement, operational familiarisation, and collaboration with key corporate functions including Legal, Human Resources, Sales, Marketing, and Finance. The initiative aims to strengthen the Group’s internal capabilities while broadening its understanding of international standards and emerging trends in senior living.
As Malaysia progresses towards becoming an aged nation, Radium remains committed to anticipating long-term societal needs through innovation, continuous learning, and sustainable community development. The insights gained from collaboration with TELD will inform the Group’s future development strategies, including the exploration and integration of senior living features, age-friendly design principles, and supportive services into its projects and communities. By translating international best practices into solutions tailored to Malaysia’s context, Radium aims to develop communities that are more inclusive, adaptable, and responsive to the changing needs of Malaysians at every stage of life.-pr/BNN
