The Global Wellness Summit (GWS), recognized as the premier event for leaders in the worldwide wellness industry, is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary at Angsana Laguna Phuket from November 10–13. Marking the largest and most expansive edition in its history, the conference will convene wellness executives, healthcare professionals, academics, investors, technology pioneers, policymakers, and creative visionaries. The event will honor two decades of remarkable expansion in the wellness sector while recognizing the organization’s influential role in advancing the global wellness economy.

GWS also introduced its 2026 theme, “The Science, Art and Soul of Wellness,” which aims to examine both the foundational principles of wellness and the innovations shaping its future. The theme places equal importance on spiritual wellbeing and emotional connection alongside scientific progress and medical discovery.

Among the first keynote speakers announced is Dan Buettner, the Emmy Award-winning producer and bestselling author celebrated for identifying the world’s “blue zones,” regions associated with exceptional longevity and health. Joining him will be William Heinecke, founder and chairman of Minor International, as well as Andrea Maier, a globally respected authority in longevity medicine and co-founder of the NUS Academy of Healthy Longevity at the National University of Singapore.

In addition, Cathy Feliciano-Chon will moderate a discussion featuring Ronald Akili and Huy Huong, exploring how independent hospitality brands across Asia are redefining wellness-focused travel experiences.

The 2026 program will blend discussions around science, creativity, and spirituality, reflecting the broad evolution of wellness and preventive healthcare. While evidence-based medicine, longevity research, and medical wellness innovations will remain central topics, the agenda will also spotlight emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Artistic disciplines such as music, film, and live performance are expected to play a larger role than ever before, with experts examining advances in neurowellness, neuroarts, and neuroaesthetics.

The conference will also reflect on the extraordinary transformation of the wellness economy over the last 20 years. What was once a $60 billion spa market in 2007 has evolved into an 11-sector industry now valued at approximately $6.8 trillion. The theme further aligns with Thailand’s own wellness identity, where ancient healing traditions coexist with modern medical wellness and longevity destinations.

“We’re creating a dynamic agenda that reflects the major insights gained over the last two decades of wellness while bringing together influential voices to discuss what lies ahead for the next 20 years,” said Nancy Davis. “We have exciting plans in store for Phuket, including several special surprises to mark the occasion.”

Singapore Management University (SMU) has introduced the SMU Longevity Societies and Economies Institute (LSEI), a new initiative dedicated to exploring how economies and communities can adapt and remain resilient in the face of an ageing population.

The institute was officially launched on 14 April by Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, during the World Ageing Festival 2026. The event was organised by Ageing Asia, with SMU serving as co-host and academic partner.

Singapore has already entered the stage of a super-aged society, with projections indicating that by 2030, one in four citizens will be aged 65 or older. Across Asia, longer life expectancy combined with declining birth rates is transforming workforce dynamics, healthcare needs, retirement systems and community support structures. LSEI aims to study these developments in depth and generate data-driven insights to support sustainable and inclusive policy responses through a comprehensive systems approach.

From research to real-world application
LSEI builds on SMU’s existing strengths in ageing research, including the Centre for Research on Successful Ageing (ROSA) and the Singapore Life Panel, a globally recognised high-frequency panel survey tracking financial and well-being trends.

By bringing these efforts under a unified platform, the institute aims to convert academic research into practical solutions for policymakers, businesses, financial institutions and community groups. SMU has committed over S$10 million in funding to support LSEI’s development, while also seeking external funding aligned with national priorities such as the Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2030 Plan.

Drawing expertise from disciplines including economics, business, law, social sciences, accountancy and computing, LSEI will focus on the broader societal and economic implications of increased longevity.

SMU President Lily Kong highlighted that traditional life models are no longer relevant. She noted that systems built around a linear “education–work–retirement” pathway fail to reflect modern realities, where people are living longer, more active lives. The institute aims to bridge this gap between outdated structures and contemporary lived experiences.

Unlocking the potential of the silver economy
The institute is jointly led by Dr Cheong Wei Yang and Paulin Straughan, who also heads ROSA. Dr Cheong emphasised that while ageing presents economic challenges, it also creates significant opportunities within the growing “silver economy.”

Rather than viewing ageing solely as a cost burden—particularly in healthcare—LSEI promotes a broader perspective that sees it as a driver of innovation and growth. The institute will work with partners to translate research into solutions that support inclusive and resilient economies across Singapore and other Asian cities.

Its research goes beyond healthcare, examining productivity, purposeful engagement, market dynamics and overall well-being—including mental, social and financial aspects.

Two core research pillars
LSEI’s work is structured around two key areas:

Supporting these pillars are studies on legal, regulatory and technological factors, including the adoption of digital and assistive technologies.

Insights into retirement and social connection
One example of SMU’s research highlights how retirement affects social relationships and sense of purpose. A study by Professor Straughan and her team, based on data from over 10,000 individuals aged 50 to 80, found that while social activity often increases after retirement, men tend to experience a sharper decline in perceived meaning and contribution compared to women.

The findings suggest gaps in existing policies and community support systems, particularly in helping retirees—especially men—navigate identity and purpose in later life.

Strengthening collaboration across sectors
LSEI has already formed partnerships with key stakeholders across government, community and industry. These include the Agency for Integrated Care, Lions Befrienders, St Luke's ElderCare, Singlife and Workforce Singapore.

Through these collaborations, the institute aims to strengthen the connection between research, policy implementation and real-world outcomes—supporting better ageing experiences and more adaptive economic systems.