Under the facilitation of the TSMC Charity Foundation, the "Smart and Livable Community for Health and Longevity" model, which has been promoted and implemented by Taipei Veterans General Hospital and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University at Gandau Hospital, will be launched in Kumamoto, Japan. This marks the beginning of international collaboration and connection using the "Gandau Model." At the end of November this year, Taiwan will join forces with Japan and Singapore to establish the West Pacific Health and Longevity Alliance, promoting the "TIGER" Taiwan model for health and longevity.
Dr. Liang-Kung Chen, the superintendent of Gandau Hospital, has been advocating the "Gandau Model" with the goal of creating a "Healthy and Livable Community for Longevity" in Gandau. This is a practical application of ten years of geriatric medicine research conducted by Taipei Veterans General Hospital and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University. The model, centered around the Gandau community with a population of 55,000, includes the establishment of the "Gandaulogy Academy" and "Wisdom School." It integrates community resources, information and communication technology (ICT), and artificial intelligence to seamlessly incorporate technology into community and healthcare services.
"TIGER" stands for the Taiwan Integrated Geriatric Care Study, which integrates disease management and the prevention of disability and dementia. This model has been proven to improve quality of life and enhance the value of health services. Currently, Gandau Hospital uses the Gandau area as a testing ground, combining physical, cognitive, nutritional, and social learning strengthening with chronic disease management and preventive care. This is achieved through physical activity centers and integrated technology platforms to create a livable community.
Over the past three years, the "Gandau Model" has attracted the attention of the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology in Japan, the University of Tokyo, the National University of Singapore, and the University of Illinois in the United States, gaining widespread international recognition. Dr. Wei-Ming Chen, superintendent of Taipei Veterans General Hospital, emphasized that Taiwan's strengths lie not only in the ICT industry but also in medical expertise. He fully supports the promotion of the "Smart and Livable Community for Health and Longevity" model to Japan, with a "Just do it" approach.
The Taiwan team has evolved from a single-care model to a comprehensive community-wide approach, integrating digital technology and corporate resources to create community value. This initiative is closely linked with university and corporate social responsibility, demonstrating the social value and responsibility of academic and research institutions and enterprises. This model has attracted many countries facing similar aging challenges as Taiwan.
Dr. Liang-Kung Chen noted that the West Pacific Health and Longevity Alliance, initiated by Taiwan, Japan, and Singapore, will integrate Taiwan's TIGER model with the technological strength of international corporations, promoting practical community implementation. This collaboration aims to translate academic research into accessible services for the public in countries with similar aging population trends and cultural backgrounds.
He further pointed out that the international influence of the Taiwan model stems from academic achievements. Both Japan and Singapore are among the leading developed countries in terms of academic and research capabilities. Through solid and top-tier academic research, Taiwan can lead other developed countries forward. The team has accumulated significant international academic influence over the years and is willing to move towards deepened cooperation beyond academic exchanges. With TSMC's corporate culture, longstanding focus on social issues, and strong international influence and corporate capacity, Taiwan's various advantageous achievements can be brought to the global stage.
Resource (mandarin): 「關渡學」熊本落地 台日星將組西太平洋健康長壽聯盟
