Ageing is fast emerging as a focus area in Asia, with 2025 witnessing a flurry of activity across startups, research initiatives, and investment. As the region positions itself in the longevity biotech space, the key question is what drivers and initiatives are shaping its growth and what it will take to build a globally competitive ecosystem. Let’s find out.
Ageing — the elusive truth of life, has long been debated by philosophers and tapped by the cosmetic industry. More recently, tech leaders such as Jeff Bezos and Sam Altman have invested heavily in extending human life, even exploring the idea of immortality. Today, however, the focus is shifting beyond treating signs and age-related diseases, with a growing number of biotech companies pursuing interventions that target the biological processes of ageing. This shift is especially relevant in the Asia-Pacific region, which is experiencing a rapid ageing population.
By 2050, one in four people will be over 60, with the older population projected to nearly triple from 2010 levels to 1.3 billion, according to a UNFPA report. Yet while life expectancy is rising, healthy longevity is not keeping pace, creating long-term challenges for healthcare, productivity, and social support systems. In response, APAC countries are launching various initiatives and investments aimed at developing the longevity biotech sector and supporting healthy ageing.
Key Drivers and Initiatives
The Asia-Pacific region is framing ageing and healthy longevity as both public health challenges and economic opportunities, with China, Singapore, and Japan leading the way. Singapore, in particular, is making strong efforts to build a world‑class longevity biotech ecosystem.