On the morning of 8 October 2026, the Institute of Education Sciences and Training Research (IES) held a strategic working session with the leadership of Gia An 115 Hospital and City International Hospital, both part of Ho Chi Minh City High – Tech Healthcare Zone, to develop the first model facility for the “Day – Care Nursing Home – Day School for Older Adults” model, based on a copyrighted model from New Zealand.
The event marks a major step toward implementation following IES’s receipt of exclusive transfer rights for this model across the three Indochinese countries – Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. It also opens a pathway to connect with and apply advanced dementia – care and elderly – welfare solutions from leading Asian destinations, including Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.
1. Changing perceptions:
Ageing does not diminish a person’s worth; Older people deserve to live with dignity and happiness.
As Vietnam’s population ages rapidly, the pressures of life in major cities have left many families facing a difficult dilemma: younger generations are busy building their careers, while their parents often experience loneliness in their own homes. Feeling “left behind,” emotionally unsettled, or believing they have become a psychological burden can contribute to a rapid decline in older adults’ physical and mental well – being.
In contrast to traditional residential nursing homes, which may still carry psychological and cultural barriers in many Asian communities, the “Day School for Older Adults” model is grounded in a deeply human – centred philosophy:
– During the day – Learning, growing, and thriving: Older adults take part in therapeutic educational activities that stimulate the brain, memory – training exercises intended to help prevent cognitive decline, including Alzheimer’s disease, wellness and movement exercises, arts – based emotional rehabilitation, and social activities with peers.
– In the evening – Returning to the warmth of home: Older adults return home to share a comforting meal with their children and grandchildren, bringing with them joy, laughter, and new stories from the day.
– Peace of mind for families: Adult children can ease the pressure of providing care during the day and focus on their work while continuing to honour their family responsibilities. Older adults, in turn, can regain a sense of respect, confidence, and purpose.
2. Bringing together the “Educational and therapeutic spirit of New Zealand” and “Advanced medical support”
To create the safest possible environment for older adults, IES has chosen to establish the first facility in Ho Chi Minh City High – Tech Healthcare Zone, home to two internationally oriented hospitals: Gia An 115 Hospital and City International Hospital.
Sharing the project’s human – centred vision and strategic direction, Ms. Tran Thi Que Chi, Vice President of the Institute of Education Sciences and Training Research (IES), said: “We are not opening a place simply to ‘keep an eye on’ older adults or provide passive care. Older adults are far from being without purpose; they are invaluable repositories of knowledge and experience for their families and society. The New Zealand philosophy exclusively transferred to IES is about rekindling the joy of living and helping older adults rediscover their dignity and pride in their later years. Following the milestone of securing exclusive transfer rights across Indochina, we have chosen to work alongside Gia An 115 Hospital and City International Hospital to establish the first model facility. The hospitals’ advanced medical expertise will provide a robust safety net, allowing us to focus fully on nurturing well – being, psychological support, and building meaningful connections with advanced elderly – care standards from Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.”
Representing the receiving and medical-support partners, Master of Medicine Tran Quoc Thanh, Executive Director of Gia An 115 Hospital and City International Hospital, affirmed: “In keeping with the sustainable – development philosophy and mission of Ho Chi Minh City High -Tech Healthcare Zone to provide high – quality healthcare for millions of people in Vietnam and internationally, the New Zealand – standard ‘Day School for Older Adults’ project is an ideal social – welfare component within a high – quality healthcare ecosystem. We are committed to providing optimal conditions, including green infrastructure, qualified professional staff, care protocols for older adults’ underlying medical conditions, and a 24/7 emergency response network. This partnership will transform the facility into a warm, welcoming, and modern ‘second home’ – a place where parents receive care that meets international medical standards and where their spirits are uplifted by compassion and love.”
3. A broader vision: Toward an Asian alliance for elderly care
The collaboration between IES and Ho Chi Minh City High – Tech Healthcare Zone goes beyond establishing a single day – care facility. It marks the starting point of a strategy to build an internationally aligned hub in Vietnam for training in and operating day – care services for older adults.
In the next phase, building on the exclusive transfer rights across the three Indochinese countries, the project will integrate smart-care technologies from South Korea, specialised dementia – care standards from Japan, and an intergenerational community-centre model from Taiwan. This initiative is expected to provide significant momentum for innovation and introduce a more humane standard of social welfare for older adults in Ho Chi Minh City and the wider region.
