A huge exhibition promoting 'silver' products and services will be staged here next year along with an industry conference featuring speakers ranging from a Nobel laureate to Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew.

Singapore is seen as a potential big winner in the rapidly expanding sector with its blue chip financial services industry ideally placed to cater to the money management needs of retirees from around the region.

The potential rewards are huge. Research by MasterCard found that consumer spending by baby boomers in Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, India and China is projected to rocket from US$228 billion (S$334 billion) in 2005 to US$616 billion by 2015.

The exhibition is being organised by the Silver Industry Committee, set up by the Government last November to seek out opportunities, locally and on a wider stage.

Chairman Philip Yeo, who also heads Spring Singapore, said: 'Not only can the products and services developed from (the) silver industry cater to our own elderly, they can also be economic multipliers for Singapore.'

The exhibition on Jan 12 and Jan 13 is mainly targeted at three groups: the young-at-heart baby boomers keen to explore lifestyle options and plan for retirement; professionals in the silver sector; and those with elderly parents and families.

Its set-up in the Suntec Convention Centre will be along the lines of a mini town, allowing visitors to stroll through the pedestrian walkways and check out the more than 170 booths.

The hall will feature four themes: health care, travel and leisure, finance, and technology.

The centrepiece will be a 'SmartHome' demonstrating age-friendly devices and designs, including devices that can help older people with health care and leisure.

There will also be a smart bed that monitors sleep patterns, a wireless personal alarm system and an elderly friendly telephone with a larger keypad.

The exhibition will be preceded by an industry conference on Jan 10 and Jan 11, featuring speakers such as Dr Robert Merton, a Nobel laureate in Economics, Dr Joseph Coughlin, a world authority on demographics, business and technology, and MM Lee, who will share his perspectives on living a long and successful life.

Dr Merton told The Straits Times that Singapore has the potential and comparative advantage to offer retirement financial solutions to Asia.

The country, he said, has a 'strong reputation of transparency and trust', an advantage when offering financial services to retirees in Asia who want reliable products.

The exhibition is free but the conference is open to only 500 participants with tickets priced at $800.

For more information, go to www.sicex.com.sg

gabrielc@sph.com.sg

ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY GRACE NG