Reviving Joyful Bites: HKUST Curates Inclusive Soft Meal Dim Sum Experience

The clatter of dim sum carts filled a transformed teahouse at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) today, as over 100 participants, including seniors with swallowing difficulties and their families, savored a nostalgic Yum Cha experience on campus. Led by HKUST senior management and distinguished guests, students and staff volunteers served delicate soft-textured and fresh options dim sum on traditional carts, while two HKUST startups showcased how technology could enhance the quality of life for the elderly.

Dysphagia, commonly caused by age-related degeneration or diseases such as stroke, dementia, Parkinson’s disease and cancer, is a prevalent health issue among the older population.  A local research  showed that about 60% of those resided in a nursing home and 40% of those receiving government subsidized elderly services experience varying degrees of swallowing difficulties.  They tend to withdraw from social dining experiences due to fears of choking and embarrassment in public.

To raise awareness of this issue and promote the well-being of the elderly, HKUST organized this inclusive Yum Cha experience in partnership with The Project Futurus and Haven of Hope Christian Service, featuring a selection of delicate dim sum, technology demonstrations, and student performance.

Among the officiating guests were Executive Council (ExCo) Member and Chief Executive Officer of Haven of Hope Christian Service Dr. LAM Ching-Choi, ExCo Member and Legislative Council Member Mr. Tommy CHEUNG Yu-Yan, Under Secretary for Labour and Welfare Mr. HO Kai-Ming, District Officer (Wong Tai Sin) Mr. Thomas WU Kui-Wah and HKUST President Prof. Nancy IP.  They experienced firsthand the challenges of creating delicate soft-textured dishes during a trial session on stage and shared a meaningful meal with about 40 pairs of elderly with swallowing difficulties and their caregivers.

Prof. Nancy IP expressed her delight that the participating seniors had a happy gathering with their caregivers and the enthusiastic student and staff volunteers. “For people with swallowing difficulties, a visually authentic yet delicious soft meal not only revives fond memories but also represents the fusion of happiness and compassionate care. Today, I am happy to see our students and alumni leveraging technology to streamline the production process of soft meals with enhanced nutrition – a notable example to enhance societal well-being through discoveries in healthcare technologies. With Hong Kong having one of the world’s fastest aging populations, it is crucial that our extended lifespans are filled with vitality.”

Dr. LAM Ching-choi, Executive Council Member and Chief Executive Officer of Haven of Hope Christian Service, said in his opening remarks, “Visual appeal is key to whetting appetites and elevating the dining experience. While early soft meals focused on texture, recent innovations ensure they are not only nutritious but also visually authentic, preserving the cherished presentation of beloved dishes like dim sum. Universities and social enterprises are collaborating to advance soft meal solutions, hoping that our elderly community can enjoys meals that are as joyful and fulfilling as they are healthy.”

Preparing delicate soft meal, such as the dim sum served at this event for dysphagia patients, could be costly because it must adhere to the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) framework guidelines and requires various steps for production.  As a result, many elderly care facilities can only afford to serve standard puréed options, which are often considered unappealing. 

To address this issue, HKUST startup Elevatefoods Technology strives to scale up soft meal production by 3D printing.  Currently, the company has successfully produced soft foods like chicken legs and broccoli in under 3 minutes – three times faster than traditional handcrafting methods. They plan to explore a wider variety of soft foods, including egg tarts and puddings, in the near future.  

For the benefit of the larger society, Elevatefoods Technology has partnered with PanopticAI—an HKUST startup that has developed FDA-cleared, contactless health monitoring technology. Using a 30-second facial scan via a smartphone or tablet, PanopticAI’s technology can measure vital signs such as heart rate, breathing rate, stress level, and blood pressure. By leveraging these health insights, Elevatefoods Technology can design meals tailored to users’ specific health conditions, promoting personalized and healthier dietary solutions. This collaboration paves the way for innovative approaches to individualized nutrition.

In addition to a delicious soft meal, the elderly also enjoyed a campus tour and cheered during a special performance of classic canto pop songs - “City of Hope” and “Below the Lion Rock” by Particles, a live band composed of science students from HKUST.