Keppel, a Singapore-headquartered global asset manager and operator, launched an empowering senior living brand Sindora Living in the China market, at a ceremony in Shanghai on Wednesday, aiming to establish high-quality elderly care institutions.

The first China facility by Sindora Living will be operational in Nanjing, capital of Jiangsu province, within this year, said Nathaniel Farouz, head of Keppel's senior living business.

Residents at the facility will have a diverse schedule with over 100 activities, including going out of the community, interacting with family and friends, and recreation and sports. Artists, sports coaches and activity planners will provide support activities as well as their socializing and psychological health.

The institution, covering a total building area of nearly 20,000 square meters and providing around 400 beds in 224 apartments, is located in Nanjing's Qixia district amid a cluster of city life facilities. It features a typically Singaporean landscape design, said Farouz.

"The whole concept at our facility is to empower the residents. We are not just here to take care of people's decreasing capabilities. We are here, on the contrary, to ensure they can set goals and that we help them to reach these goals," he said.

Thierry Costanzo, head of operations at Sindora Living, said that they are also looking for project opportunities in other Chinese cities, mainly the first-tier cities.

"We observed that location is one of the main considerations that the urban Chinese elderly choose a senior living community. They need to be close to home and close to the city functions that they are used to," said Costanzo.

"They also have high requirements on food, which must be fresh and localized, as dining together is an important way for them to socialize together," he said.