Temasek Foundation

“How might we unlock the potential of the #NextGen with Education in Technology?” Shin Gee Tan, Temasek Foundation’s Senior Director of Programmes on Education, posed this question to a gathering of more than 500 senior level stakeholders at the recent EdTech Asia Summit 2024 held last Friday in Singapore. Speaking on a panel discussion about how foundations and family offices are reshaping education innovation and investment, she shared about the opportunities available in Asia, home to more than 60% of the global next-gen population. One example is through the upcoming GESAwards challenge, where Temasek Foundation will work with partners to pilot and scale up EdTech solutions in the region. Let's continue to forge partnerships and unlock the potential of next-gen!

In today’s evolving landscape of Asian philanthropy, how can Temasek Foundation continue to deliver impactful philanthropy work? At the recent Philanthropy for Better Cities Forum 2024, Ms Charina Chan, Chief People Officer of Temasek Foundation, highlighted that the people are at the heart of implementing our strategic approach. It also calls for an adaptive organisational structure, a culture of collaboration, and skilled talent that can navigate the complex philanthropic landscape. As we evolve with these trends, we continue to drive real-world impact, ensuring that the work we do support long-term, transformative change in communities across Asia. #PBC2024 Photo credit: Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, Institute of Philanthropy

Temasek Foundation's (TF) Head of Community Networks and Partnerships, Ms Woon Saet Nyoon, spoke at a panel discussion last Thursday (26 Sep) alongside others in the philanthropy space as part of the Asia New Vision Forum 2024 organised by Caixin Global. The discussion was focused on the use of technology for social impact. As part of the discussion, Saet Nyoon shared how we tapped on tech solutions and systems, such as vending machines and an integrated redemption system, in our nationwide distribution of COVID-19 essentials (e.g. masks, hand sanitisers, oximeters, etc.) during the pandemic. The distribution exercises also showed how communities can work together to solve last-mile delivery challenges. This was the driving force for our OSCAR Fund, created during the COVID-19 pandemic. The fund empowers ground-ups to innovate solutions for local needs, building resilience and support where it's most needed. Our goal is to strengthen the care and support within our communities. Together, we can nurture a culture of care and collaboration to build a more cohesive society!   Photo credit for first image: Caixin Global

🌱 Mangroves are nature’s unsung coastal heroes! Read more about Temasek Foundation’s partnership with Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF) on this mangrove restoration programme called Sungsang Mangrove Restoration and Ecotourism. #ShootsofHope #CoastalDefenders #ClimateAction The Straits Times Shintaro Tay Boon Heong Ng Li Lang Heng Shruthi Kumar (ശ്രുതി കുമാർ)

🌟 In its 10th edition, Asia Leaders Connect 2024 brought together an incredible mix of leaders from the public, private and philanthropy sectors in Asia – to connect and collaborate for a better tomorrow. This is Temasek Foundation’s annual flagship leadership forum where leaders were engaged in robust fireside discussions with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, DPM Heng Swee Keat and former WHO Chief Scientist, Dr Soumya Swaminathan. We hope these conversations inspired new ideas and will spark even more impactful collaborations for the region! Special thanks to Pan Pacific Hotels Group for this meaningful partnership with us. 🌏💡#AsiaLeadersConnect

Temasek Foundation (TF) partners World Health Organization (WHO) with up to US$10 million over three years on innovative approaches that will advance health and well-being in Asia. Mr Boon Heong Ng, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of TF, met with Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, on 24 Sep 2024 in New York to forge a collaboration framework to co-curate and fund health programmes in Asia. TF’s commitment contributes to WHO’s Investment Round and 14th General Programme of Work (GPW14). Mr Boon Heong Ng said: “Temasek Foundation seeks to partner WHO and other stakeholders to accelerate progress towards achieving the health Sustainable Development Goals. We’re happy to play a part to support solutions to meet the multiple health threats the world faces.”

How should countries around the world come together collectively to address the impact of climate change on human health? What transformative changes will artificial intelligence and other technologies unleash on the workforce and specific trades, and what should be our response? Where do we draw the balance between economic growth and sustainability? How can we build a passion for public service among the younger generation?   These were some of the thoughtful questions posed to me by participants of Temasek Foundation’s Asia Leaders Connect programme yesterday. Each of them has had illustrious careers in the public, private and people sectors across the region and globally. Drawing on their deep experience, we had a good discussion on the way forward for growth in Asia, and the need to harness innovation collaboratively to translate this potential into improved lives and livelihoods for our peoples.   Tapping on the best minds across borders and regions is essential to tackling the common challenges we face – from the green transition and digital revolution to public health. Thanks to Boon Heong Ng and his team for bringing this group together and Professor Sun Sun Lim for moderating the session. I wish participants an enjoyable and meaningful time in Singapore over this Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend! (MDDI Photos by Chwee)

First-in-Asia, the new Temasek Foundation PREDICT (PaREnthood genetic DIsease Carrier Test) is launched today by our partner KK Women's and Children's Hospital-led SingHealth Duke-NUS Maternal and Child Health Research institute (MCHRI). Couples can now be screened for rare severe genetic disorders. Today, Thalassemia major is the only rare disease in public carrier screening in Singapore. Rare diseases can significantly impact a child’s lifespan and cognitive abilities. This pilot screening combines pre and post counselling to help couples understand the screening, understand their risk and make informed decisions regarding family planning options in accordance to their values and aspirations. This screening is offered free for all couples for three years from 2024. An estimated 20,000 couples is expected to benefit from this screening each year.

We are embarking on a new programme partnership — Champions for Peace — with Kofi Annan Foundation! This will enable us to support young changemarkers who are making a difference in their communities to bring impactful initiatives both locally and regionally. 🌎💪🏼 #ChampionsforPeace #YoungChangemakers

A better and faster way to get your dentures done is introduced by the National Dental Centre Singapore today! Known as SmartRPD, it uses innovative digital technology and 3D printing to streamline existing labour-intensive manual workflows, improving accuracy of partial dentures fitting and reducing treatment time and visits to dentists. Being more affordable, it will also help broaden access to dentures, and help improve oral health, nutrition and quality of life for Singaporeans. Temasek provided the initial philanthropic funding to enable research and technology development for proof-of-concept; while Temasek Foundation provided additional funding for the later stages. SmartRPD has completed its pilot clinical trial with 90 patients and is currently securing clinical validation involving an additional 300 more. We hope that SmartRPD can eventually be scaled up and help address the rising demand for partial dentures by an ageing population in the years ahead.