The theme “Invisible” reflects our commitment to shed light on current issues that have fallen through the cracks and are easily neglected. These issues shape Temasek Foundation’s work, and it is necessary that we continue to walk the ground and listen empathetically to address them.
In a world that is rapidly changing, these issues are increasingly more unique and complex, and require us to play the role of an active pathfinder. It is thus essential that we respond timely and pilot new solutions to cater for different pathways to success.
To do so, we have to be equipped with fresh perspectives always, and we are constantly looking for opportunities to collaborate with pioneering thinkers and innovators.
Additionally, in the spirit of mutual assistance, we have the responsibility to rally the wider community, taking positive steps together that will bring about a larger impact for a common good.
“Even though much of the work we do is invisible, we must never lose sight of its importance. What is essential is often unseen, but we can help to develop lenses so that more people can see, and connect with the work.
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The heart of our mission at Temasek Foundation is the betterment of people and the planet.
We endeavour to renew a sense of purpose for overlooked individuals, families and communities by strengthening social resilience and uplifting lives.
We also develop people through lifelong learning and character building to grow the next generation of stewards that can contribute to a better cohesive society. Looking beyond geographical, racial or religious boundaries, a part of our purpose is to also foster deep-rooted partnerships regionally and globally.
As we envision possibilities of a better world today and for generations to come, we spearhead research and innovation to create a future-ready society.
The social, international and research focus areas that make our work purposeful require practical and innovative solutions.
As an active enabler for such solutions, our work is and always will be guided by the motivation of championing the common good.
Beyond piloting innovative solutions, we seek to use them as pivoting points to elicit synergies in the ideation and implementation process.
There are different competencies and expertise across the domains of our work, and by creating space for people to grow together, we can collectively build long term sustainable capabilities in communities.
We aspire to energise the ‘gotong royong’ spirit in our people, sparking a culture of mutual assistance and interdependence in our communities, in Singapore and globally that can lead to a virtuous cycle of paying the favour forward.
This collaborative spirit establishes a multiplier effect, and leads to a continued impact to uplift lives and better society.
Even though much of the work we do is invisible, we must never lose sight of its importance. What is essential is often unseen, but we can help to develop lenses so that more people can see, and connect with the work.
Our swift and effective response to COVID-19 is proof that our active pathfinding approach coupled with the ‘gotong royong’ spirit can rise to the challenge.
Read: How we work with partners and volunteers to support communities during COVID-19.
The ‘#BYOBclean’ initiative was one of our first responses to this crisis to address the needs of many who were unable to purchase essentials like masks and hand sanitiser.
Growing from a small idea of providing for a localised community, it evolved into a nationwide movement where more than 20,000 volunteers from 80 organisations joined forces to provide hand sanitiser to over 600,000 households in just two weeks.
The community was spurred on to gather for a common goal of serving one another, and the smiles on everyone’s faces were a testament of the joy that comes from uniting for the good of others.
As the situation evolved and adapted, we piloted new initiatives like ‘StayMasked’ and installed table-top separators at F&B outlets to complement the nation’s continued efforts in protecting our community. The prompt response and creative solutions exemplify this spirit of active pathfinding, and we are committed to staying prepared in an ever-changing world.
In retrospect, the COVID-19 crisis presented us the opportunity to be of service to our communities in ways that had not been tested before.
At the end of the day, this is why we do what we do: Purpose, People, Planet.
We are driven by a strong purpose of doing good for people and the planet.
As we build on the good work that we have done over the years, we will continue to actively find new paths, build reliable systems that will outlast our time, and create a culture of ownership where people take the initiative to problem-solve for a better shared future.
Even though much of the work we do is invisible, we must never lose sight of its importance. What is essential is often unseen, but we can help to develop lenses so that more people can see, and connect with the work.
With this in mind, let us continue uncovering and anticipating the invisible needs, and making them visible.