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Tatler Asia
06-05-2025
- Health
- Tatler Asia
Bill Gates to open Gates Foundation office in Singapore
That same focus carried through to the wider PAS programme. This year, the Philanthropy Asia Alliance launched two new Communities of Action: one tackling non-communicable diseases, the other advancing a just energy transition in Asia. The health-focused initiative, Health for Healthy People (HHP), brings together regional partners to address preventable deaths in Southeast Asia, particularly in maternal, newborn, and child health and nutrition (MNCHN), alongside infectious disease. The Gates Foundation is among the founding leads. It's a move that reinforces the Foundation's decision to open an office in Singapore. Alongside partners like the Institute of Philanthropy, Quantedge Advancement Initiative, Tanoto Foundation, and Temasek Foundation, it is helping to shape a coordinated regional approach to healthcare grounded in shared infrastructure, pooled resources, and scalable impact. Director for South & Southeast Asia at the Foundation Hari Menon said: 'As the Gates Foundation marks 25 years of working to advance health and equity around the world, we are reminded that lasting progress is only possible through strong partnerships.' The takeaway was clear: Singapore, and the region around it, isn't just where solutions are being applied but also where they're being built. NOW READ Live and learn: Wealth managers Anthonia Hui and Leonardo Drago on the experiences that guide their wealth management and philanthropy Philanthropy Asia Alliance CEO Lim Seok Hui on the importance of multi-sector partnerships in philanthropy Dawn Chan of the Centre for Impact Investing and Practices (CIIP) shares how its Amplifier programme guides high-impact startups
Associated Press
06-05-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Philanthropy Asia Alliance Launches Two New Communities to Tackle Health Challenges and Accelerate Asia's Just Energy Transition
SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 5 May 2025 - The Philanthropy Asia Alliance (PAA) today announced the launch of two new Communities – the Health for Human Potential (HHP) Community and the Just Energy Transition (JET) Community – at the Philanthropy Asia Summit 2025. These Communities build on PAA's ongoing efforts to convene stakeholders around shared challenges and to explore promising pathways for philanthropic collaboration, applying a systems lens to drive scalable solutions in energy, health, and education. Each Community is helmed by Community Leads – PAA members – who will actively shape, fund and advance each Community's work together with PAA. The Community Leads for each Community are listed in the next two sections. Developed with PAA members and launched in 2024, the Communities initiative brings together funders, practitioners, and ecosystem partners to collaborate on shared missions and collectively fund high-impact, PAA-evaluated projects. The first three Communities introduced at last year's Summit were Blue Oceans, Sustainable Land Use, and Holistic & Inclusive Education. Since their launch, the first three Communities have forged various pathways, from peer learning and exchange of expertise to piloting collaborative projects. 'The Communities initiative was born from a simple idea: that we can do more, and do better, when we act together,' said Mr Shaun Seow, Chief Executive Officer, Philanthropy Asia Alliance. 'Tackling complex challenges across health, energy, or education calls for differentiated approaches. To drive deep impact, it is critical for PAA to provide focused platforms for collaboration, apart from industry convenings such as the Philanthropy Asia Summit. The two new Communities are another step forward in that direction. We are grateful to all our Community Leads for their commitment, partnership, and belief in our collective impact.' Health for Human Potential (HHP) Community: Tackling Asia's Health Challenges with Ambition and Urgency PAA has launched the HHP Community with two objectives: to reduce preventable deaths and disease burdens across Southeast Asia, focusing on maternal, newborn, and child health and nutrition (MNCHN), as well as to tackle infectious diseases. The initial leads of the Health for HHP Community are the Gates Foundation, Institute of Philanthropy, Quantedge Advancement Initiative, Tanoto Foundation, and Temasek Foundation. Together, they are catalysing a bold ambition to drive lasting improvements in health across Asia. To kickstart efforts, the HHP Community Leads and the Philanthropy Asia Alliance will commit catalytic funding towards a portfolio of projects. With an initial funding target of US$100 million by 2030, the Community aims not only to deliver impact but also to strengthen the broader giving ecosystem by welcoming new partners and building a sustained, long-term coalition committed to improving health outcomes in the region. Discussions with other partners are ongoing and more are expected to join in coming months. The HHP Community will drive impact across the health innovation and delivery continuum by advancing affordable health solutions, strengthening health systems, promoting cross-sector collaboration, and integrating digital and AI tools into solutions that align with national health priorities. Efforts will initially focus on Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam – Southeast Asia's most populous countries – where important gains have been made but further progress is needed to achieve Sustainable Development Goals related to MNCHN and infectious diseases, including tuberculosis and malaria. Just Energy Transition Community: Catalysing Philanthropic Action for a Clean and Inclusive Energy Future Co-led with members including Tara Climate Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and other philanthropic organisations, PAA has also launched the Just Energy Transition (JET) Community to galvanise philanthropic leadership and accelerate Asia's shift towards clean, inclusive, and people-centred energy solutions. Despite being home to over half the world's population and accounting for more than 50% of global energy consumption[1], Asia receives disproportionately lower philanthropic support for its critical energy transition. Between 2019 and 2023, just 20% of philanthropic funding reached Asia, Africa, and Latin America combined, while nearly 60% flowed to the U.S. and Europe[2]. The JET Community seeks to close this gap, serving as a collaboration platform for philanthropic organisations to support clean energy initiatives that protect the environment, improve livelihoods, and support a better future for millions across the region. It will create space for funders, governments, industry, and local communities to work together and share ideas, build meaningful partnerships, and co-develop initiatives around job creation, workforce reskilling, better health outcomes, and stronger, more resilient communities. Refer to the Appendix for quotes from the HHP and JET Community Leads. Scaling Collective Impact: A Systems Approach At the Philanthropy Asia Summit 2025, both Communities will host kick-off sessions to engage like-minded partners and catalyse collaboration around shared goals. These sessions will mark the start of co-developing each Community's Collective Impact Framework – a strategic blueprint that defines a common mission, scopes the challenge, and sets clear metrics and timelines for progress. The Communities will also bring together researchers, industry groups, thought leaders, and programme experts — including Temasek Foundation, which brings 18 years of experience piloting and catalysing innovative solutions and programmes with partners in Asia and beyond. Temasek Trust will support the Communities in applying a systems thinking approach to impact design and measurement. [1] Source: World Economic Forum [2] Source: ClimateWorks Funding Trends 2024 Report APPENDIX Quote Sheet The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Philanthropy Asia Alliance Philanthropy Asia Alliance (PAA) is a Temasek Trust initiative dedicated to catalysing collaborative philanthropy in Asia through dynamic multi-sector partnerships. By harnessing collective strengths, PAA multiplies impact, accelerates positive change, and takes urgent action to address the pressing environmental and social challenges of our time. PAA's flagship programme is the annual Philanthropy Asia Summit. For more information, visit
Straits Times
05-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Asia remains underfunded in climate finance but philanthropic funding can help plug gaps: Ravi Menon
Singapore's ambassador for climate action Ravi Menon speaking at the Philanthropy Asia Summit on May 5. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG Asia remains underfunded in climate finance but philanthropic funding can help plug gaps: Ravi Menon SINGAPORE - Asia is where the climate change fight will be won or lost, yet the region remains severely underfunded in terms of cutting emissions and building resilience, said Singapore's ambassador for climate action Ravi Menon on May 5. Speaking at the Philanthropy Asia Summit convened by Temasek Trust's Philanthropy Asia Alliance , Mr Menon said philanthropic funding can help to plug these gaps. Asia accounts for half of the global emissions, he said, adding that some 90 per cent of the world's future growth in energy demand will come from Asia. Yet, globally, less than two per cent of philanthropic giving goes towards preventing climate change. Of this, only 12 per cent goes to Asia, he said. 'Without decarbonising Asia, the world will not reach net zero,' he added. 'This is a time for philanthropy to play a larger role in driving climate action in Asia. Public funding is willing but insufficient while private funding is ample but unwilling to commit due to high risks, said the former chief of Singapore's central bank. Philanthropic funding can help to de-risk projects so private sector capital can be crowded in, he added. Mr Menon noted that decarbonisation projects are often capital-intensive and require large investments. Philanthropic capital is considered 'catalytic' as it is willing to accept lower returns, even losses, and can thus help to reduce risk borne by commercial entities. For philanthropies, tapping funding instruments such as blended finance schemes can also maximise the impact of their contributions, compared with giving grants, Mr Menon added. Blended finance refers to using public and philanthropic funding support to make it easier for private funding to come on board. An example of blended finance initiative is the Financing Asia's Transition Partnership (Fast-P) launched by Singapore in 2023 to raise up to US$5 billion (S$6.45 billion) to address the financing gap in green projects in Asia. This could include the early phase-out of coal power plants and the upgrading of electricity grid infrastructure. Fast-P involves the Monetary Authority of Singapore, multilateral development banks and philanthropic organisations, among others. With many parts of South-east Asia lacking sufficient climate data - which hinders efforts to cut emissions or prepare for climate impacts - philanthropies can also fund data collection, enhance access and build local capacity in data analysis, said Mr Menon. And given that the transition to a lower-carbon economy will disrupt communities and livelihoods, philanthropies can also help communities by reskilling workers and empowering communities. 'Amid the growing risks to lives and livelihoods from the climate crisis, we need philanthropy to help communities adapt and thrive,' he added. Decarbonisation activities entails changes in long-standing economic activities, and could involve changing agricultural practices or phasing out fossil fuels in power generation. In a separate dialogue at the event with Gates Foundation chairman Bill Gates, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam said philanthropy can also help boost innovation. For example, it can help to revolutionise food systems. Mr Shanmugaratnam said food demand will continue to go up. But supply would be constrained given agriculture's impacts on climate change. 'We have reached the limits of our produced food… both by ordinary, small farmers as well as industrial agriculture. We reached the limits because it is too large a source of greenhouse gas emissions. We can't keep encroaching into natural forests and other natural ecosystems,' he said. Gates Foundation chairman Bill Gates (left) and President Tharman Shanmugaratnam participating in a dialogue at the Philanthropy Asia Summit on May 5. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG One example he noted is an initiative by Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory to reduce methane emissions, conserve water and increase yields in rice production, so that this staple can be grown more sustainably. Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas with greater warming potential than carbon dioxide. The role of philanthropies in helping to narrow the funding gap for many pressing issues – such as climate change and public health – is gaining traction amid growing recognition that governmental funding alone will not be able to address these issues. During the dialogue, Mr Gates said his Foundation is setting up an office in Singapore, to access the science and research being done here, and to partner with the philanthropic community. 'Both (Gates Foundation and Breakthrough Energy) are very excited about what's going on in Singapore,' he said. Breakthrough Energy is an umbrella group for energy and environmental efforts founded by Mr Gates. It aims to accelerate innovation in sustainable energy and in other technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Economic Development Board said in a separate statement that the establishment of a Singapore presence reflects the Gates Foundation's broader commitment to working alongside countries and partners to help more people live healthy and productive lives, and to accelerate progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
The Sun
05-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
New Report Calls for Collective Action to Combat Asia's Growing Antimicrobial Resistance Threat
•The Centre for Impact Investing and Practices and the World Economic Forum's GAEA (Giving to Amplify Earth Action) initiative, supported by the Philanthropy Asia Alliance, have released a study urging cross-sector investment to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Asia. •AMR could cost Asia up to US$700 billion by 2050 and surpass cancer as the world's leading cause of death. •Report outlines four high-impact intervention areas – from education and prevention to surveillance and treatment – to guide funders and partners. SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 5 May 2025 - The Centre for Impact Investing and Practices (CIIP) and the World Economic Forum's GAEA (Giving to Amplify Earth Action) initiative, supported by the Philanthropy Asia Alliance (PAA), today launched the report — Targeted Action and Financing the Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance in Asia. The report underscores the urgent threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Asia and outlines four key areas where cross-sector funders can drive meaningful impact. It draws on insights from 15 case studies and examples of funding mechanisms, and contributions from 26 organisations, including international organisations, corporations, philanthropic funders, public institutions, and solution providers. Often called the silent pandemic, AMR was linked to 4.7 million deaths annually in 2021.[1] It is estimated to become the leading cause of death by 2050, claiming more than 8 million lives[2] and surpassing cancer[3]. Beyond human health, AMR threatens global food systems by reducing global livestock production and polluting waterways. Tackling this growing crisis requires a unified, whole-of-ecosystem approach. 'Antimicrobial resistance is a mounting crisis that threatens to reverse decades of medical progress, with Asia at the epicenter of this challenge. We have identified clear needs, but no single organisation can tackle this alone and substantial philanthropic and catalytic funding is required. It demands all actors — across sectors and borders — to step up, pool resources, and collaborate. Together, we hope that through active partnerships, we can build a future where effective treatments remain within everyone's reach,' said Ms. Dawn Chan, Chief Executive Officer, CIIP. 'The Davos Compact on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), launched earlier in January this year, seeks to mobilise public-private-philanthropic, cross sectoral collaboration to reduce the global and increasing threat of AMR. This report builds on the Davos Compact, highlighting practical, high impact interventions where catalytic investments can help safeguard health and well-being, reducing risks and deaths associated with AMR,' said Ms. Gim Huay Neo, Managing Director, Member of the Managing Board, World Economic Forum. Asia: A Crucible for the Multifaceted AMR Challenge Globally, nearly one in five AMR-related deaths occur in children under five[4], and two in three in adults over 65[5]. However, Asia bears the brunt of the disease incidence, accounting for more than half of the 4.71 million deaths worldwide associated with AMR in 2021[6]. Rising temperatures and extreme weather events are accelerating bacterial growth and disease transmission, while disrupting healthcare and immunisation services – particularly in regions with inadequate healthcare infrastructure and sanitation. These climate-related pressures are also driving the increased use of antimicrobials in livestock and crops, contaminating freshwater sources and fuelling drug resistance. In Asia Pacific alone, AMR-related costs are projected to reach up to US$700 billion by 2050, accounting for up to 1% of the region's GDP[7]. However, timely investment in AMR solutions could generate US$10–15 billion in annual healthcare savings, and cut annual socio-economic costs by up to US$40 billion for Asia Pacific within the next decade.[8] Tackling AMR is essential for health security, as well as ensuring long-term economic resilience and sustainable development. A Unified Approach to Antimicrobial Development and Use Despite research advancements, market and policy gaps make it challenging to bring new drugs to patients as the costs involved in development and regulatory approval tend to outweigh the immediate returns upon product launch. A One Health approach — one that recognises the interconnectedness and interdependence across humans, animals, plants, and the wider environment — is essential to tackle AMR sustainably. While new therapeutics such as drugs and vaccines can take 10 to 15 years to develop and launch to market[9] (a marathon), immediate and practical interventions (sprints) are needed to curb resistance today and pave the way for long-term solutions. The report thus proposes interventions in four areas: •Sprint 1: Educate – Improving knowledge and behaviour by strengthening awareness of AMR among clinicians, patients, and farmers; emphasising the importance of avoiding the overuse or abuse of antimicrobials; as well as introducing strategies to prevent infections in the first place. •Sprint 2: Prevent – Strengthening health systems and services by boosting preventive measures such as improving diagnostic capabilities and investing in better water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) measures. •Sprint 3: Monitor – Enhancing regional surveillance, and data collection and sharing between actors, especially in lower-income countries. •Marathon: Treat – Investing in research and development for new antimicrobials, and increasing access to novel and essential medicines. Financing AMR Solutions At Every Stage Private funders, impact investors, and philanthropists have a vital role to play in closing critical gaps – particularly in late-stage drug development, where funding is scarce. By pooling resources, funders can help bring life-saving treatments to market, strengthen the antibiotic pipeline, and build more sustainable and widespread access to essential medicines. 'This report is a catalyst for deeper involvement from all sectors — philanthropic, public, and private. It highlights the scale of the AMR threat and the opportunity for collective action. We are encouraged by the ongoing work of organisations – including PAA members like the Gates Foundation, Wellcome Trust, and Novo Nordisk Foundation – in driving AMR research and greater access to affordable solutions. Now is the time for more partners to come together, pool resources, and support high-impact solutions that safeguard health and resilience across Asia and beyond,' said Mr. Shaun Seow, Chief Executive Officer, PAA. The AMR threat demands urgent, coordinated, and sustained action across healthcare, agriculture, and food systems to protect communities in Asia. [1] Naghavi, M., Vollset, S. E., Ikuta, K. S. et al. (2024). Global burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance 1990–2021: a systematic analysis with forecasts to 2050. The Lancet, Volume 404, Issue 10459, p1199-1226. [2] Naghavi, M., Vollset, S. E., Ikuta, K. S. et al. (2024). Global burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance 1990–2021: a systematic analysis with forecasts to 2050. The Lancet, Volume 404, Issue 10459, p1199-1226. [3] Gavi (2022). Antimicrobial resistance now causes more deaths than HIV/AIDS and malaria worldwide – new study. 20 January 2022. Available at: [4] Antimicrobial Resistance Collaborators. (2022). Global burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance in 2019: a systematic analysis. The Lancet, Volume 399, Issue 10325, p629-655. [5] Naghavi, M., Vollset, S. E., Ikuta, K. S. et al. (2024). Global burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance 1990–2021: a systematic analysis with forecasts to 2050. The Lancet, Volume 404, Issue 10459, p1199-1226. [6] Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). (2024). The Lancet: More than 39 million deaths from antibiotic-resistant infections estimated between now and 2050, suggests first global analysis. [7] L.E.K. Consulting (2021) Asia-Pacific in the Eye of AMR Storm: Nurturing Innovation To Fight Antimicrobial Resistance. [8] L.E.K. (2021). Asia-Pacific in the Eye of AMR Storm: Nurturing Innovation To Fight Antimicrobial Resistance. [9] Derep, M. (2022). What's the average time to bring a drug to market in 2022? N-Side. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
The Sun
05-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Philanthropy Asia Alliance Launches Two New Communities to Tackle Health Challenges and Accelerate Asia's Just Energy Transition
•The Health for Human Potential Community will address maternal and child health as well as infectious diseases, while the Just Energy Transition Community will focus on closing energy transition gaps. •The Health for Human Potential Community aims to mobilise over US$100 million in catalytic philanthropic funding by 2030 •PAA's Communities initiative continues to foster deeper collaboration within philanthropic ecosystem SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 5 May 2025 - The Philanthropy Asia Alliance (PAA) today announced the launch of two new Communities – the Health for Human Potential (HHP) Community and the Just Energy Transition (JET) Community – at the Philanthropy Asia Summit 2025. These Communities build on PAA's ongoing efforts to convene stakeholders around shared challenges and to explore promising pathways for philanthropic collaboration, applying a systems lens to drive scalable solutions in energy, health, and education. Each Community is helmed by Community Leads – PAA members – who will actively shape, fund and advance each Community's work together with PAA. The Community Leads for each Community are listed in the next two sections. Developed with PAA members and launched in 2024, the Communities initiative brings together funders, practitioners, and ecosystem partners to collaborate on shared missions and collectively fund high-impact, PAA-evaluated projects. The first three Communities introduced at last year's Summit were Blue Oceans, Sustainable Land Use, and Holistic & Inclusive Education. Since their launch, the first three Communities have forged various pathways, from peer learning and exchange of expertise to piloting collaborative projects. 'The Communities initiative was born from a simple idea: that we can do more, and do better, when we act together,' said Mr Shaun Seow, Chief Executive Officer, Philanthropy Asia Alliance. 'Tackling complex challenges across health, energy, or education calls for differentiated approaches. To drive deep impact, it is critical for PAA to provide focused platforms for collaboration, apart from industry convenings such as the Philanthropy Asia Summit. The two new Communities are another step forward in that direction. We are grateful to all our Community Leads for their commitment, partnership, and belief in our collective impact.' Health for Human Potential (HHP) Community: Tackling Asia's Health Challenges with Ambition and Urgency PAA has launched the HHP Community with two objectives: to reduce preventable deaths and disease burdens across Southeast Asia, focusing on maternal, newborn, and child health and nutrition (MNCHN), as well as to tackle infectious diseases. The initial leads of the Health for HHP Community are the Gates Foundation, Institute of Philanthropy, Quantedge Advancement Initiative, Tanoto Foundation, and Temasek Foundation. Together, they are catalysing a bold ambition to drive lasting improvements in health across Asia. To kickstart efforts, the HHP Community Leads and the Philanthropy Asia Alliance will commit catalytic funding towards a portfolio of projects. With an initial funding target of US$100 million by 2030, the Community aims not only to deliver impact but also to strengthen the broader giving ecosystem by welcoming new partners and building a sustained, long-term coalition committed to improving health outcomes in the region. Discussions with other partners are ongoing and more are expected to join in coming months. The HHP Community will drive impact across the health innovation and delivery continuum by advancing affordable health solutions, strengthening health systems, promoting cross-sector collaboration, and integrating digital and AI tools into solutions that align with national health priorities. Efforts will initially focus on Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam – Southeast Asia's most populous countries – where important gains have been made but further progress is needed to achieve Sustainable Development Goals related to MNCHN and infectious diseases, including tuberculosis and malaria. Just Energy Transition Community: Catalysing Philanthropic Action for a Clean and Inclusive Energy Future Co-led with members including Tara Climate Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and other philanthropic organisations, PAA has also launched the Just Energy Transition (JET) Community to galvanise philanthropic leadership and accelerate Asia's shift towards clean, inclusive, and people-centred energy solutions. Despite being home to over half the world's population and accounting for more than 50% of global energy consumption[1], Asia receives disproportionately lower philanthropic support for its critical energy transition. Between 2019 and 2023, just 20% of philanthropic funding reached Asia, Africa, and Latin America combined, while nearly 60% flowed to the U.S. and Europe[2]. The JET Community seeks to close this gap, serving as a collaboration platform for philanthropic organisations to support clean energy initiatives that protect the environment, improve livelihoods, and support a better future for millions across the region. It will create space for funders, governments, industry, and local communities to work together and share ideas, build meaningful partnerships, and co-develop initiatives around job creation, workforce reskilling, better health outcomes, and stronger, more resilient communities. Refer to the Appendix for quotes from the HHP and JET Community Leads. Scaling Collective Impact: A Systems Approach At the Philanthropy Asia Summit 2025, both Communities will host kick-off sessions to engage like-minded partners and catalyse collaboration around shared goals. These sessions will mark the start of co-developing each Community's Collective Impact Framework – a strategic blueprint that defines a common mission, scopes the challenge, and sets clear metrics and timelines for progress. The Communities will also bring together researchers, industry groups, thought leaders, and programme experts — including Temasek Foundation, which brings 18 years of experience piloting and catalysing innovative solutions and programmes with partners in Asia and beyond. Temasek Trust will support the Communities in applying a systems thinking approach to impact design and measurement. APPENDIX Quote Sheet
