Jean Tan
Executive Director
his year, as ASEAN turns 52, we continue to raise high the organisation’s banner of cooperative peace and shared prosperity.
With the rise of anti-globalisation sentiments and trade tensions, now is a crucial time for members of ASEAN to work closely in solving various issues. And it all starts with our future leaders.
Read how young talents from the region gathered to exchange ideas on everything from technological innovation to tackling transnational crime at two events held in Singapore – including SIF’s ASEAN Youth Fellowship.
This issue, we are honoured to speak with SIF’s Patron, President Halimah Yacob, who shares her perspectives on how cross-border social challenges can be addressed through concerted efforts to engage and collaborate with global communities. Reflecting upon her experiences in diplomacy, she provides insights on why global citizenry matters.
As 2018 drew to a close, nearly 200 nations signed a global action plan to limit climate change following two weeks of intensive talks in Poland. We’ve certainly made a step in the positive direction.
In line with fighting climate change in an increasingly urbanised world, one of the key ways to reduce carbon emissions is by growing the green building movement. Meet Singaporean architect Tai Lee Siang, the former chairman of the World Green Building Council, who shares his views on sustainable architecture.
We were also inspired by a group of social entrepreneurs who leverage on travel to generate positive impact in developing communities, and a social worker who helps transform the lives of young people through circus acts. Speaking of effecting positive change, the 2018/2019 edition of SIF’s Arts for Good Fellowship is in full swing, with 32 arts practitioners from 10 countries exchanging ideas on how to empower the lives of the young through the arts.
Last but not least, we celebrate our wonderful Singapore International Volunteers via a dedicated volunteer appreciation campaign, held in conjunction with International Volunteer Day (December 5). Read about how their time spent improving the lives of others around the region has helped them gain new cultural awareness and enriched their own lives.
Helen Keller once said: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” Her words resonate more than ever today. We hope that these stories will move you to join the efforts towards a better shared humanity in 2019.