Jean Tan
Executive Director

Over the years, our emphasis on maintaining good relations with our regional neighbours and beyond has led us to actively engage with the international community and share resources, skills and knowledge for mutual progress. We look at some of the key developments in Singapore’s collaborative history that have enabled us to grow and make a positive difference to others in return.

With changing political currents in the world and looming trade tensions, the importance of cross-collaborative relations and good diplomacy among countries becomes all the more important. Our interview with academic Dr Tan Tai Yong sheds light on Singapore’s relentless quest to reach out to the international community – to learn, share and find other ways to work together for the greater good. He also highlights that it’s essential to focus not only on our similarities but also the differences – and embracing them.

We are committed to our pledge for a better world and reached out to fellow Singaporeans and friends to do likewise at our inaugural Bazaar for Good. Aspiring changemakers joined us to also celebrate our Young Social Entrepreneurs programme’s 10th year. With extensive mentorship and support, this programme that prides itself on a network of more than 1,000 changemakers continues to turn good ideas into sustainable businesses. In this issue, we share the successful journeys of three such social entrepreneurs.

While the Singapore International Foundation’s palliative care initiative has expanded to Yunnan, China, other Singaporeans are lending a helping hand in India, Cambodia and Myanmar. And on home turf, discerning Singaporeans are initiating dialogues on vital issues such as religion and migration – pertinent topics that mirror contemporary society’s milieu – and winning accolades for their work. On the flipside, we see members of the international community – such as American Adan Jimenez, co-author of the locally founded Sherlock Sam series of children’s books – who have made the Lion City their home, establish cultural links with its people in a myriad of ways.

Singapore continues to envision a better and more inclusive world for everyone. We hope that these inspiring stories will spur you to join the movement.