We also speak with Yeo Kirk Siang, heritage and research director of the National Heritage Board, who became the first Singaporean to be appointed to the Unesco’s 12-member Intangible Cultural Heritage evaluation panel. In an exclusive interview, he describes his experience and what he hopes to bring to the table. Hear also from local boy Kenneth Foong, the first Asian-born chef to helm the kitchen of Noma, a Michelin-starred Danish institution in Copenhagen that has been named the World’s Best restaurant four times.

With cultural institutions leveraging technology to connect with global audiences, find out how the SIF’s Arts for Good programme alumni have similarly embarked on a series of online projects to empower marginalised communities. Our flagship Young Social Entrepreneurs programme too, went completely digital for the first time – in a bid to continue providing budding changemakers with the connections and know-how to grow their social businesses.

Amid the ongoing pandemic, we are heartened to see public spiritedness thrive. Meet the husband-and-wife team from Singapore who offer humanitarian assistance in Africa by building schools, and our Citizen Ambassador Dr Wu Huei Yaw, who works with Chinese medical professionals to build capacity in Yunnan’s fledging palliative care sector. The SIF’s digital storytelling platform, Our Better World, continues to tell inspiring stories of human fortitude. Read about a survivor of child sexual abuse in India, who today runs a non-governmental organisation to mobilise action against the societal ill, and a Singaporean outfit that provides support to the caregivers of mental health patients.

As we move steadily towards a New Normal, we hope these stories will inspire you to join us in building a better world.