Gates Foundation sets up SG office to deepen SEA ties

The Gates Foundation is opening an office in Singapore. With its Singapore office, the foundation aims to expand its partnerships with governments, philanthropies and institutions across Southeast Asia, as part of its global mission to improve health and development outcomes.

The move, supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), will serve as a strategic base for the foundation to accelerate progress towards achieving the sustainable development goals, particularly in healthcare, fintech and AI. 

Hari Menon, director for South and Southeast Asia at the Gates Foundation, said the new office marks a key milestone in the organisation’s regional strategy.

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“As the Gates Foundation marks 25 years, we’re excited to strengthen our presence in Southeast Asia through Singapore. Singapore’s leadership in innovation and philanthropy makes it an ideal hub to help scale solutions that improve lives across the region and beyond," said Menon. 

EDB managing director Jermaine Loy said the Foundation’s move underscores Singapore’s position as a launchpad for impact.

“We look forward to partnering with the Gates Foundation to scale impactful solutions across Southeast Asia and beyond, tapping on Singapore’s status as a hub for innovation," said Loy. 

"Singapore’s strategic location and research ecosystem makes it a strong platform for advancing healthcare, fintech and AI innovations that can deliver meaningful impact across the region and the world," Loy added. 

In a LinkedIn post, Singapore prime minister Lawrence Wong said that the nation looks forward to working closely with the Gates Foundation to advance innovation and improves lives in Asia and around the world. 

We had a wide-ranging conversation on the challenges ahead, from clean energy to vaccine development. Singapore looks forward to working closely with the Gates Foundation to advance innovation and improve lives — here in Asia and around the world.

The Foundation has long supported initiatives in Southeast Asia, including efforts to strengthen primary healthcare systems, expand access to digital financial services, and improve gender equity.

Most recently in October 2023, a grant of approximately US$1.69 million was awarded to the Asosiasi FinTech Indonesia to develop a robust fintech policy and regulatory environment.

The initiative aimed to increase the reach of safe, appropriate financial services products to women, the poor, and small firms.

Photo courtesy Lawrence Wong, LinkedIn.

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