(Left: Ms Cheo Hock Kuan, CEO of Temasek Trust, delivering the welcome address; Right: Mr Dilhan Pillay Sandrasegara, CEO of Temasek International, delivering the keynote address.)

The annual Temasek Trust Conversation was held on 29 October 2019 at Shangri-La Hotel Singapore. The first of a multi-year conversation series themed “New Pathways of Philanthropy”, this year’s Conversation featured discussions of new pathways such as technology and social innovation, social enterprises and impact investing.

In her welcome address, Ms Cheo Hock Kuan, CEO of Temasek Trust, set the tone for the inaugural Conversation on “New Pathways of Philanthropy”. She highlighted the need for the new series of conversations in order to keep up with the highly versatile nature of philanthropy, which has resulted in the emergence of new philanthropic pathways over time. The formation of the new pathways is influenced by the contributions of different stakeholders, each with their unique convictions, capabilities and experiences. It is critical for corporates to scrutinise and explore these new pathways in order to remain relevant in the ever-evolving landscape of giving.

Following the welcome, Mr Dilhan Pillay Sandrasegara, CEO of Temasek International, delivered the keynote address where he touched on the new pathways Temasek is forging to generate greater social good. Temasek has identified six trends relevant to the context of investing that will converge doing right with doing good and doing well. Three of these trends — longer lifespans, rising affluence and sustainable living — deal with social progress, while the other three trends — a more connected world, the sharing economy that looks at resource efficiency and smarter systems — focus on technology enablers.

He also advocated the need for all businesses, not only those in the philanthropic sector, to generate greater social good. Discerning stakeholders increasingly expect organisations to serve a broader social purpose, including the interests of their employees, customers, and more importantly, the communities in which they operate. Doing good for the community is no longer a by-product or a consequence of businesses. Today, new pathways of philanthropy are more crucial than ever to address the constantly evolving needs and demands of society.

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About Temasek Trust Conversation

Temasek Trust Conversation is one of Asia’s philanthropic-focused conferences to facilitate dialogue and insightful panel discussions among experienced practitioners and thought-leaders on today’s giving landscape. Organised by Temasek Trust, the Temasek Trust Conversation is a signature event held annually to inspire and enable giving.