As part of its 50th anniversary, Temasek is presenting 50 stories from its staff, alumni, and beneficiaries who have been a part of Temasek's journey.
When Mr. Benedict Cheong first proposed that philanthropy might benefit from having "performance indicators", he caused a stir.
It was this element of outcome-based, impact-focused philanthropy that he brought to the table as the first CEO of Temasek Foundation in 2007. That year, Temasek also launched its philanthropic arm, Temasek Trust, with Temasek Foundation as a beneficiary.
Having moved to Temasek Trust as its Chief Systems Integration Officer in November 2023, Benedict continues to advocate doing good while ensuring measurable outcomes.
Starting with an outcome in mind makes philanthropic dollars work harder – and have an enduring impact. Reflecting on the outcomes of Temasek Foundation’s programmes, Benedict says the idea is to put in place something that “multiplies” even after the programmes have officially concluded.
“You can’t sustain the same model forever, but you can get three to five years of impact,” he notes.
In a career spanning 16 years, he witnessed Temasek Foundation tackle challenges of increasing complexity and scale, while ensuring its responses drove towards a better future. Looking back on his 16-year journey with Temasek Foundation, Benedict says that it has been one of growth and fulfilment.
"I met different people in different places, but every institution, official, and leader I met wanted something better for their communities — if not immediately, then for the next generation. This is something we all have in common."
— Benedict Cheong
To read Benedict's full story, click here. Find out more about the individuals, initiatives, and pivotal moments that have shaped Temasek, in its 50 By Fifty series.
As Temasek’s philanthropic arm, Temasek Trust is a steward of philanthropic assets, advocate of sustainability, and catalyst of positive impact. Temasek Foundation, part of the Temasek Trust ecosystem, supports a diverse range of programmes that uplift lives and communities in Singapore and beyond.
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