The support of Temasek Trust and its ecosystem reflects an ongoing commitment to amplifying Asian changemakers, innovators, and impact solutions on the global stage.

Singapore & Cape Town, 4 November 2024 – Temasek Trust, a Founding Partner of The Earthshot Prize (TEP), and its ecosystem entities – Temasek Foundation, Mandai Nature, Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, Temasek Shophouse, and Co-Axis – are championing climate changemakers and innovators in the lead-up to and at TEP’s Earthshot Week in Cape Town, South Africa, from 4 to 7 November. The week will spotlight groundbreaking environmental solutions to a global audience, bringing together leading innovators, investors, and philanthropists to accelerate action in restoring and protecting our planet.    

“Our partnership with The Earthshot Prize underscores our shared urgency to accelerate scalable climate solutions and empower the next generation of leaders to shape a sustainable future,” said Ms. Jennifer Lewis, Lead, Advocacy and Partnerships, Temasek Trust. “Asia sits at the heart of the climate challenge, and the Temasek Trust ecosystem is committed to backing bold innovators, changemakers, and transformative solutions that drive impact in Asia for the benefit of the world."

TEP Asia Youth Leaders Programme: Empowering Asia’s Next Generation of Climate Leaders

Temasek Foundation and TPC (Tsao Pao Chee) – member of the Philanthropy Asia Alliance – are bringing together 20 Asian youth climate changemakers for the TEP Asia Youth Leaders Programme. Organised by Common Purpose, this 7-day programme aims to equip participants with skills in leadership development, sustainability practices, storytelling, and critical thinking, while connecting them to a global community that will provide them with the guidance and resources to take meaningful climate action.  

“At Temasek Foundation, we are dedicated to empowering youths from Asia to do more for their communities. We are excited to provide them with this opportunity to gain international exposure through The Earthshot Prize Asia Youth Leaders Programme and look forward to seeing these youths learn and grow. We hope that this valuable experience will equip them to become stronger sustainability advocates, making meaningful impact in their communities and beyond,” shared Ms Tan Shin Gee, Senior Director, Temasek Foundation.

Mr Loh Niap Juan, Group Chief Corporate Officer, TPC, said, “We believe that true progress lies in bold creativity and collective responsibility. This partnership with The Earthshot Prize reflects TPC’s commitment to empowering solutions that can regenerate the Earth and inspire lasting environmental stewardship. We are proud to support this groundbreaking initiative to inspire innovation and mobilise global efforts toward building a well-being economy that prioritises both planetary health and life’s flourishing.”

Selected based on their experience in championing eco-innovation and action, the climate changemakers kickstarted their programme on 31 October in Singapore. They participated in immersion programmes led by Temasek Trust ecosystem entities: Mandai Nature hosted the changemakers at Bird Paradise, Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory at its research facilities, and Temasek Shophouse at its School of Tomorrow sustainability exhibition. 

On 4 November, they join 100 other TEP Youth Programme participants from across Africa in Cape Town, where they will attend workshops on leadership development, creative problem-solving, and storytelling for impact. They will engage with and hear from industry leaders and pioneers in sustainability such as Adirupa Sengupta, Group Chief Executive at Common Purpose Charitable Trust; Wanjira Mathai, Managing Director for Africa and Global Partnerships at the World Resources Institute (WRI); Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, President of the Association for Indigenous Women and Peoples of Chad (AFPAT), among others. Participants will also get to explore career opportunities in green industries and expand their professional networks within the climate action community.   

The climate changemakers will also participate in key Earthshot Week highlights such as Earthshot+, where high-level advocates in the global climate movement will come together for a day of impactful conversations and announcements; and the Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony where five winners will be awarded £1 million each to catalyse their groundbreaking innovations to protect and restore our planet.

Amplifying Asia on the Global Stage 

Asia accounts for over half of the world’s population and carbon emissions, with temperatures projected to rise twice as fast as the global average. Additionally, an estimated 42% of Southeast Asian species are at risk of extinction by the century's end.

As one of the regions most vulnerable to climate change, Asia's innovations and leaders are vital to developing effective solutions for a sustainable future.

In addition to the TEP Asia Youth Programme, Co-Axis, a digital impact marketplace with about 100 impact projects from over 40 countries, participated in a fundraising masterclass for the 15 TEP finalists from six continents in the lead-up to Earthshot Week. 

The support of Temasek Trust, which became a TEP Founding Partner in November 2023, and its ecosystem entities for Earthshot Week reflects an ongoing commitment to amplifying Asian changemakers, innovators, and impact solutions on the global stage. 

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About Temasek Trust

Temasek Trust, established by Temasek Holdings, is a steward of philanthropic assets, advocate of sustainability and catalyst of positive impact. It provides governance and financial oversight of endowments for an ecosystem of entities with the shared purpose of building better for every generation by protecting the planet, uplifting communities, connecting people, and advancing capabilities. In forging new pathways for philanthropy and impact investing with like-minded partners, Temasek Trust aims to promote catalytic philanthropy as a force for good. For more information, visit www.temasektrust.org.sg. 

About Temasek Foundation

Temasek Foundation supports a diverse range of programmes that uplift lives and communities in Singapore and Asia. Temasek Foundation’s programmes are made possible through philanthropic endowments gifted by Temasek, as well as gifts and other contributions from other donors. These programmes strive to deliver positive outcomes for individuals and communities now, and for generations to come. Collectively, Temasek Foundation’s programmes strengthen social resilience; foster international exchange and catalyse regional capabilities; advance science; and protect the planet. For more information, visit www.temasekfoundation.org.sg.

About TPC (Tsao Pao Chee)

TPC (Tsao Pao Chee) is a fourth-generation family business holding company headquartered in Singapore that is committed to empowering the well-being economy. TPC does this by supporting global connectivity and resilience through its supply chain and logistics activities, and well-being-focused activities aimed at fostering individual and collective growth. TPC’s purpose-driven well-being business ecosystem comprises IMC Industrial, OCTAVE, and multiple non-profit organisations, including Octave Institute, No.17 Foundation and Restore Nature Foundation, operating in unity to add value to life.

Media Contacts

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Temasek Foundation
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Tsao Pao Chee
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