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. 

Once completed in 2025, the expanded Temasek Shophouse will not only provide social entrepreneurs, charities, and ground-up initiatives with more space and resources, but will also push the boundaries of innovation and sustainability, says Ms. Yvonne Tay, General Manager of the social impact hub. 

The expansion will extend the old Temasek Shophouse into three adjacent shophouses, tripling the space housing Temasek’s philanthropic ecosystem. Now overseeing the meticulous restoration of these heritage buildings, Yvonne reflects on how her journey with the Temasek Shophouse first began with the question of how to do good while making a living.

"The vision is to create a hub that not only honours heritage and celebrates communities but also fosters a regenerative future."

— Yvonne Tay, Temasek Shophouse

Temasek Shophouse at Orchard Road (2019).

With the opening of the expanded Temasek Shophouse now slated for 2025, much of Yvonne's focus is on the restoration and developing future plans.

While acknowledging the high bar they have set for themselves, she is encouraged to note how the hub has evolved from a novel concept to a thriving ecosystem. ”To truly make a difference, impact should not just be for the present, but sustained for generations to come,” she says.

To read Yvonne’s and Temasek Shophouse’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 Shophouse is a social impact hub and home to the Temasek Trust ecosystem and like-minded co-working partners.

In December 2023, Temasek Shophouse held its "Lights Out Celebration" event before kicking off the expansion renovations. The event featured musicians from the Let’s Jam! inclusive music community, and a coffee appreciation workshop by social enterprise Foreword Coffee Roasters, one of Temasek Shophouse’s earliest co-working partners.

For updates on Temasek Shophouse, details on its reopening, and upcoming events, check out its Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and website.

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