Across Asia, a new generation of changemakers is stepping up for the planet. This year, Temasek Foundation and TPC (Tsao Pao Chee) — a Philanthropy Asia Alliance member — continued to champion their efforts through the TEP Asia Youth Leaders Programme. Organised by Common Purpose, the initiative empowers young climate leaders to learn, collaborate, and bring their ideas to the global stage. 

Nurturing the Next Generation of Climate Leaders

Held in Singapore from 29-31 October, the 2025 edition convened 15 youth leaders tackling environmental challenges in their communities. 

Over three days, participants embarked on immersive learning journeys — diving into heritage and placemaking at Temasek Shophouse, exploring marine conservation at St John’s Island National Marine Laboratory, and learning about sustainable innovation at the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center.

At Temasek Shophouse, the youth reflected on their climate leadership journeys and participated in a storytelling workshop to sharpen their communication skills, equipping them to grow their impact more effectively. 

The programme also included a lively fireside chat, where Ms. Sarah Cragg, Head of Asia Pacific at The Earthshot Prize (TEP), Mr. Tan Yock Han, an alum of the 2024 Asia Youth Leaders Programme, and Mr. Wang Wei Jan of digital impact marketplace Co-Axis shared candid advice on forging meaningful networks and making the most of the upcoming Rio experience.  

Speakers and partners from across the Temasek Trust ecosystem sharing insights with the youth leaders. Clockwise from top left: Ms. Tan Shin Gee (Temasek Foundation), Ms. Tess Chia (Temasek Trust), Ms. Ruth Song (WayfindX), Mr. Tan Yock Han (2024 programme alum), Mr. Wang Wei Jan (Co-Axis), Ms. Sarah Cragg (TEP), and Ms. Swati Mathur (Common Purpose).

"We hope, through the experiential model for the programme, to give [youth leaders] the inspiration for areas they can collaborate with other youths on and bring about greater change."

— Ms. Tan Shin Gee, Senior Director, Programmes, Temasek Foundation

The TEP Asia Youth Leaders Programme kicked off in Singapore at the newly-restored Temasek Shophouse.

The youth leaders during their learning journeys at St John’s Island, Temasek Shophouse, and Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center.

The youth were also hosted at TPC (Tsao Pao Chee), where they participated in a grounding movement session led by OCTAVE Institute, followed by a Quantum Leadership dialogue with Ms. Tai Sook Yee and Mr. Saurabh Gaidhani of NO. 17 Foundation. The session introduced Quantum Leadership as the core inner operating system of life and leadership, emphasising how inner awareness shapes outer action. It highlighted TPC’s Theory of Change — moving from Awareness to Alignment to Collaboration to Co-creation (AACC) — and how self-awareness and purpose-driven leadership can catalyse broader systems change.

A day of reflection and reconnection at TPC.

"The foundation of Quantum Leadership is an inner-outer alignment so that we can find meaning and collaborate. And when we collaborate, we can actually co-create."

— Ms. Tai Sook Yee, Chairman, NO. 17 Foundation

The youth leaders then travelled to Rio de Janeiro, joining 60 other changemakers from Brazil and South Africa to explore how purpose, empathy, and cultural intelligence can drive climate action. Over the week, they connected with like-minded peers, attended a storytelling masterclass by YouTube, and wrapped up their journey at the Earthshot Prize Awards, where 5 winners were awarded £1 million each to advance their solutions for a more sustainable planet.

Highlights from Earthshot week in Rio de Janeiro.

Support from Across the Temasek Trust Ecosystem

Beyond Temasek Foundation and TPC, the broader Temasek Trust ecosystem played an active role in supporting the youth leaders throughout their TEP journey. 

In Singapore, Mr. Wang Wei Jan of Co-Axis joined the fireside chat at Temasek Shophouse, sharing how Co-Axis connects funders and founders, and offering insights on building meaningful networks and pathways for collaboration. 

In Rio, Mr. Ryan Tan, Head of Temasek Trust’s catalytic vehicle C3H, participated in Café Conversations, where he engaged and mentored TEP youth leaders through small-group discussions that encouraged reflection and purpose-setting.

Mr. Wang Wei Jan (Co-Axis), Ms. Teng Zi Ying (Temasek Foundation), and Mr. Ryan Tan (C3H) attending the Earthshot Prize Awards in Brazil.

Amplifying Asian Solutions on the Global Stage

Through this shared effort, Temasek Foundation, TPC, and the broader Temasek Trust ecosystem are nurturing the next generation of climate leaders — equipping them with the knowledge, networks, and confidence to create lasting impact across Asia and beyond.

As a Founding Partner of The Earthshot Prize, Temasek Trust continues to champion climate innovators and spotlight impactful solutions — especially those emerging from Asia — for a more sustainable future. 

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