Latest news with #PhilanthropyAsiaSummit
AsiaOne
21-05-2025
- Health
- AsiaOne
'Global problems require global solutions': PM Wong stresses world coordination to tackle future health challenges, Singapore News
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has stressed the importance of coordinated action by the world to deal with future health challenges similar to the Covid-19 pandemic. Speaking in a video message at the the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva on Tuesday (May 20), PM Wong said: "The international system is under severe strain. The Covid-19 pandemic is behind us, but risk to global health persists and the need for coordinated action has never been greater." [embed] PM Wong also assured that Singapore is "firmly committed" to an "open, stable and rules-based multilateral system" and will continue to do its part for global health. "We believe that global problems require global solutions. That is why we have been steadfast in supporting the WHO (World Health Organisation) and its role in global health," he said. He pointed out that Singapore was among the first to pledge to the WHO Investment Round in 2024 and recently hosted the Philanthropy Asia Summit, which provided a platform for philanthropic organisations to support meaningful causes — including more resilient healthcare systems. As he wrapped up his speech, PM Wong said: "A disease anywhere can become a threat everywhere. Viruses know no borders. "The only way forward is for all of us to tackle global health challenges together. So let us join hands to build a healthier, safer and more resilient world for all." International cooperation possible despite uncertainty PM Wong also highlighted that WHO has demonstrated the ability for international cooperation to continue despite uncertainties in the world landscape. Despite deep differences, countries were able to reach a consensus on the Pandemic Agreement in April, "after three years of tough negotiations through sustained diplomacy". The agreement aims to improve global preparations and responses to future pandemics, said PM Wong, who called it an "encouraging development" for both global health and multilateralism. "It reminds us of what we can achieve as an international community, when countries come together to find common ground and forge shared solutions," he said. [[nid:714620]]
Straits Times
20-05-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
World must coordinate actions to better face future global health challenges: PM Wong
PM Lawrence Wong said in a video message that Singapore remains committed to doing its part for global health. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG SINGAPORE – Although the Covid-19 pandemic is over, risks to global health remain and the international health system remains under severe strain. 'The need for coordinated action has never been greater,' said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in a video message at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva on May 20. He said that Singapore remains committed to doing its part for global health. 'A disease anywhere can become a threat everywhere, viruses know no borders,' he said. 'The only way forward is for all of us to tackle global health challenges together.' Reiterating Singapore's position, PM Wong said the Republic is 'firmly committed to an open, stable and rules-based multilateral system', and also noted that global problems require global solutions. That is why Singapore has been steadfast in supporting the World Health Organisation (WHO) and its role in global health governance, he said. Reflecting the country's commitment to global health security, Singapore was among the first to pledge to the WHO Investment Round in 2024, contributing $24 million. Doing so would help mobilise resources for the agency's core work from 2025 to 2028. PM Wong also brought up how the Republic hosted the Philanthropy Asia Summit, which provided a platform for philanthropic organisations to support meaningful causes, including more resilient healthcare systems. He also said that the WHO has demonstrated that international cooperation is able to continue despite uncertainties in the world landscape. Despite deep differences, countries were able to reach a consensus on the Pandemic Agreement in April, 'after three years of tough negotiations through sustained diplomacy'. The agreement aims to improve global preparations and responses to future pandemics, said PM Wong, who called it an encouraging development for both global health and multilateralism. He said: 'It reminds us of what we can achieve as an international community, when countries come together to find common ground and forge shared solutions.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Malay Mail
07-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Bill Gates seen sampling durian, local favourites at Singapore's Newton Food Centre (VIDEO)
SINGAPORE, May 7 — Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates spent part of yesterday's evening visiting a well-known hawker centre in Singapore, where he explored various food stalls and spoke with stallholders. During his visit to the Newton Food Centre, Gates was seen sampling a selection of local favourites such as chicken rice, and roti prata. He also tried durian, often considered an essential experience for visitors to the country. His presence attracted the attention of other diners, many of whom captured photos and videos, sharing them on social media. The visit concluded a two-day stay in Singapore, during which Gates held discussions with senior government leaders, including Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. He also participated in the Philanthropy Asia Summit 2025 yesterday. During the summit, Gates announced that the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation — the charitable organisation he co-chairs — will open a new regional office in Singapore.
Independent Singapore
06-05-2025
- Business
- Independent Singapore
Gates Foundation to open an office in Singapore with support from EDB
Photo: Facebook/Rick Haase SINGAPORE: The Gates Foundation announced plans to open an office in Singapore, according to a press release by the non-profit organisation founded by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and his then-wife, Melinda French Gates, on Monday (May 5). The move aims to build stronger ties with governments, philanthropists, and institutions across Southeast Asia while supporting efforts in global health and development goals. The billionaire philanthropist, who spoke at the Philanthropy Asia Summit in Singapore on Monday, also announced it himself at the event, saying, 'The Gates Foundation is putting up an office here to access the science [and] to partner with the philanthropic community,' as reported by Forbes . Singapore's Economic Development Board (EDB) is supporting the foundation's establishment. EDB managing director Jermaine Loy said, 'Singapore's strategic location and research ecosystem make it a strong platform for advancing healthcare, fintech, and AI innovations that can deliver meaningful impact across the region and the world.' Hari Menon, director of the Gates Foundation in South & Southeast Asia, said, 'As the Gates Foundation marks 25 years, we're excited to strengthen our presence in Southeast Asia through Singapore. Singapore's leadership in innovation and philanthropy makes it an ideal hub to help scale solutions that improve lives across the region and beyond.' Mr Gates also met with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. PM Wong shared on Facebook that they had a broad conversation on clean energy and vaccine development, adding, 'Singapore looks forward to working closely with the Gates Foundation to advance innovation and improve lives here in Asia and around the world.' On Facebook , Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, who attended a lunch for Mr Gates hosted by Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, said, 'Glad to hear that Gates Foundation is establishing a presence in S'pore. Such partnerships are vital for Singapore to achieve our transition to a low-carbon future & support the wider collective effort to shape a more sustainable future for our region.' /TISG Read also: Netizens 'not convinced' AI can replace doctors and teachers after Bill Gates claims it's possible within the next 10 years
AsiaOne
06-05-2025
- Business
- AsiaOne
Gates Foundation to open office in Singapore, Singapore News
SINGAPORE — The Gates Foundation will be setting up an office in Singapore, said its chairman Bill Gates on May 5. Speaking at the Philanthropy Asia Summit convened by Temasek Trust's Philanthropy Asia Alliance, Gates said: "The Gates Foundation is putting an office here — to access the science, to partner with the philanthropic community." Founded in 2000 by Gates and his then wife Melinda French Gates, the foundation is a philanthropic organisation that aims to fight poverty, disease and inequity around the world. "I would say that Asian innovation is a part of why I am so excited about the progress we can make in health. Initially, when we thought of Asian innovation, we mostly thought about low cost — which is a great thing," Gates said during a dialogue with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. "I mean, the lowest-cost vaccines in the world are made in India, Indonesia — this region. But more and more, the innovation is about cutting-edge work." Gates added: "Both (Gates Foundation and Breakthrough Energy) are very excited about what's going on in Singapore." Breakthrough Energy is an umbrella group for energy and environmental efforts founded by Gates. It aims to accelerate innovation in sustainable energy and in other technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The foundation's presence here will be established with the support of the Economic Development Board (EDB). EDB said in a separate statement on May 5 that the establishment of a Singapore presence reflects the Gates Foundation's broader commitment to working alongside countries and partners to help more people live healthy and productive lives, and to accelerate progress towards achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. During the dialogue, Tharman touched on the importance of capacity building. "We need a step-up in resources — public sector resources within countries, philanthropic money and private finance — but it's not just about volumes, but effectiveness," he said. "So if you think of how we can best deploy even a billion dollars, I think we first have to refocus on building up the domestic capacity within countries for them to be more self-sufficient," he added, pointing to the importance of building up "domestic tax capacity" and the ability to execute budgets more effectively. Gates Foundation chairman Bill Gates (left) and President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at the Philanthropy Asia Summit on May 5. PHOTO: The Straits Times "It's not a hopeless case at all. What many don't realise is that in the lowest-income regions of the world, several countries have significantly increased their tax revenues — by at least 2 to 3 percentage points of GDP (gross domestic product), without loss to economic growth. It's doable," he added. "Developing capacity within countries has to be a renewed priority," Tharman said. "There's still huge potential for capacity development in Asia and in the developing world at large." In a Facebook post on May 5, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said he had a wide-ranging conversation on the challenges ahead, from clean energy to vaccine development, with Gates. "Singapore looks forward to working closely with the Gates Foundation to advance innovation and improve lives — here in Asia and around the world," he wrote. [embed] Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on May 5 that he and Gates exchanged views over lunch on topics ranging from eradicating polio and measles to developing new technologies for nuclear power. "We also discussed how the Gates Foundation could collaborate more with entities in Singapore, like Temasek Trust and the universities," he wrote in a LinkedIn post. "The Gates Foundation is planning to establish a presence here, to support its work in our region with governments, philanthropies and institutions, in support of its global health and development goals. "We welcome the Gates Foundation and others to continue to bring their businesses and interests here to Singapore and invest in our ecosystem and deepen our ties with the region." [[nid:717738]] This article was first published in The Straits Times. Permission required for reproduction.
