The new initiative aims to foster meaningful community engagement and philanthropy among family offices in Singapore.
On November 21, 2024, the non-profit organisation ImpactSG was launched in Singapore by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, with a focus on engaging family offices to contribute to philanthropic causes across Singapore and the ASEAN region. The organisation brings together 75 individuals from over 10 nationalities, comprising family offices, philanthropic foundations, and the private sector. Many of the participants are newcomers to Singapore, with a shared goal of giving back to the community.
During the launch at the National Gallery Singapore, Ravi Menon, Ambassador for Climate Action, stressed the importance of integrating talent and wealth to benefit society. He highlighted that philanthropy has evolved, moving beyond traditional donations to a more impactful, data-driven approach to giving. ImpactSG is dedicated to matching funding with specific needs in the community, without directly raising funds itself. The organisation partners with charities like Beyond Social Services to facilitate visits and interactions with those in need, helping donors better understand the issues and become more engaged in solving them.
In 2025, ImpactSG plans to focus on three key areas: career exposure for students, supporting rental households, and funding proton therapy for children with cancer in Southeast Asia. The organisation, which was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee, aims to receive charity status in the future. Through partnerships and exposure, ImpactSG hopes to make philanthropy a more integrated and impactful part of Singapore’s landscape, fostering a sense of community and responsibility.
The initiative is seen as a bridge for newcomers to Singapore to become involved in local causes, while offering meaningful opportunities for collaboration and contribution. Family offices such as Richard Mak’s Highland Family Office have expressed strong support for this approach, finding it a more authentic and impactful way to give.
