JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
[Singapore, 8 November 2023] The Wealth Management Institute (WMI) announced that it will host the new Asia Centre for Changemakers (ACC) in Singapore, an initiative supported by Temasek Trust and the Philanthropy Asia Alliance (PAA), at the WMI 20th Anniversary celebrations attended by Guest-of-Honour President Tharman Shanmugaratnam.
The ACC aims to develop a regional community of active and informed changemakers ready to deploy their resources, skills, and passion for a better tomorrow. WMI, a leading education and research institute in wealth and asset management, will lead the ACC and drive its implementation and impact.
Building on WMI’s track record in philanthropy and impact capital, where the institute has contributed to the setting of philanthropy skills standards and launched highly successful education programmes in philanthropy and sustainable investing, the ACC is positioned to raise capabilities in the impact sector. The Centre is also poised to extend its influence broadly across the region, leveraging WMI’s experience and network of almost 1,500 family office principals, professionals, and advisors as host of the Global-Asia Family Office Circle and the Impact Philanthropy Partnership, as well as the extensive networks and partnerships of Temasek Trust and PAA.
ACC will focus on three key initiatives. First, it will provide professional education to build capabilities in strategic philanthropy and impact capital, and address knowledge gaps in creating effective solutions that have long-term positive social impact. These will include certification programmes for critical skills such as philanthropy advisory, effective capital deployment and impact management, as well as fellowship programmes with overseas learning journeys to gain exposure to global best practices.
Second, the ACC will foster a community of practice through forums, seminars, and events to build greater awareness, inspiration and momentum for philanthropy and impact capital, as well as supportive peer networks. Lastly, it will create distinct Asian insights through research and thought leadership, including case studies and best practices for Asian changemakers.
Ms. Foo Mee Har, CEO of WMI, says, “WMI is thrilled to lead the Asia Centre for Changemakers as a learning lab for funders, impact investors, entrepreneurs and changemakers. With the rapid growth in wealth and family offices in Asia, there is a strong appetite to give back and make a difference, but not everybody knows how to do this effectively. There is a need to evolve from ‘chequebook philanthropy’ to an approach that is more strategic, long-term and impact-focused. The ACC will provide the knowledge, skills and ecosystem so that changemakers can scale up and create sustained, positive social impact in critical areas such as climate, education, healthcare in both regional and local causes.”
Mr. Lim Chow Kiat, Chairman of WMI and CEO of GIC, says, "Purpose-driven wealth has the power to change lives and societies for the better. We established the Asia Centre for Changemakers in response to the growing need for education and collaboration in philanthropy and impact capital. We look forward to working closely with Temasek Trust, Philanthropy Asia Alliance and the rest of our partners to empower a new generation of philanthropists and changemakers."
Ms. Lim Seok Hui, CEO of PAA, says, “The evolution of Asia’s philanthropic landscape has led to new, innovative models which require systematic upskilling. The Asia Centre for Changemakers will build capabilities and communities in the regional philanthropic ecosystem and support collaborations for collective, sustainable impact. We will work alongside WMI and other partners to shape the ACC, and invite more like-minded collaborators to join us.”
The ACC is targeted to be launched in early 2024.
- END-
Note to Editors
About Philanthropy Asia Alliance
Philanthropy Asia Alliance (PAA) is a Temasek Trust initiative dedicated to catalysing collaborative philanthropy in Asia through dynamic multi-sector partnerships. By harnessing collective strengths, PAA multiplies impact, accelerates positive change, and takes urgent action to address the pressing environmental and social challenges of our time. PAA’s flagship programme is the annual Philanthropy Asia Summit, which features Calls to Action to foster innovation, drive momentum, and scale impact in addressing environmental and social challenges. For more information, visit http://philanthropyasiaalliance.org
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 WMI
Established in 2003, the Wealth Management Institute (WMI) is committed to building capabilities for investing in a better tomorrow. Founded by GIC and Temasek, our vision is to be Asia’s Centre of Excellence for wealth and asset management education and research. WMI is appointed as Singapore’s Lead Training Provider for Private Banking by the Institute of Banking and Finance Singapore (IBF) and supported by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
WMI provides a comprehensive suite of practice-based certification and diploma programmes and collaborates with leading universities for master’s qualifications. With over 20,000 annual enrolments, WMI provides training in asset management, wealth management, compliance, risk management, family office, as well as the development of the next generation across more than 100 programmes.
WMI helms the Global-Asia Family Office Circle, a network platform that fosters a trusted environment to build capabilities and community in the family office sector. WMI also leads the Impact Philanthropy Partnership, a joint initiative with the Private Banking Industry Group (PBIG) and supported by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
Media Contacts
Temasek Trust & Philanthropy Asia Alliance
Tess Chia
Director, Communications & Engagement
WMI
Rachel Ooi Rongrawee
Senior Assistant Director, Marketing & Communications
