3 June 2019 — The launch of Temasek Shophouse marks a new beginning for the heritage-protected shophouses at 28 Orchard Road. As a locality designed to be a cradle for social impact, it aims to create a collaborative community space where policy makers and change makers can convene to seek solutions for challenges faced by society and the environment.

At the same time, Temasek Shophouse brings Temasek’s philanthropic family — Temasek Trust, Temasek Foundation and Stewardship Asia Centre — together under one roof.

“Temasek Shophouse will be a catalyst for collaboration in philanthropy, social enterprise and with NGOs. It should spur innovation, and also help spur more Singaporeans to get involved in social and environmental causes,” said the Guest-of-Honour, Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies who officiated the opening.

The social purpose programming that will be curated at Temasek Shophouse will reflect Temasek’s vision of an ABC World — Active economies, with jobs and opportunities; Beautiful societies, with equality and inclusion; and a Clean Earth, with fresh air, clear waters and a sustainable environment — aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations General Assembly for the year 2030.

“Much of the work that will go on in this building will revolve around the part we can all play in delivering the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — or as we call them, an ABC World of Active economies, Beautiful societies and a Clean Earth. After all, for businesses to succeed and thrive, the communities in which they exist must be themselves thriving. Our philanthropic partners are critical to ensuring the work we do, via the investments we make, will have an impact for today’s generation in our communities and in our region,” said Mr Lim Boon Heng, Chairman, Temasek Holdings.

Temasek Shophouse is also home to co-working partners with a focus on community development, diversity and inclusion, economic empowerment, and protection of the environment. These include ABC World Asia, a social impact investing firm; Foreword Coffee, an inclusive social enterprise café; and Miniwiz, a company dedicated to the circular economy and sustainability of the environment.

Temasek Shophouse is proud to collaborate with the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth to support the housing of consultation clinics for charities — an initiative to assist charities to be effective, efficient and accountable. The Chartered Secretaries Institute of Singapore and the Centre for Non-Profit Leadership will be conducting their free consultation clinics by appointment from June 2019 onwards.

“By playing the role of a convenor and champion in the not for profit space, Temasek Shophouse aims to promote active citizenship, corporate social responsibility and impactful philanthropy. It is a place where business and community, enterprise and philanthropy, hardware and heartware come together,” said Mr S. Dhanabalan, Chairman, Temasek Trust.

Temasek Shophouse will be collaborating with partners to develop thematic programmes and signature exhibitions which will be refreshed from time to time to align with significant local and global events.