Gates Foundation, which aims to improve global health, expand access to education, and promote inclusive economic growth is set to establish its first Southeast Asia office in Singapore, with strong backing from the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB). This new regional base will elevate the foundation’s efforts to collaborate with governments, philanthropic organisations, and research institutions across Southeast Asia, accelerating progress towards global health and sustainable development goals.
Hari Menon, the Gates Foundation’s director for South and Southeast Asia, remarked, “As we celebrate 25 years of the Gates Foundation, we are eager to reinforce our presence in Southeast Asia through Singapore. The city’s leadership in innovation and philanthropy positions it as an excellent hub for scaling solutions that enhance lives throughout the region and beyond.”
EDB managing director Jermaine Loy says Singapore’s strategic location and research ecosystem makes it a “strong platform” for advancing healthcare, fintech and artificial intelligence innovations that can deliver meaningful impact across the region and the world. “We look forward to partnering with the Gates Foundation to scale impactful solutions across Southeast Asia and beyond, tapping on Singapore’s status as a hub for innovation.”
The foundation, founded by Bill and Melinda French Gates in 2000, focuses on improving global health, expanding educational access, and promoting inclusive economic growth. Bill Gates, speaking at the Philanthropy Asia Summit in Singapore, said the new office will enable the foundation to “access the science to partner with the philanthropic community” and tap into the research being conducted locally.
Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who met with Gates during the summit, noted their discussions covered pressing challenges such as clean energy and vaccine development. “Singapore looks forward to working closely with the Gates Foundation to advance innovation and improve lives – here in Asia and around the world,” he said.
This move marks the foundation’s 12th global office and reflects its commitment to deepening partnerships in Southeast Asia, leveraging Singapore’s position as a leading innovation and research hub in the region.
