The Gates Foundation is opening its 12th global office in Singapore with support from the EDB, aiming to strengthen philanthropic partnerships and accelerate progress in global health, AI, and sustainable development across Asia.
A Strategic Step Forward: Gates Foundation to Establish Singapore Office
The Gates Foundation, one of the world’s largest philanthropic organizations, has announced plans to open a new regional office in Singapore. With support from Singapore’s Economic Development Board (EDB), this new presence is set to deepen collaboration in areas such as healthcare, innovation, and sustainable development across Southeast Asia.
Bill Gates, speaking at the Philanthropy Asia Summit 2025 in Singapore, said the foundation chose Singapore to “access the science, partner with the philanthropic community, and tap into the research being done in the region.”
Why Singapore?
Singapore’s strategic location, robust research ecosystem, and growing community of family offices and high-net-worth philanthropists make it an ideal hub for the Gates Foundation’s mission.
According to Jermaine Loy, Managing Director of EDB:
“Singapore’s strategic location and research ecosystem makes it a strong platform for advancing healthcare, fintech, and AI innovations that can deliver meaningful impact across the region and the world.”
Key Objectives of the New Office
The Singapore office will serve as a regional anchor to:
- Partner with governments, research institutions, and philanthropic groups
- Advance solutions in global health, vaccine development, and clean energy
- Support the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Facilitate collaboration between Asian and global philanthropists
This marks the 12th global office of the foundation, joining locations such as Washington, London, Beijing, and New Delhi.
A New Chapter for Southeast Asia’s Philanthropic Landscape
Hari Menon, Director for South and Southeast Asia at the Gates Foundation, emphasized Singapore’s leadership role:
“Singapore’s innovation and philanthropic leadership make it an ideal hub to scale solutions that improve lives across Asia and beyond.”
Since its inception in 2000, the Gates Foundation has committed over US$77.6 billion in grants toward causes including public health, education, and poverty alleviation.
Government Leaders Welcome the Move
Singapore’s top leaders, including Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, met with Mr. Gates during his two-day visit.
PM Wong stated on Facebook:
“Singapore looks forward to working closely with the Gates Foundation to advance innovation and improve lives – here in Asia and around the world.”
Senior Minister Lee echoed the sentiment, noting discussions on topics ranging from clean energy to eradication of polio and measles, and further collaboration with local partners like Temasek Trust and Singapore’s top universities.
Collaboration in Action: Connecting Asia with the World
At the same summit, Philanthropy Asia Alliance CEO Shaun Seow highlighted the importance of connecting Asian and global philanthropic efforts:
“We want global philanthropists to understand Asia’s needs, and vice versa. This collaboration can make a real difference across the region.”
Final Thoughts: A Catalyst for Regional Progress
The Gates Foundation’s Singapore office represents more than just a new location. It symbolizes a bold commitment to innovation, inclusive growth, and regional collaboration in philanthropy.
As Southeast Asia continues to emerge as a hub for impact-driven giving and research excellence, Singapore is poised to lead the charge—with global partners like the Gates Foundation by its side.
