Speech by Mr Goh Chok Tong, Emeritus Senior Minister, at the Official Launch of the International Involvement Hub (I2Hub) at the Atrium@Orchard
Mr Goh Geok Kim, Chairman, Temasek Foundation
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
I am pleased to join you here this evening for the launch of the International Involvement Hub.
When I was Prime Minister, I had travelled to many countries. I had seen poverty, shanty towns, and poor living conditions which Singapore had left behind soon after Independence. But having benefitted from technical assistance in the early years of our independence and done well, we must also help others to climb up the ladder of economic and social development. That is why the Government runs the Singapore Cooperation Programme which provides technical assistance to other less developed countries. As Singaporeans became wealthier, many too, felt the obligation to help others, not just those in their own country but also other communities in our neighbourhood.
That was why I supported the establishment of the Singapore International Foundation (SIF) when I was PM in 1991. I wanted to nurture the compassionate side of Singapore to balance our competitive economic spirit. SIF has since grown to become an established organisation that bridges Singaporeans and other communities. Besides SIF, I am also heartened to see the emergence of other organisations like the Temasek Foundation, as well as the growth of established ones like The Singapore Red Cross Society and Singapore Institute of International Affairs. That is not all. There is now a diversity of groups that are active outside Singapore, like Singapore Mercy Relief, Lien Foundation and others. They do good work and help project the soft, gracious side of Singapore.
Reaching out beyond Singapore
As a small city state, Singapore must be global in its outlook. We need to take a deep and active interest in international trends and issues which affect us. We can do this by contributing good ideas on how to tackle global challenges like liveable cities, water management, climate change and sustainable development.
Beyond initiating conversations on these important topics, we can also make a tangible difference to the lives of some communities outside of Singapore in a practical, sustainable way through our volunteers and technical assistance. We have to be selective, however, as the people who can benefit from outside help are much more than the population of Singapore, but every small contribution does make a difference to the individuals who receive it.
By carrying the spirit of volunteerism abroad, by developing empathy for others, and by giving practical help, we contribute in a small and modest way, to a better world. By becoming more involved in the world around us, we also develop friendships and garner goodwill for Singapore.
A Hub for International Involvement
This is why the launch of the I2Hub is timely. Made possible by the redevelopment of The Atrium@Orchard, the I2Hub brings together four partner organisations in a common location to realise potential synergies.
As a collective entity, I2Hub seeks to encourage and train Singapore volunteers, non-profit organisations and groups, and the Singapore public to participate in social, relief, and community development activities and programmes overseas. It will also foster a stronger connection between Singaporeans and others outside our country through educational programmes and exchanges. The shared facilities at the I2Hub will allow the partners to run the necessary volunteer development and support programmes, as well as public education activities, both jointly as well as individually.
There is also potential for other similar international involvement organisations that are not located here to partner with the I2Hub. In particular, the I2Hub will have “incubation rooms” where these organisations can “plug in”, and tap on the resources, knowledge and networks of the four partner organisations.
In conclusion, I am optimistic that the I2Hub can serve as a model to show how different organisations can come together to collaborate, pool resources, and share ideas to do good. I hope that stories of the good work done by the I2Hub will inspire more Singaporeans – young and old – to want to do more to help others. This is important, as values such as graciousness and generosity risk falling by the wayside as our pace of life quickens. When we all reach out to help others weaker than ourselves, we are building a better and more compassionate society.
Thank you.
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