Exploring Global Collaboration at the 2025 Philanthropy Asia Summit and Networking Dinner

Amidst the increasingly complex dynamics of the Asian region—from the climate crisis, public health threats, to development inequality—Philanthropy Asia Summit 2025 by Temasek Trust is present as a strategic space to exchange ideas and design collective action. Held in Singapore, this forum brings together more than 600 leaders from the philanthropic sector, government, international organizations, and the business world. In this momentum, the BUMN Foundation is also present as part of an effort to expand the global network and strengthen Indonesia's position in the conversation about the future of the region.

Starting from the spirit of collaboration, the presence of the BUMN Foundation is not only as an observer, but as an active partner that brings Indonesia's voice and experience to the international forum. During the series of events, the Foundation was involved in various strategic conversations that touched on crucial issues: how to overcome malnutrition amidst the threat of climate change, how health systems can be more resilient to the risk of a pandemic, and how education can be the foundation for sustainable social change.

One of the key moments in this forum was the speech by the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who emphasized that the world must not return to old habits: being reactive, slow, and fragmented in dealing with crises. He emphasized that building equitable and resilient health systems is not just a government task, but a collective responsibility that requires cross-sector involvement. He also encouraged collaboration to be not only technical, but also rooted in communities.

In the same forum, the President of the Republic of Singapore, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, expressed a sharp reflection on the importance of abandoning the attitude of “wishful thinking”. He said the world can no longer rely on the hope that crises will not come, but must build structures that are ready when the next one arrives. The message is clear: the world needs real action, not rhetoric.

In line with that spirit, the BUMN Foundation also attended Building a Healthier Asia, a networking dinner hosted by Temasek Foundation on 6 May 2025. Held in a more intimate setting, the event brought together around 120 leaders from philanthropy, business, government and international institutions to share ideas and explore collaborations in strengthening health systems in Asia. In the forum, Yayasan BUMN reiterated its commitment to contributing to cross-border cooperation, especially in the areas of maternal-child health and public service resilience.

All of these experiences reinforce the belief that the issues that have been the focus of the BUMN Foundation—from adolescent mental health, basic health services, to educational transformation and community empowerment—are not merely local issues, but part of a common challenge faced by other countries in the region. And to meet these challenges, it takes more than just programs—it takes a willingness to listen, the courage to engage, and a readiness to collaborate.

Forums like Philanthropy Asia Summit And Building a Healthier Asia not just a meeting place for important figures, but a space where ideas are tested, connections are formed, and the future is imagined together. For the BUMN Foundation, its presence in these two forums is part of a long-term commitment: ensuring that every step taken—no matter how small—contributes to creating a healthier, more resilient, and more empowered Indonesia.

We express our deepest appreciation to Temasek Foundation and Mr. Boon Heong Ng for the opportunity given and their commitment to strengthening the collaborative ecosystem for Asia's health. The presence of Yayasan BUMN in this forum strengthens the belief that the challenges we face are not just local, but shared challenges that require international cooperation to achieve. Thank you for the opportunity to collaborate in creating a healthier, more resilient and empowered future for Asia.