Singapore is rapidly solidifying its position as a premier destination for global philanthropy, attracting some of the world's most influential figures keen to make a charitable impact. Over the past three years, a notable trend has emerged: ultra-wealthy individuals, including American hedge fund titan Ray Dalio and tech visionary Bill Gates, have chosen the island nation as the base for their charitable foundations.
This influx isn't by chance. Singapore's appeal as a financial and philanthropic powerhouse is multifaceted, driven by a booming wealth management industry and attractive tax incentives. These factors create an ideal environment for impactful giving.
The Commissioner of Charities highlights this growth, reporting to The Straits Times that roughly five new charities have been registered annually under the Grantmaker Scheme over the last three years alone. This scheme is particularly noteworthy for philanthropic foundations, which are typically funded by individuals, families, or institutions. It offers a streamlined process, relaxing or even waiving certain regulatory requirements to actively foster a culture of giving.
Bill Gates
One of the largest philanthropic organizations in the world, the Gates Foundation, announced plans to open an office in Singapore on May 5.
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and his former wife Melinda, established the foundation in 2000, focuses on combating poverty, diseases, and worldwide inequity.
Bill Gates, a 70-year-old American billionaire, ranked 13th on Forbes’ world’s Billionaire List 2025, with US$108 billion of estimated net worth.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has dicussed the plan with Bill Gates. “We had a wide-ranging conversation on challneges ahead, from clean energy to vaccine development” and “Singapore looks forward to working closely with the Gates Foundation to advance innovation and improve lives here in Asia and around the world”, the PM said on Facebook afterward.
Eduardo Saverin
Registered in September 2023, The Elaine and Eduardo Saverin Foundation, is directed by enduardo Saverin and his wife Elaine.
The 51st richest person globally, who was borned in Brazil now a Singapore permanent resident, Eduardo, a co-founder of Facebook alongside with Mark Zuckerberg, has an estimated wealth of US$34.5 billion, according to Forbes.
The Saverin donated $20 million to the Singapore American School in 2024.
Ray Dalio
Registered in Singapore since June 2023, the Dalio Foundation with its directors including Matthew Ace dalio and Mark Marino Dalio, sons of Ray Dalio, the 75-year-old founder of the US-based Bridgewater Associates, the world’s largest hedge fund.
Dalio Philanthropies sponsored a three-week program for nearly 400 youth and educators in Singapore to learn about the ocean science and maritime operations last year, was also supported by the family office of hedge fund titan Ray Dalio, according to CNBC.
Billionaire investor Ray Dalio, with an estimated net worth of US$ 14 billion, according to Forbes, saw his foundation distributed US$ 1.4 million in grants last year. The funds supported local and regional organizations, primary focusing on environment and educational initiatives.
Low Tuck Kwong
Registered in February 2023 and founded by Singapore-born Indonesian tycoon Low Tuck Kwong, the Low Tuck Kwong Foundation.
Chow Wei Ling, the impact officer of the Low Tuck Kwong Foundation, stated that the foundation eas established by Low and his family to approach their philanthropic endeavors with greater systematicity.
As a Bayan Resources founder, one of Indonesian’s top fove coal producers by volume, Low Tuck Kwong is ranked 72nd on Forbes’ billionaires list, with an estimated net worth of US$ 27.3 billion.
The foundation which focused its support on education, healthcare, and social welfare, has already donated over $160 million since its inception. Chow highlighted that the foundation is actively exploring new funding models aimed at helping “impact organization become sustainable”. In 2023 alone, the foundation commited $101 million to the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, funding leadership programs and acholarship for Asian individuals.