Lien Foundation
Main Project Presenter

The Lien Foundation is a Singapore philanthropic house noted for its model of radical philanthropy. It breaks new ground by investing in innovative solutions, convening strategic partnerships and catalysing action on social and environmental challenges. The Foundation seeks to foster exemplary early childhood education, excellence in eldercare and effective environmental sustainability in water and sanitation. In the area of early childhood education, the Foundation aims to create a better playing field by strengthening capacity in this area and opening up opportunities for disadvantaged preschoolers. 

To advocate greater access to quality early childhood education, the Foundation commissioned a study, Vital Voices for Vital Years, that examined leaders’ views on improving Singapore’s preschool sector. In June 2012, the Lien Foundation released a global benchmark study called Starting Well that ranked 45 countries on their provision of preschool education. The use of I.T. forms a key strategy in the Foundation’s efforts to increase efficiencies and enhance professionalism in the preschool sector. The Foundation has championed a community-based model of care where specialists go into mainstream preschools to help children with learning difficulties. Its success has inspired a scaled-up national version in Singapore. In its push for inclusivity in education, the Foundation set up Singapore’s first inclusive preschool, Kindle Garden, with AWWA (Asian Women’s Welfare Association). 

St James’ Church Kindergarten 
Early Childhood Education Partner

Established in 1977, St. James’ Church Kindergarten (SJCK) has three campuses with a total of 1,750 children from the ages of 3 – 6 years. SJCK provides an environment that offers high quality and holistic early education to develop children into well-rounded individuals. Children learn though a project-based approach that integrates learning and promotes the development of skills and positive dispositions within meaningful contexts. SJCK emphasises character and values development and desires that all children demonstrate godly character expressed as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. The culture at St. James’ Church Kindergarten is one where children, teachers and families relate to each other in an environment of mutual respect. SJCK believes that everyone thrives in a positive and nurturing atmosphere of support, love and encouragement so that they feel safe and secure to express themselves.

Participate in Design 
Design, Research and Organising Partner

Participate in Design (P!D) is a registered non-profit design, planning and educational organisation that helps neighbourhoods and public institutions in Singapore design community-owned spaces and solutions. P!D is dedicated to engaging and enabling people in shaping their everyday environments and local communities. Founded on the firm belief that everyone has the right to participate in and influence the design and planning processes that affect them, P!D provides services in designing and facilitating the public participation and engagement process concerning the built environment. P!D researches, tests and develops socially just and inclusive methods of design that are appropriate for local neighbourhoods, while also promoting the integration of participatory design in design education and practice. P!D was founded in 2012 to expand on the participatory design work that its founders, Jan Lim and Mizah Rahman, have been doing since 2010. P!D has partnered with grassroots organisations, educational institutions and statutory boards in various initiatives to build engaged and empowered communities.