Dear EDB Society Members,

As we commemorate Singapore’s 60th National Day, let us take this milestone moment to reflect on how far we’ve come and project on what possibly lies ahead.

Since independence was thrust upon us in 1965, Singapore has defied the odds and thrived as a nation. We have evolved from a trading post to a global and innovation hub for many industries. Our GDP per capita has grown from around US$500 to over US$90,000 i.e. 180 times, over this period!  Even in our wildest dreams we could not have imagined this achievement in 1965.

As former and current EDBians we are indeed fortunate and privileged to have played a central role in this miracle. EDB’s indomitable  spirit and ‘Dare to Dream, Dare to Do’ mindset across generations of EDB officers, has been a crucial factor in Singapore’s economic success. Not surprisingly therefore, for most of us, even as we moved on to other careers, the time that we spent in EDB remains memorable and binds us as a community.

Given our success over the last 60 years, there is every reason for us to face the future with confidence. However, it is also true that the global environment has changed significantly in the last few years. Today, we find ourselves in a world marked by growing geopolitical tensions, economic fragmentation, deglobalization, rapid technological shifts and environmental challenges. These uncertainties will test the resilience and adaptability of nations and Singapore will have to respond to these challenges.  Amidst these challenges we will also find opportunities that will ensure that Singapore continues to remain relevant and provides a good quality of life for our people. No doubt, EDB, with its can-do spirit, will again be central to addressing the challenges and exploiting the opportunities, as we have always done.  

With that, dear friends, here’s wishing you and your families a wonderful National Day as our country celebrates its 60th birthday!

Majulah Singapura!

Warm regards,

Mano

President, EDB Society

On 16 July 2025, The EDB Society and Temasek Alumni Network proudly hosted the second instalment of our energy transition series, “Exploring Global Decarbonisation Solutions: Strategic Opportunities for Singapore.”

We were honoured to welcome Mr Ravi Menon, Singapore’s Ambassador for Climate Action and Senior Adviser to the National Climate Change Secretariat, as our Guest-of-Honour. The highlight of the evening was a thought-provoking fireside chat with Ambassador Ravi, moderated by Mr Frederick Teo, CEO of GenZero. Ambassador Ravi offered his perspectives and shared valuable insights on the global climate agenda. He was realistic about dealing with the challenges and hard truths, while staying optimistically focused on the opportunities for climate action.

The session was followed by an excellent panel discussion, skillfully moderated by Mr Toh Wee Khiang, EDB alumnus and Director of the Hydrogen & Sustainable Energies Office at EMA. The panel featured distinguished speakers, namely Ms Aw Kah Peng, Chairman of Shell Companies in Singapore, Mr Bernd Heid, Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company and Global Lead for Climate Technologies and the Hydrogen Service Line, and Prof. Thomas Jaramillo, Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Stanford University. The panel discussion covered a range of global issues, ranging from decarbonisation opportunities in the light of the Trump Administration's agenda, to hydrogen innovation, to lessons learnt from Europe's energy transition, to prospects of low carbon fuels for Singapore.

The event was attended by over 150 members and guests, which included Temasek alumnus and A*STAR representatives. We thank all participants for registering your interest and making it a point to attend and arrive on time, for enthusiastically asking questions during Q&A, and for staying on for the networking session.

Dear Members,

On behalf of my EXCO team, I would like to wish all our Muslim members Selamat Hari Raya Haji.

Best Regards,

Mano

Dear Members,

On behalf of my EXCO team, I would like to wish all our Buddhist members a blessed and peaceful Vesak Day!

Best Regards,

Mano

President, EDB Society

Dear Members,

On behalf of my EXCO team, I would like to wish all our Christian members a Blessed Good Friday and a Holy Easter!

Best Regards,

Mano

President, EDB Society

The EDB Society and Temasek Alumni Network organised a forum titled "Singapore's Energy Transition Pathway" on 14 April 2025 at Big Picture Auditorium at Capital Tower.

We were honoured to have our Guest-of-Honour, Dr Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry, share about Singapore’s energy transition efforts. The fireside chat was moderated by Mr Russell Tham (Head of Emerging Technologies, Temasek), and it was an enriching dialogue on how Singapore can progress on our strategies amidst sharper trade-offs in the energy & carbon space.

Following the fireside chat with Minister, there was a panel discussion, moderated by our EXCO member, Mr Dennis Tan, Executive Director, Surbana Jurong. Our distinguished panel consisted of Mr Russell Tham, Mr Teo Eng Dih (Chief Executive Officer, MPA), Ms Janice Bong (Managing Director, Power and Renewables, Keppel) and Mr Lim Wey-Len (Executive Vice President, EDB). It was an insightful session as our panllists shared openly about the challenges and immense opportunities that have emerged in energy transition.

The event received very good response and we were happy to host more than 180 members and guests.

Dear Members,

On behalf of my EDB Society EXCO team, I would like to wish all our Muslim members and families Selamat Hari Raya Adilfitri.

May this occasion bring you boundless joy and blessings!

Regards,

Mano

President, EDB Society

On 25th March 2025, the EDB Society organised a Career Development Forum: Navigating your career compass and making meaningful choices. Close to 50 members and guests attended the forum held at the SGInnovate premises. Our distinguished panel comprising Mr Tan Choon Shian, CEO of Tote Board, Mr Suresh Sachi, Deputy Chief Executive of A*STAR, Ms Lynette Tan, CEO of Space Faculty and Dr Lisa Ooi, Assistant Chief Executive of A*STAR, shared candidly from their personal experiences, imparting wisdom they derived from their own career journeys. The audience also engaged actively in the Q&A session, seeking answers to the questions they have as they navigate through their various career transitions. Everyone who attended went back with a personal takeaway. We thank our panellists and audience for being part of this enlightening session.

Dear Members,

On behalf of your EDB Society EXCO, I would like to wish all our members and your loved ones a very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous Lunar New Year! Gong Xi Fa Cai!

We have exciting events lined up for you in the year of the Snake -- we look forward to seeing you all there!

Best wishes

Mano

Manohar Khiatani

President, The EDB Society