As critical global issues – including environment conservation, sustainable development, public health, and peace and security – become increasingly complex, non-profit organizations, both International NPOs and local NPOs, can come together to share knowledge and expertise, co-create and adapt solutions and programmes for the Asian Pacific context. Singapore, as a small and highly connected country, is well poised to facilitate such collaborations. 

The establishment of the International Organisations Programme Office (IOPO) at the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) underscores a Whole-of Government effort to facilitate International Non-Profit Organizations’ presence here and develop Singapore as a platform where partnerships among Non-Profits can be forged and strengthened.

The Office, which has been set up for close to 3 years now, aims to establish a critical mass of 150 International Non-Profits Organizations (INPO) in Singapore by 2015, so that all INPOs may greater enjoy the benefits of sharing and collaboration.

The Tanglin International Centre (TIC), set up by the IOPO in partnership with the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) is the first dedicated office cluster for International Non-Profits in Singapore. A cluster of 2 refurbished buildings, once the old Ministry of Education headquarters, TIC offers up to 59 office units for non-profits here. The centre also provides competitive rental rates and shared facilities like meeting areas, conference rooms, outdoor gazebos and gathering spaces to meet the unique operating needs of non-profit organisations. It offers a conducive platform for organisations to interact, share ideas and foster collaborations and adds to strengthening the infrastructure of Singapore’s non-profit sector.