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Singapore and Hong Kong CEOs join forces with youth to harness AI for social innovation solutions
Temasek Foundation and Melo Foundation today announced the launch of the Temasek Foundation–Melo Fellowship, a new cross-border leadership programme that will equip young leaders from Singapore and Hong Kong with the skills, networks and experiences to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven world.
The Fellowship will bring together 70 young leaders aged 21 to 30 across two cohorts over three years. Through direct interaction with CEOs, applied AI training and cross-border collaboration, Fellows will co-create AI-enabled solutions that address real-world social challenges while building leadership capabilities and regional connections.
The programme is jointly supported by Temasek Foundation and Melo Foundation, with AI Singapore and Preface as programme partners. The Fellowship will provide dedicated opportunities for young people from underserved backgrounds, helping to broaden access to leadership development.
At the launch, Boon Heong Ng (Executive Director and CEO, Temasek Foundation) and Kenny Lam (Co‑founder and Co‑Chairman, Melo Foundation) emphasized why investing in the next generation matters, while Professor Nancy Ip (President, HKUST) offered insights on the qualities of future leaders. Centered on the theme “Resilience in Youth,” Randy Lai (CEO, McDonald's Hong Kong) and Fred Ngan (Co‑founder, Bowtie) joined a panel discussion with Melo Fellows, highlighting that what matters most in the AI era are a curiosity for knowledge and the grit to achieve greatness.
“We are so honoured to be partnering with Temasek Foundation to launch this first ever and one-of-a-kind fellowship for the next generation. Melo has long believed in creative empowerment of the next generation. This fellowship will be the most distinctive yet in creating an at-scale cohort of resilient leaders." - Kenny Lam, Co-Chairman of Melo Foundation
“The next generation of leaders will need to know not just how to use AI, but how to use it responsibly to make a difference. By bringing young leaders from Singapore and Hong Kong together and connecting them with mentors and resources, the Temasek Foundation-Melo
Fellowship will give them the opportunity to learn from experience, test ideas and turn AI into practical solutions that create positive social impact. The programme is also an excellent platform for young leaders from both countries to dialogue, network, build trust and collaborate with each other.” - James Chan, Head, Programmes Office and Resilient Societies, Temasek Foundation
Applications Open on 14 September 2026
The Fellowship will combine impact project co-creation, leadership development, CEO dialogues and AI training in Hong Kong and Singapore. Fellows will work in cross-border teams to develop AI-enabled solutions while building meaningful relationships with peers and business leaders.
The Fellowship welcomes final-year university students, recent graduates and young professionals aged 21 to 30 from Singapore and Hong Kong who demonstrate leadership potential, intellectual curiosity and a commitment to creating positive social impact. Applications for the inaugural Temasek Foundation–Melo Fellowship open on 14 September 2026 at www.melo.org.
About Melo Foundation
Melo Foundation is a Hong Kong-registered non-profit charitable organisation dedicated to empowering youth for social impact by addressing disparities in access to knowledge, networks and opportunities. We bridge the education gap by providing youth with equal learning opportunities, access to CEO networks and skills-based programs. To date, the Melo ecosystem has empowered over 6,000 youth aged 12-25, engaged 80 CEOs, and contributed more than 7,600 volunteer hours to support local NGOs. To learn more, please visit www.melo.org.
About Temasek Foundation
Temasek Foundation supports a diverse range of programmes that uplift lives and communities in Singapore and Asia. Temasek Foundation’s programmes are made possible through philanthropic endowments gifted by Temasek, as well as gifts and other contributions from other donors. These programmes strive to deliver positive outcomes for individuals and communities now, and for generations to come. Collectively, Temasek Foundation’s programmes strengthen social resilience; foster international exchange and catalyse regional capabilities; advance science; and protect the planet. For more information, visit www.temasekfoundation.org.sg.