Changing long-entrenched systems is complex, time-consuming, and requires significant re-examination – sometimes the deconstruction – of stakeholders’ values and beliefs. Often, the urgency to meet the immediate needs of society take precedence over longer term systemic action. Short-term project-based results tend to be prioritised over more collaborative or inclusive approaches that adapt and evolve. Nonetheless, the call for change must be accompanied by present action.

Explore the contours of systems change – what does it look like, and what challenges need to be kept in mind towards it being realized realistically? At the same time, we are challenged to re-imagine and envision how we may adapt to current realities and the needs on the ground in improving the human condition, leveraging upon the strengths of every stakeholder, for greater impact.

Course duration: 20 minutes

Speakers:

• Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican, Secretary-General of Treasury, Ministry of Finance Malaysia

• Matthew Smith, Co-founder and CEO, Fortify Rights

• Ng Boon Heong, Chief Executive Officer, Temasek Foundation

• Dr. Ruth Shapiro, Co-founder and Chief Executive, Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society

Moderated by: Pritha Venkatachalam, Partner and Co-head, Asia and Africa, Bridgespan

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This series of video clips are extracted from The Hasanah Forum, a thought leadership platform organised by Yayasan Hasanah to foster critical thinking, deepen conversations, nurture collaborative thought leadership and encourage action for constructive change. With the theme, Fostering Justice-Based Philanthropy: Shifting the Narrative to Action, the second edition of the Forum was held on June 20 to 22, 2023.