Quantedge Foundation Singapore (QFS) has committed S$50m to advance social mobility through a series of new initiatives. Announced at the QFS10 Community Night, these initiatives include the establishment of the Quantedge Opportunity Lab (QOLab), a six-year longitudinal study, and an expanded Philanthropreneur-in-Residence programme. The event was attended by Desmond Lee, Minister for Education and Minister-in-charge of Social Services Integration.
QOLab, set to open in 2028 at the former Jalan Bukit Ho Swee community centre, will serve as a collaborative hub for non-profits focused on social mobility. The space aims to foster innovation and growth by providing shared facilities and opportunities for collaboration with key stakeholders.
The Social Networks and Mobility Study will track over 3,000 lower-income households to explore the impact of social networks on mobility. This research is expected to inform future policies and programmes.
The Philanthropreneur-in-Residence programme will see an expansion, supporting up to two new innovators annually with up to S$2m each over five years. The programme focuses on developing solutions to improve social mobility.
QFS CEO Xie Yao Quan emphasised the importance of sustained effort in expanding opportunities for disadvantaged youth. Minister Desmond Lee highlighted the role of education and community partnerships in creating opportunities for Singaporeans.
These initiatives build on QFS’s decade-long work in social mobility, having invested nearly S$40m since becoming an Institution of a Public Character in 2016. The foundation aims to connect evidence, experimentation, and collaboration to enhance social mobility solutions in Singapore.
