PUBLISHED ONBYLaili AbdeenA new network bringing together non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the Government and community partners will be established to strengthen Singapore's humanitarian efforts for those affected by the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Announcing the launch of the initiative on Thursday (Nov 5), Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Zaqy Mohamad said the SG for Humanity network will enhance humanitarian partnerships, improve the last-mile delivery of aid to those who need it most, and broaden opportunities for Singaporeans across communities to contribute.
Zaqy said the initiative was driven in part by a desire among Singaporeans to do more to help those affected by the crisis.
"When I speak to many Singaporeans, they feel that we can do more. They want to do more," he said. "The willingness to help is there, and we need to create more ways for Singaporeans to act."
The initiative was unveiled alongside Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim and Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth Baey Yam Keng.
Building on Singapore's existing humanitarian contributions, the network will enable Singapore to do more, creating more opportunities for Singaporeans to support whole-of-nation relief efforts through fundraising, volunteering, and contributing their professional skills and expertise.
As a start, the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) will facilitate the network by bringing together four established humanitarian organisations: Humanity Matters, Mercy Relief, Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation and the Singapore Red Cross.
The network will harness the organisations' existing expertise, capabilities and overseas partnerships, providing a common platform for closer collaboration and identifying opportunities for joint initiatives.
The Singapore Government will complement these efforts by facilitating engagement with overseas authorities and humanitarian partners.
Since October 2023, the Singapore Government, humanitarian organisations, and the community have contributed over S$25 million of humanitarian aid to support essential needs such as food, healthcare, clean water, shelter and education.
The four organisations have been involved in fundraising, delivering relief supplies and working with international and regional partners, including the Egyptian Red Crescent and Palestinian Red Crescent Society, to channel aid to affected civilians.
In 2025, the Singapore Government provided S$1 million in seed funding, distributed equally among the four organisations, to support their efforts.
Since October 2023, Singapore has contributed $25 million worth of humanitarian assistance, including food, healthcare, clean water, shelter and education support.
Beyond mobilising funds and resources, SG for Humanity explores further ways Singapore can strengthen the last-mile delivery of humanitarian aid to those affected by the crisis in Gaza.
"It's not just about raising funds or collecting supplies," said Zaqy. "We want to work closer with our partners overseas to ensure that families and children who need it most get the help they need."
Zaqy said government backing will provide greater assurance to humanitarian teams and volunteers working abroad amid regional security concerns.
"There will be more assurance when volunteers know this is a government-supported platform that they can rely on," he said, adding that government facilitation could help NGOs assess security conditions and coordinate operations on the ground.
Calling the initiative an effort to harness the goodwill of Singaporeans, Zaqy said: "At its heart, SG for Humanity is about turning Singapore's compassion into action."
"We may be a small country, but our compassion can reach beyond our shores."
In the coming weeks, Zaqy will visit Egypt, a key gateway for humanitarian assistance into Gaza, to engage authorities and humanitarian partners on how Singapore can further support relief efforts.
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