• Professor Derek John Hausenloy Appointed Tanoto Foundation Professor in Cardiovascular Medicine

    Professor Derek John Hausenloy Appointed Tanoto Foundation Professor in Cardiovascular Medicine

    Professor Derek John Hausenloy Appointed Tanoto Foundation Professor in Cardiovascular Medicine

    Tanoto Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Derek John Hausenloy as the new Tanoto Foundation Professor in Cardiovascular Medicine.

    Professor Derek John Hausenloy is the Academic Vice Chair (Research) at the SingHealth Duke-NUS Cardiovascular Sciences Academic Clinical Programme, and Director of the National Heart Research Institute Singapore (NHRIS) at the National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS).

    A leading clinician scientist, Professor Hausenloy has served as Principal Investigator on more than 40 research grants totalling over $40 million. He has authored more than 400 scientific papers and has been recognised as a Highly Cited Researcher, placing him among the top 0.1% of researchers worldwide in multiple years. In 2019, he received the Duke-NUS Dean’s Excellence Award in Research for his outstanding research contributions.

    Advancing Cardiovascular Research and Care

    Professor Hausenloy has been instrumental in advancing cardiovascular research across NHCS and the SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medicine Centre. His work focuses on cardioprotection and translating scientific discoveries into clinical care. As a Professor in the Cardiovascular & Metabolic Disorders Programme at Duke-NUS Medical School, he bridges laboratory discoveries with patient care, developing innovative strategies to strengthen the heart’s resilience during heart surgery and procedures.

    He has also played a key role in fostering global research partnerships. The first-in-Asia ‘Heart-in-a-jar’ initiative, developed in collaboration with Novoheart, combines NHCS’s expertise in beating heart cells research with Novoheart’s proprietary platforms to test drugs tailored for patients with heart failure. Another pioneering collaboration with Paratus Sciences examines the unique physiology of bats’ hearts, seeking insights that may reveal mechanisms to better protect the human heart and improve clinical outcomes.

    Professor Hausenloy leads multi-agency efforts to advance cardiovascular care through cross-institutional collaboration. A key initiative is CADENCE (Cardiovascular Diseases National Collaborative Enterprise), a national clinical translational programme that integrates cardiovascular research, technology and clinical care across Singapore. With a focus on data science, early phase mechanistic clinical trials, digital health and artificial intelligence for heart disease prevention, CADENCE has built strong national partnerships and academic collaborations, developed shared platforms and infrastructure, and begun shaping local clinical practice and standards.

    Fostering Scientific Excellence

    Beyond scientific achievements, Professor Hausenloy is a dedicated colleague and mentor within the academic community. His grounded approach to medicine and unwavering commitment to placing patients at the centre of his research continues to inspire and guide the next generation of clinicians and scientists.

    Looking Ahead

    As the new Tanoto Foundation Professor in Cardiovascular Medicine, Professor Hausenloy’s appointment reflects his leadership in cardiovascular research, his commitment to translational science, and his contributions to strengthening collaboration and innovation in Singapore’s healthcare and research ecosystem.

  • SDG Academy Indonesia Officially Launched as a National Learning Hub to Accelerate the 2030 Agenda 

    SDG Academy Indonesia Officially Launched as a National Learning Hub to Accelerate the 2030 Agenda 

    Indonesia has strengthened its national commitment to achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the launch of SDG Academy Indonesia as a national learning hub for sustainable development.  

    The launch marks a new chapter following the long journey of SDG Academy Indonesia as a collaborative platform, which is now fully managed by the Ministry of National Development Planning (PPN/Bappenas) as a strategic national asset. 

    The launch of SDG Academy Indonesia under the leadership of the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas was officiated by Minister of National Development Planning/Bappenas, Rachmat Pambudy in Jakarta on Wednesday (25 February 2026). Also present at the event were Deputy for Human Development and Culture and Acting Head of the SDGs Secretariat at the Ministry of PPN/Bappenas, Pungkas Bahjuri Ali, Head of Policy and Advocacy at Tanoto Foundation Eddy Henry, Secretary General of the Indonesian Society of Sustainability Professionals Doty Damayanti, and CEO of KG Media Andy Budiman. 

    SDG Academy Indonesia was first established in 2019 through a collaboration between Bappenas, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Indonesia, and Tanoto Foundation. Over the past five years, the platform has evolved into a learning space for knowledge sharing and networking among changemakers from various sectors to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs agenda in Indonesia. 

    Deputy for Human Development and Culture and Acting Head of the SDGs Secretariat at the Ministry of PPN/Bappenas Pungkas Bahjuri Ali explained that SDG Academy Indonesia had played an important role in localising the Sustainable Development Goals and strengthening collaboration between government and non-government stakeholders.  

    He noted that since 2025 the academy had been managed by Bappenas, and in 2026 it had been officially launched as a nationally owned initiative under the ministry. According to him, this step reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding its reach while ensuring sustainable, inclusive management aligned with national development priorities. 

    SDG Academy Indonesia is designed as an innovative, inclusive, and sustainable national SDGs learning hub. The initiative aims to strengthen the capacity of government institutions and development stakeholders through knowledge-based learning, the use of technology, and strategic collaboration to accelerate progress towards the SDGs and Indonesia’s broader national development agenda. 

    The academy currently offers three main programmes, including a three-month SDGs leadership certification programme. To date, around 250 SDG leaders have received certification through the programme.  

    Deputy Pungkas explained that participants receive SDG leadership certification and that the programme is expected to be further developed into an international-level executive SDGs training programme. 

    Head of Policy and Advocacy at Tanoto Foundation Eddy Henry stated that since its establishment, SDG Academy Indonesia had served not only as a capacity-building platform but also as a cross-sector collaboration space. He expressed hope that with the academy now managed by Bappenas, it would further support the translation of sustainability principles into more effective planning, budgeting, and policy implementation. 

    Indonesia has shown relatively solid progress in achieving the SDGs, with approximately 62 per cent of national SDG targets already achieved, according to the latest Voluntary National Review (VNR).  

    Eddy noted that this achievement reflected Indonesia’s commitment and the consistent integration of sustainable development into national planning. However, he added that acceleration would still be required to ensure that the 2030 targets are achieved and aligned with the vision of Indonesia Emas 2045. 

    The launch also coincided with the introduction of a series of initiatives designed to enrich the SDGs learning ecosystem. These include the “Acceleration of SDGs 2030” Essay and Journalism Competition, which invites professionals, academics, journalists, and the wider public to contribute strategic ideas to strengthen governance, learning innovation, and sustainability communication. 

    The launch of SDG Academy Indonesia represents an important milestone, particularly as less than five years remain to achieve the SDGs 2030 targets. Strengthening human resource capacity is considered one of the key pillars for accelerating the achievement of national development targets. 

  • Siyuan Programme Delegation Visits Tanoto Foundation, Engages in Dialogue with Tanoto Scholars 

    Siyuan Programme Delegation Visits Tanoto Foundation, Engages in Dialogue with Tanoto Scholars 

    Tanoto Foundation welcomed a delegation of students from the Siyuan Programme at Tsinghua University as part of their international field study titled “Chinese Enterprises in Southeast Asia”. The visit formed part of a broader academic exploration of the education and philanthropy ecosystem in Indonesia. 

    The Siyuan Programme is recognised as one of China’s most prestigious leadership initiatives, nurturing selected first-year students from leading universities. During their visit to Tanoto Foundation office, the delegation took part in a structured dialogue session focused on education and youth development. 

    Through programme presentations and interactive discussions, Tanoto Foundation introduced TELADAN as a leadership development programme that integrates scholarship and academic excellence with community service. Siyuan students and Tanoto Scholars participated in small group discussions to exchange experiences, broaden cross-cultural perspectives, and deepen their understanding of the social and educational dynamics in their respective countries. 

    The visit also included several dedicated sessions: 

    • Academic Visit and Field Exposure 

    The delegation’s visit formed part of Siyuan’s international field study in Southeast Asia, offering first-hand exposure to Indonesia’s education and philanthropy landscape through engagement with Tanoto Foundation. 

    • Scholar Experience Sharing 

    Tanoto Scholars and Siyuan students shared their academic journeys, social contributions, and reflections on how leadership programmes shape values-driven and impact-oriented leadership. 

    • Alumni Insight Session 

    Participants also heard from distinguished alumni of the Belt & Road Talent Development Programme (a leadership development programme jointly developed by Tanoto Foundation and Tsinghua University): 

    Patricia Lisca, Deputy Director at Indonesia’s Financial Services Authority, who shared insights on cross-cultural leadership and global networks. 

    Adi Harsono, member of the China Committee at the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), who discussed international collaboration and institutional engagement. 

    Youth Leadership Exchange Across Cultures 

    The exchange provided an opportunity for emerging leaders from Indonesia and China to build connections, exchange perspectives, and explore long-term collaboration in education and development. 

    “This afternoon I had a very engaging discussion with my new friends from Indonesia. The whole discussion was truly impressive, as I seldom have the opportunity to speak so deeply with students from other countries,” said Li Xuxu, a Siyuan student from Tsinghua University. 

    Similarly, Kian, a Tanoto Scholar from the University of Indonesia shared his experience. 

    “It was not just about the projects being shared, but also about the meaning and passion behind them. We were introduced to new friends and connections abroad. I am very grateful and hope to take part in more events like this in the future,” said Kian. 

    In bringing together emerging leaders from Indonesia and China, the visit illuminated the power of dialogue, shared values, and global connection in shaping a future driven by leadership, purpose, and impact.