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Many forms of partnerships within and between different sectors of society, the public, private and civic, are emerging across Asia. This is because societal needs have become increasingly complex and interconnected, and there is the diffusion of power from the central state to other actors so that no single sector is itself capable of adequately responding to those needs.

Governments have come to recognise a legitimate role for civil society in addressing the needs of socio-economic development. Business, especially transnational corporations, is also under pressure from global society to accept greater social accountability for its presence and activities in the local community. Developments in communication technologies have heightened this sense of scrutiny over their social and environmental impact.

Multisectoral partnerships as envisaged by the organisers involve active engagement among actors of different sectors to collaborate and cooperate in promoting or co-creating public goods for social development.

The topic is also very much in line with the national effort in Singapore to promote partnerships among the public, private and people sectors - 'social tripartism' - in addressing the needs of the community, and building the sense of community. It is an integral part the Singapore 21 Vision, our overarching national agenda launched in 1999. Each sector, including the burgeoning civil society in Singapore is exploring the merits and modalities of such multisectoral partnerships for achieving goals of public interest.

Prof Tommy Koh and Mr Lim Swee Say will make the welcome and opening remarks respectively.

Please contact Olivia Suryo for more information on how you may attend the symposium.