The experience transformed George’s understanding of philanthropy, that change does not always have to be led by the state or formal agencies. When communities come together, pooling their diverse skills and resources, they can empower themselves to create safe spaces that reflect their own aspirations. In Asia, there is often an assumption that Asian societies are naturally communitarian. Yet communities do not simply come into existence. They require cultivation, time and sustained effort, and their collective resilience depends on the availability of shared spaces for people to gather, listen and act together. For women in particular, safe spaces must be deliberately created. George draws inspiration from the phrase “create your own table”, coined by author Heather Dolland Tamam. He believes Singapore needs more leadership circles that cultivate diverse and inclusive leadership styles – new tables where different voices can host, grow and flourish. Power, he argues, should not be confined to those willing to play by the rules of a single table. It should expand through leaders committed to serving and opening access for others. For businesses, this shift requires a mindset change. Community engagement should not be reduced to CSR metrics or short-term publicity. Instead, it is an investment in the proximate communities in which companies are already embedded. When corporations commit consistently, listen deeply and co-create rather than transact, trust begins to form. At the heart of this work is trust. Communities are understandably wary of being treated as case studies. Businesses, in turn, may fear being perceived as inauthentic. The bridge between them relies on long-term relationship-building and recognising the future we share together. It is in shared spaces where slightly uncomfortable but meaningful dialogues can begin, shaping future partnerships and mutual understanding. For George, events such as International Women’s Day are more than fleeting milestones. They are opportunities for us to pause, reflect and ask, “What does the next chapter look like?” In those moments of collective reflection, communities and businesses alike can rediscover what connects them, and renew their commitment to building cities where collaboration, trust and shared purpose can truly flourish.