Michael Binger relocated to Singapore in 2007 in search of fresh professional opportunities and a change of scenery. Now, sixteen years on, the ex-Vice President of South APAC at Under Armour has not only built a thriving business but also embarked on a meaningful journey of philanthropy, to make a lasting impact in the local community.

FINDING A HOME IN SINGAPORE

Originally from Germany, Michael’s journey to Singapore began after eight years in Hong Kong, where he worked for a global sporting goods brand. “I decided I just needed a change of environment and a new opportunity,” he recalls. Singapore’s welcoming environment and robust legal and business framework provided the perfect setting for Michael to set up his own company and eventually make Singapore his home.

THE SPARK OF PHILANTHROPY

Michael’s philanthropic journey was significantly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Coming out of COVID and seeing how quickly things can change in the world highlighted the need for community support much closer to home,” he explains. This realisation, coupled with advice on legacy planning, led Michael to explore ways to give back to the community.

Through his banking relationship with DBS, Michael was introduced to the Community Foundation of Singapore (CFS). “I was lucky to be pointed to an organisation like CFS, which has a well-established structure of donor-advised funds and the expertise to guide donors,” he says. CFS provided the support Michael needed to navigate the complex charity landscape and set up a legal structure for his philanthropic efforts.

FOCUS ON SPORTS, CHILDREN AND ELDERLY

Michael’s professional background in the sports industry naturally influenced his philanthropic interests. “Sports has always been close to my heart, and I’ve seen the positive impact physical activity can have on people, especially children and also the elderly,” he shares. Michael believes that sports can be a powerful tool to help children from disadvantaged backgrounds build confidence, improve mental health, reintegrate into the community, if necessary, and create new opportunities for them.

His focus on children and sports was further reinforced by the challenges posed by the pandemic. “With children confined to their homes during COVID-19, the need for physical activity and support for disadvantaged or disrupted families became even more apparent,” he notes.

Michael is also passionate about supporting the elderly, recognising the importance of addressing issues such as social isolation and income insecurity. “Countries like Singapore are ageing rapidly, and it’s crucial to provide support for the elderly to ensure they remain active and engaged members of the community,” he emphasises.

VOLUNTEER WORK WITH TALENTTRUST

Michael’s philanthropic journey includes volunteer work with talenTtrust, an organisation that connects professionals with charities and social enterprises to provide essential business advice. This allows Michael to apply his professional skills to help local charities, deepening his understanding of the landscape and the unique challenges faced by smaller charities.

LEARNING AND GROWING WITH CFS

Michael’s involvement with CFS has been instrumental in shaping his philanthropic journey. He has participated in several donor-learning trips organised by CFS, which he finds valuable. “These trips are eye-opening, allowing me to see firsthand the challenges and needs of different organisations,” he says.

LEGACY GIVING: PLANNING FOR A BETTER WORLD

At the heart of Michael’s philanthropic efforts is his dream for a better world. He envisions a future where no child is denied the opportunities they deserve, and where the elderly are not left to face social isolation and financial insecurity alone. “Everyone has something in this world that they would like to improve. For me, it’s about providing equal opportunities for children and supporting the elderly,” he shares.

Michael believes that achieving this dream requires long-term commitment and planning. “Legacy planning allows you to support causes close to your heart in a structured and sustainable way,” he explains. By setting up legacy funds with the help of CFS, Michael ensures that his contributions will continue to make an impact beyond his lifetime. “With a little bit of empathy, we can help children and the elderly find new confidence and purpose in life,” he adds.

INSPIRING NEW DONORS

As someone who has made Singapore his home and actively contributes to the local community, Michael has a message for new-to-Singapore donors: “There are issues to be tackled everywhere, including Singapore. It’s easier to make an impact where you are, and it helps you understand the local community better.” He encourages new donors to start small, find trusted partners like CFS, and focus on causes they are passionate about.

LEGACY GIVING AND HOW YOU CAN START GIVING WITH CFS 

Legacy Giving is a planned future gift to a cause you are passionate about. It empowers you to create an enduring impact on your community, reflecting what you value and care about deeply. Here are ways you can leave a legacy:

  1. Give Now: Make an immediate impact by establishing a donor-advised fund to transform lives with your generosity.
  2. Give Later: Secure your future legacy by instructing your executor or trustee to create a donor-advised fund using assets from your will, trust, or CPF/insurance nominations.
  3. Give Now; Give Later: Amplify your impact by setting up a donor-advised fund now and supplementing it with future gifts from your will, trust, or CPF/insurance nominations.

Get in touch to speak to us on how you can tap on CFS’s expertise for your legacy giving journey.