The director of Quantedge Foundation refuses to play by philanthropy’s old rules

Suhaimi Zainul-Abidin sees his role at Quantedge Capital as a responsibility to maximise returns for investors and a gateway to something much larger, a mission to reshape how capital and philanthropy intersect. On any given day, you might find him shifting effortlessly between boardrooms and strategy sessions, navigating both hedge fund management and social impact initiatives with a calm sense of purpose.

His work straddles the demands of high finance and the nuanced complexities of philanthropy. And, to him, they aren’t separate worlds at all. They’re two sides of the same coin.

As CEO of Quantedge Capital, Suhaimi leads one of Singapore’s largest hedge funds. But while financial success is crucial, what truly motivates him is how that success fuels the work of Quantedge Foundation, where he serves as a director.

The foundation was established in 2016, and its mission is clear: to create equal opportunities for Singapore’s lowest-income households, not by simply redistributing wealth but by addressing the root causes of social immobility.

“We’re not just here to chase numbers,” he says, revealing a quiet but unmistakable resolve. “We want our investors to be empowered to give back, to become active philanthropists.” Some of Quantedge Capital’s investors have seen their capital grow more than twentyfold, which has allowed them to pour significant resources into philanthropic efforts both in Singapore and beyond. And for him, that’s the true measure of success.

A hands-on approach to change

Still, the Foundation isn’t content with writing cheques and hoping for the best. It’s much more deliberate than that. “We’re very active and purposive in how we give,” Suhaimi explains. “We map out the landscape, co-design interventions, and work closely with our partners to ensure we’re developing effective programs.”

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This approach has led to Quantedge Foundation’s distinctive role in Singapore’s philanthropic landscape. Their goal is to drive systemic change, not just address symptoms. Take, for example, their focus on children from low-income households.

The Foundation’s long-term ambition is to create environments where these children can access good nutrition, safe surroundings, and quality education — factors that can lead to well-paying, meaningful careers down the line.

But the road to success is far from straightforward. Social mobility is a complex and multifaceted issue that touches all aspects of society. “There’s no silver bullet,” Suhaimi admits.

“The goalposts are always shifting. The gap between the haves and the have-nots keeps widening.” Yet, the work continues. He remains hopeful, convinced that the seeds being planted today will grow into something far more impactful in the future.

The power of collaboration

Philanthropy is rarely a solo endeavour, and Suhaimi quickly emphasises the importance of collaboration. “If you want to go far, you need to go together,” he says, referencing a well-known African proverb. This philosophy underpins much of the work at Quantedge Foundation.

By forging strategic partnerships with like-minded organisations — whether private, governmental, or philanthropic — the Foundation can pool resources and extend its reach, amplifying its impact across the social sector.

Funding is, of course, a critical component. However, he believes that public awareness is equally important. The Foundation has invested in research and communications to help build a following — what Suhaimi describes as “a broad public understanding of the importance of social mobility.” The more people who understand the issue, the more likely it is that meaningful change can be achieved.

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In addition to partnerships and public engagement, the Foundation also focuses on fostering talent within the social sector. “We believe in investing in people,” Suhaimi says. “Our Philanthropreneur-in-Residence programme is one of the ways we’re doing that.”

This initiative supports individuals with bold ideas for tackling social issues, giving them the resources they need to bring those ideas to life. It’s about empowering people who have both the vision and the determination to make a real difference.

Success in the long term

Success in philanthropy isn’t always visible in the short term. It’s about setting the stage for long-lasting impact. The goal isn’t just to help people at the moment but to enable them to break free from cycles of poverty and build better lives for themselves and their families.

For Quantedge Foundation, success would be a Singapore where financial constraints no longer limit access to opportunities. Suhaimi envisions a society where children born into low-income families today can grow into well-rounded individuals with fulfilling careers. And though the work may be slow, he’s confident that the Foundation’s efforts will yield significant results in the years to come.

“Big things take time,” he often says with the characteristic patience that comes from years of balancing high-stakes investments with the relentless pursuit of social progress. “But we’re here for the long haul.”

Hope in small acts

Despite the challenges ahead, Suhaimi remains optimistic. When asked what gives him hope in a world that often feels overwhelming, his response is simple: “You just have to look around you. There are so many people and organisations who are trying, in their ways, to make the world better.”

It’s this belief in the power of small contributions that fuels much of Suhaimi’s work. He is particularly excited about Quantedge Foundation’s efforts to support the ideas of exceptional individuals through the Philanthropreneur-in-Residence programme.

“We want to back people who not only have great ideas but also the stamina to see them through,” he explains. It’s a belief that even the smallest acts of philanthropy when thoughtfully executed, can have an outsized impact.

Philanthropy, to him, isn’t just about fancy dinners or writing big cheques — it’s about finding ways, however small, to express a love for humanity. And that’s a message he hopes will resonate widely. “Everyone can be a philanthropist,” he says. “It’s not about how much you give — it’s about how you give.”

Ultimately, he envisions a world where philanthropy is woven into the fabric of everyday life, where people from all walks of life come together to tackle the challenges of our time. It’s a vision rooted in the belief that everyone has the capacity to make a difference — and that, with enough patience and collaboration, we can all play a part in creating a better, more equitable future.

And in that future, he hopes to see something quite extraordinary: A world where everyone is a philanthropist, working together to create lasting, meaningful change.