Building on Basics
Social problems exist within an ecosystem. Using a systemic approach, we hope to address development issues more fully. For example, besides introducing appropriate technologies such as eco-sanitation or simple water treatment systems, we work on stimulating demand for these products, and at the same time, facilitating supply of those products through encouraging local entrepreneurship. In other words, we inhabit that space between the domains of the public and private sectors by identifying market failures and using innovative methods to plug those gaps.
Lien Aid's mode of operation involves piloting a solution, using the proven model to engage partners such as corporations and governments to participate in scaling up the solution, and finally riding on the momentum of such collaborations to advocate better policies. But at the most fundamental level, we always build on the basics: simple, accessible and affordable solutions that address the real needs of the people on the ground, that will continue to be sustained by the communities themselves.
Lien Aid was set up in 2006 to address the water and sanitation crisis in developing countries around Asia. A Singapore based non-governmental organisation, we were established as an independent entity through the Lien Foundation - Nanyang Technological University Environmental Endeavour.
