Singapore state-owned investment company Temasek has joined the Facebook-backed Libra project seeking to create a worldwide digital payments network, the Swiss-based Libra Association said Thursday.

Temasek was among three new members announced for the association, including cryptocurrency investment firm Paradigm and private equity group Slow Ventures, both based in California.

"The addition of these three new members to the Libra Association shows our commitment to building a diverse group of organizations that will contribute to the governance, technological roadmap and launch readiness" of Libra, said association vice chairman Dante Disparte.

"Our participation in the Libra Association as a member will allow us to contribute towards a regulated global network for cost-effective retail payments," said Temasek deputy CEO Chia Song Hwee. Libra, a high-profile project launched by Facebook, is tentatively scheduled to launch this year but has been battered by severe criticism from some of the world's most influential financial authorities.