NE EDUCATION BUREAU
SINGAPORE, SEP 7
Fifteen social enterprise teams, comprising 32 participants of seven nationalities, have been shortlisted for the next phase of the Singapore International Foundation’s (SIF) Young Social Entrepreneurs (YSE) Global 2021 programme, says an SIF release.
The YSE Global programme, now in its 12th year, aims to inspire, equip and enable youths from around the globe to start or scale up their social enterprises in Singapore and beyond. Participants learn new skills that empower them to shape and strengthen their business models while establishing professional networks for potential collaboration and sustainable growth.
MOS Tan said: “Social entrepreneurs play important roles as change agents in society. They are purpose-driven and relentlessly pursue new opportunities to address pressing social issues.In the current global crisis, we need social entrepreneurs more than ever. They catalyse community efforts that will help us overcome our current challenges and drive us in to the sustainable future we aspire to build. I hope that our participants will continue to nurture the YSE network, support one another in their social entrepreneurship journey and succeed in their pursuit of purpose, profit and passion.”
Jean Tan, Executive Director, SIF said: “Connecting people of different culturesto inspire collaboration and action for good is at the heart of the SIF’s work. Through the YSE Global programme, we leveragethe passion and purpose of youths as global citizensto ignite positive social change.”
The shortlisted teams were selected from 41 teams, comprising 92 participants of 16 nationalities,who attended the YSE Global 2021 – Workshop, a series of webinars and virtual business clinicsdesigned by the SIF to boost the participants’ capability to do socially good business.Held from 23 July to 20 August, this was second time the programme was conducted fully online.
The participating teams presented their business plans to a panel of judges on the final day of the Workshop and were assessed based on their potential for significant social impact, promise of sustainability and scalability of the business model.
Their business ideas sought to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, such as addressing climate change, promoting inclusive and equitable quality education for all and leveraging technology to empower vulnerable communities.
The shortlisted teams were announced at the virtual closing ceremony of the Workshop, which was attended by Alvin Tan, Singapore’s Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth and Trade and Industry.
This year, the participants attended sessions on data analysis, finance and impact measurement, gaining skills and expertise required to become effective social entrepreneurs. Members of the YSE Global alumni network from India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore also returned to share their valuable experience and conducted design thinking workshops.
Through a series of online activities, the participants also networked with like-minded peers of different nationalities, gained deeper cross-cultural understanding, made new friends and forged helpful business connections.
Over the next six months, the shortlisted teams will be mentored by leading business consultants from McKinsey & Company, Temasek International, and established entrepreneurs relevant to their sectors. The teams will work with their mentors tosharpen their business acumen and broaden their cultural perspectivesthrough an online series to learn about the social entrepreneurship ecosystems in different Asian cities.
In March 2022, the teams will reconvene at the YSE Global 2021 Pitching for Change event. They will then present their refined business plans for a chance to receive funding of up to S$20,000 each.
The shortlisted participants are excited about the next chapter of their YSE journey. Anup Misal, Associate (Founder’s Office), of Kanpur Flowercycling (Phool) from India said: “It has been a rewarding experience. It is humbling to connect with like-minded friends, from all around the world, who are also passionate about making a difference in their communities. My team and I are looking forward to working with and learn from our mentors in the months ahead.”
