Singapore International Foundation has been around since 1991 carving out greater community understanding on the western seaboard, but this year marks the first time they’ve instituted a camp for young, aspiring social entrepreneurs. In partnership with Volans Asia, they’ve launched a five-day camp at the YWCA Fort Canning Lodge in Singapore to cultivate the basics of running a social enterprise.

Students ages 18-25 living and studying in Singapore, but from other parts of Asia, such as China and Vietnam, were encouraged to organize a team and send in a business proposal that includes the creation of a viable social impact. Based on their proposals, various groups are selected to participate in the retreat.

“Through the Young Social Entrepreneurs program, we hope to build and foster a regional network of Asian youth interested in the field of social enterprise,” Singapore International Foundation explained. For their efforts, winning teams will receive a grand prize of $3,000.

Examples of proposals include marketing skills training to basket-weavers in Cambobia, a mushroom cultivation business that uses coffee ground waste, and an enterprise that donates a pair of shoes for every pair purchased.

Industry practitioners that will be coaching the groups include Mr Bjorn Lee, Chief Executive Officer, JABFISH; Mr Douglas Abrams, Managing Partner, Extream Ventures; Mr Lee Junior, Managing Director, Silver Capital Investment Pte Ltd; Ms Jessica Tan, Partner, McKinsey & Company Singapore; Mr Martin Tan, Executive Director, Halogen Foundation; Ms Nancy Frohman, General Manager, SingHealth Foundation; and Ms Sarah Mavrinac, President, aidha.

I say this a lot, but it’s always nice to see the social enterprise movement alive and kicking in all parts of the world – we really are a “social earth”.

Through shared ideas, skills, and experiences, Singapore International Foundation uplifts lives and creates greater understanding between Singaporeans and world communities.

• Organization Type: Non-Profit
• Website: http://www.sif.org.sg/
• Chairman: Euleen Goh
• Founded: 1991
• Location: Singapore
• See complete company list here

Contributor Profile: Ashley

Ashley is a friend of anyone who is fighting the good fight for social change. She currently resides in Bilbao, Spain where she is teaching English and researching the history of the Basque conflict. Personal blog
Twitter: @socialearth

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