Singapore International Foundation’s Young Social Entrepreneurs Awards Ceremony

Speech By Mr Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry Of Culture, Community And Youth & Ministry Of Social And Family Development, At The Singapore International Foundation’s Young Social Entrepreneurs Awards Ceremony on 17 November 2023.

Mr Lian Wee Cheow, Vice-Chairman, SIF
Ms Jean Tan, Executive Director, SIF
Esteemed Judges
YSE Global Participants and Distinguished Guests

1. Good evening.
2. Thank you for joining the Singapore International Foundation (SIF)’s Young Social Entrepreneurs (YSE) Global 2023 Pitching for Change awards ceremony.
3. First, I would like to extend my congratulations to the SIF team, for another successful run of the YSE Global programme.
4. This year marks the 14th year of the programme, where youths from across the world are invited to connect and nurture their business ideas for social good. This idea of global connectedness is important, especially against the backdrop of recent political tensions and changes in the global landscape.
5. As young leaders, we must recognise that we live in an increasingly complex and highly interdependent world, faced with issues and challenges that no country or individual can tackle alone.
6. I am glad that SIF has taken steps on this front, to pave the way forward through their range of youth development initiatives and programmes.
7. Over the years, the YSE Global programme, for example, has brought together over 1,400 social entrepreneurs across 43 nationalities in their alumni network – an impressive number and a testament of SIF’s efforts in building global communities. Many of these entrepreneurs are now creating sustainable impact across the world.
1. Anahat For Change Foundation, a YSE 2022 alumni, has engaged more than 1,200 women in employment opportunities in India and saved over 100,000 disposable feminine hygiene products from the landfills.
2. Another YSE 2022 alumni, The Green, is now supported by the Asian Development Bank to create stable incomes for small farmers in Laos and protect their livelihoods amid a worsening climate crisis.
8. And this number continues to grow. Earlier today, 28 young participants of this year’s YSE Global programme made their business pitch to the judging panel.
9. These teams from across India, Indonesia, China, Laos, Vietnam, and Singapore advocated for social causes they care deeply about. They presented an exciting range of ideas – from access to mental health services, to sustainable practices, educational equity, and support for vulnerable communities.
10. Many spoke passionately on creating meaningful change in society. I am humbled by their passion in wanting to serve others, and their dedication in looking beyond immediate needs to innovate solutions for the wider community.
11. This is no easy feat. Imagine being a young entrepreneur today. You’re brimming with ideas, but face challenges getting them off the ground, because of competition from larger companies, or the lack of know-how on ways to build your brand.
12. Through this programme, participants get to undergo a range of workshops, mentorships, and regional learning opportunities over a six-month period. 
13. This year, they were supported by business consultants and professionals from Temasek International, McKinsey & Company, Bain & Company, as well as other industry experts. Many provided invaluable expertise and knowledge to participants, in honing and shaping their business ideas.
14. Thank you to these partners for their unwavering support, in guiding our youths on this journey. The progress made by our young entrepreneurs show that there is much more we can accomplish, when we band together and support one another as a community.
15. In the same vein, I would like to strongly encourage and call on more youths to step forward and be the change that they want to see in society. Rise to the challenge, to lead and to volunteer. Dedicate your time in using your talents for the greater good.
16. There may be obstacles and setbacks, and your resourcefulness and resilience will be tested. There may be difficult moments, even times where you may find yourself at a dead end, unsure of what to do next.
17. But that is the journey of a changemaker. You will face many challenges, but also gain many useful skills that can guide you in your next step forward.
18. I strongly believe that there is much to offer from our young people, as the future leaders of the global world.
19. Once again, to SIF, our partners, and participants – congratulations! Your dedication is a true inspiration for many, and may you continue to guide and lead the way in empowering youths to make a difference.
20. I am sure many of you have also made valuable connections and friendships. Do keep in touch and support one another, as you uphold the spirit of learning and collaborating across borders in the years ahead.
21. Thank you.