New Delhi, November 22, 2023.
Six social enterprise teams from five countries emerged as winners at this year’s Young Social Entrepreneurs (YSE) Global Programme organised by the Singapore International Foundation (SIF). The teams were represented by 15 youths from China, India, Indonesia, Laos, and Singapore.
They presented the strongest business ideas that addressed social and environmental causes including mental health services, water conservation, the provision of skills and technology for underserved communities, and women empowerment.
The YSE Global Programme also enjoyed the highest level of mentorship support in its 14-year history.
A total of 82 volunteer mentors spent more than 330 hours working with participant teams this year, a 32 per cent increase in hours compared to the previous year.
Mentorship support began at the YSE Global 2023 Workshop held from 7 to 10 June. The mentors comprised business professionals and established social entrepreneurs and they helped 46 teams to strengthen their business fundamentals and strategies.
A total of 15 teams from the June workshop advanced to the next phase of the programme and were assigned up to three mentors from July to October. The volunteer mentors comprised leading business consultants from McKinsey & Company, Temasek International, Bain & Company, and seasoned industry professionals.
During this four-month phase, the volunteer mentors played a crucial role in guiding participants on running a social enterprise. They also helped prepare the teams for an event called Pitching for Change, scheduled for November, which serves as the finale and closing event for YSE. During this event, the teams presented their refined business plans to a panel of judges to secure funding.
Ms Mahdiyyah Ardhina, a member of Rumah Briket and YSE 2023 participant from Indonesia said: “YSE Global has been an intensive boot camp for our team as we are still new in our business. We thank our mentors for their experience and input. They have been invaluable these past few months. They imparted critical knowledge based on years of professional experience and provided fresh perspectives on our business plans.” Rumah Briket created a zero-waste solution that processes organic and non-organic waste and converts it into charcoal briquettes and paving blocks.
Dr Yoke Pean Thye, co-founder of WISE, a non-profit organisation that works towards a sustainable and equitable Southeast Asia, and mentor to Rumah Briket, said: “It has been my privilege to support the team. Having benefited from a YSE Regional workshop myself several years ago, I am grateful for the opportunity to give back and help Rumah Briket reflect on and refine their business model. I was heartened and inspired by their passion to address the waste management crisis in Indonesia, dedication to their social enterprise and benefiting the community, as well as motivation to learn and challenge themselves.”
She also encouraged more people to sign up as mentors for YSE Global. She said: “It is a meaningful avenue for people who are keen to share their experience with youths who are figuring out their social impact journey.”
Mr Lian Wee Cheow, SIF Vice-Chairman and Lead Judge of YSE Global 2023 said: “Mentorship is a key component of YSE Global. Our YSE mentors, who are industry leaders with vast experience, have committed their time to share their expertise and networks with our aspiring changemakers. This broadens the horizons of our young participants who are at an early, critical juncture of their journey as a social entrepreneur.”
He added: “Since 2010, YSE Global has been nurturing a growing network, which now comprises more than 1,400 youths of 43 nationalities, representing 674 social enterprises. By providing mentorship, capacity-building workshops, and regional learning opportunities, YSE supports budding social entrepreneurs to kickstart their journey.”