SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Forum 2005

There is nothing more powerful than

a NEW idea ...
... if it is in the hands of
a Social Entrepreneur
Logos of organisers, partner, Speaker's Profile
supporting organisations

Organised by: Co-organisers:

Diamond Sponsor:
Supporting Organisations:
Mr Aaron Ng is the Executive Director of MINDS. The organization
provides education, training, care and family support services to
Intellectually Disabled persons , while endeavouring to promote their
well-being and the ability to integrate into society. It runs 5 Special
Schools, 2 Employment Development Centres, 2 Training &
Development Centres, and 2 Residential Homes, serving around
2300 Intellectually Disabled children and adults. MINDS currently
operates 3 "social enterprises" - a car wash project, a Thriftshop,
Gold Sponsor: Partner: and a "MINDS food Enterprise", with the aim of enhancing social
immersion for Intellectually Disabled persons through employment.
The "performing art troupe" will be the latest addition to the series
of social enterprises.
Aaron has been in the forefront of promoting economic
independence, self-esteem and social integration of the
Intellectually Disabled, by self generating employment opportunities
through social enterprises. He is also instrumental in forging
strategic partnership with corporations with the view of bringing
lasting contributions to the well-being of the Intellectually Disabled.
Aaron graduated with a First Class Honours in Political Science
from the Japan National Defense Academy whilst on an SAF
scholarship. He has served in MINDEF and the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs before joining the social service.
Ms Braema Mathiaparanam is currently a Visting Research Fellow
and Gender Studies Progrmame Co-ordinator at the Institute of
South East Asian Studies. She is also the President of the
Association of Women for Action and Research(AWARE) and the
Chairperson of Transient Workers Count Too(TWC 2), an advocacy
and research group that looks into the issues of migrant workers.
Ms Braema is also on the board of the Singapore Council of
Women's Organisations, a committee member of the Singapore
Children's Society Social Work sub-committee, a committee
member of the Programme Advisory Committee(PACE) and a board
member of the Singapore Association of Social Workers. She is
also co-chairing the Women and Health workgroup set up by
MCYS. The award-winning former journalist with the Straits Times
also initiated the Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund. The
former teacher also served two terms as a Nominated Member of
Parliament and was AWARE's nominee.

Louis Ng is the president and founding member of the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society
(Acres), a local charity whose objective is to foster compassion and respect for animals. He has a degree in
biology and a Masters in primate conservation. He has successfully campaigned to end the use of young
chimpanzees in photography sessions at the Singapore. In 2002, Louis Received the HSBC/NYAA Youth
Environmental Award, in recognition of his contribution towards environmental protection and nature
conservation in Singapore.

He is currently working full-time for Acres. Since its formation in 2001, Acres has launched numerous
campaigns to end the exploitation of animals. These include undercover investigations into the illegal trade in
bear bile in Singapore and highlighting the plight of captive wild-caught dolphins at Dolphin Lagoon, Singapore.
Since 2004, the work of Acres has also led to the rescue of more than 100 animals from the illegal wildlife
trade.

Louis is also the Singapore representative of the International Primate Protection League.

2 27
 The Necessary Stage contents
The Necessary Stage (TNS) is a non-profit theatre company with charity status. It has been identified as one of six
Major Arts Company by the National Arts Council in Singapore since its establishment in 1987. TNS has always been in
the forefront at producing socially engaging and thought-provoking theatre, aiming to deal with real and reflective issues
in Singapore.

Some of the TNS projects include Theatre For Youth and Community (TFYC), M1 Singapore Fringe Festival and The
Triangle Project. TYFC, set up in 1992, primarily looks into theatre work with and for young people and different
communities in Singapore. Since 1992, TFYC has performed to more than 800,000 students. The M1 Singapore Fringe
Festival aims to bring the best of contemporary, cutting-edge and socially engaged works to the Singapore audience,
by setting out to be a creative centre with a twin-purpose of innovation and discussion.

The Triangle Project was started in 1992 with the aim of providing opportunities for the less privileged to watch theatre.
Logos of organisers, partner, 2
The Necessary Stage matches donors and charities with the former buying tickets to our productions for beneficiaries.
Through this scheme, numerous beneficiaries of Voluntary Welfare Organisations have experienced theatre as a result.
supporting organisations
Revenue sources for TNS include ticket sales, donations and fundraisers. It also receives funding from the National Arts
Council under its Major Arts Companies scheme; corporate sponsors such as MobileOne Ltd, British American
Tobacco, Shell and NTUC Income Insurance Co-operative Ltd; other bodies such as Community Development
Foreword from the Dean of 4
Councils, the British Council, Singapore Pools, and local foundations such as Lee Foundation. NUS Business School
Message from SEpirit 5
SEforum Programme 6
"A young dynamic theatre company demonstrating that
Singapore theatre has well and truly come of age."
Social Enterprises in Singapore 7
- David Birch (Melbourne),
The Straits Times Life!, 2 August 1997

Speaker's Profile 27
Contact:
Melissa Lee
Company Manager
admin@necessary.org
Thank you page 31
Tel: 6440 8115

foreword
Welcome Speech By Professor Lim Chin, Dean of NUS Business School
NUS Social Entrepreneurship Forum "Social Aims, Business Solutions"
11 July 2004 Singapore International Convention And Exhibition Centre
Mr Ravi Bangar, Deputy High
Commissioner of India;
Professor Shih Choon Foong, President of
NUS;
Distinguished Guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Good morning and welcome to the
inaugural NUS Social Entrepreneurship
Forum 2004.
This forum and its concurrent exhibition are
the brainchild of a group of NUS business
students who seek to bring the Social
Entrepreneurship concept closer to our
youths today.
So, what is Social Entrepreneurship? It is
the innovative application of business skills
to drive social change and solve social
problems. For too long, social workers
have depended on handouts from the
sympathetic public and donors. Social
Entrepreneurship aim is to help solve social
problems in a viable and sustainable way.
I am pleased to note that recently we have
seen more non-profit organisations
adopting the essence of the private sector
by going into business. They generate
revenue that goes into furthering their social
mission as well as creating jobs for the
beneficiaries they serve.
The theme of this Forum is: "Social Aims,
Business Solutions." To know what Social
Entrepreneurship means, we will be hearing
from several local and international social
entrepreneurs.
We are privileged to have with us Mr
Bunker Roy, who founded the Barefoot
College when he was only in his 20s to
improve the lives of the rural poor in India.
Now with 20 field centres in 13 of India's
26 states, the Barefoot College is largely
responsible for the availability of drinking
water, education, health service and
employment in villages. Barefoot is
testimony that self help is the best help.
Another of our key speakers, Mr Jim
Pitofsky, through his role in the Social
Enterprise Alliance in the United States, has
brought together partnerships between
social entrepreneurs, investors and
business leaders.
Tampines Changkat Killiney Kopitiam
Tampines Changkat Killiney Kopitiam (TCKK) was conceived in 2004 when Teen
Challenge, a recovering centre for drug addicts, ex-convicts and young offenders,
collaborated with the Tampines Changkat Community Club and the Killiney Kopitiam
group. It aimed to improve the social welfare of society through a self-help model. Rev.
Sam Kuna, founder of TCKK, believes in what he calls the "rehabilitation cycle". He feels
In Singapore, the Social Enterprise Fund started
by the Ministry of Community Development and that the troubled youths and adults he deals with do not need a stable job but need
Sports supports social enterprises that have reintegration and acceptance back into society. TCKK seeks to provide empowerment
compelling social and business propositions.
The HighPoint Halfway House, which helps above employment to these people.
rehabilitated drug addicts and reformed ex-gang
members, is one such recipient of the Social
Enterprise Fund. Through its car polishing and
restaurant initiatives, it brings in income to
become self sustainable.
The interest in Social Entrepreneurship has
grown in recent years. Both Harvard and
Stanford Universities have established social
entrepreneurship centres in their business
schools that actively undertake research,
education and related activities. Do note that
these have largely been student-driven
initiatives, again reflecting the entrepreneurial
spirit of the younger generation today.
This Forum and Exhibition, for example, is driven
entirely by students and is spearheaded by Mr "Being a social enterprise means we
Lee Keng Leong, a student leader at NUS do more than just business…but, at
Business School and a recent graduate. He saw the end of the day, we're still selling
the vision, and has the passion to put together
this mammoth project. food" - Rev Sam Kuna
At NUS Business School, we seek to develop
business leaders who care about the society.
We believe that our students should be socially
responsive and committed to the well-being of
society. Keng Leong, we are proud of you. Running like any other ordinary restaurant at TC Community Club, TCKK has made it a
Indeed, it is often the passion to make a positive point to specialise in the food preparation skills of its crew, have a consistency in the
difference in our world that counts more for quality of their food fare, maintain good quality of the service delivery, and provide a warm
entrepreneurs. Particularly in social
entrepreneurship, money is not the sole driver of and welcoming ambience. While the original start up funding had dwindled within the first
successful business models. 9 months of operation, TCKK continues to be financed through the other social
For concrete examples of successful local social enterprises operated by Teen Challenge. Rev Kuna looks forward to the combined
enterprises, you will see several at the exhibition support of the management of the Tampines Changkat Community Club and the
in Hall 404. Be challenged. Be inspired. persistence of the directors and Crew of TCKK to convince the residents of Tampines
To the youths present here, I challenge you to Changkat Constituency and the supporters of Teen Challenge that TCKK is a landmark
make a difference in your community. that is here to stay…for some time yet!
Remember, the glory of young men is their
strength. You have the creativity and energy
inside you to power change.
Finally, I wish everyone a fruitful time of learning
and discussion this morning.
Contact:
Thank you.
Tampines Changkat Killiney Kopitiam conveniently located @
Tampines Changkat Community Club
13, Tampines Street 11 Singapore 529453
Tel/Fax: 67876550
4
World Toilet College
The World Toilet College (WTC) was started because
there was a need for an independent world body to
ensure that the best standards in Toilet Design,
Cleanliness, Maintenance, Quality of Work and Sanitation
Technologies are kept. WTC is a dedicated institution
that offers training courses Restroom Design, Toilet
Maintenance and Rural Sanitation Systems etc.
As a social enterprise, the Toilet Maintenance course is
offers skills training for the unemployed. Moreover, the
Rural Sanitation System course is the first of many that
will train much needed sanitation human resource to help
alleviate the 2.4 billion people worldwide that do not have
a toilet.
There is, presently, no school or institution that offers
these new areas of study. Hence, one challenge we
encounter is raising awareness of the target audience. To
help WTC overcome this, it has the support of
government ministries and agencies, private companies
and industry stalwarts. In addition, WTC has a network
of resources such as the World Toilet Summits and the
Republic Polytechnic to leverage.
"Clean Urban Public Toilets and
Adequate Rural Sanitation for
Everyone"
Highpoint Halfway House
The prisons are full of repeat offenders. Many repeat
offenders, especially the drug offenders, find it difficult to
break free from the bondage of drugs when they cannot
find refuge from their decadent lifestyles after their release
from the prisons. They either go back to their gangs,
drugs or their previous lifestyles of other vices that make
it difficult for them to live a normal life being gainfully
employed with a proper happy family. The Executive
Director of Highpoint Halfway House, Rev Don Wong was
a repeat offender himself, having been in and out of
prison many times. It was only in February 1993 that he
broke free from the bondages of drugs when God
touched his life.
Driven with the desire to reach out and touch lives of
those like him, in 1995, Rev Don pioneered the Highpoint
Halfway House which aims to put ex-offenders onto the
road of recovery; transform their lives; and help them re-
enter society as productive citizens. Highpoint offers a 1-
year residential programme that seeks to provide spiritual
and employment restoration to ex-offenders enrolled.
Without a structured programme, acceptance and viable
employment, many ex-offenders find it hard not to revert
to their old ways. The Halfway House helps recovering
ex-offenders by a 5 pronged approach of spiritual
growth, offering work opportunities, self and skill
development, counselling and helping them reconcile
with families and loved ones.
Message from SEpirit
A warm welcome to SEforum 2005!
This is the second time we are organising this forum. This year, we
bring together international perspectives, local practitioners, non-
profit organizations, and representatives from the public and
corporate sector who, together with YOU, play a part in triggering
an enabling environment for social entrepreneurship in Singapore.
We are grateful for the continued support and tremendous
amount of faith that the NUS Business School, East West Cultural
Development Centre, and the Ministry of Community, Youth and
Sports (MCYS) have in us.
Many of us – the youth organisers - have a passion for a social
cause and a vision of how we’d like the world to be. But many of
us have also thought we can’t pursue and realize our ideals - at
least, not full-time.
But that was in the past.
Now, we see the possibility of effecting change through social
entrepreneurship. The idea of a social entrepreneur as someone
who harnesses the entrepreneurial spirit and puts together a
business model to sustain a social cause; someone who defies
conventions to change systems in our social edifice – is radical, yet
rational and realisable.
As Ashoka acknowledges, “There is nothing more powerful than a
NEW idea if it is in the hands of a social entrepreneur.”
Today, you be the judge.

Making our model of social service sustainable has been Tomorrow, we’ll be part of the change.
a great challenge for a long time. This is because the
halfway house incurs a high operating cost to afford the
necessary accommodation and food to its in house
residents who have come to seek refuge. To help us be
more sustainable, Highpoint has gone into several
businesses, such as removal, maintenance, used goods
trading, car polishing and a restaurant. The Goshen
restaurant has been a hit with diners. Ex-offenders
constitute more than 80% of its full time staff strength.
Contact:
Jack Sim "The miracle of a second chance'',
Tel: 68411621 Rev Don Wong Contact:
jack@worldtoilet.org Highpoint Halfway House,
No.1 Lor 23 Geylang 5
SEforum Programme
TIME ACTIVITY NOTES Very Special Arts Singapore
In 2004 we launched a new programme called The Crafters' Guild to help bridge the gap between school to work.
1200-1245 Registration Exhibitions open to public Several young people with disabilities with some arts skills have been invited to join the group. During craft sessions,
they are introduced to assorted craft techniques to help develop them as craft artists. Guild members are also given
1300-1305 Opening Item practical experience at running craft stalls and selling their wares at craft bazaars. Eventually, the Guild will also include
existing craft artists to enable them to form co-operatives for the purchase of raw materials and making and selling of
crafts.
1305 - 1310 Opening address Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam
Minister for Education We are also open to partnerships to provide training for artists to enhance their skills in the production as well as in the
marketing of their works. Previously, together with AMD, Adobe and the South East CDC, an ENABLE Graphic Design
1310- 1340 Business for Social innovation Keynote Speaker: Course was conducted at the E-club @ Marine Parade, in which participants were taught the use of Adobe Photoshop
Social Entrepreneurs around the Pamela Hartigan and Adobe Illustrator.
world. What makes a Social
Enterprise different from an NGO, Managing Director of An outlet for the sale of the artists' works is bazaars. Here, the artists usually do not pay for the rental of the stalls but
a business, and a Charity? Schwab Foundation readily donate a percentage of the sales revenue to help cover administrative cost. This is a good opportunity for these
artists and craftsmen to showcase their creative as well as entrepreneur skills in producing beautiful and useful items that
1340-1415 The role of Social Entrepreneurship are popular in the market.
in Singapore Panel Session I
1. Pamela Hartigan Last year's bazaars included invitations to Park Mall, Wisma Atria, Home Tours organised by the American School and
2. Sam Kuna, Teen Challenge the Metta Carnival at Marina.
3. Moderator: Dr Tan Ngoh Tiong
"Creating a society where people with disabilities can
1415-1450 Short Intermission learn through, participate in and enjoy the arts."
Light Refreshments served at the Foyer
1500-1520 Against Inertia: the First Step +
Lots of Perseverance Anil Chitrakar, ASHOKA

1520 - 1640 SE nergy: Growing Social Panel Session II

Entrepreneurship in Singapore 1. Aaron Ng, MINDS
2. Braema Mathi
3. Thomas Thomas, Singapore Compact
4. Youth Representative: Louis Ng, ACRES
5. Don Wong, SE Ark
Contact:
1640 - 1645 Closing Very Special Arts Singapore
Blk 133 Bedok North Ave 3
#01-138 Singapore 460133
1645 - 1930 Exhibitions Light Refreshments served in the foyer Tel: 6448 6275
Guests are invited to view SE Booths Fax: 6441 6403
Website: www.vsa.org.sg
Email: www.general.org.sg
6
SXX is Singapore International Foundation (SIF)'s first foray in Aunty
the arena of social entrepreneurship. It combines the needs of
corporate executives in the areas of leadership development,
self-renewal, and empowerment, with the social needs of a
And
community.

In May, the pilot SXX expedition was launched, when SIF sent
Aunties Ltd
The ideas started to roll in sometime last year. The objective of the project is to build community bonding in
15 PricewaterhouseCoopers executives from Singapore, the HDB estate, to provide bridging services to young working parents and flexible time of channel of
Malaysia, Thailand, China, India and Hong Kong on a 17-day employment for the ladies (aunties) in the estate. The services provided to the community are ad-hoc child
expedition to Bhutan. In Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, they minding, elderly care, catering, housekeeping or ad-hoc services as well as ironing services.
helped set up a mini library and a computer classroom at the
Drak Tsho Vocation Training Centre for the Disabled, and The ladies (aunties) will be kept economically active and socially connected with their neighbourhood.
organised a two-day camp for the children of this centre. The The proximity of such services ease the burden of the young working parents whereby it foster a kampong
executives also made recommendations for improving the spirit in the community. As far as publicity can reach out the financial sustainability of the project can be
financial management system of the Youth Development achieve as the ladies are paid only on per job basis.
Fund, and gave a seminar on corporate governance and the
banking industry to Bhutanese business leaders and civil
servants.

To be a self-financing programme, SXX needs to be further Contact:

Jenny Tan
fine-tuned. For 2005, SIF is considering to pilot a small Blk 504 Pasir Ris St 52
number of expeditions to test different models. #09-139 Singapore 510504
Tel: 65834355
The social impact of a SXX is significant and measurable by HP: 96880819
the continued interest of the host community, in this case the
Drak Tsho Vocation Training Centre for the Disabled and the
Youth Development Fund. Earlier this year, SIF signed a
Memorandum of Understanding with the Royal Government
of Bhutan to expand people-to-people exchanges via a broad
range of programmes.

Contact:
"I think the self-renewal aspect is quite good. We're being coached
Jared Tham, Executive, Special Projects
on aspirations in life - is money what we're after?" Singapore International Foundation
- Kie Kok Keung, associate director, PricewaterhouseCoopers Tel: 68379965
Fax: 68379910
E-mail: jared.tham@sif.org.sg

SOCIAL ENTERPRISES IN SINGA

G PORE 7
 AIN Society
Ain Society was founded by 12 community veterans and activists on 10 October 2000. Ain comes from an
Arabic word "Ainon" meaning eyes. Ain sees its role as the eyes to the community to ensure that they are kept
abreast with the development and be linked to the appropriate resources and opportunities. In addition to being
an organisation with the foresight in identifying service gaps, Ain too is a strong advocator of disadvantaged
children and families' development and empowerment. This explains the reason behind's Ain Society Mission
and vision. Ain Society became a Family Life Ambassador with MCDS in April 2002 and also an affiliate member
with National Council of Social Services in September 2004.
Ain's success includes being an appointed service provider for the Ministry of Community Development and
Sports (MCDS) Probation Services and Rehabilitation services for its remedial and relapse prevention
programme targeting at the Malay community. Further recognition of Ain's good work is also seen from MCDS
and Southwest CDC adoption of the 3R programme (Literacy and Life skills programme) in July 2003, as one of
the programmes that is making a difference in the lives of the low-income families. Since its inception more than
13000 people have benefited from programmes organised by the society.
RSVP ProGuide Pte Ltd
RSVP ProGuide Pte Ltd is a social enterprise formed by the Retired & Senior Volunteer Programme ,Singapore
(RSVP), to offer consultancy services to Voluntary Welfare Organisations, Small & Medium Enterprises and other
organisations, to achieve higher productivity and growth. At ProGuide, we are committed to provide excellent
analysis and practical solutions to issues facing our clients.
ProGuide consultants are all professionals, highly skilled in all major disciplines and members of RSVP. Our
charges are highly competitive as ProGuide's objective is to combine business and entrepreneurial skills with a
view to earning a fee that will go towards reducing RSVP's dependence on donations for its social service and
community work.
RSVP Proguide's vision is to be a regional one-stop consultancy services provider, highly valued for its
membership of extensive hands-on professional experience in many different disciplines of management. The
mission is to convert the profession experiences of seniors into valuable contributions to the economic well
being of the community as a whole.

Other programmes organised by Ain include Cool Teens Cool Parents, school-based life skills training
programme and care management of low-income families.
Contact:
RSVP ProGuide Pte Ltd,
75 Bukit Timah Road, # 06- 04,
Boon Siew Building, S (229833)
Contact: Tel: 63374145
745 North Bridge Road #02-01 Fax: 63360984
Singapore 198713 Email: proguide@rsvp.org.sg
Tel 6296 6027
Fax 6296 6037

SOCIAL ENTERPRISES IN SINGA

G PORE
 ANIMAL CONCERNS RESEARCH
Contact:
Chua Zi Yong AND EDUCATION SOCIETY (ACRES)
chuazy@gmail.com
The exploitation of animals in the world today and the current lack of awareness amongst the general population
about this problem, especially in Asia.

Acres undertakes scientific research projects on the use of animals in various fields. Research findings are then
used to create awareness amongst the public, as well as strive towards synergistic partnerships with authorities
and related parties to improve animal welfare. Creating awareness is combined with a hands-on approach to
solving the problems, e.g. the work of our Wildlife Rescue Team whose actions have led to the rescue of more
than 140 animals in less than a year. Our approach is Scientific, Creative, Practical and Positive.

NUS-SIFE Animal Welfare is a relatively new field in Asia and it takes time for people to have sympathy for the cause and
donate money. Therefore, Acres has embarked on intensive awareness campaigns with limited funding, in hope
NUS-SIFE (NUS- Students In Free Enterprise) is an extension SIFE which is also a global student organization. We of laying the foundations for a more animal welfare conscious community.
advocate free enterprise, market economics and leadership qualities within our participants and members. This is
achieved through our community outreach programmes and initiatives that we organize throughout the year. We are Through pro-bono design work from advertising agency Saatchi & Saatchi, Acres has been able to convey our
motivated to develop creative ways to teach children about the global economy and provide necessary assistance to message through eye-catching and thought provoking informational materials. T-shirt designs similarly not only
aspiring entrepreneurs. We also aim to help low-income families achieve financial independence and emphasize the carry a strong message but also are attractive and appealing to the general public.
importance of ethical and moral business practices.
Our scientific approach also reinforces the
NUS-SIFE is honored to work with SEpirit as co-organizers for SE Forum 2005. This is to show our support towards credibility of the message we are trying to put
social entrepreneurship and we are proud to work towards advocating SE in Singapore. As a student organization across and makes the public more receptive to our
which also has a social cause, we also see the need to incorporate business ideas into our cause. Our low operating cost where our director
projects. This is not to generate is paid about $1200 a month assures the public
profit, but rather to generate revenue that the funding is used appropriately.
for future projects. The same can be
said for social organizations. By "My parents have always taught me to do onto others what you
engaging social entrepreneurship, would like others unto you. I feel that this should not only be
not only they can be less dependent extended to fellow humans but also to the animals we share this
world with. It is clear that like us, animals have feelings and
on charity, it is also a source of emotions and it is no longer justifiable to exploit them for human
funding to help more people than gains."
before. Hopefully through SE Forum - Louis Ng, President and Executive Director, Acres
2005, we can inspire and motivate
more people to start SEs in Contact:
Singapore. 11A Opal Crescent Level 3
Singapore 328406
info@acres.org.sg
www.acres.org.sg
TOGETHER, we make the difference! Tel: 6296 7758
- NUS-SIFE motto Hotline: 9783 7782

Bizlink Centre (Singapore) Ltd
Bizlink Centre started with the purpose of finding employment for persons with disabilities. However, over the
years we have evolved and today have various social enterprises. Two of our social enterprises focus on
business process outsourcing.
Data Entry Centre - The Data Entry Centre started operations in September 2004. We currently have 10
disabled operators doing data entry for NTUC Income Insurance proposal forms. On a monthly basis this centre
process 3,000 - 5,000 forms.
SIA-Air Rap - The SIA-Air Rap project started in October 2004 and we employ 30 disabled workers to handle
the ticket sorting and digital imaging of SIA and Silkair tickets. On a daily basis this centre process 30,000 to
40,000 tickets.
BizClean - The BizClean cleaning project started in 2000 in an effort to create job opportunities for the Disabled.
The project now has a workforce of 15 workers. Some of our corporate customers include AMD Singapore,
Alcatel, AWWA etc.
TheseAbledHands is our latest Social Enterprise offering massage services. Today we have 5-6 masseuses who
provide head & shoulders, back or foot massage. Currently we participate in exhibitions, road shows and provide
massage services for corporate events.
Please consider us as you look to outsource your business processes. Help us grow our Social Enterprises -
where our primary focus is to help the Disabled achieve Independence, Dignity and Integration into society.
"We believe in helping persons with disability to achieve their full
potential to perform above and beyond their disabilities"
Contact:
Hotline: 64495652
IKHLAS Holdings
Ikhlas Holdings was established in April 2004 and is owned by PERTAPIS - a voluntary
welfare organization. Ikhlas operates to chiefly offer catering services. For a start, it
caters to all food requirements of the Halfway homes in Pertapis. It is also a social
enterprise whose primary role is to provide employment opportunities for the chronically
unemployed such as ex-offenders, retrenched individuals with dependents and single
Contact: mothers who do not possess any sound educational background and relevant working
Alfie Othman experience. At present, seventy percent of the Ikhlas workforce is made up of such
Blk 3017 Bedok North individuals.
Street 5 #02-23,
Gourmet East Kitchen
Singapore 486121
Tel: 6243 1442
Ikhlas ploughs back profits from the catering business back into PERTAPIS - specifically
to the Welfare Trust Fund (Tabung Amal Jariah). This fund provides monthly assistance
Fax: 6243144 in the form of food ration like rice, oil, sugar and biscuits to about 300 destitutes in
Singapore that are at the lowest rank of the social ladder.
"No act of kindness, no matter how small,
is ever wasted."
MINDS
MINDS is a charity catering to persons with Intellectual Disability (ID). It runs 5 Special
Schools, 3 Employment Development Centres, 2 Training & Development Centres, and 2
Residential Homes, providing a full spectrum of services - education, vocational training,
residential facilities, behaviour management, therapies, job placement and family support
to around 2400 Intellectually Disabled persons.
The organization firmly believes that persons with intellectual disability possess the
capacity to learn and develop to their fullest potential. It aims to maximize their
potential, help them attain a life of quality and secure for them maximum participation in
society. MINDS regards employment as a "gateway" to social inclusion, and devoted
much efforts in empowering the Intellectually Disabled with skills and attributes to secure
employment.
MINDS is one of the forerunners in establishing social enterprises, and has been
Contact:
Aaron Ng
successfully operating a number of businesses to self-create employment opportunities
Executive Director, MINDS. for the intellectually disabled: a Car Wash at Pasir Panjang SPC petrol station, a Thrift
shop at Hougang Community Club, an Art-&-Craft industry, and a "MINDS Food
800, Margaret Drive,
Singapore 149310. Enterprise" handling catering jobs. They provide employment to around 60 Intellectually
Tel: 64795655 Disabled persons. MINDS is planning to set up a "Performing Art Troupe", comprising
Fax : 64790706
Intellectually Disabled persons who are musically and artistically inclined. They are being
trained in different art form, and have been performing in many public occasions.
For persons with intellectual disability,
"Employment is the gateway to social inclusion."
- Aaron Ng
 Contact:
Cheng Yue or Kingsley Choo
Tel: 6728 9168
Email: info@thehse.net
www.thehse.net
HeartStrings Engage Ltd
HeartStrings Engage Ltd. is a voluntary welfare
organisation incorporated as a Public Company
Limited By Guarantee and Not Having a Share
Capital in May 2005.
Our Enterprise Division is the business arm of
our organisation providing Event Management
and Marketing Services. We organise events
and activities for various groups such as
schools, community clubs and corporations. We
also conduct workshops and programmes on
National Education, Service Learning and Social
Entrepreneurship. Being a LoveByte Connector,
we arrange for Lifestyle Events for Social
Development Unit (SDU) members.
The revenue from our business is used to fund
the charitable work and social programmes of
our Community Division. We provide the
opportunity for underprivileged children and
youth to participate in outdoor programmes and
activities without having to pay high fees and
charges. To the low-income families, the fees
and charges are an additional burden, which
they cannot afford to pay as a result of other
pressing financial needs and therefore they are
left out. With proper guidance and support, our
underprivileged children and youth will be able
to overcome their difficulties, succeed in life and
contribute back to society. They represent hope
in bringing the entire family out of the poverty
cycle.
"To be the pillar of support for disadvantaged children and youth
and to inculcate in them a positive attitude towards life and believe
in their ability to excel given the right opportunity. "
- Our Mission
Yong- En Enterprise
We hope to offer a good range of multi-media
resources that would introduce any entry-level
or first time visitor to Chinatown, so that he or
she could better appreciate our rich heritage.
Especially among the younger visitors, we hope
to excite them into wanting to know more and Canossaville Children's Home was first established as an orphanage in 1941 with the aim of providing care and
to make Chinatown a place of frequent visits for attention to male and female orphans. Today it provides support and guidance for children aged 4-12 who face
food, fun and leisure. difficulties and need care and protection. Café Verona, built in 2004, serves to provide entrepreneurial
opportunities to these children who come to the Home. We believe in teaching our children entrepreneurial skills
We make our materials appealing to the needs and teaching them to value hard work with pride and cheerfulness.
of the young; allowing them to see and learn in
their preferred fun way. Furthermore, we are The Café acts as a learning facility where children learn entrepreneurial skills by helping to run the café. The
collaborating with various partners to solicit a children will be involved in the production of its products, man the café and help out in operations. The Café is
wider spectrum of inputs into the materials, able to generate an average monthly net profit of $1500. This profit generated is channelled back to sustain the
making them relevant for today's generations. business as well as to be contributed to benefit society by helping the needy and the elderly.
Innovative ideas, events and promotions are
introduced into the package to keep the project
fresh and interesting. "Built on Love"
- Café Verona's vision
"We hope that through their own experience, they
Contact:
will become "Ambassadors of Chinatown". Canossaville Children's Home
1 Sallim Road, S (387621)
Contact:
Alan Chou,
Yong- En Care Centre,
Blk 335A Smith Street #03- 57, S (051335)
Tel: 62251002
www.yong-en.org.sg
 Happy Arts Enterprise Ltd
Happy Arts Enterprise Ltd (HAE) is set up by Metta
Welfare Association. Incorporated in February 2005, HAE
seeks to create employment opportunities for youths
from special schools aged between 19 to 21 years.
Infusing entrepreneurship into our social mission, we
Castle Beach Ltd resolve to be a self reliant entity and develop these youths
into individuals who can actively contribute to society.
Castle Beach was set up to provide alternative outdoor activities to promote family/community bonding through
sandcastle building. From the activities, the participants learn the virtue of physical labour, creating something from Launched by HAE in May 2005, the Happy Arts Deli sells
nothing, play and fun in a natural environment, among other lessons. vegetarian food, muffin and pastries. Currently, it employs
three mildly intellectually- disabled youths as trainees.
The primary focus is for less fortunate kids, high risk families and physically challenged. However, it's also open to They are being trained in baking, customer service,
general public aiming at families spending quality time together. kitchen skills and housekeeping. Our long-term plan is to
train as many mildly intellectually- disabled youths so that
Castle Beach is the first such social enterprise in the world and has gained popularity with customers coming from they will be gainfully employed.
IMH, Bukit Batok Social Centre, Autistic children etc.
Happy Arts Deli sells oriental and western vegetarian food
Sandcastle building is an appealing activity that provides for lots of application in terms of events and lessons to attract customers. Other innovative measures to draw
learnt. There is usually a child in the adult who can channel his yearns to play. Castle Beach engages volunteers customers are regular promotions of different types of
who understand the philosophy, love the outdoors and care for the less fortunate. I believe that they will be as cuisine such as Thai, Sri Lankan and Vietnamese food. To
much supply of volunteers as there are demands from less privilege. Hopefully, it will find more supply than increase revenue, we also offer catering services.
demand.

"To see the world in a grain of sand, and a heaven in a wild flower.
hold infinity in the palm of the hand & eternity in an hour"

Contact:
Mr. Nandana Koh, HAE Ltd
32 Metta Building,
Simei Street 1
Tel: 6580 5638
Email: Nandana@metta.org.sg

Contact:
Alvin Lee
www.castlebeach.org
9875 3550
Castle Beach Limited

Food From The Heart
Food from the Heart started with the bread
collection program in February 2003 with a fleet of
130 volunteers. To date, this program has grown
to involve 1600 active volunteers who have helped
channel the unsold bread from bakeries on a daily
basis to 95 welfare homes. Due to the increasing
response of more food companies and volunteers
supporting our program, we are able to start other
meaningful initiatives that target at different groups
of the under-privileged in our nation. In
collaboration with the Resident's Committees and
Family Service Centres, we started the self
collection centre scheme. Through this, a total of
about 1850 needy individuals and families could
receive bread, non-perishable food items as well
as toiletries. In total, we serve of 12,000
beneficiaries every month.
We help off-set some cost of welfare homes,
reduce the hardship faced by needy families as
well as spread some festive cheers among the less
fortunate. In other to sustain our operations, we
appeal for donations through various avenues. Our
annual fund raiser, Passionball, helps to raise fund
to run our operations. We have extended the self-
collection scheme to two neighbourhood schools.
We have found that when parents come to the
schools to pick up the goodie bags, the teachers
are able to take the opportunity to communicate
and better understand the household situation of
their students as well as influence them on the
importance of their children's education. The
teachers have noticed that over time the student
attendance becomes more regular and
enthusiastic.
"Make a difference in someone's life."
Contact:
Carol Wee
FFTH Coordinator
62597176
PREPARE/ ENRICH (SINGAPORE)
Family Resource & Training Centre
FRTC is the sole distributor of the PREPARE/ ENRICH
Programme in Singapore. It is a one-stop provider of
international renowned marriage tools, PREPARE/
ENRICH Programme, developed by Dr David H.
Olson. We train social workers, counsellors, clergy,
religious leaders, mentor couples to administer the
PREPARE/ ENRICH programme.
The PREPARE/ ENRICH Programme are
comprehensive, diagnostically valuable inventories
designed to generate meaningful dialogue between
the counsellor and the couple. Its goal is to help
couples prepare for marriage (PREPARE Programme)
and to enrich the marriage of those already married
(ENRICH Programme). PREPARE/ENRICH
Programme is popular with family service centres and
religious organisations that offer premarital education
workshops.
As a social enterprise, PREPARE/ ENRICH Singapore
is helping build strong marriages as well as to
generate income to sustain the work of the Family
Resource & Training Centre.
"Building Strong Marriages."
Contact:
prepareinfo@frtc.org
Tel: 6778 7922
Contact:
#06-25 Paradiz Centre
1 Selegie Road, S (188306)
Email: enquiry@ccs.org.sg
www.ccs.org.sg
Credit Counselling Singapore (CCS)
CCS has two main objectives. Firstly, to promote credit and financial management skills, especially the responsible
use of credit to the general public and to young adults. Secondly, for those already with financial problems, CCS
provides information and advice through trained counsellors to debtors to help them resolve their problems. Through
its debt management program with participating financial institutions, CCS will negotiate on the behalf of debtors for
an appropriate repayment plan taking into consideration the debtor's ability to pay.
These objectives require manpower and a proper office set-up to conduct counseling services as well as follow up
work that involves the clients and their creditors. CCS presently collects a nominal counselling and DMP
administration fee from the clients to weed out frivolous applications.
CCS has a strategy to expand its services over time to include a one-stop payment service to financial institutions,
which will improve efficiency and reduce collection costs as well as facilitate better monitoring of payments by
debtors. CCS hopes to be able to charge the participating institutions for the service and, based on the experience
of similar overseas organisations, this will enable it to be self-funding ultimately.
To help make Singapore a better informed borrowing society and indebted
individuals to make informed decision in resolving their debt problem.
- CCS vision
Credit Counselling Singapore (CCS)
Christian Care Services Singapore (CCSS), affectionately known as Care Centre is a
Certified Voluntary Welfare Organisation. The two cardinal social enterprises under CCSS
are Care Flowers and Care Movers.
Care Movers established since 1994 has been providing local office and house removal,
delivery and disposal services. It accounts for about 45% percent of our total earnings.
Our professional trained staff will visit and discuss with you the details of your move and
ensure that your move will be as economical as possible with no added cost.
Care Flowers is the other Social Enterprise project of Christian Care Services (Singapore).
Its vision is to generate income to make an entrepreneurial non-profit organization by
making employment opportunities for the recovering drug-addicts and dysfunctional Contact:
families. Whatever profit that we make out of this shop goes to our community residential #Christian Care Services
rehabilitation works. Singapore
132/ 134 Joo Chiat Place
When you choose Care Movers, S (427864)
"You Relax, We Move". Tel: 64408034

We seek your strong support in bridging gaps and building
lives together for our society, where no one is left behind.
- Bridge Learning's mission
Bridge Learning
Bridge Learning was conceived in the midst of a passionate
calling to meet the needs of learners struggling in
mainstream schools. The generous support from the Social
Enterprise Fund (SEF) through the Ministry of Community
Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) inaugurated the 1st
One-Stop Diagnostic Learning Support and Specialised
Intervention in Singapore. The humble beginnings at the
founder's home in 2002 has developed into a one-stop
centre for learning, behavioural, social-communication and
emotional needs with the current premises spanning 2700
square feet in Choa Chu Kang.
Bridge's mission is to fill in the gap to meet the learning and
developmental needs of mainstream learners who
experience difficulties in learning, have Learning Disabilities
(LDs) and whose abilities are "in-between" mainstream
schools and special schools. LDs may include Dyslexia,
Dyscalculia, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention
Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder (ADD/ADHD).
Bridge's response to the surging demand for effective and
affordable specialized services and programmes under one
roof offer many societal benefits. Bridge not only reduces
the inconvenience and confusion many parents and
community-at-large go through but also helps to minimize
the costs of delayed or/and absence of intervention due to
stringent criteria and age limits set by existing agencies.
Together with No One Left Behind (NOLB), a non-for-profit
organisation, Bridge Learning provides awareness,
educational and training workshops for parents, educators
and Singapore. The relatively lower fees have made
specialised services more affordable for the average families.
Financial subsidies are given to enable needy learners equal
opportunity for specialised intervention.
Bridge Learning looks forward to Singapore taking great
pride in locally developed methodology and programmes,
and being a trailblazer in the field of education locally and
regionally.
Contact:
#1 Choa Chu Kang Street 53,
Choa Chu Kang Sports Complex
#02-07/08 Singapore 689236
Tel: (65) 67660651
www.bridgelearning.com.sg
DASE
DASE (Digital Art Social Enterprise) - or the acronym which our
SE is synonymously known, has a relatively brief history.
Inaugurated in the first half of 2005 as a joint effort between two
parties - one commercial and the other social, their collective
histories and experiences have much to offer as a SE.
DASE is the brainchild of Adam's Apple, a multi-faceted graphic
design, multimedia and music company that has established
itself notably in the area of design for 8 years. The Society for the
Physically Disabled needs no extensive introduction, having been
around since the 1960s, providing employment and rehabilitation
for physically disabled people.
The primal basis for this SE is a shared passion for visual digital
arts. As a manifestation of humanity and its expression thereof,
their shared vision of art is also one that encompasses a
charitable element. The primary mission of art is one that
expresses and gives, always reaching out to a viewer. With this in
mind, DASE hopes to reach out to audiences with a heart and
eye for digital art, a relatively recent art medium that involves
artistic creations through digital technology.
Besides creating awareness for digital art, the ultimate aim of this
SE is to benefit the physically-challenged through job creation in
the area of digital art, facilitating their acquisition skills in
producing commercially-viable digital art, thereby establishing a
career in this field.
Contact:
"Heartful Art by Artful People."
- DASE's mission
Tel: 63365208
Fax: 63363420
Email: enquiries@adamsapple.com.sg
Website: www.dase.com.sg
Pamela Hartigan is the Managing Director of the Schwab Foundation
for Social Entrepreneurship, a Swiss-based organization focused on
advancing the practice of social entrepreneurship globally, building
and supporting its community of practitioners whose efforts have
achieved transformational social change.
She holds Masters' degrees in Economics and Public Health and a
Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology. Dr. Hartigan started her career at the
World Bank and went on to work at the grassroots level with Latino
migrant communities in Washington, D.C., setting up and
consolidating responsive organizations that met their needs. In
addition, she has held academic positions (secondary, tertiary and
graduate levels). Before joining the Schwab Foundation, Dr. Hartigan
was Executive Director of the Department of Health Promotion at the
World Health Organization. In November 2000, Klaus Schwab,
Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum,
invited her to spearhead the Schwab Foundation for Social
Entrepreneurship.
Thomas Thomas is a trade unionist serving as General Secretary of
the Singapore Shell Employees' Union. He is also a member of the
Central Committee of the Singapore National Trades Union
Congress. The Singapore National Employers Federation, National
Trades Union Congress and Ministry of Manpower formed the
National Tripartite Initiative on Corporate Social Responsibility in
May 2004. Thomas is Co-Chair of this Initiative. In January 2005,
the Tripartite Initiative brought its work forward by establishing the
Singapore Compact for Corporate Social Responsibility. Singapore
Compact brings together companies, co-operatives, trade unions,
consumer organisation, environmental bodies, NGOs and others in
promoting Corporate Social Responsibility. Thomas is Secretary of
Singapore Compact. Thomas serves on other social organisations.
He was a Nominated Member of Parliament from 1999 to 2001.
Sam Kuna is the Executive director of Teen Challenge and obtained
Social Enterprise funding for Tampines Changkat Killiney Kopitiam
(franchise of killiney),
Teen Challenge Enterprises(TCE), which operates the TC Movers,
Trash-for-Cash, Painting Services, Lawn Maintenance, Electrical
Services & Contracts and light renovations and repairs. He has 3
centres, 8 programmes and services are provided for people with
life-controlling addictions and issues, delinquency, gangs, criminal
behaviour, beyond parental control.
Rev Don Wong is the Vice-President of HighPoint Community Services Association
and the Executive Director of The HighPoint Halfway House. He also serves as the
Vice-President of the Association of Christian Halfway House (Singapore).
Driven by a passion to help ex-drug offenders like himself, he set up the Highpoint
Halfway House in 1995 to help drug addicts rehabilitate and put them on the road
to recovery. Rev Wong believes that people like him who have been under the
bondage of drugs and been going in and out of the prison half their lives need a
second chance at life to be able to become contributing members of society. For
the last twelve years he has entrenched himself in a world of ex-drug offenders,
helping them in their recovery.
He initiated a work to foster skill and self development for the residents in the
halfway house and spur them towards spiritual growth. He also engages them in
counselling and gears the residents towards reconciliation with their families. In
order to sustain the work of his ministry, Rev Wong also spearheaded the various
moving, maintenance, car polish and used goods trading businesses of Highpoint
with the available manpower resource. These businesses also provide the platform
for the residents to resume work while working on their recovery. In these ways, the
residents become empowered to break free from the bondage of drugs and serve
in society as contributing members.
Anil Chitrakar is a Fellow of Ashoka, and was trained in the United
States as an engineer and energy planner. He believes that the
business and social worlds can be bridged by finding a middle
ground between the two.
Over the past 25 years, Ashoka- Innovators for the public has found
over 1500 of them in over 50 countries and begun to invest in
them. Ashoka has set up what is probably the first professional
global association of leading social entrepreneurs. Ashoka also
provides for an enabling environment that allows community
building, learning and group entrepreneurship. Many young people
who aspire to put their energies, skills, knowledge and resources to
tackle societies' toughest challenges still do not see or rather
cannot rely on any infrastructure that will enable this career choice.
Efforts are being made to change this situation. The fact that the
social sector is not very competitive also hinders the creation of a
conducive environment for social entrepreneurs.
Dr Tan Ngoh Tiong is Associate Professor in the Department of Social
Work, and former Vice Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences,
National University of Singapore. He has also previously taught at
University of Minnesota, University of St Thomas and Augsburg
College.
Dr Tan received his Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota; MSW from
University of Pennsylvania, and BA from University of Singapore. He
has also been visiting scholar at Cambridge University, UC-Berkeley
and Harvard University. He trained in mediation at the Erickson
Mediation Institute as well as the Program on Negotiation at the
Harvard Law School. He is a certified mediator, registered social
worker and a clinical member of the American Association for
Marriage and Family Therapy.
Dr Tan is Co-chair of Commonwealth Organisation for Social Work,
Immediate Past Regional President of International Federation of
Social Workers (Asia Pacific) as well as President of the Singapore
Association of Social Workers. He is Associate Editor of Asia Pacific
Journal of Social Work and has edited: Extending Frontiers: Social
Work in Singapore, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Social Work
Around the World and co-authored Preparing for Marriage and
Parenting Today. His numerous publications include papers and book
chapters on change and management, counselling, social work, family
therapy, conflict resolution and mediation.
Dr Tan is a board member of Singapore Aftercare Association and
former Chairman of Family Resource and Training Centre. He has
worked as a counsellor and family therapist and conducted numerous
courses and workshops in coaching, group-work, team building,
stress management, assertiveness training, counselling, family
therapy, mediation and conflict management for business, government
and other community and social service organizations.
We thank…
Our Minister for Education, Mr Tharman
Shanmugaratnam

NUS Business School, East West Cultural Development

Centre and our partner MCYS for their steadfast faith in
us; without them, SEforum 2005 would have just
remained another idea.

Our Dean, Professor Christopher Earley

Associate Professor Quek Ser Aik, Professor Lim Chin,
Associate Professor Lee Khai Sheang, Associate
Professor Lau Geok Theng
Of the NUS Business School
Dr Mary Ann Tsao for challenging the youth team to seek
out SE beyond our shores

Bunker Roy and Sinee Chakthranont for their warm

friendship and passion - you have ignited and fuelled the
fire in our belly.

Our Speakers - You are our source of inspiration on-stage

and off stage.

Dr Tan Ngoh Tiong, his sharp mind and warm personality

we admire
Professor Albert Teo - ever so patient and understanding
Mrs Shanmugaratnam for her support and insights.
Cheng Tai Chin and Geraldine Hong for seeing us through
SEforum

Chelsey Chen for her untiring support. You were always

there for us, in and out of your office cubicle - what would
we do without you?

Dharmendra Yadav and Aslam Sardar, our mentors

Aw Beng Teck, Ng Suan, and Janelle

Mary Lee for being there for us through her trimester

Lee Poh Wah, the streetfighter