Se Forum 2005 Main Brochure

SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Forum 2005

There is nothing more powerful than a

NEW idea ...

... if it is in the hands of

a Social Entrepreneur

Speaker's Profile

Logos of organisers, partner, supporting organisations

Organised by:

Diamond Sponsor:

Co-organisers:

Gold Sponsor:

Partner:

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, 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.

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.

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.

Supporting Organisations: 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.

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The Necessary Stage 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. 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. 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 Councils, the British Council, Singapore Pools, and local foundations such as Lee Foundation.

"A young dynamic theatre company demonstrating that Singapore theatre has well and truly come of age."

Logos of organisers, partner, supporting organisations

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Foreword from the Dean of NUS Business School

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Message from SEpirit

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SEforum Programme

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Social Enterprises in Singapore

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Speaker's Profile

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Thank you page

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- David Birch (Melbourne), The Straits Times Life!, 2 August 1997

Contact: Melissa Lee Company Manager [email protected] Tel: 6440 8115

Tampines Changkat Killiney Kopitiam

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.

In Singapore, the Social Enterprise Fund started by the Ministry of Community Development and Sports supports social enterprises that have compelling social and business propositions. The HighPoint Halfway House, which helps 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.

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 that the troubled youths and adults he deals with do not need a stable job but need reintegration and acceptance back into society. TCKK seeks to provide empowerment above employment to these people.

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 Lee Keng Leong, a student leader at NUS Business School and a recent graduate. He saw the vision, and has the passion to put together this mammoth project. 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. Indeed, it is often the passion to make a positive difference in our world that counts more for entrepreneurs. Particularly in social entrepreneurship, money is not the sole driver of successful business models. For concrete examples of successful local social enterprises, you will see several at the exhibition in Hall 404. Be challenged. Be inspired. To the youths present here, I challenge you to make a difference in your community. Remember, the glory of young men is their strength. You have the creativity and energy inside you to power change.

"Being a social enterprise means we do more than just business…but, at the end of the day, we're still selling food" - Rev Sam Kuna

Running like any other ordinary restaurant at TC Community Club, TCKK has made it a point to specialise in the food preparation skills of its crew, have a consistency in the quality of their food fare, maintain good quality of the service delivery, and provide a warm and welcoming ambience. While the original start up funding had dwindled within the first 9 months of operation, TCKK continues to be financed through the other social enterprises operated by Teen Challenge. Rev Kuna looks forward to the combined support of the management of the Tampines Changkat Community Club and the persistence of the directors and Crew of TCKK to convince the residents of Tampines Changkat Constituency and the supporters of Teen Challenge that TCKK is a landmark that is here to stay…for some time yet!

Finally, I wish everyone a fruitful time of learning and discussion this morning. Thank you.

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Contact: Tampines Changkat Killiney Kopitiam conveniently located @ Tampines Changkat Community Club 13, Tampines Street 11 Singapore 529453 Tel/Fax: 67876550

World Toilet College

Highpoint Halfway House

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.

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.

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"

Contact: Jack Sim Tel: 68411621 [email protected]

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 reenter society as productive citizens. Highpoint offers a 1year 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. Making our model of social service sustainable has been 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. "The miracle of a second chance'', Rev Don Wong

Contact: Highpoint Halfway House, No.1 Lor 23 Geylang

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, nonprofit 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. Tomorrow, we’ll be part of the change.

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SEforum Programme TIME

ACTIVITY

1200-1245

Registration

1300-1305

Opening Item

1305 - 1310

Opening address

1310- 1340

1340-1415

1415-1450

NOTES Exhibitions open to public

Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam Minister for Education Keynote Speaker: Pamela Hartigan

Business for Social innovation Social Entrepreneurs around the world. What makes a Social Enterprise different from an NGO, a business, and a Charity?

Managing Director of Schwab Foundation

The role of Social Entrepreneurship in Singapore

Panel Session I 1. Pamela Hartigan 2. Sam Kuna, Teen Challenge 3. Moderator: Dr Tan Ngoh Tiong

Short Intermission Light Refreshments served at the Foyer

1500-1520

Against Inertia: the First Step + Lots of Perseverance

1520 - 1640

SE nergy: Growing Social Entrepreneurship in Singapore

1640 - 1645

Closing

Very Special Arts Singapore In 2004 we launched a new programme called The Crafters' Guild to help bridge the gap between school to work. 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 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. 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 Course was conducted at the E-club @ Marine Parade, in which participants were taught the use of Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. 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 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 are popular in the market. Last year's bazaars included invitations to Park Mall, Wisma Atria, Home Tours organised by the American School and the Metta Carnival at Marina. "Creating a society where people with disabilities can learn through, participate in and enjoy the arts."

Anil Chitrakar, ASHOKA Panel Session II 1. Aaron Ng, MINDS 2. Braema Mathi 3. Thomas Thomas, Singapore Compact 4. Youth Representative: Louis Ng, ACRES 5. Don Wong, SE Ark

Light Refreshments served in the foyer Guests are invited to view SE Booths

1645 - 1930 Exhibitions

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Contact: Very Special Arts Singapore Blk 133 Bedok North Ave 3 #01-138 Singapore 460133 Tel: 6448 6275 Fax: 6441 6403 Website: www.vsa.org.sg Email: www.general.org.sg

Aunty And Aunties Ltd

SXX is Singapore International Foundation (SIF)'s first foray in 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 community. In May, the pilot SXX expedition was launched, when SIF sent 15 PricewaterhouseCoopers executives from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, China, India and Hong Kong on a 17-day expedition to Bhutan. In Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, they helped set up a mini library and a computer classroom at the Drak Tsho Vocation Training Centre for the Disabled, and organised a two-day camp for the children of this centre. The executives also made recommendations for improving the financial management system of the Youth Development Fund, and gave a seminar on corporate governance and the banking industry to Bhutanese business leaders and civil servants.

The ideas started to roll in sometime last year. The objective of the project is to build community bonding in the HDB estate, to provide bridging services to young working parents and flexible time of channel of employment for the ladies (aunties) in the estate. The services provided to the community are ad-hoc child minding, elderly care, catering, housekeeping or ad-hoc services as well as ironing services.

To be a self-financing programme, SXX needs to be further fine-tuned. For 2005, SIF is considering to pilot a small number of expeditions to test different models.

Contact: Jenny Tan Blk 504 Pasir Ris St 52 #09-139 Singapore 510504 Tel: 65834355 HP: 96880819

The ladies (aunties) will be kept economically active and socially connected with their neighbourhood. The proximity of such services ease the burden of the young working parents whereby it foster a kampong spirit in the community. As far as publicity can reach out the financial sustainability of the project can be achieve as the ladies are paid only on per job basis.

The social impact of a SXX is significant and measurable by 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.

"I think the self-renewal aspect is quite good. We're being coached on aspirations in life - is money what we're after?" - Kie Kok Keung, associate director, PricewaterhouseCoopers

Contact: Jared Tham, Executive, Special Projects Singapore International Foundation Tel: 68379965 Fax: 68379910 E-mail: [email protected]

SOCIAL ENTERPRISES IN SINGA G PORE 7

AIN Society

RSVP ProGuide Pte Ltd

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.

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.

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.

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: 745 North Bridge Road #02-01 Singapore 198713 Tel 6296 6027 Fax 6296 6037

SOCIAL ENTERPRISES IN SINGA G PORE

Contact: RSVP ProGuide Pte Ltd, 75 Bukit Timah Road, # 06- 04, Boon Siew Building, S (229833) Tel: 63374145 Fax: 63360984 Email: [email protected]

Contact: Chua Zi Yong [email protected]

ANIMAL CONCERNS RESEARCH AND EDUCATION SOCIETY (ACRES) 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 NUS-SIFE (NUS- Students In Free Enterprise) is an extension SIFE which is also a global student organization. We 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 motivated to develop creative ways to teach children about the global economy and provide necessary assistance to aspiring entrepreneurs. We also aim to help low-income families achieve financial independence and emphasize the importance of ethical and moral business practices. NUS-SIFE is honored to work with SEpirit as co-organizers for SE Forum 2005. This is to show our support towards social entrepreneurship and we are proud to work towards advocating SE in Singapore. As a student organization which also has a social cause, we also see the need to incorporate business ideas into our projects. This is not to generate profit, but rather to generate revenue for future projects. The same can be said for social organizations. By engaging social entrepreneurship, not only they can be less dependent on charity, it is also a source of funding to help more people than before. Hopefully through SE Forum 2005, we can inspire and motivate more people to start SEs in Singapore.

TOGETHER, we make the difference! - NUS-SIFE motto

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 of laying the foundations for a more animal welfare conscious community. Through pro-bono design work from advertising agency Saatchi & Saatchi, Acres has been able to convey our message through eye-catching and thought provoking informational materials. T-shirt designs similarly not only carry a strong message but also are attractive and appealing to the general public. Our scientific approach also reinforces the credibility of the message we are trying to put across and makes the public more receptive to our cause. Our low operating cost where our director is paid about $1200 a month assures the public that the funding is used appropriately. "My parents have always taught me to do onto others what you would like others unto you. I feel that this should not only be extended to fellow humans but also to the animals we share this world with. It is clear that like us, animals have feelings and emotions and it is no longer justifiable to exploit them for human gains." - Louis Ng, President and Executive Director, Acres

Contact: 11A Opal Crescent Level 3 Singapore 328406 [email protected] www.acres.org.sg Tel: 6296 7758 Hotline: 9783 7782

IKHLAS Holdings

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.

Contact: Alfie Othman Blk 3017 Bedok North Street 5 #02-23, Gourmet East Kitchen Singapore 486121 Tel: 6243 1442 Fax: 6243144

MINDS

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Contact: Hotline: 64495652

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 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."

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.

"We believe in helping persons with disability to achieve their full potential to perform above and beyond their disabilities"

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 mothers who do not possess any sound educational background and relevant working experience. At present, seventy percent of the Ikhlas workforce is made up of such individuals.

Contact: Aaron Ng Executive Director, MINDS. 800, Margaret Drive, Singapore 149310. Tel: 64795655 Fax : 64790706

MINDS is one of the forerunners in establishing social enterprises, and has been successfully operating a number of businesses to self-create employment opportunities 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 Enterprise" handling catering jobs. They provide employment to around 60 Intellectually Disabled persons. MINDS is planning to set up a "Performing Art Troupe", comprising 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: [email protected] www.thehse.net

HeartStrings Engage Ltd

Yong- En Enterprise

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.

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 to make Chinatown a place of frequent visits for food, fun and leisure.

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

We make our materials appealing to the needs of the young; allowing them to see and learn in their preferred fun way. Furthermore, we are collaborating with various partners to solicit a wider spectrum of inputs into the materials, making them relevant for today's generations. Innovative ideas, events and promotions are introduced into the package to keep the project fresh and interesting. "We hope that through their own experience, they will become "Ambassadors of Chinatown".

Contact: Alan Chou, Yong- En Care Centre, Blk 335A Smith Street #03- 57, S (051335) Tel: 62251002 www.yong-en.org.sg

Canossaville Children's Home was first established as an orphanage in 1941 with the aim of providing care and attention to male and female orphans. Today it provides support and guidance for children aged 4-12 who face 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 and teaching them to value hard work with pride and cheerfulness. The Café acts as a learning facility where children learn entrepreneurial skills by helping to run the café. The children will be involved in the production of its products, man the café and help out in operations. The Café is able to generate an average monthly net profit of $1500. This profit generated is channelled back to sustain the business as well as to be contributed to benefit society by helping the needy and the elderly.

"Built on Love" - Café Verona's vision

Contact: Canossaville Children's Home 1 Sallim Road, S (387621)

Happy Arts Enterprise Ltd

Castle Beach Ltd 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 nothing, play and fun in a natural environment, among other lessons. The primary focus is for less fortunate kids, high risk families and physically challenged. However, it's also open to general public aiming at families spending quality time together. Castle Beach is the first such social enterprise in the world and has gained popularity with customers coming from IMH, Bukit Batok Social Centre, Autistic children etc. Sandcastle building is an appealing activity that provides for lots of application in terms of events and lessons learnt. There is usually a child in the adult who can channel his yearns to play. Castle Beach engages volunteers who understand the philosophy, love the outdoors and care for the less fortunate. I believe that they will be as much supply of volunteers as there are demands from less privilege. Hopefully, it will find more supply than demand.

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 resolve to be a self reliant entity and develop these youths into individuals who can actively contribute to society. Launched by HAE in May 2005, the Happy Arts Deli sells vegetarian food, muffin and pastries. Currently, it employs three mildly intellectually- disabled youths as trainees. They are being trained in baking, customer service, kitchen skills and housekeeping. Our long-term plan is to train as many mildly intellectually- disabled youths so that they will be gainfully employed. Happy Arts Deli sells oriental and western vegetarian food to attract customers. Other innovative measures to draw customers are regular promotions of different types of cuisine such as Thai, Sri Lankan and Vietnamese food. To increase revenue, we also offer catering services.

"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: [email protected]

Contact: Alvin Lee www.castlebeach.org 9875 3550 Castle Beach Limited

Contact: #06-25 Paradiz Centre 1 Selegie Road, S (188306) Email: [email protected] www.ccs.org.sg

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 selfcollection 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: [email protected] Tel: 6778 7922

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 families. Whatever profit that we make out of this shop goes to our community residential rehabilitation works. When you choose Care Movers, "You Relax, We Move".

Contact: #Christian Care Services Singapore 132/ 134 Joo Chiat Place S (427864) Tel: 64408034

DASE

Bridge Learning

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.

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.

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.

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).

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'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

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: Tel: 63365208 Fax: 63363420 Email: [email protected] Website: www.dase.com.sg

"Heartful Art by Artful People." - DASE's mission

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.

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).

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.

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