Week 15: Singapore Could Take Regional Lead in Social Enterprise

Singapore Could Take Regional Lead in Social Enterprise

  

Singapore International Foundation (SIF) held the forum "Ideas for a Better World" on 29 February 2012, with the intention to addresses the need to nurture new generations of social entrepreneurs. I have been to forums like this and I have to say that such forums are definitely meaningful and useful as it provides a platform for youths with the same interest and passion to share ideas and network with each other. Also, many experienced and successful entrepreneurs are more than willingly to share valuable ‘tips’ with the youths.

In the world today, more and more youth are thinking of starting up their own social enterprise as they see social enterprise as a bridge between democracy and capitalism as they develop a sense of togetherness in a community by providing a means to engage in social welfare. And also our generations are definitely working towards a more socially minded society and it actually cultivates youths to initiate a national spirit of social entrepreneurship. This is so as more youths are exposed to the social problems that is surfacing and happening around us and the world.

Globalisation is one that causes more social issues but is one that helps to bring more people together and to be determined to make a change in the world today. I feel that in time to come more and more youths will be more risk taking and have good social entrepreneur spirit. This is so as our generation and the future generations will become more and more socially conscious and more and more innovative and creative in dealing with social issues that needed to be addressed.  

And I believe that even though Singapore is just a ‘red dot’ in the eyes of many, there are still a lot of things we can do and in fact we can do better than the rest. Social enterprise benefits the society in many ways, in Singapore as individuals are becoming more socially conscious, they realised the potential growth of this sector. Also, this actually helps to cultivate good culture practice by building up a caring and loving society in Singapore.  

Personally I feel that the education of good values is more important than getting good grades and decent certificate. Therefore, more of such forums should be held in Singapore, and not forgetting about our social media, ideas can be shared more easily over the internet.

I believe that with the support and the active involvement of our government, people and schools, aSingapore will be able to take lead in the Social enterprise sector! 

References:

Young Up Starts. (2012). Singapore could take regional lead in social enterprise: Mechai Viravaidy. Retrieved February 1 2013, from http://www.youngupstarts.com/2012/03/05/singapore-could-take-regional-lead-in-social-enterprise-mechai-viravaidya/