Over sixty guests gathered for an evening of fun and inspiration at Ya Kun Kaya Toast (Orchard Central) for Be An Idea’s Vision 2.1 event held on the last Wednesday of February. We are excited to co-present Vision 2.1 with changemakers from Ashoka, the largest network of social entrepreneurs worldwide putting their system changing ideas into practice on a global scale.
The night’s program featured a series of speaker sessions. Presentations were done Pechakucha style, with each speaker given 20 slides and just 20 seconds per slide to share their motivating stories. The speakers came from a diverse range of social impact backgrounds; from working to ensure the welfare of domestic helpers, to empowering low income youth and children and also using business solutions to solve the problems faced by the world’s poorest – we were in for an inspiring treat of stories.
The night began with James Quek of MyHelper, a unique social enterprise dedicated to improving the well-being of domestic helpers. Most audience members were shocked to hear that some domestic workers work for just $1 an hour, or how others can go months without a day off. However, James pointed to how MyHelper and other ethical maid agencies offer extensive training programs to ensure stronger, happier, longer-lasting relationships between domestic helpers and their employers.
“We set out to work closely with the kids with one objective – show them that ‘what you think, you become’
”
Up next was Jean Loo of Superhero Me. Jean’s bubbly personality, non-exhaustive energy and passion for her work was evident to all as she explained how Superhero Me provides children with the opportunity to imagine themselves as heroes and create costumes from everyday household items.
“It is an expedition of the heart and soul.”
Our next speaker was Serene Koh from Expedition AGAPE, a program that seeks to empower disadvantaged youth through the power of mentorship and service learning. Volunteer mentors walk with, and share their lives with teenagers facing transitions and challenging life circumstances. While the youths often go on a physical journey to help others overseas, Serene explains that, “it is primarily a program that focuses on the inward journey – where you end will be quite different from where you started – it is an expedition of the heart and soul.”
Kevin Moon from BoP Hub was up next, giving an overview of his organization and how it brings together MNCs, NGOs, development banks, universities and other stakeholders to better apply existing solutions to the complex problems faced by the world’s poorest. He followed on with an introduction of BoP’s exciting new initiative - 45Rice, which creates a sustainable business solution that serves to provide better nutrition for Singapore’s migrant workers.
Last, but certainly not least, was the ever-enigmatic Solonia Teodros from The Change School, who explained how her organization’s innovative programming enables individuals to discover self-awareness and clarity of their personal values.
“When we know our values, we are better equipped to navigate through change and can remain resilient even in a state of flow.”
Solonia closed off the night by reminding members of the audience that their power to do good becomes stronger with a good understanding of the self.
The many stories of Be An Idea Vision were not small individual anecdotes, but just a few of the countless examples of Singaporeans building a passionate and caring community. Do join us at our next event, Fuze Night on the 30th of March at Artistry Café.
Do get in touch if you’d like to share your story with like-minded folk in the social impact community.