MEDIA RELEASE
Singapore, 28 September 2023
Philip Yeo Initiative celebrates 10th year anniversary with new Discoverer Programme for societal impact
Over the past decade, the Philip Yeo Initiative has supported 37 impact-driven individuals and more than 150 NUS students, with a strong commitment to helping more achieve their dreams
Singapore, 28 September 2023 — An entrepreneur who has created an artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet-of-Things solution to reduce accidents and make workplaces safer; a youth sustainability advocate who has championed environmental projects from reducing consumption of single use plastics, to engaging the local community in organising beach clean-ups; and a food sustainability ambassador, who is promoting sustainability and well-being. These are some of the MAD COW (Make A Difference, Change Our World) individuals who have emerged from the Philip Yeo Initiative.
NUS Enterprise today celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Philip Yeo Initiative (PYI), showcasing the impact that the 37 PYI Fellows and Associates1 have achieved over the past decade at the PYI 10th Anniversary Dinner. NUS Enterprise also revealed at the event that it will launch a new Discoverer Programme in 2024, to help nurture future leaders who are keen to create societal impact.
Making A Difference
Established in 2013, PYI is a ground-up movement that was initiated by several proteges of Philip Yeo who benefited from his unique leadership style and mentoring. They were inspired to build the next generation of MAD COW leaders, who are passionate and committed to causes they believe in. PYI consists of two programmes:
- The Philip Yeo Innovation Fellows Programme, which supports individuals who have their own MAD project or idea, through funding (up to S$20,000 for Associates and up to S$40,000 for Fellows), mentorship from Mr Philip Yeo or his proteges, and access to networking opportunities with industry leaders from Mr Philip Yeo’s network; and
- The Philip Yeo Grant, which provides up to S$5,000 bursaries to students venturing on the NUS Overseas Colleges programme. This helps defray their living expenses and allows the students to gain entrepreneurial experiences at over 20 global hotspots.
As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the PYI in 2023, our focus remains on the potential of our young people, those who want to make a difference. I’m very proud of our Associates and Fellows who have all grown in their own ways. The PYI serves as a guiding force, pushing them to think deeper, fostering valuable connections and instilling confidence in them. It is good to see our young people fly higher and contribute to the community,” said Mr Philip Yeo.
Changing Our World
A total of 37 individuals have been supported by the Philip Yeo Innovation Fellows Programme and more than 150 students have benefited from the Philip Yeo Grant. Some of the noteworthy achievements that these individuals have made include:
- Vishnu Saran (Philip Yeo Grant recipient 2018 and PYI Associate 2020) – Founded Invigilo Technologies in 2020 that has developed AI and video analytics solution to enhance workplace safety. Developers and organisations in Singapore now realise the importance of workplace safety and a request for video analytics is now incorporated into tender specifications for many construction projects.
- Suzanna Tang (PYI Associate 2021) – Co-founded Urban Origins in 2021, to promote greater awareness on food sustainability practices. Initially targeting the B2C market, Urban Origins has since pivoted to B2B model, now focusing on driving sustainability and wellness within corporations.
- Samantha Thian (PYI Associate 2020, PYI Fellow 2021) – Launched Seastainable in 2017, to reduce consumption of single-use plastic straws in Singapore. Buoyed by the success of this campaign, she then set up an online retail store selling re-useable products, and later pivoted Seastainable to become a social environmental consultancy. The company also raises funds to support marine conservation projects and to date has contributed over $50,000 to some 50 conservation projects in ASEAN
Please see Annex 1 for more details on these three PYI Associates and Fellows.
“NUS Enterprise is delighted to see the passion and dedication of our PYI Fellows and Associates who have made remarkable strides in their respective fields. PYI has become an integral part of our mission to empower and inspire individuals who can make a difference and change our world,” said Professor Chen Tsuhan, Deputy President (Innovation and Enterprise), National University of Singapore. “Moving forward, we aim to raise more funds, and fundraising is one of the objectives of the PYI 10th anniversary dinner. Part of these funds will be used to support the Discoverer programme, which is the third programme to come under PYI and will be launched in 2024, to nurture leaders who are looking to create positive societal impact.”
Discoverer Programme
The Discoverer Programme allows students to gain exposure and experience at enterprises with societal objectives, focusing on issues of an urgent and critical nature to humanity. Undergraduate and postgraduate students from any Singapore Institutes of Higher Learning will have opportunities for six to 12 months of hands-on experience with local and international non-government organisations (NGOs) or impact-driven enterprises. During the programme, they will work closely with senior management of the organisation, to better understand the intricacies of providing solutions for public good and address the world’s most urgent and critical problems. They will also benefit from the coaching and guidance of mentors who have distinguished themselves through impact in their own fields.
“The Discoverer Programme aims to nurture future leaders for societal impact. For the first year’s pilot, we have successfully onboarded Red Cross and World Wildlife Fund for Nature Singapore, who have agreed to take on our students. We hope to bring in more NGOs and impact-driven enterprises, so more students can participate in the inaugural Discoverer Programme in 2024. Selected NUS Overseas Colleges (NOC) students who have an interest can undertake their internship in these enterprises and benefit from the mentorship provided by the Discoverer Programme,” said Professor Chee Yeow Meng, Vice President (Innovation and Enterprise), National University of Singapore, and PYI Steering Committee member.
“The Discoverer programme is a natural expansion of the existing PYI. We’ve already seen a number of our Associates and Fellows working hard on projects and start-ups that aim to benefit society. With the launch of the new Discoverer programme, I certainly look forward to meeting the next batch of my MAD COWs, who will truly Make A Difference and Change Our World – for the better!” concluded Mr Philip Yeo.
[1] Candidates will first join the Philip Yeo Innovation Fellows Programme as Associates and receive up to S$20,000 in funding, along with mentorship and networking support. After they have completed one year, they can apply again to become a Fellow, with either a pivot of the existing idea or a new idea. Selected Fellows receive additional funding of up to S$20,000 along with mentorship and networking support.
Annex 1: Impact created by three PYI Associates and Fellows
1. Vishnu Saran, Philip Yeo Grant recipient 2018 and PYI Associate 2020 – Founder, Invigilo Technologies
In 2018, Vishnu Saran went on the NUS Overseas Colleges programme, interning at a Silicon Valley start-up that develops efficient electric batteries. He received S$5,000 from the Philip Yeo Grant which helped to defray costs, such as his accommodation in the Silicon Valley. After returning to Singapore and graduating, he went on to found Invigilo Technologies in 2020.
Invigilo Technologies develops AI and video analytics solutions to enhance safety in the workplace. Cameras are placed around worksites, to monitor and detect high-risk activities. AI algorithms analyse the video feed and upon detection of unsafe activities, real-time alerts are sent to mobile phones of on-site safety officers, who can then prevent accidents before they happen. An in-built dashboard allows supervisors to analyse previous safety violations and refine work safety practices.
“My experience on the NOC programme was instrumental. Initially my plan was to finish my Bachelor’s in Materials Science & Engineering and go on to pursue a Master’s degree and a PhD, to further my education. However, working in a start-up really appealed to me, and I decided it would be more meaningful and fun, to start a company in the workplace safety area,” explained Vishnu Saran. “After running the company for several months, without salary, I was scouring for funding. Going to VCs was difficult, as most did not understand construction technology. So, I applied for the Philip Yeo Innovation Fellows Programme to get funding. Although the S$20,000 was what attracted me in the first place, I found the mentorship and access to networking opportunities were even more valuable in growing Invigilo.”
Vishnu was mentored by Ms Chong Siak Ching, who introduced him to senior management in major developers, such as LTA, HDB, JTC and NParks. After Vishnu spoke to these developers, they realised the importance of improving workplace safety. Now a request for video analytics has been incorporated in their tender specifications to improve safety of future construction projects.
“My first meeting with Mr Philip Yeo was during an exclusive networking session in 2019. I was then a Philip Yeo Grant recipient, and got the chance to meet Mr Yeo, some of the mentors and other PYI Fellows and Associates. When I applied to the Phillip Yeo Innovation Fellows Programme in 2020, I met him again during the interview process. Because he was so direct and swift – I only had five minutes with him, I thought I had no chance. So I was pleasantly surprised when I was selected. Mentorship from both Mr Yeo and Ms Chong have been all-encompassing, like how to be a better person and leadership values. However, whenever I struggle with problems, such as competitors under-cutting my prices, it’s good to know I have experienced mentors to go to, to bounce off ideas and receive guidance.”
Over the past two years, Vishnu has been scaling Invigilo Technologies and his safety solutions are now deployed across Singapore. To grow the company further, he is focusing on expanding regionally, as well expanding features of his workplace safety solution.
2. Suzanna Tang, PYI Associate 2021 – Co-Founder, Urban Origins
If you are looking to create a more sustainable future, Suzanna Tang has these tips: “First, set clear and measurable goals that align with your values and mission. Collaboration is key, so seek partnerships and continuously educate yourself on sustainable practices. Where possible, focus on the three Rs – reduce, reuse and recycle! Keep yourself up-to-date on technology, which can help track and reduce your environmental footprint. And lastly, support local products and services to encourage sustainable practices!”
Suzanna is the Co-founder of Urban Origins, a company she set up in January 2021, incentivised by the disruption the pandemic had to Singapore’s food supply chain management. In her previous job, as a primary school teacher, Suzanna would educate students on the importance of minimising food waste. The panic she felt from the sight of emptied supermarket shelves motivated her to quit her stable job and take the plunge by becoming a food sustainability ambassador. In 2021, Suzanna successfully applied for the Philip Yeo Innovation Fellows Programme, which supported her efforts in growing Urban Origins into a transformative social enterprise.
“As an Associate of PYI, I am grateful to be part of a vibrant community of like-minded change-makers, who continuously inspire me. The support from PYI has been invaluable, providing me access to experienced mentors who offer guidance and insights that shape our strategies. The initiative’s networks have opened doors to potential clients, expanding our reach and securing partnerships with businesses,” explained Suzanna.
In the early days, Urban Origins focused on connecting local farmers and food producers to consumers, through an e-commerce platform, as well as events such as farmer’s markets. These efforts allowed local farmers and producers to engage directly with consumers, so they could understand more about where their food came from. Urban Origins also formed partnerships with supermarkets and developed their own vegetable boxes sold on a subscription basis.
“During our direct business-to-consumer phase, we onboarded over 40 local farmers and food producers, reaching out to more than 2,000 consumers. Our main goal was to create a sustainable ecosystem, benefiting both consumers and local producers. Consumers gained access to local, fresh, safe, traceable and sustainable produce, while local producers benefited from increased visibility and sales,” said Suzanna Tang. “While working with corporate clients to create local sustainable gift hampers, I realised that the business-to-business (B2B) sector provided the opportunity to drive sustainability within corporations. In 2023, we pivoted to a B2B model, which has allowed us to differentiate from the crowd as well as scale better.”
Urban Origins now focuses on developing and curating sustainability and wellness activities for corporate clients. Suzanna works with HR and sustainability teams, to organise talks, workshops and other fun activities that align employees with the organisation’s Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental, Social, and Governance goals. Transitioning to the B2B model resulted in an increase in revenues and Urban Origins expanded to a core team of six individuals who are passionate about making positive impact. Moving forward, Suzanna is focusing on widening and deepening the company’s presence in the B2B space. Urban Origins is also exploring developing its own innovative tech platform to enhance its ability to deliver programmes that promote sustainability and well-being.
“The PYI has been a catalyst, for both my personal growth and professional development. The approachable nature of the mentors, and other Associates and Fellows fosters open discussions and shared experiences. I have gained insights that have shaped my entrepreneurial journey and empowered me to create sustainability and wellness initiatives for a brighter world with greater passion and purpose,” concluded Suzanna.
3. Samantha Thian, PYI Associate 2020, PYI Fellow 2021 – Founder Seastainable
Samantha has always loved the sea. In 2017, she took time off from studying at the NUS Business School, to participate in a whale shark research programme based in the Philippines. While conducting this research, she was both shocked and saddened by the amount of plastic pollution in the sea. Upon returning to Singapore, she realised how much single-use plastic Singaporeans consume. She set up Seastainable in 2017, with the initial goal of reducing Singapore’s consumption of plastic straws and other single-use plastic products. After a successful campaign, the company set up an online store and partnered with retailers, selling products such as metal straws, collapsible cups and lunch boxes, with 50% of the profits going towards marine conservation.
“Riding upon my campaign to reduce single-use plastic straws, Seastainable first set up an online retail platform selling zero-waste products. In 2020, the pandemic hit, and I knew we had to pivot away from retail, as our objective was always to drive behavioural change and there were many alternatives in the market. Getting into the Philip Yeo Innovation Fellows Programme at this time was timely. With guidance from my mentors, I decided to focus on providing environmental education and consultancy services to organisations looking to become more sustainable. I was honoured to get into both the Associate and Fellow programme. I used the funds to scale up and expand our community clean-up efforts, and to co-develop Stridy, a non-profit tech start-up. The Stridy app has now been used around the world to encourage communities to participate in clean-up activities,” said Samantha.
One such project is Seastainable’s educational awareness project at East Coast Park’s Parkland Green, which aimed to generate awareness about the importance of keeping Singapore beaches clean. Using the Stridy app, word got around through social media and 3,000 volunteers came together for a beach clean-up at East Coast Park. With support from PYI, this initiative continues to grow, and Seastainable recently launched an education panel for East Coast Park visitors to understand the importance of reducing marine litter.
Samantha also set up the Seastainable grant, which provides financial assistance to ASEAN projects that strengthen local communities, in terms of sustainability and conservation. Funds for the Seastainable grant come from Seastainable’s profits – previously generated from their retail arm, and now from their consultancy business. The Seastainable grant has contributed over S$50,000 to more than 50 conservation projects, across five countries and impacting over 10,000 individuals.
“After eight years of working on Seastainable, I’ve learnt a lot about marine conservation and sustainability,” said Samantha. “With support from PYI, I entered a new phase of rediscovery and exploration on how to take my social enterprise further, in particular, I’m keen to look at regional and global policies to tackle climate and conservation issues, as well as my own personal development and growth. The fun part is that as we learn and grow, the PYI grows and explores with us, empowering us to be more impactful future leaders!”