BRIGHT MINDS, BRIGHTER FUTURES

INSIGHTS FROM THE STUDENT INTERVIEW PROGRAMME

PASSIONATE, RESILIENT AND SAVVY

CELEBRATING THE JOURNEYS OF 28 ENTREPRENEURS

SOE-NEXIA TS ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR 2016

BUILDING A BUSINESS REQUIRES FORESIGHT TO PROPEL IT FORWARD, A STRONG COMPANY CULTURE ROOTED IN GOOD VALUES, A FOCUSED STRATEGY TO MAKE THE IMPOSSIBLE POSSIBLE, AND UNWAVERING COURAGE TO CHANGE MINDSETS.

Neo Group LimitedNO. 1 EVENTS CATERER IN SINGAPORE

Neo Kah Kiat, PBM

ISSUE 4

BRIGHT MINDS, BRIGHTER FUTURES

INSIGHTS FROM THE STUDENT INTERVIEW PROGRAMME

PASSIONATE, RESILIENT AND SAVVY

CELEBRATE THE JOURNEY OF THIS YEAR’S SOE-NEXIA TS

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

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CONTENTS

02 Guest of Honour's Message

03 SOE Presisdent Message

04 SOE Board of Governors 2016

06 SOE Initiatives

08 SOE Awards 2016 Dinner Programme

11 SOE-Nexia TS Entrepreneur of the Year 2016

14 SOE Awards

16 SOE Awards 2016 Honourees

26 SOE-CHARLES & KEITH Student Interviewers

Programme 2016

28 SOE-CHARLES & KEITH Best Student Interviewers

31 SOE Student Entrepreneur Programme

34 SOE Fundraising Golf Challenge 2016

37 The SOE Book

Every year, we witness new businesses bloom across industries. This year, we had the pleasure of listening to and publishing the stories of 28 entrepreneurs who thrived against the odds. Their visions of determination, passion and diligence remind us that while XLI�VSEH�SJ�IRXVITVIRIYVWLMT�MW�GLEPPIRKMRK��MX�MW�EPWS�JYP½PPMRK�ERH�rewarding for those who stay the course.

Last year, Singapore was ranked the 10th most entrepreneurial country in the 2015 Global Entrepreneurship Index – an admirable JIEX�EW�[I�QSZI�YT�½ZI�TPEGIW�JVSQ�������8LMW�MW�XIWXEQIRX�XLEX�XLI�breadth of entrepreneurship is growing, and we are honoured to contribute to this remarkable community.

As a tradition, SOE honours each entrepreneur’s practice and spirit every year. Over the past 14 years, we have honoured over 450 inspiring entrepreneurs who have transformed their passion into a prospering enterprise.

This year, we are pleased to announce that Mr Neo Kah Kiat, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Neo Group Limited has been selected as the SOE-Nexia TS Entrepreneur of the Year 2016. Mr Neo has come a long way from his humble beginnings in 1992 [LIR�LI�½VWX�WIX�YT�LMW�GSQTER]��8SHE]��LI�SZIVWIIW�ER�I\TERWMZI�portfolio of 14 different brands in varying sectors. With a host of accolades under his wing, Mr Neo has also propelled his businesses to reach greater heights. His story is an inspiration to us all. We are also proud to introduce a new category this year: the SOE-Propnex Top Honouree of the Year Award. The Award marks our partnership with Propnex Realty Pte Ltd. We are grateful to Propnex and Mr Mohamed Ismail Gafoor for their kind sponsorship, and for believing in our pursuit of driving the entrepreneur spirit.

With that, we invite you to join us as we celebrate the journeys of these extraordinary individuals in our mission to honour and inspire.

Yours sincerely,Sa’at IsmailSOE Awards Chairperson

EDITORIALEditorSa’at Ismail

Writer Nur Wahidah Abdul Wahid

ContributorsGrace Chong-TanIzzat Md Ismail

Design Director Marco Salazar

Art DirectorBryan Tan

Designer Beatrice Cho

PhotographerMohamed Audi Asri Mohamed Khalid

Spirit of Enterprise (ISSN request pending) is published once a year by Spirit of Enterprise (SOE). Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. All infomation are correct at the time of print, but may be subject to change.

For more information, please visitwww.soe.org.sg

ACCOUNT SERVICING Silicon+ Resy Witono

CORRESPONDENTSOE SecretariatScarlett ChuaJenny Azores-Davidsecretariat@soe.org.sg

PRINTER Winson Press Pte Ltd

A SPOTLIGHT ON YOUR COMPANY

We want to know all about you! Give us the straight story: secretariat@soe.org.sg

EDITOR’SNOTE

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The annual SOE Awards honour the outstanding achievements of deserving local entrepreneurs from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) which have established a name for themselves in their respective industries.

The journey of an entrepreneur is not an easy path to embrace. The entrepreneur needs to have passion – to pursue his or her dream; a healthy dose of courage – to break boundaries and challenge the WXEXYW�UYS��¾I\MFMPMX]�¯�XS�EHETX�XS�different situations; innovation – to be forward-thinking and inventive with products, services and business models; and grit – to be resilient even when economic conditions are challenging, and to learn from failures.

The Government has been working actively to transform our economy and industries to be future-ready to ensure continued competitiveness and growth. This will create many new growth opportunities for our local businesses. To succeed in the future economy, it is important for our SMEs to adopt an open, forward-looking mind-set, and to continually look for innovative ways to raise productivity and upgrade their capabilities. With today’s fast-paced technology changes, SMEs should also be ready for

GUEST OF HONOUR

DR KOH POH KOON Minister of State Ministry of Trade and Industry

disruption. Indeed, they should look for opportunities to be the disruptor, or risk being disrupted.

Many initiatives have already been put in place to help our SMEs. Together with industry partners such as the Trade Associations and Chambers, the Government will continue to support them in their transformation and growth journey. I encourage all SMEs to critically appraise your business strategies and chart your transformation plans to be future-ready and meet market demands. With a clear vision of their transformation plans, SMEs should then be proactive in taking advantage of the available schemes and leverage innovation, technology and internationalisation to grow their businesses.

I would like to congratulate the honourees of the SOE Awards 2016. May you continue to reach for greater heights, and may your success stories serve to inspire budding IRXVITVIRIYVW�XS�TYVWYI�ERH�JYP½P�their own passions and dreams.

FOSTERING A FUTURE READY CULTURE OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP

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Every year, the Spirit of Enterprise (SOE), a non-government and non-TVS½X�GLEVMX]�SVKERMWEXMSR��GSQQMXW�itself to its mission of honouring local entrepreneurs and inspiring budding businesspeople amongst youths.

Through the SOE Student Entrepreneur Programme, the SOE-Charles & Keith Student Interviewer Programme and the SOE-Credit Suisse Entrepreneurs Forum, SOE aims to inspire young Singaporeans to become the next generation of entrepreneurs through interaction, communication and knowledge sharing between students, entrepreneurs and the general public.

To sustain these programmes, SOE holds fundraising projects through the SOE Fundraising Golf Challenge, the SOE Awards Dinner and accepts the kind donations of generous individuals and organisations. Together with the SOE Board of Governors and Alumni, their support and belief in SOE enables us to celebrate today’s businesspeople and nurture tomorrow’s entrepreneurs.

The Annual SOE Awards has become a stable platform in honouring and recognising home-grown entrepreneurs who are active

SOE PRESIDENT

GRACE CHONG-TANSpirit of Enterprise

IGNITING AND CELEBRATING THE SPARK

change-makers in society. Today, we are proud to commend 28 brilliant entrepreneurs who have embodied determination, resilience, and the courage to take risks not only to pursue their dreams but to bring about change in the lives of others as well.

One of the highlights of this evening is presenting the SOE-Nexia TS Entrepreneur of the Year Award to Mr Neo Kah Kiat, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Neo Group Limited. Recognised as the highest accolade of the SOE Awards, the annual SOE-Nexia TS Entrepreneur of the Year Award is conferred upon an extraordinary past SOE Honouree who has shown exemplary hard work, exceptional business achievements, and has contributed meaningfully to society.

We are also proud to announce that in collaboration with our Strategic Sponsor, PropNex Realty Pte Ltd, we will be giving the inaugural SOE-PropNex Top Honouree Award to the most successful entrepreneur among this year’s Honourees.

We will also not be here right now if not because of a man who started the vision – our esteemed SOE Founder,

Mr Russell Rowland Miller, who has joined our Creator in July this year. Thank you for being an inspiration and may we continue to uphold your legacy forever.

On that note, we are delighted to welcome our Honourees this year to the SOE Alumni. We look forward to your active participation to our cause which will go a long way in helping us to continue to honour and inspire.

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BOARD MEMBER

DENNIS TEOManaging Director, Evorich Holdings Pte Ltd

BOARD MEMBER

ALVIN CHENGPartner,Aequitas Law LLP

PRESIDENT / SOE-CREDIT SUISSE ENTREPRENEURS FORUM CHAIRPERSON

GRACE CHONG-TANManaging Director, Smile Inc.® Dental Surgeons

SOEBOARDOFGOVERNORS2016

TREASURER

SAMUEL YIK Managing Director,Dian Xiao Er

VICE PRESIDENT

RACHEL WONGManaging Director, Marunda Utama Engineering Pte Ltd

VICE PRESIDENT / SOE AWARDS CHAIRPERSON

SA’AT ISMAILFounder & Creative Director, SiliconPlus Communications Pte Ltd

BOARD MEMBER / SOE STUDENT INTERVIEWER PROGRAMME (SIP) CHAIRPERSON

CHIN CHEE CHOONDirector, Assurance and Advisory Nexia TS Public Accounting Corporation

BOARD MEMBER / SOE BOOK COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON

CHERYL T. HANSENManaging Director,C. T. HansenInternational Pte Ltd

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BOARD MEMBER / SOE FUNDRAISING GOLF CHALLENGE CHAIRPERSON

DONNA LEE Founder & CEO,KinderGolf Pte Ltd

BOARD MEMBER

TANSNEEM NOORDirector, Fika Swedish Café & Bistro

BOARD MEMBER / MEDIA COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON

WONG HONG TINGCo-Founder,2359 Media Pte Ltd

BOARD MEMBER

IZZAT MD ISMAIL Managing Director, EDN Learning Discoveries Pte Ltd

BOARD MEMBER / SOE STUDENT ENTREPRENEUR PROGRAMME (SEP) CHAIRPERSON

RINA LIM Managing Director,Quirk Pte Ltd

BOARD MEMBER

SERENE PANCommercial Director, Envocycle Pte Ltd

BOARD MEMBER

SREERANGAN KURUPDirector, Abeo International Pte Ltd

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AS THE INCLINATION FOR ENTREPRENEURS IN SINGAPORE AND THE WORLD SOARS, INVESTORS AND GOVERNMENTS ALIKE ARE INCREASINGLY LOOKING FOR GOOD TALENT AND IDEAS THAT CAN FUEL NEW BUSINESSES. ON TOP OF WHICH, INDIVIDUALS WHO CHOOSE TO EMBARK ON THE ROAD OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP MUST ALSO EMBODY TRAITS THAT WILL ENABLE THEM TO ENDURE THROUGH DIFFICULT PERIODS. WE RECOGNISE THAT THE PATH OF ENTERPRISE IS CHALLENGING AND IT IS WITH THIS UNDERSTANDING THAT WE ENDEAVOUR TO CELEBRATE THOSE BRAVE ENOUGH TO WEATHER THE JOURNEY.

NUTURING ENTREPRENEURSHIP ISLANDWIDE

The Spirit of Enterprise (SOE) was founded in 2003 as a non-TVS½X�SVKERMWEXMSR�XS�GYPXMZEXI�ER�EGXMZI�IRXVITVIRIYVMEP�GYPXYVI�in Singapore. SOE does this by recognising the accomplishments of local entrepreneurs operating small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It also seeks to inspire young Singaporeans, especially students, to become entrepreneurs through interaction, communication and knowledge sharing between students, entrepreneurs and members of the public. SOE is funded by the private sector. The SOE Board of Governors consists of established entrepreneurs, corporate senior management, students, and public service leaders.

ENTRE PRE NEUR SHIPI N S I N G A P O R E

G I V I N G A V O I C E T O

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SOE AWARDS The SOE Awards is an annual SOE event where SMEs are honoured for their achievements at the SOE Awards Ceremony.

SOE-CHARLES & KEITH STUDENT INTERVIEWERS PROGRAMME (SIP) SOE collaborates with local tertiary institutions to offer students the chance to interview outstanding local entrepreneurs and learn from their success stories. From the pool of interviewees, the Committee Members select the year’s SOE-CHARLES & KEITH Best Student Interviewers. SOE STUDENT ENTREPRENEUR PROGRAMME (SEP) SOE introduces primary and secondary school students to entrepreneurship basics with life lessons and simulated business activities.

SOE RUNS THE FOLLOWING ONGOING AND SUSTAINABLE PROGRAMMES TO BOTH HONOUR AND INSPIRE

SOE BOOK Each year, SOE publishes a book packed with practical stories and guidance on entrepreneurship based on interviews conducted with SOE Award nominees. It is distributed to local schools and available at leading bookstores and libraries. SOE FUNDRAISING GOLF CHALLENGE &IMRK�E�RSR�TVS½X�SVKERMWEXMSR��73)�VEMWIW�JYRHW�through its annual golf tournament while creating a networking platform and business opportunities within the group. SOE-CREDIT SUISSE ENTREPRENEURS  FORUM Catered to channel the knowledge, vision and ethos of entrepreneurship, business experts are invited to expound on topics that resonate close to the hearts of many entrepreneurs. We invite SOE Alumni and Partners to participate in this platform, where entrepreneurial ideas take centre stage.

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PM 5:45 Arrival of Guests and Registration

PM 6:00 Networking and Cocktails

PM 7:30 Grand Entrance of Guest of Honour and SOE Honourees

PM 7:35 Spirit of Enterprise Video

PM 7:40 Welcome Address by Mrs Grace Chong-Tan President of SOE

PM 7:50 Speech by Guest of Honour, Dr Koh Poh Koon Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry

PM 8:00 Tribute to Russell Miller and Presentation of Token of Appreciation to Ms Ann Miller

PM 8:25 Citation of the SOE-Nexia TS Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2016 by Mr Mohamad Ismail Gafoor Chief Executive Officer of Propnex Pte Ltd

D I N N E R P R O G R A M M E

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PM 8:35 Speech by the SOE-Nexia TS Entrepreneur of the Year Awardee 2016, Mr Neo Kah Kiat Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Neo Group Ltd

PM 8:52 Speech by Mr Ismail Gafoor on the SOE-PropNex Top Honouree of the Year Award Chief Executive Officer of PropNex Realty Pte Ltd

PM 9:00 Presentation of Awards to the 2016 of SOE Awards Honourees Presentation of the SOE-Propnex Top Honouree of the Year Award

PM 9:35 SOE Student Entrepreneur Programme Video Presentation

PM 9:50 Presentation of the SOE-CHARLES & KEITH Best Student Interviewer Award 2015

PM 10:10 Closing Remarks by Ms Rachel Wong Vice-President of Spirit of Enterprise

PM 10:35 End Programme – Networking

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Neo Kah Kiat, PBMFOUNDER, CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER NEO GROUP LIMITED

BUILDING A BUSINESS REQUIRES FORESIGHT TO PROPEL IT FORWARD, A STRONG COMPANY CULTURE

ROOTED IN GOOD VALUES, A FOCUSED STRATEGY TO MAKE THE IMPOSSIBLE POSSIBLE, AND

UNWAVERING COURAGE TO CHANGE MINDSETS.

SOE-NEXIA TSENTREPRENEUROF THE YEAR2016

As an industry veteran with over two decades of leadership experience in catering and food & beverage management, Mr Neo has led and grown the Group into Singapore’s largest catering provider and the number one events caterer. Today, he continues to helm and steer the Group’s future strategic direction and expansion to become an integrated food and catering solutions provider.

SOE ENTREPRENEUR

OF THE YEAR AWARDEES

2010

ADRIN LOIEXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN

YA KUN INTERNATIONAL PTE LTD

2011

DR STEVEN FANGEXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN

CORDLIFE

2012

CHARLES WONGCHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

CHARLES & KEITH (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD

SOE-NEXIA TS ENTREPRENEUR

OF THE YEAR AWARDEES

2013

ONG TZE BOONGROUP EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN

ONG&ONG PTE LTD

2014

ANDREW KWANGROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR

COMMONWEALTH CAPITAL PTE LTD

2015

MOHAMED ISMAIL GAFOORCHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

OF PROPNEX REALTY PTE LTD

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Today, Neo Garden enjoys strong brand recognition for consistent food quality and reliable services, and is the preferred choice among households.

With his foresight and keen business acumen, Mr Neo brought the company to its successful listing on XLI�7+<�MR�������,I�EPWS�PIH�XLI�+VSYT W�½VWX�QENSV�acquisition of Thong Siek Holdings – manufacturer, retailer and distributor of the popular DoDo brand SJ�½WL�FEPPW�ERH�'8�:IKIXEFPIW��*VYMXW�¯�E�PIEHMRK�trader of fresh fruits and vegetables in 2015.

Under Mr Neo’s astute leadership, the Group has built a strong portfolio of 14 brands serving different market segments, a food retail network spanning 29 outlets islandwide, a business presence in 29 countries, and operations supported by East and West central kitchens, manufacturing facilities, warehouses and over 1,300 dedicated employees.

Today, Neo Group provides customers with end-to-end food and catering solutions through a comprehensive suite of capabilities and service SJJIVMRKW�YRHIV�½ZI�FYWMRIWW�WIKQIRXW�¯�*SSH�Catering, Food Retail, Food Manufacturing, Food Trading and Food & Catering Supplies.

Mr Neo’s contributions towards the industry have not gone unnoticed. He was awarded the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year in the Food and Beverage category 2015 and touted ‘King of Buffets’ in a Straits Times article in July 2015. In 2014, he received the Pingat Bakti Masyarakat “PBM”

Mr Neo established Neo Garden Catering as a sole-proprietorship in 1992 and successfully grew it into ER�E[EVH�[MRRMRK�¾EKWLMT�FVERH��8LI�brand was awarded overall winner of Singapore Prestige Brand Award for three consecutive years and attained XLI�,EPP�SJ�*EQI�SR�XLI�XLMVH�]IEV��

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SUBSIDIARIES OF NEO GROUP LIMITED

(Public Service Medal). He has also won the EYA 2012 Top Entrepreneurs and EYA for Enterprise by Entrepreneur of The Year Award in 2012, the Successful Entrepreneur Award (Platinum Category) by GRC Press Holdings in 2011 and the Spirit of Enterprise Award by the Spirit of Enterprise in 2010. He also serves as the Vice-Chairman of the Workforce Advancement Federation.

A strong advocate of philanthropy, Mr Neo donates generously to charities and is a Director on the Board of Ren Ci Hospital. He also serve as a patron at Jurong Spring Community Club, and was also appointed Organising Chairman of the Building Fund of Jurong Spring Community Club in March 2014.

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INFLUENTIAL SME LEADERSHIP CONTINUES TO SERVE AS A DEEP AND POWERFUL INSPIRATION IN SINGAPORE, ONE OF THE SMALLEST NATIONS IN THE WORLD AND SIMULTANEOUSLY ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST IMPORTANT COMMERCIAL HUBS.

T O

H O N O U R & I N S P I R E

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Held annually to honour noteworthy achievements in the local entrepreneurial scene, the SOE Awards shines a light on exemplary businesspeople. The SOE Awards also invites tomorrow’s entrepreneurs to recognise today’s as inspirations. Since its inauguration in 2003, more than 450 honourees have been recognised at the annual SOE Dinner and Awards Ceremony.

Honourees are shortlisted through recommendations, student nominations and interviews; both these processes allow student interviewers to determine which qualities are preeminent in entrepreneurs who exemplify the spirit of enterprise. This places the perspectives of future generations at the fore, allowing them to play a part in deciding who and what inspire all of us. It also allows entrepreneurs to act as mentors, share their experiences, as well as represent the diversity of experiences in the entrepreneurial landscape in Singapore.

After reviewing the interview transcripts submitted by student interviewers, the SOE Board of Governors selects the year’s honourees and commemorates them at the SOE Awards. Student interviewers who have demonstrated excellence in research and in-depth reporting also stand to receive the SOE-CHARLES & KEITH Best Student Interviewer Award at the SOE Awards.

This year’s honourees run the gamut from a coffee provider that leverages on innovation while sustaining its traditional roots, to a boutique game development studio that immerses players in expansive worlds of narrative gameplay. Despite coming from vastly different industries, all 28 honourees champion the belief of building a brand around offering valuable experiences to and for people.

We look to these companies as great examples of I\GIPPIRGI�MR�XLIMV�½IPHW��ERH�MRWTMVEXMSRW�XS�EPP�SJ�YW�

T H E S O E A W A R D S 2 0 1 6

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Every year, participants from the SOE-CHARLES & KEITH Student Interview Programme (SIP) nominate exemplary entrepreneurs for the SOE Awards.

Through an assessment process, the Board of Governors selects the honourees who embody courage, perseverance and innovation – qualities that young Singaporeans may look up to as they undertake their own entrepreneurial journeys.

To read and download the full transcripts of the SOE honourees, visit our website at www.soe.org.sg

1Ben Ng—MANAGING DIRECTOR

ACEPRO SECURITY CONSULTANCY PTE LTDAcePro Security was incorporated in December 2010 and has grown substantially over the years. Today, AcePro Security consists of 386 staff and is known for delivering promises and security services embedded with technological innovation.

2Adlina Anis—DIRECTOR

ADLINA A. PTE LTDThe company believes in teamwork and creating a family. No organisation succeeds off the back of just one person, and anything can be accomplished when everyone works toward a common goal.

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3Tay San Yi—DIRECTOR

APEX BUILDING SURVEYORS PTE LTD Apex Building Surveyors is a professional building surveying GSRWYPXERG]�½VQ�IWXEFPMWLIH�MR�Singapore. The company prides itself for upholding the highest standards of professionalism in all undertaken works. There is nothing more satisfying than receiving acclamation from clients with each successfully concluded project.

5 Michael Lin —MANAGING DIRECTOR

AUSTON INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT PTE LTDAuston is a Higher Education provider in technical and XIGLRSPSKMGEP�½IPHW�TVSHYGMRK�highly-relevant graduates who are in high demand in industries such as electronics, network security, mechatronics and automation engineering.

4Colin Koh—MANAGING DIRECTOR

ASIAN DETOURS PTE LTDAsian Detours is about the realisation that one’s life is about the people around them. Looking inward, one learns humility, generosity, optimism and faith. Looking outward, one learns true character and the depth of their personal convictions. One’s journey is never about themselves.

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8Derrick Teo—CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

ELITEZ PTE LTDElitez provides part-time, temporary ERH�¾I\M�[SVO�NSF�STTSVXYRMXMIW�for homemakers, retirees and students. By harnessing the power of technology to improve service quality through training, Elitez seeks to transform hiring and working practices for the betterment of its clients, employees and the broader community. The company is the leading FMCG promoter QEREKIQIRX�½VQ�MR�7MRKETSVI�WMRGI�2013, supporting direct retail store marketing for established global FMCG market leaders.

6Yen Lau Zeng Bin— MANAGING DIRECTOR

CARPENTERS DESIGN GROUPThe Carpenters Design Group started out as a family business in the 1950s, dealing predominantly with carpentry works under the name of Ban Yew. Today, under management of the third generation of owners, the business model is revolutionised to integrate carpentry works as a one-stop solution for interior design. Carpenters Design Group is Singapore’s pioneer and PIEHMRK�MRXIVMSV�½VQ�

7Edward Lee —MANAGING DIRECTOR

EDWARD LEE APARTMENTS PTE LTDEdward Lee Apartments is an investment advisory and real estate management company. Edward, the founder and sole client of the company, receives investment consulting, property management services and concierge assistance from the company.

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9Brenda Lee Monteiro—FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR

FIORE DORATO INTERNATIONAL PTE LTDFiore Dorato is a well-established ¾SVEP�HIWMKR�GSQTER]�VIGSKRMWIH�as a leader by “Tatler’s Best” in Singapore for several years running. Its global portfolio includes planning and intricacies installations in Chennai, Amsterdam, London, %RELIMQ�ERH�0EW�:IKEW��-XW�FIPMIJ�is that transforming a venue with passion and great design will always leave an indelible impression.

10Nicholas Cho—DIRECTOR

FLESH IMP CLOTHINGS PTE LTDFlesh Imp has always believed in adding value beyond just selling clothing. Since inception, Flesh Imp has helped shape the local fashion scene by constantly connecting and engaging with the arts, fashion and creative community. With strong marketing and an insistence on producing high quality products, Flesh Imp has also changed the stigma that local brands are not up to par with their international GSYRXIVTEVXW��*PIWL�-QT�EPWS�½VQP]�believes in local talents and have given their unwavering support to local artistes and personalities that have grown with the brand.

11Cindy Hein—FOUNDER

HEINRICH FOOD PTE LTDHeinrich Food is a food service company that prides itself on its strength of identifying and understanding their clients’ need for reliable service. The company’s success stems largely from its ability to maintain commitment and consistency to high quality service by its dedicated team of employees.

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12Clarice Chan—CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER & FOUNDER

ICON+ EDUCATION CENTREICON+ is Singapore’s leading test preparation and university admissions specialist. Since 1999, ICON+ has helped over 25,000 students achieve high scores in university entrance exams such as the SAT, ISAT, BMAT, LNAT, GMAT and IELTS. It has also helped students enter prestigious universities in Singapore and abroad. Today, ICON+’s professional services can be found in China, India, Indonesia, 1EPE]WME��8LEMPERH�ERH�:MIXREQ�

14Jason Soon —DIRECTOR

KIM GUAN GUAN COFFEE TRADING PTE LTDKim Guan Guan (KGG) has been in the market since 1988. KGG is an integrated company that imports, roasts, packs and supplies traditional grounded coffee and tea dusts to business operators in Singapore. KGG’s vision is to continually improve the quality of the manufacturing processes of traditional coffee while preserving and sharing its unique culture in Singapore.

13Alan Koh—MANAGING DIRECTOR

IMPOSSIBLE MARKETING PTE LTD Impossible Marketing Pte Ltd, a Google Partner Company, is a homegrown Internet Marketing Company that specialises in bringing websites to the top of Google WIEVGL�VIWYPXW�JSV�KVIEXIV�XVEJ½G�ERH�lead generation.

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15Ng Chee Chuang Simon —GENERAL MANAGER

LEACOV SINGAPORE PTE LTDLeacov Singapore Pte Ltd has established three exciting years of training and education endeavours. The company continually strives to innovate its offerings, teaching methods and work processes, allowing them to expand and stay ahead. They aim to bring surprise and value to their customers, ensure career security for their employees, and help their students soar to greater heights.

16Rathakrishnan Govind—MANAGING DIRECTOR

LONDON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS & FINANCEFounded by a true entrepreneur, LSBF has always been one step ahead when it comes to business education. From day one, the school has adopted a global mindset, offering industry relevant programmes that are tailored to the career goals of students.

17Jameson Koh—FOUNDER

MARVELE GROUP PTE LTDMarvele makes your events happen. The company marries a modern mindset with traditional values, a passion for craft with meticulous execution and a mind for the big picture with an eye for detail. These qualities enable Marvele to conceptualise, produce and manage events that one can marvel at.

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18Saiful Rizal —MANAGING DIRECTOR

MATH PRODIGIES LEARNING CENTRE PTE LTDMath Prodigies’ cutting-edge programmes have helped primary and secondary school students go from F’s to A’s in as fast as six months. Founded in 2011, the Math Prodigies methodology brings Math concepts to life, creating enthusiasm, fun and excitement. The centre strives to transform every student who walks through its doors into a Math Prodigy.

19Michelle Lim Seok Ling—CREATIVE DIRECTOR

MUD ROCK PTE LTDMud Rock is a ceramic studio based in Singapore. The company enables the makers of mud and clay to bond over the love of beautiful ceramics that serve people every day. From bowls to sculptures, Mud Rock ½RHW�E�RIZIVIRHMRK�NS]�MR�QEOMRK��exploring and serving with clay.

20Dennis Tay—FOUNDER

NAIISE PTE LTDNaiise prides itself on being a curated destination for original and well-designed products and a daily design inspiration. Based in Singapore, Naiise offers international shipping and is one of the largest and fastest growing design retailers locally. Naiise currently stocks more than 15,000 products from over 890 emerging and established brands from Singapore and around the world.

Founded in 2013, Naiise believes that design adds value to people’s lives, and strives to make good design accessible and relevant to more people through its various touch-points such as their website, stores, social media channels and customer experiences.

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21G Sathish Kumar—DIRECTOR

NEW MILLENIUM SHIP ENGINEERING PTE LTDNew Millenium is active in the local and overseas industry, offering the following services: Ship/Rigs Repair and New Construction; Offshore Repair and Service; Oil & Gas 6I½RIV]��4IXVSGLIQMGEP�-RHYWXV]��Manufacturing of Equipment; and Fabrication of Structure. New Millenium is the authorised distributor of Epocast 36 & Epocast Industie, a chocking and gouting product, that has established itself with a respectful reputation in the market.

22Teo Ser Lee—FOUNDER & DIRECTOR

PROTOCOL ACADEMY PTE LTDProtocol Academy is Singapore’s pioneer in etiquette and protocol services, providing training in etiquette, protocol and professional image to mid and top level executives looking to enhance their WIPJ�GSR½HIRGI��LIMKLXIR�XLIMV�communication skills, outshine their competition and increase their bottom line. Customised seminars are geared to educate, motivate and meet the needs of today’s busy executives.

23Lee Ming Hui—MANAGING PARTNER

Q RESEARCH CONSULTING LLPQ Research Consulting is Singapore’s PIEHMRK�VIWIEVGL�FSYXMUYI�½VQ�WTIGMEPMWMRK�MR�EGEHIQMG�WGMIRXM½G�methodologies. Applying the rigour of academic research standards, XLI�½VQ�JSGYWIW�SR�GSPPIGXMRK�high quality representative data, zooming in on relevant social issues and trends in Singapore and Asia. Given proper research design, methodology, planning and QEREKIQIRX��XLI�½VQ�FIPMIZIW�XLEX�every data set tells its own story. Q Research Consulting aims to continually raise research standards and bring valuable insights to society.

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24Clement Tan— MANAGING DIRECTOR

SEAQUEST ENTERPRISE PTE LTDAccredited, experienced and dedicated, Seaquest prides itself on working in line with the highest standards and delivering results that clients can count on.

Since its incorporation in 2003, the Seaquest Group of Companies has been a major service provider in the installation of turnkey accommodation and architectural ½X�SYXW�JSV�XLI�QEVMRI�ERH�SJJWLSVI�industry. From a small company of six employees, the Group today has a workforce exceeding 350 people providing turnkey services to major shipyards in Singapore and throughout the region.

25Mike Chin Chee Heun—MANAGING DIRECTOR

SIAC PTE LTDSIAC has led the acoustic and engineering industry in the region for more than 25 years through continuous research, development and the manufacturing of products that exceed customer expectations. As an acoustic specialist, SIAC has supplied and installed its own acoustical products for numerous projects based both locally and overseas.

SIAC has also garnered various notable awards such as Singapore SME 1000 in 2013, Top 100 Singapore Excellence Award in 2013, BEI Top Asia Regional Award in 2014, Singapore Prestige Brand Award (Established Brand) and Enterprise50 Award in 2015. The company is always ready to meet and comply with the anticipated requirements of the future.

26Ian Gan —CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

SMATHS CORPORATE SERVICES PTE LTDAccounting is a personal matter for every company. To ensure an optimal client-accountant match, Smaths Corporate Services waives MXW�TVSJIWWMSREP�JIIW�JSV�XLI�½VWX�]IEV�of engagement as proof-of-concept of their sincerity and abilities.

25

28Ian Gregory Tan—CO-FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR

WITCHING HOUR STUDIOSWitching Hour Studios is a boutique game development studio that focuses on role-playing and turn-based strategy games. More than a day job, games form a culture that the studio is proud to be part of. Their work emphasises on sharing deep stories and expansive worlds in games.

The SOE Board of Governors

extends a hearty congratulations

to all 2016 Honourees!

27Jimmy New Cheng Tee, PBM —MANAGING DIRECTOR

SMILING STAR INTERNATIONAL PTE LTDSmiling Star is a one-stop educational provider that gives parents the STXMSR�XS�JYP½P�EPP�XLIMV�GLMPHVIR´W�educational needs. Whether through Preschool, Primary school or enrichment programmes, the programmes are designed to equip the youths of tomorrow with inter-personal and communication skills and good behaviour. These educational programmes are for young children aged 18 months to 12 years old.

YOUR STORIES WILL CONTINUE TO INSPIRE AND CULTIVATE THE

ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT IN OTHERS

26

SOE CHARLES& KEITHSTUDENTINTERVIEWERSPROGRAMME2016

Ben Ng ACEPRO SECURITY CONSULTANCY PTE LTD

Adlina Anis ADLINA A. PTE LTD

Colin KohASIAN DETOURS PTE LTD

Tay San Yi APEX BUILDING SURVEYORS PTE LTD Michael Lin AUSTON INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT PTE LTD

Khairil Umar Adam AUTOSOL PTE LTD

June Tan Yi Lin & Foo Choo Kiat CAFÉ FOLKS LLD (LOLA’S CAFÉ)

Yen Lau Zeng Bin CARPENTERS DESIGN GROUP

Itzhak Davidov DEROCKS TRADING PTE LTD

Siew Yi Jie Eugene DREAM STATION PTE LTD

Elin Tan ECO HEALTHY FOODS PTE LTD

Jerry Luke Theseira EDUGROVE MANDARIN ENRICHMENT CENTRE PTE LTD

Edward Lee EDWARD LEE APARTMENTS PTE LTD / EDWARD LEE RESIDENCES PTE LTD

Derrick TeoELITEZ PTE LTD

Azhar Othman ENERCON ASIA PTE LTD / ENERCON SYSTEMS INT

David Lim ESMEGEN GROUP PTE LTD

Bernie Tay FATBOY’S CONCEPTS PTE LTD

Jean-Christophe BOUGLE FEWSTONES PTE LTD

Brenda Lee Monteiro FIORE DORATO INTERNATIONAL PTE LTD

Nicholas Cho FLESH IMP CLOTHINGS PTE LTD

Nicholas Chan FREDERIK MARINE IT SERVICES PTE LTD

Toh Chun Meng FROTH PTE LTD

Wong Jie Hui GOOBYCAKES PTE LTD

Cindy Hein HEINRICH FOOD PTE LTD

Peter Ho HOPE TECHNIK PTE LTD

Clarice ChanICON+ PTE LTD (ICON+ EDUCATION CENTRE)

John Ho IGLOO SYSTEMS PTE LTD

Alan Koh IMPOSSIBLE MARKETING PTE LTD

Reshveen Rajendran INVESTINGCHAMPS PTE LTD

Quek Siew Bee JYTT INTERNATIONAL PTE LTD

Jason Soon KIM GUAN GUAN COFFEE TRADING PTE LTD

Beatrice Tan KLAR PTE LTD

Ng Chee Chuan Simon LEACOV SINGAPORE PTE LTD

Rathakrishnan GovindLONDON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS & FINANCE

Mareenah Adbul Ghani MAQAYLA

Christopher Yaw MARKETASIA DISTRIBUTORS PTE LTD

Jameson Koh MARVELE GROUP PTE LTD

Saiful Rizal MATH PRODIGIES LEARNING CENTRE PTE LTD

Monica Josephine MOFO CHILI PTE LTD

Michelle LimMUD ROCK PTE LTD

Dennis TayNAIISE PTE LTD

G Sathish Kumar NEW MILLENIUM SHIP ENGINEERING PTE LTD

Ebenezer Heng Chee Leng ON COFFEE MAKERS PTE LTD

ENTREPRENEURS INTERVIEWED BY SOE STUDENT INTERVIEWERS

Huans Yibin ChristopherONEXPO INTERNATIONAL PTE LTD

Jason YeoOPTIMAX GLOBAL PTE LTD

Lester Lee OPTOMETRIST ASIA HOLDINGS PTE LTD

Edmund Tan Eng Wei PHYSICAL ABUSE PTE LTD Candy Chua Wan Zhen PINK BEAUTY COSMETICS PTE LTD

Jeremy Nguee PREPARAZZI

Teo Ser Lee PROTOCOL ACADEMY PTE LTD Lee Ming HuiQ RESEARCH CONSULTING LLP

Leong Chan Howe, Alex RAINMAKER LABS PTE LTD

Clement Tan SEAQUEST ENTERPRISE PTE LTD Hendrick Ho Peir Chyman SEOCITY PTE LTD

Mike Chin Chee Heun SIAC PTE LTD

Ian Gan SMATHS CORPORATE SERVICES PTE LTD Jimmy New Cheng Tee, PBMSMILING STAR INTERNATIONAL PTE LTD

Dave Lim SUN RAY DREAMWORKS PTE LTD Lim Zhihao Kelvin THE GOOD MIX FACTOR PTE LTD Diane Lee & Bernadette Lim THE SCENES CITY GROUP LLP Tan Jian Hao THE TAN JIAN HAO Samuel Lim VIER SYSTEMS PTE LTD Ian Gregory TanWITCHING HOUR STUDIOS

27

Trisha Wong Min Yu Cherie Lee Kirstin Yip Su Jun— SINGAPORE POLYTECHNIC

SINGAPORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY • PEH WEN TING

INSTITUTE OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION • NURIN BATRISYIA

NANYANG POLYTECHNIC• BRIAN LEE

• CHARLIN LEE

• CHEW YU XUAN

• DAWN CHUA QIU ZI

• FAKHRUSY SHAKIRIN BIN AZAHAR

• FELICIA MELANIE

• GOH WEI LIANG

• GOH WEN NI

• IANN PRASETYA HUSSI

• JEANETTE KWAN WEI PING

• JO-ANN SIU JIA-HUI

• JONATHAN KOH WEN LONG

• KENNETH SUM

• KHO POH CHUAN

• LAI LI XUAN SHANNON

• LAILATY BTE KAMSANI

• 0%:%2)%�%42%

• LEE JIA QI

• LEE ZHAO XUAN KYLYNN

• LIU LIPING

• MARK CHAN WEI SONG

• NATHANIEL TAN XIN WEI

• 6-7,-:%6%2�7�3�1%8,-:%2%2

• RYAN NG RUI SHENG

• SEAH YING MEI, NICOLE

• SHERLYN TAY

• SWETH SUNDARRAJ

• TAN SAN CHUAN

• 8-**%2=�8,-:=%2.%0-�(�3�1+�

• :-'836�8%2�.92�0-%2+

• WONG AI LING JENNIFER

• WONG SHI YRONG

NANYANG TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY• DEBRA GEETA RAJWANI

• DENG ZI CHAO

• DU SHI MENG

• 2+%2�*)0-'-%�():-2%�

• QUAH XUAN LIN

• :-2%�0-1

• WONG WEI KANG

• YEO PUAY TSE

• ZHANG YUFU

REPUBLIC POLYTECHNIC• FILMENT HO

SINGAPORE MANAGEMENT UNIVERSITY• KELYN TAN

SINGAPORE POLYTECHNIC• ALYSSA ROYANI BINTE ABDUL WAHID

• BONG JIA YING

• CHEONG HAN JING

• CHERIE LEE

• CHIA KERXIN

• CHIA SHWU YIN, MAXINE

• CHUA BOYUAN KEARNY

• DENISE NG

• DESIREE SIM PEI LING

• EDGAR LEE REN QI

• EMIL CHEN

• FELICIA TONG

• GORDON MICHAEL HO GUO ZHEN

• JANESSA PNG

• JEFFERY KEE MING HAO

• JONATHAN NGOH PHENG DING

• KANG KAI LENG MICHELLE

• KIRSTIN YIP SU JUN

• KWAN PEY FEN AUDREY

• LIM LILY

• LIM SIAU HUI

• LYE JIA WEI

• MICHAEL LU

• NICHOLAS WONG

• NIGEL SOON YU XUAN

• SECK ZHONG YI ADRIAN

• SHAUN WAH ZHI YANG

• TAN WEI AN KENRIC

• TAN WEI HERN

• TAY JING HAN

• TEO JIAN YAN AARON

• TERENCE TANG SI YEEN

• TOO FANG WEI

• TRISHA WONG MIN YU

• :%2)77%�0-%9

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE• CHIAN QING YING

• JESSICA CHENG

• REBECCA CHOU

SOE CHARLES& KEITHSTUDENTINTERVIEWERWINNERS

SOE STUDENT INTERVIEWERS

28

SUCCESS STORIES ARE BEST HEARD WHEN THEY COME STRAIGHT FROM THE SOURCE. THEY CONTAIN RICH DETAILS, DELIGHTFUL ANECDOTES AND RIVETING TALES OF CONQUERED CHALLENGES.

SOE-CHARLES & KEITH BEST STUDENT INTERVIEWER AWARD 2016

BRIGHT MINDS, BRIGHTER FUTURES: LEARNING FROM THE BEST

STUDENT INTERVIEWER WINNER STORIES From left: Kirstin Yip Su Jun, Trisha Wong Min Yu, Cherie Lee.

Such was the case with three Singapore Polytechnic students who embarked on the SOE-CHARLES & KEITH Student Interview Programme (SIP). The yearly programme offers tertiary students opportunities to meet, interact and interview entrepreneurs they admire.

“It was an eye-opener for me,” recalled Kirstin Yip Su Jun, 18, who studies Creative Writing for Television & New Media. She had interviewed founders Ms Jocelyn Little and Mr Donovan Chan of Beach House Pictures, a production company that creates content for television and digital platforms. This was especially meaningful for Kirstin as content production is a profession she hopes to pursue in the future.

“As entrepreneur students, it was a good opportunity for us to KIX�½VWX�LERH�MRJSVQEXMSR�EFSYX�entrepreneurs, their successes and

failures. It was very interesting,” Trisha Wong Min Yu, 19, agreed. Trisha and Cherie Lee, 20, are both studying Business Administration in Entrepreneurship, and had interviewed Mr Mike Chin, founder of SIAC Pte Ltd, a solutions provider WTIGMEPMWMRK�MR�EGSYWXMG�WSYRHTVSS½RK�and insulation products. Through the experience, the interview sessions also allowed the students to unearth the trials of running a business.

±;LIR�-�½VWX�JSYRH�SYX�XLEX�entrepreneurs earn really little at the beginning of their business, I was shocked,” Kirstin confessed. “Running a business is not easy, and one of the reasons why my entrepreneurs were so successful was because they not only love what they do, but they also put in lots of hard work,” she added thoughtfully.

While each interview ran just below an hour, the entrepreneurs’ stories left a lasting impression on the students.

“They’re very determined people,” Kirstin observed. “Ms Little and Mr Chan built a company from nothing,

and now it’s Asia’s largest production company. It’s really a testament to their skills and hard work.”

The two entrepreneurial students echoed Kirstin’s sentiments. 8LI]�EHQMVIH�1V�'LMR´W�WIP¾IWW�contributions and efforts in building and developing his company – a trait that resonated strongly with them.

“He believes that when the company makes money, he should not take XLI�TVS½XW�ERH�WTIRH�MX�SR�QEXIVMEP�wants,” Trisha explained. “He FIPMIZIW�MR�VIMRZIWXMRK�?XLI�TVS½XWA�back to the company,” Cherie said, adding that Mr Chin placed a large importance on the well-being of his staff.

When speaking about their forays into entrepreneurship, Cherie and Trisha revealed that they were not new to the trade. The two students had already set up their own software company with two other schoolmates. Their company offers Enterprise Resource Management services with a specialisation in Customer Relationship Management, Inventory and Human Resource services to help small companies manage their business processes.

INTERVIEW BY NUR WAHIDAH ABDUL WAHID

29

W H I L E E AC H I N T E R V I E W R A N J U S T B E L O W A N H O U R , T H E E N T R E P R E N E U R S ’ S T O R I E S L E F T A L A S T I N G I M P R E S S I O N O N T H E  S T U D E N T S . CHERIE LEE

20 years old

COURSE OF STUDY Business Administration in Entrepreneurship

SCHOOL Singapore Polytechnic

ENTREPRENEUR INTERVIEWED Mr Mike Chin, Founder & Managing Director of SIAC Pte Ltd

SIP TAKEAWAY “Running a business is not as easy as it seems. Most successful entrepreneurs put in a lot of effort, especially in the beginning when they’re building the company.”

TRISHA WONG MIN YU 19 years old

COURSE OF STUDY Business Administration in Entrepreneurship

SCHOOL Singapore Polytechnic

ENTREPRENEUR INTERVIEWED Mr Mike Chin, Founder & Managing Director of SIAC Pte Ltd

SIP TAKEAWAY “Be very hardworking. You can’t slack off and expect results.”

This precocious feat was made possible through their entrepreneurship modules that they took as part of their business course, and they displayed no signs SJ�WXSTTMRK�IZIR�EJXIV�½RMWLMRK�their modules.

“We’ll be continuing our business IZIR�EJXIV�[I�½RMWL�SYV�GSYVWI�because if we just close it, our clients will lose our services,” 8VMWLE�EJ½VQIH�

As for Kirstin, she saw viability in a venture that sweetened people’s days. “If I was given a chance to start a business, it’d probably be something baking-related,” she shared. “I’ll sell cookies or snacks that’ll make other people happy.”

When asked if future students should take part in the SIP, all three students EKVIIH�WMQYPXERISYWP]��±-´H�HI½RMXIP]�recommend students to try this programme,” said Cherie. “You get a very hands-on experience and it also helps in your networking skills. And you get to learn a lot about entrepreneurship itself.”

KIRSTIN YIP SU JUN 18 years old

COURSE OF STUDY Creative Writing for Television & New Media

SCHOOL Singapore Polytechnic

ENTREPRENEUR INTERVIEWED Ms Jocelyn Little, Managing Director and Mr Donovan Chan, Creative Director; Founders of Beach House Pictures*

SIP TAKEAWAY “Passion is very important, but on top of that, you need to put in a lot of blood, sweat and tears.”

* Beach House Pictures was unable to join us at the SOE Awards this year and will be honoured at the SOE Awards 2017.

From left: Kirstin Yip Su Jun, Trisha Wong Min Yu, Cherie Lee.

31

SOE STUDENT ENTREPRENEUR PROGRAMME

The SOE Student Entrepreneur Programme (SEP) imparts life lessons and entrepreneurship skills to students, at-risk youths and youths with disabilities through partnerships with secondary schools, youth centres, community service groups, charities and SXLIV�RSR�TVS½X�SVKERMWEXMSRW��*SV�IRXVITVIRIYVW��it’s a way of giving back. For the young, it’s an inspiration to rise to greater heights. This year, the programme successfully reached close to 1,000 students.

Lessons that Inspire

From learning to start a business to the value of perseverance, students are introduced to entrepreneurship basics through seven learning sessions.

Two-way Conversations During the ‘Meet the Entrepreneurs’ session, mentors share inspiring success stories and engage with students through social interaction, team building and games.

Entrepreneurship in Action Students apply their new knowledge to real-life business activities like school-organised fundraising events that include markets and fairs.

WE HAVE REACHED OUT TO

OVER

2,500BENEFICIARIES

18 SCHOOLS

HAVE SIGNED UP YEARLY IN THE

PAST THREE YEARS

NURTURINGTOMORROW’SINNOVATORS

FOR ENTREPRENEURS, IT’S A WAY OF GIVING BACK TO THE YOUNG.

IT’S AN INSPIRATION TO RISE TO GREATER HEIGHTS.01

01 Izzat Ismail, Managing Director of EDN Learning Discoveries Pte Ltd, speaking to a room full of attentive Princess Elizabeth Primary School students.

32

T H R O U G H T H E S T U D E N T E N T R E P R E N E U R

P R O G R A M M E , T H E S P A R K O F E N T R E P R E N E U R S H I P

I S I G N I T E D I N T H E H E A R T S A N D M I N D S

O F T O M O R R O W ’ S E N T R E P R E N E U R S A T A

Y O U N G A G E .

04

05

06

02

03

33

07

1008

10

09

02 Ridjal Noor, Managing Director of Pullupstand.Com Pte Ltd, giving a talk to Pasir Ris Secondary School (CARESG) students.

03 Students of Princess Elizabeth Primary School presenting their ideas at the SEP.

04 Students of Princess Elizabeth Primary School having fun at their workshop.

05 Ridjal Noor, Managing Director of Pullupstand.Com Pte Ltd and Caleb Chan, SEP Trainer & Principal Consultant of Edu 21 Consultants, with the students of Pasir Ris Secondary School (CARESG).

06 Izzat Ismail, Managing Director of EDN Learning Discoveries Pte Ltd, giving a talk to Princess Elizabeth Primary School students.

07 Students of Princess Elizabeth Primary School brainstorming at their workshop.

08 Rina Lim, Managing Director of Quirk Pte Ltd, giving a talk to Princess Elizabeth Primary School students.

09 Students of Pasir Ris Secondary School presenting their ideas at the SEP.

10 The end of a successful workshop at Princess Elizabeth Primary School.

34

The SOE Fundraising Golf Challenge is an annual event that peddles fun under the sun through golf and giving, while allowing participants to socialise and network amongst the group. Guided by Donna Lee, Chairperson of the SOE Fundraising Challenge 2016 and member of the SOE Board of Governors, the event aims to raise funds through the generosity of event sponsors, donors and patrons.

This year, the whole day event culminated with dinner, accompanied by an Auction Night. Patrons saw an array of items up for bidding, ranging from contemporary artworks, to ZEVMSYW�FSXXPIW�SJ�½RI�[MRIW��

The item that drew the highest bid that night was an Asian Chinese Inglot, contributed by Ms Rachel Wong. The successful bidder was the generous Yogi Tewani, who acquired the pendant for S$3,888.

FUND RAIS ING

All proceeds from this event will go into SOE’s various outreach initiatives that connect with and encourage youths to pursue their entrepreneurial endeavours.

We would like to extend our appreciation to the donors of the 2016 Auction Night: Fika Swedish Café & Bistro, Mrs Grace Chong-Tan, Jewels and Marunda Utama Engineering, Kato Art Duo, Masterpiece Time, PestBusters, Mr Sa’at Ismail and Tamza House of Crystal & Lifestyle.

To join us for the next tee off, please contact SOE Secretariat secretariat@soe.org.sg or the Organising Committee: Sreerangan Kurup sreerangan@sanidavision.com Rachel Wong rachelwong168@singnet.com.sg

WITH A FERVOUR

35

36

Your Trust is Our Priority.Your Trust is Our Priority.

3737

THE SOE BOOK

Every year, a slice of the SOE legacy is penned within the bound pages of an annual publication – the SOE Book. Chronicling the personal stories of a few WIPIGXIH�LSRSYVIIW��XLIWI�FSSOW�I\TPSVI�XLI�TMXJEPPW��WYGGIWWIW�ERH�VI¾IGXMSRW�of the entrepreneurs themselves.

Curated from the compendium of interviews by the participants of the SOE-CHARLES & KEITH Student Interviewers Programme, each narration traces the featured individual’s entrepreneurial journey in captivating detail. Peppered with solid and honest advice, the SOE Book aims to stir the vigour in budding entrepreneurs, and resonate with existing ones.

The SOE books are distributed to local schools, libraries and sold at leading bookstores.

TALES OF TODAY’S

ENTERPRISING LEADERS

To leave your own legacy behind, contact our Book Chairperson Cheryl T. Hansen at cheryl@missearthsingapore.com

38

SOEMAINPARTNERS

STRATEGIC PARTNER

CREDIT SUISSE AGCredit Suisse AG is one of the [SVPH´W�PIEHMRK�½RERGMEP�WIVZMGIW�providers and is part of the Credit Suisse group of companies (referred to here as ‘Credit Suisse’). As an integrated bank, Credit Suisse offers clients its combined expertise in the areas of private banking, investment banking and asset management. Credit Suisse provides advisory services, comprehensive solutions and innovative products to companies, institutional clients and high-net-worth private clients globally, as well as to retail clients in Switzerland. Credit Suisse is headquartered in Zurich and operates in over 50 countries worldwide. The group employs approximately 47,760 people. The registered shares (CSGN) of Credit Suisse’s parent company, Credit Suisse Group AG, are listed in Switzerland and, in the form of American Depositary Shares (CS), in New York. Further information about Credit Suisse can be found at www.credit-suisse.com.

MAIN PARTNER

NEXIA TS PUBLIC ACCOUNTING CORPORATIONNexia TS Public Accounting Corporation is an established mid-XMIV�PSGEP�EGGSYRXMRK�½VQ�XLEX�LEW�KVS[R�WMKRM½GERXP]�WMRGI�MXW�JSYRHMRK�in 1993. An independent member ½VQ�SJ�2I\ME�-RXIVREXMSREP��2I\ME�87�MW�EJ½PMEXIH�[MXL�EGGSYRXMRK�½VQW�in many parts of the world, allowing clients to enjoy personalised, comprehensive services at competitive rates in Singapore and globally.

39

EDUCATION PARTNER

CHARLES & KEITH (SINGAPORE)  PTE LTDRecognised as one of the leading fast-fashion lifestyle retailers, CHARLES & KEITH Group has two contemporary brands under its portfolio. They are CHARLES & KEITH and PEDRO. Innovation, creativity and adaptability to growing market demands have contributed to its international success. Today, the Group has captured a wide international market share with strategically located stores in some SJ�XLI�QSWX�MR¾YIRXMEP�JEWLMSR�GMXMIW�

STRATEGIC SPONSOR

PROPNEX REALTYPropNex Realty is Singapore’s largest home-grown real estate agency with more than a decade of excellent service in the property industry – a full-service real estate brokerage company representing clients in a broad spectrum of property classes, including new or resale residential, new development, residential leasing, luxury property and commercial and industrial buying or leasing.

Since 2000, PropNex has closed more than 400,000 transactions and helped more than 1,000,000 GSRWYQIVW�XS�½RH�XLIMV�HVIEQ�homes; establishing themselves as one of the leaders in Singapore’s real estate market with over 5,900 real estate consultants.

MICHAEL SENGOL

SCHOLARSHIP/ BURSARY PARTNER

MICHAEL SENGOLMichael Sengol is an award-winning hospitality veteran of over 40 years. He has worked with renowned hotel groups across Europe, Australia, +YEQ��ERH�XLI�%WME�4EGM½G��*SV�his outstanding contribution to the industry, he has received the Singapore Human Resources Institute’s Leading CEO Award at the Singapore HR Awards 2011; the Lifetime Achievement Award – Hospitality Personality of the Year at the Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards (HAPA) regional Series 2011-2013; and the Fonterra Lifetime Achievement Award at the World Gourmet Summit 2011. Sengol works with charities from China, India, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore, and donates 90% of his earnings from consultancy projects to charitable causes.

40

AEQUITAS LAW LLP

Aequitas Law LLP was founded on 1 July 2008. The young, dynamic ERH�ZMFVERX�JYPP�WIVZMGI�PE[�½VQ�takes pride in its ability to provide clients with commercially-relevant, cost-effective and sophisticated PIKEP�VITVIWIRXEXMSR��8LI�½VQ´W�lawyers are responsive, thoughtful and vigorous advocates with a substantive understanding of clients’ needs and interests. The ½VQ´W�QEMR�EVIEW�SJ�TVEGXMGI�EVI��dispute resolution, corporate and commercial, building and construction, family and matrimonial, private client, and conveyancing ERH�VIEP�IWXEXI��-R�������XLI�½VQ�expanded its presence in Southeast %WME�ERH�WIX�YT�ER�SJ½GI�MR�1]ERQEV��focusing primarily on corporate and commercial matters. In addition, the ½VQ�IRNS]W��F]�JSVKMRK�MRXMQEXI�PMROW�to foreign counsel, close support in QYPXMTPI�NYVMWHMGXMSRW�JVSQ�PE[�½VQW�based in Australia, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, UK and US XLEX�IREFPI�XLI�½VQ�XS�HIPMZIV�XLI�FIWX�VIWYPXW�XS�MXW�GPMIRXW��8LI�½VQ�has received various accolades and awards in civil litigation, mediation and corporate practice.

DIAN XIAO ER

Dian Xiao Er symbolises a pit-stop for travellers and customers to rest and replenish their energy before setting off to continue their hectic journeys. Dian Xiao Er not only provides travellers a place of warmth, satisfaction and happiness as they indulge in the delectable dishes, but also a place for them to interact and build relationships with one another. Famous for its delicious herbal roast duck, the ducks are roasted fresh daily, crisp to the XSYGL��[MXL�XIRHIV�NYMG]�¾IWL��;MXL�its spread of delectable Chinese cuisine, Dian Xiao Er is able to attract and retain loyal customers.

SOEOFFICIALPARTNERS

SMILE INC.® DENTAL SURGEONS

Established in 1997, Smile Inc.® Dental Surgeons is a premier leader of providing quality dental care, in particular, cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry. Its focus on utilising the latest techniques and state-of-the-art technology amid a patient-friendly setup continues to be its main guiding pillars. Today, Smile Inc.®’s brand positioning is cemented with its many wins, including the Overall Winner (Established Brands) at the Singapore Prestige Brand Award (SPBA) in 2014.

41

MARUNDA  UTAMA ENGINEERING PTE LTD

Since inception in 1985, Marunda Utama has become a reputable name in engineering services across the %WME�4EGM½G�VIKMSR�MRGPYHMRK�FIMRK�a registered and approved service provider to the US Navy and the US and Singapore Government. Marunda Utama represents the world-renowned engine maker from USA, Spain and Germany and its activities cover installation, the supply of equipment, servicing, as well as ship repairs, husbanding and manufacturing of multipurpose transportation cases for military, search and rescue, medical and oil and gas industries.

GOH JOO HIN PTE LTD

New Moon has continually prided itself in providing premium quality products at affordable prices available conveniently throughout Singapore. New Moon’s widely popular products include the best-selling abalone brand in Singapore, household necessities like essence of chicken, birds’ nest, rice, ready-to-cook pastes and frozen and chilled food.

EVORICH

(IRRMW�8IS�GS�JSYRHIH�):36-',�in 2003 with his wife. From a X[S�TIVWSR�GSQTER]��):36-',�has grown into a strong team of 98 today. Catering holistically to Singaporeans, “Step to Feel” Galleries have been set up island-wide in locations such as in Woodlands, Sentosa and Kim Chuan Terrace.

8SHE]��):36-',�QEMRXEMRW�MXW�WXERHMRK�EW�E�PIEHMRK�¾SSVW��decks and wall specialist, and has expanded across selected Asia 4EGM½G�GSYRXVMIW�

Looking ahead, Dennis continues to forge determination and resilience to assemble leaders who can lead diverse aspects of business. He also aspires to uphold the need for )GS�+VIIR�TVSHYGXW��-R�):36-',��everyone is encouraged to ‘think success’, ‘work productively’ and most importantly, to ‘FLOOR & DECK with CONSCIENCE’ right from the manufacturing process. It MW�):36-',´W�TLMPSWSTL]�XS�QEOI�everyone feel ‘Happy & Safe’ with ):36-',�*PSSVW�MR�XLIMV�TVSTIVXMIW�

42

SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS

SOESUPPORTINGPARTNERS

OFFICIAL PRINTER

OFFICIAL MEDIA

SECRETARIAT

CREATIVE PARTNERS

OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHY

43

SOESPONSORS

SOEDONORS

BROUGHT TO YOU BY PERNORD RICHARD

FOR YOUR DINING PLEASURE

SOELEGAL ADVISORS

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Nomination is now open for the 2017 SOE AwardsTo be part of this momentous event, contact secretariat@soe.org.sg

SOE would like to extend our gratitude to PropNex Realty Pte Ltd as a partner, and for supporting us in championing the entrepreneurial spirit.

Every year, one individual will emergeas the winner from the list of Honourees.

This year, we introduce a new category to the SOE Awards: