New award to recognise corporations, individuals in social enterprise

Singapore

A NEW award has been introduced to recognise corporations and individuals who have contributed significantly to the social enterprise sector in Singapore.

The Social Enterprise Champion award, as it is called, is part of this year's President's Challenge Social Enterprise Award (PCSEA), which was launched by President Halimah Yacob at The Arts House on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters at the event, she noted that corporations and social enterprises can reap the gains of a win-win partnership. As corporations deepen their sustainability efforts, social enterprises can gain expertise, she said.

"Corporations can work together with social enterprises, include them in their procurement processes, aid them with knowledge transfer, and invest in them," she said.

In a speech at the event, PCSEA committee chairman Tan Soo Nan said: "If you are a social enterprise who has benefited greatly from the support of a corporate partner, organisation, or individual, or if you work for a company or organisation that commits resources to social enterprises in Singapore, I urge you to nominate or apply for this award."

The committee that Mr Tan heads is an independent body comprising members from the corporate and social enterprise sectors. They will assess applicants for the Social Enterprise Champion award based on their contributions to the social enterprise sector, the value and impact of their support, their track record and achievements.

Individuals and corporations, who will be evaluated separately, must also demonstrate their plans to further contribute to the social enterprise sector.

First launched in 2012, the PCSEA has two other categories: Social Enterprise of the Year and Social Enterprise Start-Up of the Year. Winners can take home S$70,000 and S$50,000 respectively.

For both these awards, the award committee will place emphasis on social enterprises that adopt technology to scale their impact and productivity.

The launch of this year's PCSEA coincided with the official opening of Tribe, the second restaurant under social enterprise Bliss Group's belt. Bliss Group was named Social Enterprise of the Year in 2013.

Since it was founded in January 2001 by ex-investment banker Christine Low, the social enterprise has employed more than 190 beneficiaries over 18 years, including persons with physical and intellectual disabilities and youths at risk.

Applications for PCSEA 2019 close on July 12. For details, visit www.raise.sg/president-s-challenge-social-enterprise-award.html