RAISE SG

12/01/2026

A Decade of Impact: A Nation, Heart at Work

It was an evening of deep reflection and immense pride as raiSE celebrated 10 years of shaping Singapore’s Social Enterprise ecosystem. Graced by Guest of Honour, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, and Minister Masagos Zulkifli, the event brought together 600 guests, including raiSE Social Enterprise members, and representatives from the Public sector, Corporations and Social Service Agencies.

The evening opened with a showcase, themed "A Nation, Heart at Work," a powerful reminder of how our Social Enterprises have evolved and contributed to our nation-building efforts.

The night was marked by several pivotal milestones:

Verified Leading Social Enterprises: We recognised the inaugural cohort of 17 Verified Leading Social Enterprises, built on credibility and transparency of social impact.

Social Enterprise Advocates: 24 partners from the public and private sectors were honoured for their purposeful, intentional and strategic support and collaboration with Social Enterprises.

A Decade of Dedication: A heartfelt tribute to our long-standing members who have journeyed with raiSE since day one.

We were also honoured to have President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Minister Masagos Zulkifli, Mr. Gautam Banerjee, Mr. Seah Kian Peng, Ms. Theresa Sim, and Mr. Alfie Othman unveil our 10-year commemorative publication. This book documents our collective journey.

As we look to the next 10 years, our mission remains clear: to empower Social Enterprises as they lead the way in showing that business can be a force for good. We move forward with the unwavering belief that Social Enterprises are the Future of Business.

To our members and our partners: Thank you for being the heartbeat of this ecosystem. Together, we continue to build a more inclusive and resilient Singapore.

09/09/2025

Yesterday, raiSE hosted Minister Masagos Zulkifli to a lunch discussion as we mark our 10th year of building the Social Enterprise ecosystem.

We are grateful for the continued support from the Ministry of Social and Family Development, Singapore (MSF) and Minister Masagos, which has been instrumental in strengthening the sector over the past decade. During lunch, we had the opportunity to learn from Minister's forward-looking views on how the Social Enterprise sector can progress and how ecosystem partnerships can augment raiSE’s capabilities, thus building on collective progress to create even greater impact in the next decade.

Minister also took the opportunity to thank our outgoing Board members, Mr Lien Choong Luen and Mr Mark Syn for their invaluable contributions, and warmly welcomed our new Board members, Ms Anna Yip, Ms Lim Ee Ling, and Mr Suhaimi Zainul-Abidin who have come onboard since April 2025.

As we look to the future, we remain committed to working alongside MSF, our strategic partners, and our Social Enterprise members to strengthen the sector and empower more lives.

[The Next Chapter for Social Enterprises]

As the Singapore Centre for Social Enterprise (raiSE) celebrates 10 years of supporting social enterprise, it's worth reflecting on how far Singapore has come in bringing together businesses that uplift communities and spearheading sustainable social impact.

raiSE has played a significant role as an ecosystem builder, shaping the social enterprise landscape over the years. During today’s lunch with their Board members, it was encouraging to hear the inspiring stories of social enterprises that are uplifting lives and creating lasting impact in our communities.
Moving forward, MSF will collaborate with raiSE to create more opportunities supporting and strengthening families and communities, and co-create with social sector partners to strengthen the sector.

To Mr Lien Choong Luen and Mr Mark Syn, thank you for your dedicated service and contributions in helping to uplift those in need. At the same time. I welcome Ms Anna Yip, Ms Lim Ee Ling, and Mr Suhaimi Zainul-Abidin who have joined us. Your service will help nurture sustainable social enterprises for a more caring Singapore.

23/06/2025

Are you building a business with impact that will change the game? If you are an early-stage startup looking to champion human centered social impact, raiSE EnergiSE provides the resources you need to scale your profit and purpose.

Join us for 12 months of dedicated support to effectively implement your business and social impact strategies. Additionally, in celebration of raiSE SG's 10th Anniversary and SG60, we're thrilled to announce the grant quantum has been increased by S$10,000, bringing the total funding to up to SG$60,000 per selected startup.

Learn all about the raiSE EnergiSE Grant at our upcoming info session:
Date: Thursday, 3rd July
Time: 3pm SGT
Location: Zoom

Register now: https://lnkd.in/gWsXAibH

Apply for raiSE EnergiSE now: https://lnkd.in/gWeK5FSx

18/06/2025

Building a business that matters? raiSE is here to back you. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to scale, the raiSE EnergiSE grant is here to help you change the game.

Join us and receive 12 months of dedicated support, milestone-based guidance, and tailored mentorship. Additonally, in light of raiSE’s 10th anniversary and SG60, funding has been increased to SG$60k.

Go beyond being just a business. Be part of the future where enterprises integrate social good, balancing profit with purpose. Ready to energiSE your startup and create electrifying impact? Apply for raiSE energiSE today: https://community.raise.sg/energise2025

Applications close on 13 July.

28/05/2025

On 27 May 2025, raiSE celebrated 10 years! While a bigger celebration is coming later this year, we marked the day with some team pickleball – a nod to the collaborative spirit that started it all in 2015.

For a decade, we've dedicated ourselves to fully supporting Social Enterprises. Every challenge, every 'pickle', has driven our small but mighty team to adapt and grow our vision, evolving us from direct support to actively building a thriving ecosystem. This journey reinforces our belief: Social Enterprises aren't just about doing good – they are the future of business.

Cheers to the Social Enterprise Community, our Partners, and the raiSE team for 10 years of impact! Here's to the power of teamwork and a shared vision. Onwards to raiSE the bar even higher!

28/04/2025

Are you driven to build beyond business as usual, to forge a path where your tech innovation ignites transformative impact?

If your startup is dedicated to solving real-world challenges and creating human-centered change, the TS2 Start-Up Accelerator is your launchpad! Powered by raiSE SG and NUS Enterprise, this 10-week programme commencing this July is your catalyst for accelerated growth and impact, providing vital support:
- Access to local and international networks of visionary mentors, seasoned experts, and strategic partners, with resources to amplify your global reach and impact.
- An individualised, strategically curated development plan crafted to unleash your unique potential, combining essential business, leadership, and governance insights to build ventures that redefine success.
- Up to $100,000 in fueling grant funding to accelerate your mission.

You're not just growing a business – you're shaping a legacy of impact. If you’re building with purpose, whether based in Singapore or looking to enter the market, claim your seat at the table in the 2025 cohort.

Step forward now and let’s build your impact together: https://community.raise.sg/ts2accelerator2025

16/04/2025

We just wrapped up our first Info Session for the Technology for Sustainable Social Impact (TS2) Accelerator, held in conjunction with a panel discussion, "Fueling Your Mission: Strategic Resources for Purpose-Driven Enterprises," and want to extend a huge thank you to our incredible panelists for their insightful contributions! For those who couldn't make it to the first one, don't worry – we're excited to continue the conversation with our upcoming virtual event, "Accelerating Impact: Discovering the TS2 Advantage."

Join us to hear from:
Sulfya Lim – Co-Founder, Tech Up Advance l GoTechUp (TS2 2024 Alumni)
Joe WS R. – Ambassador-at-Large, Startups Community, NUS Enterprise (TS2 2024 Mentor)

They'll be sharing their real-world experiences, strategic insights, key takeaways, and how TS2 has been instrumental in accelerating their business and social missions.

Event Details:
📅 Date: Thursday, 24 April 2025
🕑 Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM (SGT)
📍 Location: Zoom (link provided upon registration)

If you're developing a tech solution with a social purpose and are seeking a supportive community to help you thrive, register to learn more today! https://lu.ma/sytucpn7

Applications for the TS2 2025 cohort are open till 4 May 2025. Register interest now: https://community.raise.sg/ts2accelerator2025

11/04/2025

Fueling Your Mission: Strategic Resources for Purpose-Driven Enterprises
 
🗓 16 April 2025 (Wednesday)
🕚 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
📍 TIG Collaboration Space - 71 Ayer Rajah Crescent, #02-23, Singapore 139951
 
In conjunction with the Technology for Sustainable Social Impact (TS2) Start-up Accelerator, this lunchtime session invites purpose-driven founders to explore strategic resources—beyond funding—that can support and sustain your mission.
 
Trying to navigate the social impact landscape can be challenging, confusing and complicated all at the same time. However, this does not have to be a lonely journey. There are strategic resources available for purpose-driven enterprises to tap into, to support your mission.
 
When people think of resources, they go straight to financial. While financial resources are important, that is only one part of the story. Having a community to engage with, cultivating meaningful connections, and learning from a wealth of experience, are all very valuable to growing your enterprise in a purposeful way. 
 
Come join us at this lunchtime session and open up new pathways for your purpose-driven enterprise.
 
🌱 What to Expect:
💬 Fireside Chat with Impact Leaders

Gain insights from our featured speakers:
• Dorothy Ching, Executive Director of TBN Asia
• Chik Wai Chiew, Founder, Skysurfer Consulting, and Founding IC Chairman of Asia Impact First Fund
• Wei Shan Koh, Director, Strategic Initiatives, raiSE SG
• Moderated by Ho Yuen Ping, Senior Associate Director, NUS Enterprise
 
🔍 Beyond Capital: Strategic Support for Scaling Impact
Financial support is just one piece—discover how community, connections, and lived experiences can drive your mission forward
 
🤝 Community Connections
Discover how raiSE and NUS Enterprise can walk with you as partners in your social innovation journey.
 
Sign up today using the link (TS2 Roadshow: Fueling Your Mission: Strategic Resources for Purpose-Driven Enterprises) in our bio!

09/04/2025

The best startups don’t just disrupt—they uplift. If you’re building to solve real-world problems and create lasting change, we want to hear about your vision.

Introducing the Technology for Sustainable Social Impact (TS2) Start-Up Accelerator, a 10-week programme designed for Founders using tech to drive human-centered social impact, powered by raiSE and NUS Enterprise.

If your startup is revenue-generating and ready to grow—both in business and in impact—this is your opportunity.

Commencing this July, here’s how the TS2 Accelerator Program can help accelerate your growth:
- Mentor-led guidance focused on scaling sustainably
- Access to investors, partners & vibrant changemaker community
- Regional exposure and expansion pathways
- Up to $100,000 in grant funding

Whether you’re based in Singapore or looking to enter the market, if you’re building with purpose, let’s grow that impact together.

Applications for the 2025 cohort are now open: https://community.raise.sg/ts2accelerator2025

We will also be having 2 roadshows to share more about the programme:

📅16 April (Wednesday), 12pm to 2pm (SGT) — Fueling Your Mission: Strategic Resources for Purpose-Driven Enterprises (In-person at TIG Collaboration Space): https://lu.ma/9t7m7yl0

📅24 April (Thursday), 2pm to 3pm (SGT) — Accelerate Impact: Discover the TS2 Advantage (Virtual Zoom Info Session): https://lu.ma/sytucpn7

Sign up for our roadshows today to find out more! We look forward to seeing you there!

28/03/2025

Earlier this week, the Accelerate Action: IWD 2025 Conference showcased the powerful impact of women entrepreneurs and visionary social entrepreneurs who go beyond business as usual, defining success by both profits and purpose.

Subashini Balakrishnan (raiSE) shared during the main panel discussion that approximately 65% of Social Enterprises in Singapore are women-led, which is not surprising because women in general are known to have a strong motivation to create an impact beyond oneself. However, when it comes to accessing funding, fellow panellists shared that they might often sell themselves sort and should break the barriers of their self-limiting belief.

In the Social Enterprise Track Panel Discussion by raiSE, our inspiring founders shared how their collaborative ethos is the driving force behind continued business growth and sustained social impact creation.

- Vivian Lee (Go!Mama) highlighted that for her, true competition isn’t with other businesses, but in challenging the status quo. Confident in her core competencies, she even collaborates with her traditional "competitors".
- Huijia Phua (Skillseed Singapore) highlighted the importance of having a clear and distinct value proposition, and stressed that early values alignment and effective communication are key to building successful partnerships.
- Cheryl Ou (The Social Space) shared the importance of addressing misalignment earlier, fostering trust, and choosing partners with intention—prioritising not just mutual benefit, but mutual respect.
- Jenny Wee (The Social Equity) reminded everyone that forging win-win partnerships requires the hard work of understanding the landscape and recognizing what each party bring to the table.

The conversations continued at our After Party, where we were honoured to be joined by our Guest of Honor, Mr. Tan Kiat How, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information & Ministry of National Development and Tech Talent Assembly (TTAB) Advisor who delivered the keynote speech and presented Tokens of Appreciation to our valued partners. It was inspiring to witness the strengthening of connections as attendees celebrated together. A massive thank you to all attendees for your incredible energy!

We also want to express our sincere gratitude to our co-organiser, ACE.SG, sponsors, and partners for their invaluable support.

If this event sparked new possibilities for integrating social impact into your business, don't let the momentum stop here. Join the raiSE Impact Community and be part of a growing movement where business meets purpose. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale your impact, we are here to journey with you: https://community.raise.sg/raise-impact-community

25/03/2025

Great businesses are built on great talent. As businesses navigate an evolving landscape, inclusive hiring is emerging as a strategic advantage—one that enhances innovation, strengthens workplace culture, and builds long-term sustainability.

Join our upcoming raiSE Impact Circle - Unlocking Growth Through Inclusive Employment on March 27th, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at 79 Ayer Rajah Crescent, Launchpad @ one-north.

This is a unique opportunity to gain practical guidance from industry experts, including:

• Ang Poh Hee, Senior Assistant Director at the Singapore Association of Mental Health (SAMH)
• Huzair Hyder, Senior Assistant Director of Partnerships at Yellow Ribbon
• Raymond Khoo, Founder of S17 Community Kitchen

If you are interested in learning valuable tips and insights on driving greater impact for your business through inclusive employment, this session is for you!

Don't miss this opportunity – sign up now: https://www.eventbrite.sg/e/register-for-raise-impact-circle-on-inclusive-employment-tickets-1280407646739?aff=oddtdtcreator

26/02/2025

Congratulations to Mr. Koh Seng Choon, Singaporean of the Year 2024! 👏

As the founder of Dignity Kitchen, a long-standing raiSE Social Enterprise member, Seng Choon has dedicated himself to empowering the differently-abled and disadvantaged through inclusive employment opportunities. His perseverance has made an impact on the lives of many, proving that businesses can be a powerful force for good.

We’ve been privileged to walk alongside him over the years, offering various forms of support, including funding, as he deepened his impact and expanded his reach. This award is a testament to his vision, unwavering commitment, and the extraordinary and 'unusual' strength that defines social entrepreneurs in their pursuit of social impact creation for a more equitable society.

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/founder-of-foodcourt-employing-people-with-disabilities-is-st-singaporean-of-the-year

His journey began when he “realised there is another part of Singapore that people don’t know, or don’t want to know”. Read more at straitstimes.com.