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IOC Young Leaders, Asia, TN (2026)

11/04/2025

We are pleased to share a special video message from Mr. Martin Ong, President of the Icons of Change Singapore, for the Icons of Change International Awarding Ceremony.

In his message, Mr. Ong expresses heartfelt gratitude to the changemakers, innovators, and leaders who continue to shape a better world through courage, compassion, and conviction. He reminds us that transformation does not begin in the grand stages of the world, but in the quiet resolve of an individual who believes that things can, and must, be better.

Mr. Ong also introduces the Fellowship of International Changemakers, a global initiative designed to promote collaboration, mentorship, and shared purpose among leaders from diverse sectors and nations. This fellowship serves as a platform to exchange insights, inspire collective action, and strengthen the global community’s commitment to meaningful, sustainable change.

In his closing words, he challenges each of us to go beyond success and strive for significance—to influence with integrity, lead with humility, and serve with compassion. As he aptly shares, “Transformation is not just about impact—it is about influence through integrity.”

Through this message, we are reminded that leadership is both a responsibility and a calling—to be light where there is darkness, to build bridges where there are divides, and to champion hope where it is most needed.

Let this moment inspire us all to continue working together toward a world where humanity moves forward in harmony.

✨ Watch the full message and be inspired to keep making a difference.

11/03/2025

Icons of Change International Awards 2025

Mike Kellett
Founder & CEO, XEROSTREAM by Airowater International
Telecom Innovator, Water Technology Pioneer, Social Impact Entrepreneur

SDG Focus: Sustainable Development Goal 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation
Changemaker in Water Innovation and Equitable Resource Access (United Kingdom)

For over four decades, Mike Kellett has been a visionary at the intersection of technology, social enterprise, and humanity. From transforming global communications to redefining access to clean water, his career reflects a consistent truth — that innovation must serve people, not just profit.

A telecommunications pioneer, Mike is best known as the original architect of SMS Call Technology, a SIM-based innovation that dismantled international roaming monopolies and paved the way for truly global mobile communication. His collaboration with Bart Verkruijssen and the BT/Alcatel joint venture redefined how billions connect, placing him among the architects of the modern digital age. Recognized internationally, he represented the UK at the 2009 CES Unveiled in Las Vegas and was selected for the 2012 London Olympics “This is Great Britain” Technology Showcase, honors reserved for the nation’s most transformative innovators.

After three decades of engineering digital breakthroughs, Mike made a bold and deeply personal pivot — from connecting people through devices to sustaining life itself. In 2024, he founded XEROSTREAM by Airowater International, a revolutionary clean water enterprise using atmospheric water generation (AWG) technology to produce pure, mineral-rich drinking water directly from air. The system, developed after a decade of nanotechnology research, captures moisture from the atmosphere and purifies it through advanced nano-filtration, creating an inexhaustible, infrastructure-free water source.

Under Mike’s leadership, XEROSTREAM represents a paradigm shift in global water access. By eliminating reliance on plastic bottles and central distribution systems, it advances multiple UN goals — SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Its stainless-steel, plastic-free design combats microplastic contamination, while its zero-waste process reduces both carbon emissions and ocean-bound pollutants.

But Mike’s vision extends beyond technology. Through a global empowerment model, XEROSTREAM equips communities across four continents to own, operate, and commercialize the technology themselves. Independent Ambassador Dealers and International Master Dealers drive local production and access, transforming consumers into partners in sustainability. In his words, “Water is life. The air holds enough for all. Let’s end the bottle — and begin the future.”

His initiative builds upon a legacy of exploration — following in the footsteps of his ancestor, Sir Henry Kellett, the 19th-century maritime explorer who charted unknown seas. Like his forebear, Mike continues to chart new frontiers, but now in the vast and urgent domain of water equity. From the ROAMOBI Project, which achieved a one-number global communication system, to the WWW4SCHOOLS initiative, providing free broadband to senior high schools in Africa, his projects consistently bridge innovation with inclusion.

With over 25,000 volunteer hours and a lifetime of service to social causes, Mike Kellett has demonstrated that technology, when directed by conscience, can change the trajectory of humanity. His leadership in XEROSTREAM affirms that the solution to one of our greatest challenges — water insecurity — can be found not beneath the earth, but within the air we breathe.

By honoring Mike Kellett with the Icons of Change International Award 2025, we recognize a man whose inventions have both connected and sustained the world. His work reflects the spirit of Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation — advancing universal access, responsible innovation, and a future where every family, in every nation, can drink safely and sustainably from the sky.

11/03/2025

Icons of Change International Awards 2025

Johnny Gao
Assistant Vice President, Sustainability | The Ascott Limited

Former Management Executive | CapitaLand
Architect & Strategist in Sustainable Hospitality Innovation

SDG Focus: Sustainable Development Goal 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
Changemaker in Green Hospitality and Urban Sustainability (Singapore)

In an era where cities must balance growth with resilience, Johnny Gao stands at the strategic intersection of architecture, innovation, and sustainability. As Assistant Vice President for Sustainability at The Ascott Limited, Johnny plays a vital role in shaping one of the world’s leading international hospitality companies toward a more sustainable future—one property, one city, one community at a time.

With a global portfolio that spans over 990 properties in 230 cities across more than 40 countries, Ascott’s sustainability journey requires both vision and operational precision. Johnny brings both in abundance. Supporting the Chief Financial and Sustainability Officer, he leads initiatives that embed sustainability into Ascott’s DNA—translating long-term environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives into measurable, actionable impact.

Johnny was a driving force behind the establishment of Ascott’s Corporate Sustainability team and the launch of Ascott CARES, the company’s sustainability framework introduced in 2022. Under his guidance, Ascott CARES became not just a policy framework but a cultural shift—integrating responsible practices into design, operations, and guest experiences across continents. This framework paved the way for Ascott to achieve GSTC-Committed status, a global recognition of its adherence to the Global Sustainable Tourism Council standards, affirming the company’s dedication to environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

A trained architect, Johnny brings a holistic lens to sustainability—combining design thinking with pragmatic strategy. His earlier experience in Strategic Planning and Innovation informs his current leadership approach: he envisions sustainability not as a constraint, but as a catalyst for creative transformation in the built environment. His architectural sensibility allows him to see sustainability as a form of design—crafting systems that are both beautiful in concept and practical in ex*****on.

Before joining Ascott, Johnny served as a Management Executive at CapitaLand, where he developed a strong foundation in corporate management and sustainable real estate practices. His trajectory within CapitaLand and later at Ascott reflects a rare balance between operational discipline and visionary ambition—traits essential for driving systemic change in global organizations.

Beyond frameworks and targets, Johnny’s leadership is marked by his collaborative spirit. He works closely with Ascott’s corporate and country leaders to translate global sustainability goals into local impact, ensuring that the company’s footprint remains both profitable and purposeful. From energy efficiency measures and green certifications to community engagement initiatives, Johnny’s projects reflect his belief that sustainability must deliver value for both the planet and its people.

Through his work, Johnny contributes directly to Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, advocating for inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable urban environments. In the hospitality sector—where buildings shape experiences and experiences shape perceptions—Johnny’s approach ensures that sustainability is not an afterthought, but the very foundation of how people live, travel, and connect.

In honoring Johnny Gao with the Icons of Change International Award 2025, we celebrate a leader who demonstrates that sustainability is both an architectural principle and a moral imperative. His forward-thinking strategies continue to redefine what it means to build, operate, and thrive responsibly in a world that demands balance between progress and preservation.

Johnny embodies a new generation of changemakers—architects of not just buildings, but of better, more sustainable ways of living.

11/03/2025

Icons of Change International Awards 2025

Delane Lim Zi Xuan
President, International Tchoukball Federation (FITB)
Founder & Executive Director, Character & Leadership Academy (Singapore)
Secretary-General, Outdoor Learning & Adventure Education Association Singapore (OLAE)
Co-Founder & Chairman, FutuReady Asia Singapore

SDG Focus Sustainable Development Goal 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
Changemaker in Mental Health, Youth Leadership, and Inclusive Sport (Singapore)

Few individuals embody the synthesis of heart-led leadership and institutional impact quite like Delane Lim Zi Xuan. A sports administrator, management consultant, educator, and mental health advocate, Delane has built an extraordinary career anchored on one conviction — that peace begins not only in nations but within people. Through sport, education, and social innovation, he has empowered generations to lead with compassion, resilience, and purpose.

As President of the International Tchoukball Federation (FITB), Delane leads the sport’s global expansion across more than 60 member countries, guiding its governance, inclusivity, and sustainability agenda. Under his leadership, FITB is redefining sport as a platform for diplomacy, diversity, and development — advancing teamwork as a universal language for peace. His strategic acumen and people-centered governance have strengthened international collaboration and inspired a new generation of athletes and administrators committed to ethical, inclusive play.

His leadership journey in sport began with the Tchoukball Association of Singapore, where as President, he elevated a small federation with limited resources into an internationally respected national body. His vision for the sport — centered on respect, cooperation, and fair play — reflects his belief that sport is a microcosm of peace-building, where empathy and excellence must coexist. In 2022, Delane made history as the first Singaporean elected to the Asia Pacific Tchoukball Federation’s executive committee, helping steer the sport’s regional growth with a focus on governance, education, and youth development.

Beyond the court, Delane is a pioneer in mental health advocacy and youth empowerment. As Founder and Executive Director of the Character & Leadership Academy (CLA), he has created a social enterprise dedicated to nurturing resilience and emotional well-being among youth. CLA’s programs — spanning su***de prevention, mental health literacy, and character formation — have reached thousands of young people across schools, community groups, and social service agencies. Through partnerships with educators, faith leaders, and policymakers, Delane has helped shape Singapore’s ecosystem of care into one that listens, heals, and empowers.

Over a 15-year career, Delane has trained and inspired more than 800,000 professionals, educators, public servants, and youth across Asia in leadership, innovation, and mental health. A sought-after speaker, he has led international exchanges — from the Singapore-Africa Leadership Safari to the Singapore-Mexico Youth Delegation — promoting cross-cultural empathy and collaboration among emerging changemakers.

A serial social entrepreneur, Delane co-founded FutuReady Asia Singapore, an agency dedicated to future-readiness and innovation-driven learning. As Secretary-General of the Outdoor Learning & Adventure Education Association Singapore (OLAE), he continues to champion experiential learning and national standards in adventure education, ensuring safety, integrity, and developmental impact in every program.

His initiatives such as HAPPYOUTH, Singapore’s pioneering youth su***de-prevention movement, and Ignite Faiths, an interfaith mentoring program, exemplify his ability to weave compassion into systems. Whether through sport, social enterprise, or community leadership, Delane’s work consistently promotes inclusive participation, institutional integrity, and social cohesion — the cornerstones of Sustainable Development Goal 16.

Delane’s guiding philosophy — that “leadership is not about titles, but about the choice to care and the courage to act” — has made him a national role model for transformational leadership. His life’s work transcends the boundaries of sectors and disciplines, proving that true peace and justice are built not merely by institutions, but by individuals who choose empathy over ego and service over status.

In honoring Delane Lim Zi Xuan with the Icons of Change International Award 2025, we celebrate a changemaker who has transformed arenas, classrooms, and communities alike — a leader whose compassion-driven governance and unrelenting advocacy for youth and mental well-being embody the spirit of SDG 16 Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

https://www.delanelim.com/

11/02/2025

Icons of Change International Youth Awards 2025

Carri-Ann Bloom
Biochemist, Digital Investigative Storyteller, and Gender-Based Violence Advocate

SDG Focus: Sustainable Development Goal 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
Young Changemaker in Social Justice and Digital Investigative Storytelling (South Africa)

In a country where stories of gender-based violence often go unheard, Carri-Ann Bloom has emerged as a transformative voice — using science, media, and empathy to confront one of South Africa’s most urgent human rights crises. A biochemist turned digital investigative storyteller, Carri-Ann has built a growing platform that bridges research-driven advocacy and public-interest journalism, giving visibility to survivors and accountability to institutions.

Through her viral presence on TikTok, YouTube, and digital media platforms, Carri-Ann has redefined what it means to be a changemaker in the digital age. Her storytelling blends scientific rigor with emotional intelligence — translating complex social issues into accessible narratives that mobilize awareness, compassion, and civic action. Each video, commentary, or case investigation she produces is grounded in ethical storytelling and survivor-centered reporting, reflecting her commitment to truth and justice.

Her work has exposed systemic failures in how gender-based violence cases are investigated and prosecuted, shining light on the gaps between policy and protection. By approaching her content through both analytical and humanitarian lenses, Carri-Ann empowers her audience — particularly young viewers — to understand the structural roots of violence, recognize early warning signs, and advocate for systemic reform.

What distinguishes Carri-Ann’s approach is not only her courage to speak truth to power, but also her commitment to empathy and education. She uses her platform not to sensationalize, but to humanize. In her digital investigations, victims are not reduced to statistics — they are remembered as individuals whose stories deserve justice. Her tone is deliberate, her research meticulous, and her message clear: change begins with awareness, and awareness begins with listening.

Beyond social commentary, Carri-Ann’s work has expanded into true-crime reporting and documentary storytelling, gaining traction among journalists and social justice advocates worldwide. Her ability to synthesize credible data with personal narratives has sparked international collaborations and a growing body of media interest, positioning her as one of South Africa’s most promising young communicators in advocacy media.

Through her advocacy, Carri-Ann contributes directly to Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, by promoting transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. Her efforts align with the global imperative to build societies where justice is accessible, institutions are responsive, and women can live free from violence and fear.

In honoring Carri-Ann Bloom with the Icons of Change International Youth Award 2025, we recognize a leader who exemplifies the power of storytelling to reform systems and restore dignity. She stands at the forefront of a new generation of digital activists who are transforming pain into purpose, and platforms into instruments of change.

Through her voice, courage finds its language — and through her work, justice finds its audience.

11/02/2025

Icons of Change International Awards 2025

Nadine Haynes
Series Producer & Senior Journalist | Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)

Former Executive Producer | News Corp Australia, Seven Network, Nine Network
Former Media & Digital Marketing Manager | University of Sydney

Guest Speaker | World Digital Forum 2018

SDG Focus: Sustainable Development Goal 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
Changemaker for Truth, Ethical Storytelling, and Media Integrity (Australia)

Few media professionals have navigated the evolving landscape of broadcast, radio, and digital storytelling with the grace, innovation, and journalistic integrity of Nadine Haynes. With a distinguished career spanning more than three decades across Australia’s most respected media institutions, Nadine has become a force for authentic storytelling—championing truth, inclusion, and public trust in a rapidly changing communications era.

Currently serving as a Series Producer and Senior Journalist at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Nadine contributes to some of the network’s most beloved and influential programs including The 7.30 Report, Gardening Australia, ABC Radio, and Art Works. Her deep understanding of narrative and human emotion allows her to craft stories that transcend headlines—stories that connect, enlighten, and inspire.

Her media journey began in radio and evolved through an expansive career across television, entertainment, and digital production. Nadine has worked for some of the world’s largest media networks, producing content that ranges from hard-hitting current affairs to large-scale live broadcasts such as the Australian Record Industry Awards (ARIAS) and the Sydney Olympics. Equally adept at boutique productions, she has produced acclaimed lifestyle programs including the Donna Hay Cooking Series for Australia and the United States—demonstrating her versatility and creative range.

As an Executive Producer and Digital Strategist at News Corp Australia, Nadine played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s video innovation strategy, helping transition legacy media into the digital age. Her insights into content architecture, cross-platform storytelling, and audience engagement positioned her as a thought leader in the future of media. Her expertise was further recognized when she was invited as a guest speaker at the 2018 World Digital Forum, where she spoke about the “importance of video in digital strategy”—a prescient topic in today’s attention economy.

Nadine’s impact extends beyond media production. She has held leadership roles in academia, including as Media and Digital Marketing Manager at the University of Sydney Business School and Supervising Producer at the University of Western Sydney, where she spearheaded The Why Generation—a groundbreaking youth television series designed to amplify emerging voices. Her ability to bridge education, communication, and public engagement continues to influence how knowledge and social discourse intersect.

Early in her career, Nadine broke new ground as one of Australia’s first female DJs, introducing dance music to commercial radio while serving as a journalist and editor for major street music magazines. Her trailblazing work helped reshape Australia’s cultural soundscape, bringing underground art forms into the mainstream and diversifying the country’s media narrative long before inclusion became a policy imperative.

A lifelong educator at heart, Nadine is also a qualified Physical Education teacher, formerly serving as Head of Department in a Sydney secondary school. This foundation in education informs her journalistic ethos—using media not merely to inform, but to empower, educate, and unite audiences.

In every story she tells, Nadine seeks out the human element—the heart behind the headline. Her work consistently reflects the principles of Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions by promoting truthful communication, responsible journalism, and the ethical use of media as a force for public good. Through her leadership, she has fostered environments where stories are crafted with authenticity and responsibility, reinforcing media as a cornerstone of democratic society.

In honoring Nadine Haynes with the Icons of Change International Award 2025, we recognize a storyteller whose career exemplifies both artistic excellence and civic duty. Her contributions to the media landscape have elevated not only the craft of journalism but also the integrity of the institutions that uphold it.

Nadine reminds us that storytelling is not just about transmitting information—it is about shaping conscience, building trust, and strengthening the moral fabric of our world.

11/02/2025

Icons of Change International Awards 2025

Julia Bialetska
Co-founder & CEO | S.Lab (Ukraine / Spain)
Biotechnologist | Deep-Tech Innovator | Climate Tech Pioneer

Winner, European Prize for Women Innovators 2024
Winner, Women TechEU Award 2025
Winner, EIT Women Leadership Award

SDG Focus: Sustainable Development Goal 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
Changemaker for Sustainable Innovation, Circular Economy, and Green Manufacturing (Ukraine)

In an era defined by ecological urgency and technological transformation, Julia Bialetska stands as one of Ukraine’s most visionary changemakers—bridging science, entrepreneurship, and sustainability to create solutions that reimagine our relationship with nature. As Co-founder and CEO of S.Lab, she leads one of Europe’s most promising deep-tech enterprises, developing fully biodegradable packaging made from mycelium and agricultural waste—a tangible step toward eliminating plastic dependency and advancing a circular economy.

Julia’s path to innovation began with a profound question: How can technology help humanity live in harmony with nature? Her answer has been both elegant and pragmatic. Armed with a Master’s degree in Biotechnology from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, she combined scientific expertise with business acumen gained from over a decade in software product management and global project leadership. This rare blend of analytical precision and entrepreneurial insight has allowed her to transform scientific discovery into scalable commercial success.

Under Julia’s leadership, S.Lab evolved from a small experimental lab in Ukraine into a rapidly expanding industrial operation with manufacturing in Spain and collaborations with some of the world’s leading corporations, including L’Oréal, Nespresso, and Japan To***co International (JTI). These partnerships signal not only commercial achievement but also a growing international recognition of Ukraine’s capacity for sustainable innovation and scientific excellence.

S.Lab’s proprietary production technology enables the customization of plant-based packaging at industrial scale, merging environmental stewardship with business efficiency. Each product embodies Julia’s commitment to the principles of Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production—ensuring that materials are derived responsibly, used efficiently, and returned safely to the earth.

Her leadership and impact have been recognized through numerous international distinctions, including the European Prize for Women Innovators 2024, the Women TechEU Award 2025, and the EIT Women Leadership Award. These accolades reflect not only her achievements in climate technology but also her role in championing women’s participation in science, engineering, and sustainable enterprise. Julia’s success provides inspiration to a new generation of Ukrainian scientists and entrepreneurs seeking to align innovation with ethical responsibility.

Beyond her company’s growth, Julia advocates for a paradigm shift in manufacturing—one that views waste not as a problem, but as a resource. Her work exemplifies a holistic model of industrial transformation, demonstrating that business can thrive while restoring ecological balance. In doing so, she has positioned S.Lab as a trailblazer in biomaterials and regenerative design, proving that the technologies of tomorrow can be rooted in the wisdom of nature.

In honoring Julia Bialetska with the Icons of Change International Award 2025, we celebrate a leader whose vision transcends commerce. Through scientific rigor, strategic foresight, and profound respect for the environment, she has turned innovation into stewardship—and stewardship into progress. Her journey from Kyiv’s laboratories to the global sustainability stage reflects the strength, resilience, and ingenuity that define Ukraine’s contribution to the world’s sustainable future.

11/02/2025

Icons of Change International Awards 2025
Audrie Siew
Executive Director, Children and Youth Group | The Salvation Army, Singapore
Southeast Asia Regional Ambassador | World Without Orphans
Former Director, Children in Care Service | Ministry of Social and Family Development, Singapore
SDG Focus: Sustainable Development Goal 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
Changemaker for Family Integrity, Child Protection, and Systemic Social Reform (Singapore)

Few advocates have transformed child welfare systems with the depth of empathy, clarity of purpose, and systemic insight that define Audrie Siew. As Executive Director of The Salvation Army’s Children and Youth Group (CYG) in Singapore, Audrie champions a holistic continuum of care for vulnerable children and families—bridging prevention, intervention, and reunification in ways that strengthen not only homes, but institutions themselves.

Her leadership spans across preventive and community support programs, fostering networks, interim and residential placements, and family reunification efforts. Under her guidance, CYG has redefined how social service ecosystems collaborate to ensure that every child grows up in a safe, nurturing environment rooted in love and belonging.

Before joining The Salvation Army, Audrie served in the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), where she became Singapore’s first-ever Director of Children in Care Service—a pivotal position that shaped national policies governing out-of-home care. There, she oversaw fostering programs, kinship support, and systemic reform aimed at strengthening families rather than fragmenting them. Later, as Director of the Tribunal for Maintenance of Parents, she played a vital role in balancing justice and compassion for vulnerable elderly parents, ensuring that the principles of accountability and care were upheld across generations.

Her impact, however, extends far beyond government service. As Southeast Asia Regional Ambassador for World Without Orphans, Audrie facilitates a learning community of pastors, practitioners, and advocates committed to one powerful vision—a world where every child belongs in a safe and loving family. Through regional capacity-building, knowledge exchange, and cross-sector collaboration, she is advancing the global movement for family-based care, contributing to stronger institutions and peaceful societies across borders.

A firm believer in living out the mission she leads, Audrie and her own family have personally fostered seven children, embodying the principle that advocacy without action is incomplete. Her approach—combining compassion with structure, and vision with evidence—has become a model for how policy and practice can converge to protect the world’s most vulnerable.

Audrie’s lifelong work resonates deeply with Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. By creating environments where children are not institutionalized but empowered, where families are not fractured but fortified, she strengthens the very foundations of peaceful and just societies.

In recognizing Audrie Siew with the Icons of Change International Award 2025, we honor a changemaker who exemplifies both heart and strategy—a leader who proves that when we invest in families, we invest in the world’s most enduring institution of peace.

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