So here I am, preparing myself for my first ever talk at the United Kingdom after having graduated from Imperial College London just about 10 years ago. returning to home soil in Malaysia to build my career & contribute to solve some of her problems. It still feels surreal, but one does not simply miss out on an opportunity to be on a panel with amazing youths all over the world to debate whether social entrepreneurship could be taught at the @HEGoingGlobal!

It’s been a fantastic journey throughout, even a surprise to myself, that I would be here doing what I do. Basically, my current portfolio are the following: I’m a social entrepreneur at EYE Project, a digital marketer at SocialGrooves.com, the digital manager to Dato’ Lee Chong Wei, a founding Global Shaper at the Global Shapers Community Kuala Lumpur Hub but most importantly, a Malaysian building his own version of a #betterMalaysia. And I remember all I ever wanted to do was make a difference to people’s lives.

And now, to be part of a global event organized by the British Council, is one way I can thank everyone who ever supported me to be where I am today. Thank you, my family, friends, partners, associates, social media followers and all. You guys made me happen :’)

Teaching Social Enterprise? Young Social Entrepreneurs Debate

So yeah, this Going Global Panel Session will be happening on the 1st June at Queen Elizabeth II Centre, London, in less than 2 weeks! Here’s where I need your help: what do YOU think about this topic? Can we create social entrepreneurs, or is it something we have to personally experience first in order to “make the leap” headstrong into social entrepreneurship?

In other words, even if there were such thing as a course on social entrepreneurship, how should it be done? Do share your answers, as it will be a good piece of material for discussion during the event.

Now here’s more about the panel: it will be taking place at the Going Global, a forum for education world leaders to debate international higher and further education issues and challenges, and to discuss collaborative solutions.  The key theme for the event is “Connecting Cultures, Forging Futures”, the idea that the fusion of diverse cultures generates a creative force, which is a major catalyst of leading edge innovation. Investment in the connection of these cultures produces a tangible return and measurable impact for the future.

The session will be chaired by Vonnie Sandlen, Women’s Officer and President Elect for 2015/16 of NUS Scotland

Follow her at @NUS_Vonnie, and her organisation at @nusScotland

Regina Agyare, Chief Executive Officer, Soronko Solutions, Ghana
http://www.soronkosolutions.com/
Follow her at @ragyare, and her organisation at @SoronkoF

Regina is a software developer and social entrepreneur with a passion for using technology to bring social change. Regina is an Ashoka Fellow, an Aspen Institute of New Voices Fellow, a GOOD fellow, a Global Shaper of the Accra hub of the World Economic Forum, Vital Voices Fellow, finalist for the African Digital Woman of the Year and a Change Leader with Tigo Reach For Change. Ashesi is a private, non-profit liberal arts university located in Ghana, with a msion to educate a new generation of ethical, entrepreneurial leaders in Africa; to cultivate among its students critical thinking skills, concern for others and the courage to transform a continent. Her university education included economics, leadership, and entrepreneurship. She started working in the corporate sector. While she was initially unaware of social entrepreneurship, she was interested in solving social problems. She approached her lecturers, and was encouraged to apply her learnings to tackle social problems, and link up with alumni. Her university education helped her as a social entrepreneur with problem solving, business and computer science skills, access to advice and encouragement, and linking her into a network. She also learnt the need for a sustainable business, not reliant on funds. She reflects that had the focus of her education been social entrepreneurship, she would perhaps have started her social enterprise sooner.

Ayu Chuepa, Founder, Akha Ama Coffee, Thailand
http://www.akhaama.com/
Follow the organisation at @Akhaamacoffee

Ayu (Lee) was born and grew up in a remote village. Encouraged by his parents, he was the first from his village to study at university. He wanted to provide opportunities to others. He reflects that traditionally education in Thailand teaches students to compete for jobs in industry, government or hospitality, be motivated by money, and move to the city, rather than encouraging them to return and contribute to communities they may come from. Ayu’s education has played an important role for him in overcome barriers that he may otherwise have faced. His university education gave him credibility and enabled communication across linguistic, educational, professional and geographical boundaries, important for sharing experiences of coffee farmers and promoting his social enterprise. Ayu sees higher education as providing relevant skills and knowledge applicable to needs assessments, understanding problems faced by the community, and developing a business plan. However, he asks, how can knowledge from university be brought back and applied to the community, e.g. to solve social problems. How can students be enabled to choose options that involve helping communities, rather than just focusing on making money or studying for itself?

Christopher Tock, Co-founder and Executive Director, Empowering Youth Endeavours, Malaysia
http://www.eyeproject.my/
Follow him at @spinzer, and his organisation at @eyeprojectMY

Christopher is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment. He is a Global Shaper of the Kuala Lumpar hub of the World Economic Forum. He sees life experience, rather than university education, as important in the journey of a social entrepreneur. While he advocates that social entrepreneurship cannot be taught, he sees exposure to social enterprise as necessary in order for those who take up social enterprise to get the support they need, especially from peers. He sees four main factors as influencing a young person’s decision to approach social entrepreneurship as a career decision: 1) how supportive universities are to the idea of SE, 2) the level of activity from student-based NGOs such as ENACTUS, 3) access (or distraction) to too many opportunities and 4) most importantly their respective family background. From his own experience of higher education, rather than the specific education he received, he found that being away from his own environment, being involved with student organisations, and being encouraged and supported by peers, educators, and family, assisted him on his journey as a social entrepreneur.

Joshua Bicknell, Co-founder of Balloon Ventures, UK
http://www.balloonventures.com/
Follow him at @rightkurfuffle, and his organisation at @balloonkenya

Joshua found that there was no clear route into social entrepreneurship. While Joshua did not study entrepreneurship or social entrepreneurship, his university studies in History and Politics equipped him with skills in writing, developing a coherent argument, telling a good story, researching and public speaking that he uses daily as a social entrepreneur. He “stumbled” into running a social enterprise, although his idea from research he did for his Masters dissertation. He did not initially know what social enterprise was, and would have liked more exposure to social enterprise and business, with it being presented as a viable career path. He sees a big responsibility/opportunity for universities to open the minds of young people and show them all the possibilities in the world. He reflects that in today’s climate, where there is competition and uncertainty, entrepreneurship skills – social or otherwise – are essential, and should be included in university education.

Join the conversation by clickong on #GoingGlobal2015 #socent or follow these accounts, including my own for live updates! @SocEntGlobal @HEGoingGlobal

The post #GoingGlobal2015: Can you teach social enterprise in existing education systems? appeared first on Spinzer - Blogger, Entrepreneur, Celebrity Manager.

Little did we know as we progressed throughout the night at the Genting International Convention Centre, the event’s venue sponsor, that something really amazing and tear-inducing would happen…

Read on to find out.

Thanks to our friends at #H2OFamily (yes, the family I have been privileged to be a part of since this fateful encounter) and Kak Ida, we were invited to this prestigious event where a million ringgit plus has been raised for charity, thanks to all the corporate partners tied to the prosperous Eu Yan Sang business. I mean, being around for 135 years speaks volumes, doesn’t it? You could almost feel the prosperous and healthy vibe being in the hall itself!

Although we were seated far away, the yummy mocktails and delicious food made up for it. Thankfully, I also have my Nikon camera with me with 20x zoom, hence the awesome pictures you’re looking at. Anyway the function started with the two most powerful women I’ve ever seen sharing about how the event came about, and of course the efforts that went into the fundraising a whopping million ringgit charity. Truthfully as a fundraiser myself, I know how much effort it takes and respect goes to her and her team!

I couldn’t help but be inspired by the speech they candidly gave, both Dato’ Ann Eu and Puan Sri Cecilia, as it was quite obvious that this was their baby that probably took months of sweat and tears to organize. What was even more touching is when they announced that they had raised RM1.26 million to the Cancer Research Initiatives Foundation and the Registered Trustees of the Joseph William Yee Eu Foundation. Now that’s one mind bloggling figure to take in, congrats!

We were then graced by Mr Richard Eu, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Eu Yan Sang, who gave an amazing speech on the direction the company will be taking – and from the sound of it, it was a really visionary one. Something to learn from for my own little digital communications agency, SocialGrooves.com hehe. Oh on that note, I’m glad to share with you that we’ve just secured something awesome for this baby of Jingy and mine, can’t wait to announce to you folks

…

And then this happened.

Wow, a heartfelt speech by Dato Anne Eu dedicated2 @HishammuddinH2O, on how he managed d M’sian tragedies 4 us.. http://t.co/szb2SYi2Sr

— Christopher Tock (@spinzer) September 17, 2014

Dato Anne went on back to the stage to share about how her and the people around her felt the pain during the tragedy that is #MH370 and #MH17. Upon finding out that only the passengers would be compensated for their loss and not the crew members, she alongside Eu Yan Sang and Genting Berhad decided to do what others should have done: to fundraise for a new foundation that would support the education for the children of those aboard the MAS planes. It was there and then when she announced the creation of the Flagbearer Education Foundation, and pledged RM500,00.00 on behalf of the Eu Yan Sang group! She then shared about how Datuk Seri Hishammuddin stood strong representing Malaysia and the families of those who were involved throughout the nightmare, against bashers, uncouth media and provocations from other countries, keeping calm yet concerned when others just knew how to complain, and most importantly showing his ability to communicate extremely well (impeccable english she said, and I agree!) with international parties who would help with the search. And for that, she announced that it was only fitting that Datuk Seri will be the first Founding Patron of the Flagbearer Education Foundation, without taking NO for an answer! So what did Datuk Seri do?

DS @HishammuddinH2O accepts invitation as Patron to the Flagbearer Education Foundation 4 #MH17 #MH370 support!pic.twitter.com/mfFIM9PYLp — Christopher Tock (@spinzer) September 17, 2014

Yes, the man himself has pledged to support the families of those involved in the #MH17 and #MH370, and what better way than to spearhead this initiative to support the education fees for their children! It’s really awesome to see the private sector contributing in such manner for the nation’s woes… Now that’s the right thing to be done.

Without further ado, we saw a mock cheque of RM1,260,000.00 being sent off to support the NGOs who deserve them, for the amazing work they do for the community. Speaking of which, have you heard of ngohub.asia? Supposingly the latest platform for NGOs to get the support they deserve. Check them out!

After that it was Eu Yan Sang’s mock cheque of RM500,000.00, dedicated to the new Flagbearer Education Foundation. Still can’t believe this miracle just happened. Oh and if you think this is cool, wait till you here this: Genting Berhad then came along and matched Eu Yan Sang ringgit for ringgit, taking the Foundation to RM1,000,000.00 worth of donation for a really good cause! Good on you Genting, and now, let’s see how the other corporate Malaysia will contribute

What’s a celebration without a token of appreciation right? Can you guess what Datuk Seri got from these folks? *grin*

That’s right, a pot full of Eu Yan Sang goodies. I know Datin Seri Marsilla will have a great time being pampered for longer life and healthier skin

Finally, the procession ended with a cutting cake ceremony in celebration for Eu Yan Sang’s 135th anniversary. Once again a huge congratulations for the successful organisation of this event, alongside the epic fundraising efforts!

#H20Family members represent alongside our Empowering Youth Endeavors (EYE) Project team! Can you see the masyarakat majmuk here? *grin*

Of course how could we not resist a #wefie with Kak Ida, our mama! Word got out that she just received an important good news too hehe. Congrats Kak!

La Familia >D

And just to prove that I really did dine with THE Richard Clayderman… Here’s a pic

That talent… that legendary skills… the haunting fact that my first song learned on the piano was created none other than him… WOW! Truly an unforgetful night indeed. PS – His rendition of Symphony Titanic is so beautiful T_T

Can you see the passion in his face? ‘Nuff Said!

Tq #H20Family 4 being there “@spinzer: @claydermanmusic‘s performance,a sweet ending to an event w a gr8 cause pic.twitter.com/mSjUIglrSm”

— Hishammuddin Hussein (@HishammuddinH2O) September 17, 2014

It’s our pleasure, sir! By the way, I’m volunteering to contribute my time and effort to the Flagbearer Education Fund, in support of the kids who need our help. How about you?

Update!

Education foundation 4 children of crew #MH370 & #MH17 : Sunway group pledged 500k scholarship #euyansang:$500k #genting:500k #KLK :200k

— Hishammuddin Hussein (@HishammuddinH2O) September 17, 2014

Yes, KLK and Sunway Group have both pledged RM700,000.00 worth in total, which means the FEF will have a grand total of RM1.7 million to support the education of the kids! Yeay!

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