Friday, February 17, 2006

Singapore Honours The First Social Entrepreneur

Mr. Jack Sim who founded the World Toilet Organization has won the first Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award. As owner of a building materials company, Mr. Sim's inspirational idea to put more thought in the design and proper usage of toilets was recognized by the Switzerland-based Schwab Foundation For Social Entrepreneurship.

Mr. Sim beat three other finalists to win a trip to the World Economic Forum and the Annual Global Summit For Social Entrepreneurs to be held in Switzerland next year.

Addressing the award ceremony, the guest of honour, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, said ComCare Enterprise Fund, which provides seed funding for viable businesses with a social objective has todate approved $4.8 million for 48 approved projects. He urged the business community to look for opportunities with voluntary welfare organisations and charities as these organisations seek opportunities in the business area.

Hats off to Mr Sim for your innovation that is now recognized as a model for singapore. Poor toilet condition is a world wide problem and more than half of the world population have no proper sanitation.

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