For the first time since its founding, the Spirit of Enterprise (SOE) Awards has staged a second ceremony in the same calendar year to celebrate Singapore’s homegrown entrepreneurs.
Held in late November at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, the 19th edition of the SOE Awards recognised 45 entrepreneurs who increased agility and resilience within their businesses during the uncertainty of the pandemic. Low Yen Ling, Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry, and Culture, Community and Youth, graced the event.
Rachel Wong, President of SOE, said: “Some companies were able to restructure, some had to make changes to their business model or their products and services, while others had to downsize or adopt new technological solutions into their business processes. All of these efforts have allowed for these companies to achieve excellence on a more sustained basis. It has also set them up for future growth andthe ability to take on future uncertainties too.”
Related: 44 entrepreneurs recognised at the Spirit of Enterprise Awards
This edition of the Awards also saw the introduction of the SOE-EVORICH Sustainability Award, which was presented to Sean Tan, Founder & CEO of Insect Feed Technologies, whose firm rears black soldier flies for animal and plant nutrition, contributing to a more sustainable food production system.
Alan Chang, Managing Director of OA International Holdings, took home the evening’s highest honour, The SOE-PropNex Top Honouree of the Year Award, while Toby Koh, Group Managing Director of Ademco Security Group, clinched the SOE-CLA Global TS Entrepreneurship Award, which is conferred to a past SOE honouree for taking their organisation to new heights. Jackson Lee, Managing Director of Creme Works received the SOE-Dian Xiao Er Social Contributions Award.
A non-profit, non-governmental entity, the SOE Awards aims to inspire more Singaporeans, especially the young, to embark on their own entrepreneurial journeys.
Related: Harmin Kaur wants to pave the way for women in business