Singapore, 29 August 2025 – In celebration of Singapore’s National Day month, CLA Global TS successfully concluded its 8th Business Plan Challenge 2025 with an engaging afternoon of entrepreneurial dialogue and peer learning. Launched in 2018, the CLA Global TS Business Plan Challenge is dedicated to nurturing local entrepreneurial talent by supporting aspiring students through mentorship and collaborative learning opportunities.
Centred on the theme ‘Achieving Business Agility with AI-Powered Solutions’, this year’s CLA Global TS Business Plan Challenge attracted nearly 40 submissions from 10 Institutes of Higher Learning since registration opened in April. Following an initial evaluation round, the top three teams from both the University and Polytechnic/ITE categories were selected to present their business plans in person to a panel of esteemed judges on 8 August 2025.
Finalists at this year’s challenge showcased a range of impressive AI-powered innovations. University teams focused on solving small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) challenges in areas such as manpower, financial management, and productivity enhancement. Meanwhile, Polytechnic and ITE teams tackled social issues with creative solutions—including AI-enabled cameras to detect bullying, a multifunctional app designed for both locals and tourists, and fashion concepts inspired by authentic Singaporean culture.
This year’s judging panel featured industry experts from CLA Global TS, each bringing unique insights shaped by their professional experience and specialisation.
- Mr. Henry Tan, Group CEO & Chief Innovation Officer
- Mr. Lee Tze Shiong, Director, Assurance and Transformation & Quality
- Mr. Edwin Leow, Co-Advisory Leader, Director, Head of Tax
- Mr. Tan Da Xun, Director, Assurance
Mr. Henry Tan, Group CEO & Chief Innovation Officer at CLA Global TS said: “Congratulations to all the finalists of this year’s Business Plan Challenge. We are truly impressed by the calibre of ideas presented, especially those leveraging the latest AI technologies to merge entrepreneurship with emerging trends. At CLA Global TS, we are honoured to provide a platform for young talents to showcase their innovation and drive. We are particularly heartened by the growing participation in the Polytechnic/ITE category since its introduction in 2023, which reflects our commitment to offering equal opportunities to students from diverse educational backgrounds. It is especially meaningful to celebrate Singapore’s future entrepreneurial talent during the National Day month, as the nation marks its 60th birthday. This aligns with our mission to create winning opportunities for our communities and nurture the next generation of business leaders.”
Each year, CLA Global TS welcomes a guest judge from Spirit of Enterprise (SOE) to its Business Plan Challenge, reinforcing a long-standing partnership that began in 2007. This collaboration is rooted in a shared commitment to promote, advance, and inspire the local business community on their entrepreneurial journey. For this year’s challenge, Mr. Henry Tan, Events Director at Se7en Friday Event, joined the judging panel as the guest representative from SOE.
Since introducing the Polytechnic/ITE category in 2023 challenge and launching the First Scholarship and Mentorship Programme for students from ITE College Central in the same year, CLA Global TS has been working closely with ITE College to offer support and encouragement, aiming to boost student participation from ITE.
Ms. Karen Loh, a manager from ITE College Central who attended this year’s final presentation, shared: “Through the competition, our students received direct mentoring from distinguished industry leaders, who generously shared their expertise in finance, business innovation, and pitching skills. It was encouraging to see students from the universities, polytechnics, and ITE learn from each other’s innovative AI solutions in such a warm and encouraging atmosphere. This experience has helped to broaden our students’ perspectives and equip them with essential skills for their future careers.”
Finalists had the unique opportunity to participate in a speed mentoring session, engaging directly with judges in small group discussions. This format allowed students to receive personalised feedback and gain valuable insights not only from the judges—who are seasoned entrepreneurs and professional business advisors—but also from their peers within the same group. Such direct interaction is a rare and meaningful experience, offering an ideal platform to inspire and mentor the next generation of entrepreneurs.
“We remain committed to running the Business Plan Challenge annually to support budding talents. It’s more than a competition—it’s a meaningful platform that fosters connections and cultivates the next generation of business leaders. This initiative is part of our broader effort to give back to the community by creating opportunities that deliver real impact. At CLA Global TS, we don’t just champion innovation within our firm for our People or offer professional business advice to our Clients—we also invest in our communities. By providing students with priceless opportunities to engage, learn, and grow, we help shape a future where entrepreneurship thrives,” added Mr. Henry Tan, Group CEO & Chief Innovation Officer at CLA Global TS.
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About CLA Global TS:
Established in 1993, CLA Global TS is a trusted public accounting firm and Asia-focused business advisor. Over the past three decades, CLA Global TS has built its niche expertise as an IPO consultant with numerous successful listings in regional markets, expanded its service offerings to better serve clients, and enhanced its capabilities through global connections. Today, CLA Global TS has a team of 320 professionals led by experienced leaders with over 30 years of expertise in Assurance & IPO, Tax, Risk Advisory, Valuation, Insolvency & Restructuring, Sustainability & Climate Change Advisory, and more, operating from locations in Singapore, China, and Malaysia.
CLA Global TS is an independent network member of CLA Global Limited (CLA Global), a prominent global organisation comprising independent accounting and advisory firms focused on fast-growing, innovative, middle-market cross-border businesses. CLA Global TS represents CLA Global in Singapore, Southeast Asia, and China, serving as CLA Global’s leading firm in Asia.
For more information, visit www.cla-ts.com.
Media Contacts:
Ross Seah
Marketing Communications Manager
+65 6534 5700 (ext. 707)
rossseah@sg.cla-ts.com
Ryan Tan
Marketing Communications Associate
+65 6534 5700 (ext. 670)
ryantancw@sg.cla-ts.com
