Nurturing local entrepreneurs by supporting aspiring students from Universities, Polytechnics and ITE Colleges in their entrepreneurship journey through mentorship and peer learning since 2018.
Singapore, 2 September 2024 – In July, CLA Global TS concluded its 7th Business Plan Challenge and this year’s judges have heard inspiring ideas from six impressionable teams of students from all levels of education. Following the launch of this year’s Business Plan Challenge theme—Sustainable Development Goals SDG 17: Bridging the Gaps—in April, CLA Global TS received applications from local universities, polytechnics, and Institute of Technical Education (ITE). After the initial round of evaluation, the top three teams in both the University and Polytechnic/ITE categories were selected to present their plans in person to esteemed judges on 25 July 2024. Each team pitched their creative takes on the subject and presented fresh, innovative entrepreneurship opportunities.
This year’s judging panel included industry experts from CLA Global TS: Mr. Lee Tze Shiong, Director of Transformation and Quality Assurance; Ms. Pamela Chen, Director of Internal Audit, Sustainability, and Climate Change; and Mr. Samuel Lim, Director of Assurance. Additionally, Mr. Robin Goh, Founder & Managing Director of JNR Group, served as the guest judge representing Spirit of Enterprise (SOE). Throughout the challenge, the judges shared their expertise and feedback with the aspiring entrepreneurs, offering valuable learning points to help refine their business plans.
Featuring the Winners of the University Category (L) and Polytechnic/ITE Category (R)
During the Challenge, two outstanding ideas stood out from the rest in their respective categories, impressing the judges with their creativity and their meticulousness. The winning team from the University Category left a long-lasting impression with an alternative for Sustainable Fashion solutions targeting the problem of increasing prices for clothing, new and thrifted. Winners from the Polytechnic / ITE Category took a more Sustainable approach to the familiar day-to-day coffee fix, with creative solutions focusing on reducing wastes in the instant beverage industry.
Each year, CLA Global TS invites a guest judge from SOE to the challenge, reinforcing the partnership between CLA Global TS and SOE, which began in 2007. This collaboration aims to promote, advance, and inspire the local business community in their entrepreneurial journey.
Returning as a guest judge for the second time at the challenge, Mr. Robin Goh, Founder & Managing Director of JNR Group, shared: “It was such a privilege for JNR to attend the CLA Global TS 7th Business Plan Challenge and serve as one of the esteemed guest judges for the challenge representing Spirit of Enterprise (SOE) at CLA Global TS. We are proud to have contributed to this significant occasion and to have witnessed the inspiring efforts of all the participants.”
Since introducing the Polytechnic/ITE category in last year’s challenge and launching the First Scholarship and Mentorship Programme for students from ITE College Central in April 2023, CLA Global TS has been working closely with ITE College to offer support and encouragement, aiming to boost student participation from ITE.
Mr. Chris Tan, a lecturer from the School of Business & Services at ITE College Central, who attended this year’s final presentation, shared: “We are grateful for the opportunities given to our students through the CLA Global TS Business Plan Challenge. In preparing their business plans and pitches, the students learnt the importance of a good business plan and how to bring their ideas to market. Through this competition, students were able to network with like-minded budding entrepreneurs and gather practical inputs on their business plans from industry professionals.”
Judges of the 7th Business Challenge sharing their experience, feedback and insights as industry leaders with the students.
“CLA Global TS is honoured to mentor such bright young minds, providing them with the opportunity and knowledge to cultivate future entrepreneurs, particularly when their ideas focus on Sustainability. It’s essential for both current and aspiring entrepreneurs to understand that a business’s sustainability is as crucial as its revenue and risks. We will continue to host the CLA Global TS Business Plan Challenge in the years ahead, offering a platform for emerging entrepreneurs to hone their skills, showcase their innovations, and learn from industry leaders and peers, while developing the nation’s future talent. This aligns with our ongoing commitment to creating winning opportunities for Our People, Our Clients, and Our Communities,” said Mr. Henry Tan, Group CEO and Chief Innovation Officer, CLA Global TS.
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About CLA Global TS
Founded in 1993, CLA Global TS, is an award-winning Asia-Centred Business Advisor. An independent member firm of CLA Global Network, CLA Global TS provides a full spectrum of professional services including, but not limited to Assurance & IPO Reporting, Tax, Risk Advisory, Valuation, Insolvency & Restructuring, Sustainability & Climate Change Advisory and more.
For more information, visit CLA-TS.com.
Media Contacts:
Ross Seah
Marketing Communications Manager
+65 6534 5700 (ext. 707)
rossseah@sg.cla-ts.com
Danial Lee
Marketing Communications Associate
+65 6534 5700 (ext. 861)
daniallee@sg.cla-ts.com
Ryan Tan
Marketing Communications Associate
+65 6534 5700 (ext. 670)
ryantancw@sg.cla-ts.com
