Cricket One from Viet Nam was listed among top social enterprises winning the Young Social Entrepreneurs (YSE) 2018 in Singapore, with an award of up to S$20,000 (US$14,500) to further boost their business.

Led by Dang Cao Nam and Bicky Nguyen, Cricket One aims to ensure global food security. By rearing crickets and using the insects to produce sustainable and affordable food, Cricket One offers an alternative solution to traditional livestock.

Previously, 35 young social entrepreneurs from 14 teams gathered in Singapore on October 19 to complete the final round of the Singapore International Foundation’s YSE 2018 programme.

The teams – from Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the United States and Viet Nam – presented their social enterprise ideas to a panel of judges at the YSE Pitching for Change session. Seven teams were awarded up to S$20,000 each to kickstart or scale up their business ideas for social change. They were chosen based on the impact and scalability of their social enterprise, as well as the commitment level of team members.

This year, the teams’ social business plans covered areas such as agriculture, technology and digital platforms, food and beverage, environment and energy, education and training, and consumer goods and services. Notwithstanding the diversity of nationalities, backgrounds and impact areas, all teams shared the common goal of making positive long-term social change.

“Today’s young people are passionate, purpose-driven, and many of them strive to make a positive impact on the world through their work. We are proud to support them in turning their social enterprise dreams into reality via the YSE programme,” said Jean Tan, Executive Director of Singapore International Foundation.

Since its launch in 2010, the YSE programme has nurtured more than 900 alumni, spanning 29 nationalities. — VNS