Indonesian Professionals Association (IPA) in Singapore has just launched its first initiative Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship Awards, also known as SOLVE Awards on August 13th 2011 at NTUC Centre, Singapore. The event was attended by close to 150 guests, representing Indonesian and Singaporean social entrepreneurs, NGOs, and government representatives, as well as Indonesian and international students. SOLVE Awards aims to recognize and promote social innovators and entrepreneurs – either from Singapore or Indonesia whose work make impacts in Indonesia. SOLVE Awards are designed for small NGOs or individuals under three categories, namely for start up initiative (less than 3 years), established initiative, and audience/community choice. The Awards will be presented on December 3rd in Singapore. The launch evening was officiated by Dr. Ir. Lukita D. Tuwo, MA, Vice Chairman and Vice-Minister of the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas), Republic of Indonesia, who delivered the opening remarks. The event was also graced by Dr Anies Baswedan and Mr Jack Sim who delivered key note addresses. Dr Anies Baswedan is the initiator and chairperson of Indonesia Mengajar and is currently the President of Paramadina University in Jakarta. Mr Jack Sim is a noted Singaporean social entrepreneur and founder of World Toilet Organization (WTO) & World Toilet College (WTC). IPA Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship (SOLVE) Awards 2011 is organized by volunteers, and is the first ever initiative that engages and involves various components of Indonesian communities in Singapore: Indonesian professionals, students, business entrepreneurs to mobilize support for social entrepreneurs and innovators. The team is also supported by volunteer students from the University of Indonesia in Jakarta. “This is a community initiative, the success of this initiative depends on participation and supports from the community here to make available their skills, expertise, technology, and also funds to support community in Indonesia through the good work of social entrepreneurs and innovators. We hope our partnership and support would help encourage growth of more social entrepreneurs and innovators, and deepen and sustain impacts of existing social game changers. We are calling for everyone to take action and participate, “ said Ms Andriani Winoto, Chairperson and Head of IPA Social Development Division on her opening remarks. “There is nothing new with the concept of social entrepreneurship. What's new is the terminology “, said Dr Baswedan. He commented on the spirit of volunteerism and encouraged everyone to take action. “Don?t always seek answers from the government. Government has constitutional responsibilities but we, as global citizens, carry moral responsibilities to contribute back to the society.” Mr. Jack Sim left his inspiring message to all, "Social innovations are very important. In our society, very often people are conformist. Sometimes you might look like a fool but the leader is the one who is dare to take the chance to look like a fool. So, I do encourage you to innovate." Also present during the launch was Captain Budi Soehardi, a Singapore Airlines pilot who had been named CNN’s Top 10 Heroes of 2009 for his work in West Timor. “This evening's event has inspired me to do more [for the society],” he said. “I encourage the public to take part and vote in IPA SOLVE [Awards]. This is an effort to renew and recondition Indonesia to become an even better country.” IPA is a registered, non-profit organization established in Singapore since 1998 with the mission of enhancing networking opportunity among Indonesian professionals and friends of Indonesia in Singapore. Since its inception, IPA has been actively promoting social responsibility and offering opportunities for members to contribute back to community. For further information, please contact: Alika Tuwo, email: alika.tuwo@gmail.com - Manager for Publicity and Communication, IPA Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship Awards 2011 Andriani Winoto, email: andriani.winoto@indoprof.com - Chairperson, IPA Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship Awards 2011 Official IPA Media Release
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