From founding start-ups that have changed the way we live, to social entrepreneurs who are elevating communities, meet the 15 trailblazers who have set the bar sky-high.




SINGER-SONGWRITER, 26

CO-FOUNDER AND GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF GRAB, 35

ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT AND DIRECTOR OF BANYAN TREE SPA; CO-FOUNDER OF MATTER, 31

CO-FOUNDER OF THE SOCIAL CO AND CHLOROS SOLUTIONS, 32

MARKETING CREATIVE OF SURRENDER, 23
The streetwear vernacular has existed in Singapore for decades. But it’s thanks to Mae Tan, the oh-sofashionable Marketing Creative at Surrender, that Singapore has direct access to the brands that are starting all the current conversations in fashion (think Palm Angels from L.A. and Ambush from Japan). She’s also brought in Off -White by Virgil Abloh and Japanese cult brand Christian Dada, complete with inventive retail experiences.

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS/ PARTNERS OF ULTRA SINGAPORE, 36 AND 32

FOUNDER OF POCKET PROJECTS, 37

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF HONESTBEE, 35

MANAGING DIRECTOR OF NOVU MEDICAL AESTHETICS, 42

SINGER, 26

CO-FOUNDER OF SHOPBACK, 29

AUTHOR, 30

CO-FOUNDER OF EDIBLE GARDEN CITY, 36

CO-FOUNDER AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER OF FUNDNEL, 30

MANAGING PARTNER OF GOLDEN GATE VENTURES, 37
If you’ve a big idea, Lauria can help you realise it. He co-founded Golden Gate Ventures, an investment company that specialises in backing early-stage start-ups across Southeast Asia. In the years since its launch in 2011, Golden Gate Ventures has had a hand in assisting the inception of familiar services such as Carousell, Redmart and Codapay. Perhaps recognising the fact that raising capital is only half the battle won, Lauria and his team have also built a network of like-minded entrepreneurs and talents who can support each other in their quest to change the world we live in.
"No matter what role you may be in, approach innovation with the spirit of constant problem-solving and iteration. Test new ideas. Learn from them. Improve. Then re-test. Keep it on repeat." — LAI SHANRU