Final Post: Thoughts about a new-on stop resource center for SEs

Hi readers, 

  For my last post, I would like to share a rather new development in the Social Enterprise (SE) sector in Singapore. 

  Lead by Social Enterprise Association, Singapore Totalisator Board which runs the Social Enterprise Hub, Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) and National Council of Social Service(NCSS), the unnamed center would be a one-stop location for social enterprises to seek help.(Goy, 2015)

  The center will provide mentorship opportunities, services such as funding, networking and consultancy. (Goy, 2015)

  NCSS will be setting up partnership with its 400 voluntary welfare organizations (VWOs) and social enterprises.(Goy, 2015) 

 More details and the exact center location will be revealed later this year.(Goy, 2015)
                       
  This is a piece of good news for all social enterprises! Currently, social enterprises have to go to different agencies to seek help. It will help them to save time and resources to seek aid if all applications and services are available at one place.  

   It can become a win-win situation. SEs can leverage on these partnerships to find out more about their beneficiaries needs and if the SEs are meeting their needs. SEs can also explore other opportunities to help the VWOs as well. VWOs can engage the SEs to be part of their organization or help to develop their sustainable business model.                                                                                                                   
Social Enterprises are able to focus more on their operations and worry less about spending lots of time seeking additional help.

  In the article, Minister of Social and Family Development, Mr Chan Chun Sing had expressed that if there are more social enterprises in Singapore, Singapore is able to do more good for the disadvantaged groups in a sustainable way.(Goy, 2015)

  This shows a promising sign that the government does view social enterprise positively and are willing to give more support to social enterprises.Social Enterprises should continue to keep up it's good reputation, be ethical and social impact. For now, I can say that the future for SEs in Singapore is rather promising! I cannot wait to see the future developments of Singapore's SE sector!^^

Cheers,
Angel:)

References

Goy, P. (2015). New one-stop resource centre for social enterprises to be launched.Straitstimes.com. Retrieved 6 February 2015, from http://www.straitstimes.com/news/singapore/more-singapore-stories/story/new-one-stop-resource-centre-social-enterprises-be-launc

SEs Feature 3: 4 Interesting Social Enterprises to check out!

Hi readers,

This week, I will be sharing with you four interesting social enterprises, both local and overseas examples.

Local

1) Saltsteps


Saltsteps is a local Social Enterprise. Saltsteps runs as a social supermarket model which helps and work closely with the lower-income families in Singapore. Saltsteps obtains donations of surplus goods which did not passed the quality check due to shorter shelf life or mislabel (safe for consumption) and sells these goods to the lower income at subsidized prices. (50%-70% cheaper than retail supermarkets)

Besides providing subsidized services, Saltsteps aims to aid the lower-income via other avenues such as providing job opportunities, aid in resume writing, budgeting etc.

Saltsteps are mainly focusing on three districts, Lengkok Bahru, Henderson, Bukit Ho Swee where HDB flats under the Public Rental Scheme ( 1/2 rooms flats, monthly income does not exceed $1500/month). Saltsteps would distribute flyers which contains an order form. Customers would place a order via a phone call and their items would be delivered to them at (inclusive of a delivery fee at $1).

















2) Cat Museum: Lion City Kitty 

Lion City Kitty is the first cat museum in Singapore. It is also a social enterprise which aims to raise more awareness about adoption of cats. The Museum consists of the World's history of cats exhibition. It features cats photography, visual art works, photography. There is also an exhibition on the local history of cats as well! There are 9 cats housed in the premise (The Mansion) for museum patrons to interact and play with.

In collaboration with Cat Welfare Society, Lion City Kitty also houses selected cats so that the cats are able to socialize with humans and prepare them for potential adoption.

The museum tickets are sold at $9 each and children under the age of six enjoy free entry.

Overseas

3) Bottle4Bottle


Bottle4Bottle is a social enterprise based in Australia which operates as a online tanning, hair and beauty products wholesaler. For every bottled product sold online, Bottle4Bottle will give a measured amount of milk formula to fill milk bottles.


Their beneficiaries are the Forever Angels Home in Mwanza, Tanzania which houses newly-born infants who are abandoned, lost their mothers during their births or their mothers are too ill to take care of them. Forever Angels Home will try to reunite these children with their direct family members. If not, they will be cared at the center and put up for adoption.










4) Mazí Mas


Mazi Mas is a roaming restaurant social enterprise based in London. Founded by Nikandre Kopcke, she wants to empower women from migrant and refugee communities by providing them with a employment opportunities to work at the restaurant. 

Mazi Mas provides the women professional culinary training to improve on their current skills and experience to start their own food businesses or seek other employment opportunities. 

Mazi Mas hopes to reduce social isolation, foster community, preserve women recipes, their diverse cultural heritages an celebrate these which makes London unique. 













What do these  have in common?

The social entrepreneurs have a burning passion for a particular cause, a heart to help others and a desire to leave a positive impact/ initiate a change. It can occur in their own country or at other parts of the world.


Personal Reflections

I feel that these social enterprises take on new, interesting forms of businesses. The social entrepreneurs are able to differentiate themselves from other normal businesses and help their beneficiaries at the same time.  I truly hope that the public can continue to show their support to them so that these social enterprises are able to sustain their operations and continue to do good.


Do find other new social enterprise ideas here.

Angel:)

References

Retrieved 24 January 2015, from http://www.saltsteps.com/about.htmlhttp://www.saltsteps.com/about.html

Bottle4Bottle,. (2013). About Us. Retrieved 24 January 2015, from http://www.bottle4bottle.com.au/blog/about-us/

Clark, N. (2014). Independent on Sunday's Happy List 2014 (NOT the Rich List): Nikandre Kopcke, social entrepreneur. The Independent. Retrieved 24 January 2015, from http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/news/independent-on-sundays-happy-list-2014-not-the-rich-list-nikandre-kopcke-social-entrepreneur-9430832.html

Hassan, N. (2015). Singapore's first cat museum opens. Channel NewsAsia. Retrieved 24 January 2015, from http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singapore-s-first-cat/1579740.html

Ho, L. (2014). Causes Week 2014: Supermart sells to the needy for less. Straitstimes.com. Retrieved 24 January 2015, from http://www.straitstimes.com/news/singapore/more-singapore-stories/story/causes-week-2014-supermart-sells-the-needy-less-20141211

Lay, B. (2014). Step aside cat cafes, here comes S’pore’s first cat museum and their cross-eyed mascot cat Harry. Mothership.SG. Retrieved 24 January 2015, from http://mothership.sg/2014/12/step-aside-cat-cafes-here-comes-spores-first-cat-museum-and-their-cross-eyed-mascot-cat-harry/

Mazimas.co.uk,. (2012). mazí mas. Retrieved 24 January 2015, from http://www.mazimas.co.uk/

Mazimas.co.uk,. (2012). mazí mas » ABOUT. Retrieved 24 January 2015, from http://www.mazimas.co.uk/about/

Thecatmuseum.com.sg,. (2015). THE MISSION | The Cat Museum. Retrieved 24 January 2015, from http://thecatmuseum.com.sg/?page_id=9

White, G. (2014). Ironwoman Courtney thinks idea of milk for kids is a beauty. Coffs Coast Advocate. Retrieved 24 January 2015, from http://www.coffscoastadvocate.com.au/news/ironwoman-courtney-thinks-idea-milk-kids-beauty/2199910/

Can Social Enterprises Really Solve Poverty?

Hello!

Today, i will be sharing about my thoughts on whether social enterprises are able to fully eradicate poverty!

I came across this article on the Forbes website. In short, the author's stand is that social enterprises are change-makers but will not make significant changes if we do not support their causes and help them to overcome their challenges faced.

I fully agree with the author is that social enterprises are change makers. Social Entrepreneurs go against all odds to meet double or even triple bottom lines to keep their businesses sustainable!  They are also able to improve the lives of their chosen beneficiaries at the same time. But, if we do not support their work and have the right resources/aid available to them, the social enterprises would not survive.

I am fully supportive of the setting up of social enterprises. In fact, I feel that social enterprises are slowly eliminating poverty faced by their beneficiaries by giving their work opportunities, providing subsidized services/ goods and plough back their profits to a certain Non Profit Organizations (NPOs) to sustain their operations.

However, I feel that social enterprises alone would not be a solution for eradicating poverty completely.

A example stated in the article was that an organization which aims to deliver their innovative, life-saving drugs to the rural poor in the developing countries. Despite their desire to get these drugs, they might not have the access to them due to logistics constraints.The country might  not have proper infrastructure like roads for logistic providers to deliver the medications to the villages. Even if they managed to deliver the medications to them, will there be medical staff available to administer the drugs and inform them of the dosages to take?

Also, I feel that most social enterprises do not make a huge, sustainable impact to eradicate poverty as they are not solving the root causes of poverty. The help given to the beneficiaries is limited as most social enterprises are unable to meet all of their needs and reach out to every single beneficiaries in need. There is a capacity that they can meet.

What happens if the social enterprises wind up?  Social Enterprises are constantly battling with their survival and meeting their social objectives. The beneficiaries who are reliant on them will be hit back to square one, seeking employment at other places and rely on charities or NPOs again.

Thirdly, I feel that the solutions came up by social enterprises do not address the needs of their beneficiaries to move them out of their poverty cycle. One example would be TOMS Shoes. Their social mission is buy one pair of shoes, another pair of shoes will be given away. Based on their website,  they only gives shoes to children (no adults). I agree that the shoes who allow the children to have better health (less injuries and chances of infection) and allow them  to walk more comfortably. But do we know if they really need the shoes? They local community have been used to walking barefooted or even find other ways to protect their feet and continue on with their lives?

Lastly, there is no "one size fits all" solutions. Each country is unique, They face different challenges and different reasons for why their people are facing poverty. Social Enterprises cannot resolve all of the problems faced.

What are your thoughts?

Angel:)


References: 
Forum, S. (2014). Can Social Enterprises Really Solve Poverty?. Forbes. Retrieved 11 January 2015, from http://www.forbes.com/sites/skollworldforum/2014/04/08/can-social-enterprises-really-solve-poverty/

Giving with a Purpose!

Hello,

In our lifetime, we would have definitely receive or gift a present during special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas! 

Often, we are willing to spend more on presents for our loved ones and best friends! 

In 2013, A UOB poll has shown that Singaporeans were willing to spend up to an average of $893 on Christmas presents!(Mok, 2014)

I agree with the author of article "Social Enterprise shopping a great idea for last minute Christmas Gift", we can triple our "gift- giving" impact by purchasing gift items from social enterprises! 

While spreading the joy to our loved ones, we can also support the various social causes championed by the social enterprises.

I came up with three ideas while reading the article. 

My first idea is to set up a Christmas market/ pop-up store/ website. 

With the help of SE Association, social enterprises can work together to organize Christmas markets or a pop up store which can be modeled after Public Garden, The Local People or Naiise! 

The public purchases would be channeled directly to the participating social enterprises. Items available for purchase could include handicrafts made by SEs, various charities and non-profit organizations (NPOs), restaurant/cafe vouchers, gift vouchers/ cards etc.  I have been to a Christmas Market organized by Public Garden and the response was quite good!  

The second idea is to collaborate with famous local cafes or blog shops as part of their Christmas promotions.  For example, XX  Company , a local social enterprise can work with Fluff Bakery. With every box of special cupcakes sold, $2 will go to XX Company.

My last idea is similar to the second idea but it is a collaboration with local charities or NPOs for Christmas fundraising events! A portion of  the SE's Christmas sales will be donated to a NPO.  

Do let me know your thoughts about my ideas! :D

Cheers, 

Angel:)

References

Luymes, G. (2014). Social enterprise shopping a great idea for last-minute Christmas gifts.www.theprovince.com. Retrieved 28 December 2014, from http://www.theprovince.com/health/Social+enterprise+shopping+great+idea+last+minute+Christmas+gifts/10670766/story.html

Mok, F. (2014). Upbeat Singapore shoppers spending more this Christmas: Poll. Straitstimes.com. Retrieved 28 December 2014, from http://www.straitstimes.com/the-big-story/st-christmas-2013/story/upbeat-singapore-shoppers-spending-more-christmas-poll-2013121

SE Feature 2: Soon Huat Bak Kut Teh

Hello!

This week, I am doing a feature on Soon Huat Bak Kut Teh.

Before I came across the Straits Times article; "Social enterprise Soon Huat expands to Indonesia", 
I didn't know that Soon Huat Bak Kut Teh was a social enterprise!

Taken from: https://www.facebook.com/soonhuatbakkutteh/photos/pcb.644558592332965/644558335666324/?type=1&theater

It has achieved much success as they planned to expand their operations into Indonesia! Singapore's Pride!


Why is Soon Huat successful?

I feel that the success attributes of Soon Huat Bak Kut Teh are great tasting food and strong social mission.

I agree with Mr Jabez Tan, the founder of Soon Huat Bak Kut Teh that a social enterprise needs to do well as a business first to become successful.  In the Food and Beverage Industry, a restaurant can only be successful if the food served is good and makes their customers come back to taste it again.

Quoted from Wheretoeat.com.sg, Soon Huat's Bak Kut Teh uses Argentinian Pork instead of traditional pork ribs for a less strong odour and tender meat. The broth is very unique as it successfully combines both Singaporean and Malaysian styles of Bak Kut Teh.

On Soon Huat's Facebook page, it has received 6,649 likes and a rating of 4.3 stars out of 5 stars,

The restaurant was also featured by many bloggers, such as ieatishootipost, misstamchiak, JohorKaki and others.

Soon Huat has a strong social mission which is to provide employment opportunities to ex-convicts.

Looking at the pictures posted by the food bloggers, I am so tempted to visit Soon Huat one day to try their Bak Kut Teh!


1. Soon Huat Bak Kut Teh

 Taken from http://johorkaki.blogspot.sg/2014/08/soon-huat-bak-kut-teh-at-macpherson.html

2. Braised Tow Ki

 Taken from http://johorkaki.blogspot.sg/2014/08/soon-huat-bak-kut-teh-at-macpherson.html


3. Dried Bak Kut Teh

 Taken from: http://www.misstamchiak.com/soon-huat-bak-kut-teh-simpang-bedok/

4. Braised Pig Trotters

 Taken from: http://www.misstamchiak.com/soon-huat-bak-kut-teh-simpang-bedok/


If possible, do support them as well!

Soon Huat Bak Kut Teh (順發肉骨茶)
Bedok Shopping Complex (Simpang Bedok), 302 Bedok Road
Tel: 6273 3338
Opening Hours: 11am – 930pm daily

Soon Huat Bak Kut Teh 順發肉骨茶 (MacPherson branch)
548, MacPherson Road, Singapore
11:00am to 10:00pm
Tel: 67430012

Angel:)

SE Feature: Crossings Cafe

Hello to my almost non-existent readers!

For the upcoming weeks, I will be featuring different local and international social enterprises.

This week, the focus will be on Crossings Cafe!

My group and I are working with Crossings Cafe for our Managing Social Enterprise module group assignment.

Last week, we conducted an interview with Ms Jenny Teng, the chairman of Crossing Cafe to get to know more about the social enterprise.

About Crossings Cafe

Crossing Cafe is a F&B social enterprise which employs the youths at risk and the disadvantaged. It aims to serve simple yet delectable fare while nourishing community connections.

As stated in the news article;"New work-study programme for graduates of Northlight and Assumption Pathway Schools, Crossing Cafe works with Assumption Pathway School to provide students who are interested in pursuing a career in the F&B industry employment opportunities.

Currently, Crossing Cafe has successfully employed 3 graduates from Assumption Pathway School.

With the Ministry of Education announcement of the new programme, I am sure more students are able to have the relevant F&B industry experience and lead them a more purposeful life.

Through our interview, I am able to feel Ms Jenny's driving passion and heart to help the beneficiaries and would love to be able to help more students or other disadvantaged people.

Ms Jenny also enlightened us with Crossing Cafe's unique social enterprise model.

Crossing Cafe is founded by eleven donor investors, including Ms Jenny. Unlike normal businesses where the investors would want a return of their investments, the donor investors do not expect returns. 100 per cent of their profits are plough back to the running of the social enterprise.

Also, the 10 per cent service charge is fully paid back to their employees as their additional incentives.

Ms Jenny also shared with us that she felt very proud of her staff when she knew that the employees have used the incentives for team -bonding activities and even contribute the money back to help others in need.

She do strongly believe that the business model of a social enterprise is very important and people should come to Crossing Cafe for the good food, atmosphere and to support the cafe's social cause.

Ms Jenny was very open and eager to share with us the challenges faced by Crossings Cafe such as attracting more dinner crowd and teenagers,  generate more revenue to be sustainable and have more for future growth, understaffed and managing the beneficiaries.

In terms of managing of beneficiaries, I feel that the government can provide more training like what Ms Jenny shared with us, it is challenge to motivate the beneficiaries to come to work as they have a different mentality and the staff would also need to be equipped with emotional management skills if the beneficiaries are suffering from emotional outbreaks, Most social entrepreneurs do not have the area of expertise.

Despite all these challenges , Ms Jenny and her team chose to strive on and do all they can to keep Crossings Cafe running, They are truly inspiring and I hope that my team and I will be able to come up with effective strategies and solutions to aid Crossings Cafe on their road to sustainability,

Do pay a visit to Crossing Cafe!

Address: 5 Waterloo Street, Singapore 187954

Opening Hours:

Weekdays: 8am-10pm
Weekends: 10am-10pm

More information can be found on their website: http://crossingscafe.com.sg/about-us/

References:

ABDUL KHAMID, H. (2014). New work-study programme for graduates of Northlight, Assumption Pathway schools. [online] Channel NewsAsia. Available at: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/new-work-study-programme/1454274.html [Accessed 29 Nov. 2014].

Crossingscafe.com.sg, (2014). ABOUT US |. [online] Available at: http://crossingscafe.com.sg/about-us/ [Accessed 29 Nov. 2014].

Defining Social Enterprises

From my previous post, we know that Singapore is ready and supports the establishment of social enterprises (SEs). 

However, do people clearly understand what a social enterprise is?

My definition of a social enterprise is a form of business with its core mission as using the profits generated to benefit the needy and disadvantaged or/and pursue environmental sustainability. 

So how are social enterprises defined in Singapore?

In Singapore, the Social Enterprise Association (SEA) defines social enterprises are, first and foremost, businesses or any non-profit, for-profit or hybrid corporate form that utilises market-based strategies to advance a social cause.

A Social Enterprise aims to create surpluses.   

Social enterprises are not driven by a need to maximise profit for their shareholders or owners.

Social enterprises can be said to pursue double or even triple bottom lines. This implies that beyond financial outcomes, they also seek to accomplish their intended social and/or environmental cause(s).

There is no restrictive usage of the term “social enterprise’’ which may be harmful as businesses can claim themselves as social enterprises for unethical means.

The social cause is not specified in the definition.

The Different Models of Social Enterprises

In Singapore, there are four main models of social enterprises.

** The social needs addressed by social enterprises and the business models used can be very diverse (such as environmental, social issues and healthcare etc).

With reference to the article: “Just what exactly is a social enterprise, more clarity is needed, NUS researchers say”, I agree with Ms Carrie Tan we need to safeguard the reputation of social enterprises which are living up to their mission, delivering their impact.

GrabTaxi claimed to be a social enterprise as it provides extra income to the taxi drivers who have accepted the certain number of jobs.

However, it does not fit into Singapore’s definition of social enterprises. 

GrabTaxi has two social missions, to make taxi-booking more convenient for commuters and increase the taxi-drivers income by aiding them to accept more jobs.

To me, GrabTaxi are not addressing social causes. Social causes identified by Ministry of Social and Family (MSF) in Singapore are the needy disadvantaged communities such as:

• Ex-offenders/Ex-drug addicts
• Youths-at-risk
• Persons with physical disabilities
• Persons with intellectual disabilities
• Persons with sensory disabilities
• Persons recovering from psychiatric illnesses
• Individuals from low income households

Should we specify the social causes which social enterprises are addressing in Singapore?

I definitely feel that specification is needed when the industry is matured so that people can identify social enterprises as purposeful businesses.

It can also deter other companies to claim themselves as social enterprises.

With a supportive environment and being clearly defined, the social enterprises in Singapore can focus on delivering their impact and be recognized for their efforts.

Cheers,

Angel :)

References

Auyong, H. (2014). Why GrabTaxi is giving Singapore’s largest taxi operator a run for its money. Tech in Asia. Retrieved 13 November 2014, from https://www.techinasia.com/grabtaxi-eat-comforts-lunch/

Cheong, K. (2014). Just what exactly is a social enterprise? More clarity needed, NUS researchers say - Singapore More Singapore Stories News & Top Stories - The Straits Times. Straitstimes.com. Retrieved 12 November 2014, from http://www.straitstimes.com/news/singapore/more-singapore-stories/story/just-what-exactly-social-enterprise-more-clarity-needed-

MSF Corp Web,. (2014). Social Causes. Retrieved 13 November 2014, from http://app.msf.gov.sg/SocialEnterprise/Get-Informed/Social-Causes

Seassociation.sg,. (2014). Social Enterprise Association. Retrieved 14 November 2014, from http://www.seassociation.sg/faq.php?menu_id=14&mid=5&smid=29

Wong, S. (2014). Cabbie shares his thoughts on Grab Taxi and the driving life... - Five Stars And a Moon. Five Stars And a Moon. Retrieved 13 November 2014, from http://www.fivestarsandamoon.com/cabbie-shares-his-thoughts-on-grab-taxi-and-the-driving-life/

Why Social Entrepreneurship? Is Singapore Ready for it?

The Singapore's Social Enterprise(SE) scene is rather happening recently. 

The Straits Times, Today and Channel News Asia and more are featuring more social enterprises in their articles.



Bettr Barista, Reverse Co-Operative and Empact are featured in "With More Social Enterprises, more doing good while doing business"article published by The Straits Times on 15 September 2014.

It can be said that social enterprises are making a greater presence in Singapore. Since January, the Social Enterprise Association saw an 20 percent increase. The SEs ranges from restaurants to consultancy firms. 

Mr Alfie Othman, the association's executive director estimates a 30 percent increase in the number of social enterprises in Singapore, around 350-400 SEs. 

So why are more Singaporeans embarking on the path of Social Entrepreneurship? 

In the article, there were a few reasons stated. The reasons could be the increased in awareness of Social Enterprise (SE) as a business model, a preference for entrepreneurs to create impact and profit, more funding available to Social Entrepreneurs, a changed definition of success,looking for more fulfillment, work ethics and conscientious DNA in a company. 

I agree with the opinions presented in the article.

Being featured frequently in the mass media can create more public awareness in social enterprises. More people are being exposed to the relatively new term "Social Enterprise" which helps to generate greater interest in this industry.

In Singapore, charities and voluntary welfare organizations are not self-sustainable in the long run.These organizations are mainly run by government grants,voluntary donations from donors and general public.

What happens to the beneficiaries when the donations and grants run out?

Social Enterprises are able to fill up this gap. A social enterprise is self sustainable business model by generating its own profits and benefit their chosen beneficiaries at the same time.

There are more opportunities and successful SEs can established themselves more easily as the SE industry is at its infancy stage.

Social Enterprises also portray a better image unlike the traditional forms of businesses where all profits are distributed back to the companies.  Goodwill can be acquired by providing the products/ services as customers know that it is for a good cause.

To have better branding, many established companies or Multi-National Corporations(MNCs) have set up Community Social Responsibility(CSR) unit to give back to the society. 

For example, SAP Asia has a comprehensive CSR program which aims to help the world run better by enhancing education and supporting entrepreneurship via SAP social innovation.

Many funding options and incubator programs are available for budding social entrepreneurs. These can provide essential knowledge, guidance from established SEs/ business founders and financial assistance for their start-ups, which are crucial for first- timers and aspiring youths.

The major local universities support and encourage social entrepreneurship with different events/ initiatives. University students can have a head-start in setting up their own SEs while pursuing their studies.

Ngee Ann Polytechnic and Republic Polytechnic offer social enterprise related diplomas for students who are interested to pursue their studies in this field after the Cambridge O/N levels.

Examples of funding options: 

1) Comcare Enterprise Fund

2) Youth Social Enterprise Entrepreneurship Programme(YSEP) for Start Ups

Examples of incubator programs conducted in Singapore:

1) PACT incubator, powered by DBS Bank

2) Global Social Innovation Forum by Social Innovation Park(SIP)

So, does Singapore have the potential to become a social enterprise hub? 

Based on the positive push by the private sector, government, the generally positive public reception of SEs and the establishment of successful SEs such as Eighteen Chefs, Adrenalin Events, Bettr Barista, Soon Huat Bak Kut Teh and Empact, I feel that the Singapore SE industry is looking promising. 

There are other areas where we can look at to enhance the industry.

We can see how we can safeguard the beneficiaries rights; to protect them when they face difficulties such as the shut down of an SE or workplace abuse.

In the article, there is also a call for regulations for the fast growing SE industry to prevent companies from using the term Social enterprise to disguise themselves as "do good"when they are not actually doing so. This might incur costs and stifle social entrepreneurs. 

I do support the calling of regulations to maintain the credibility of the SE industry and ensure that the SEs have impacted their beneficiaries. However, I do agree that it will be quite restrictive for social entrepreneurs if we impose regulations which all entrepreneurs need to follow to start up a SE when the industry has not mature.

Some questions also popped up in my mind.. 

1. Can the Social Enterprise "short-changed" their beneficiaries when they are facing financial difficulties to tide over? 
2. How should we measure the impact of a SE? Must all SEs use a set of standardized evaluation procedures?
3. Should SEs be covered under a specific set of  laws since it a unique business model?

We can only wait to observe the future developments of the local SE industry to see if there is a need for the SE industry to be regulated and if I have the answers for my questions!

Angel:)

References

Goy, P. (2014, September 15). With social enterprises, more doing good while doing business. Retrieved October 30, 2014, from The Straits Times Singapore: http://www.straitstimes.com/news/singapore/more-singapore-stories/story/social-enterprises-more-doing-good-while-doing-business-

SAP_CSR. (2014, March 13). Asia Pacific CSR at SAP. Retrieved October 31, 2014, from slideshare: http://www.slideshare.net/SAP_CSR/asia-pacific-csr-at-sap