Young Business Leaders Network
Reshaping the future of business, one leader at a time
The Young Business Leaders Network (YBLN) is a diverse network of young business professionals united by a desire to create positive impact through their businesses. We support this community by curating opportunities to meet peers, share ideas and experiences, and develop partnerships. If you’re one of such passionate and driven individuals check out how the SBF Young Business Leaders Network is reshaping the future of business, one leader at a time.
About Us
It starts with leadership
The business challenges of today far exceed the ones faced by previous generations. That is why the world needs young leaders who can imagine and champion more sustainable practices. A new cohort capable of doing business in ways that ultimately benefit people and society at large.
The Business Roundtable (BRT) redefined the purpose of a corporation beyond its accountability to shareholders, but to all stakeholders. This includes customers, employees, vendors, partners, investors - but also the community in which we live.
Inspired by this vision, SBF created the Young Business Leaders Network (YBLN) to harness the potential of Singapore’s young entrepreneurs, ‘next-gen’ business owners, and corporate leaders.
How YBLN empowers a socially sustainable future
- People are stepping into leadership roles at a much younger age, the skills required have multiplied exponentially and the impact of their decisions has far-reaching consequences.
- To overcome the challenges of being a leader today, YBLN has built a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive community that offers knowledge, guidance, and exposure.
- Here you can meet peers, learn from mentors, share experiences, and explore partnerships that — together — can create positive social impact in the world today and for the generations to come.
- Our ethos is one of inclusivity and collaboration, and we actively champion business practices that are in pursuit of innovation, community wellbeing, environmental stewardship, and good governance, in addition to economic success.
- If you also believe there is more to business than being financially successful and want to connect with like-minded innovative leaders who are making a difference, explore the benefits of joining the YBLN.
What we do, matters for the community and the planet
We believe we can build success and sustainable organisation, and leadership plays a big role in this, recognising that purpose must be realised through action.
YBLN not only leverages SBF’s 27,000-member network. It’s an active community itself that helps members to meet, share, and partner through a combination of fireside chats, workshops, mentorship programmes, and strategic projects to positively impact people, society, and the world through business. Are you one of such courageous, committed, and spirited new-gen leaders? Find out more about all-year-round activities of YBLN and the initiatives that are shaping our business community.
YBLN is also Singapore’s official representative to the ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Council and Association, connecting our home-grown leaders with the rest of the world.
Benefits
When you join the YBLN, you will get to leverage:
- Our community. Being surrounded by individuals who – like you – are determined to make a change, leave a footprint and make a tangible difference.
- The SBF network. A bench strength of more than 27,000 members and unique resources that are unparalleled in Singapore.
- Thought leadership & inspiration. A combination of fireside chats, workshops, business missions, family business/multi-generation wealth transfer and mentorship programmes, among others.
Activities
Our all-year-round activities include:
YBLN x NVPC: Driving the Corporate Purpose Agenda (24 August 2022)
The Young Business Leaders Network has returned once again with a PURPOSE! As societal expectations evolve, so have the dynamics between business and society. In collaboration with the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre (“NVPC”), we explored why it is important to re-examine the positive impact businesses would like to create & why our community should integrate purpose with core business strategies and take the lead on being purpose driven organisations.
Human Capital: People, Leadership & Talent (12 May 2022)
The Young Business Leaders Network presents “A Deep Dive into People, Leadership & Talent”. Listening to the musings of fellow young leaders, share ground-breaking ideas and engaging in an in-depth conversation about the most pressing human capital management issues of our times. Enhancing human capital - a tenet for the business of tomorrow. With change comes great possibility.
Ingenuity@Work – People, Process & Performance (30 Nov 2021)
Hosted by the Young Business Leaders Network, learn of relatable extraordinary business stories from 4 inspirational individuals on how they “Make it Happen, Make it Matter!” while we thrive through the transition of the pandemic into an endemic. Be the change you want to see around you – expect and believe the unexpected, and achieve beyond your capacity!
Conversations for Change - Profit with Purpose: The Pathway to Lasting Business Resilience (24 Aug 2021)
In collaboration with Sustainable Employment, YBLN invited Caroline Seow, Benjamin Chua, Jacqui Hocking, and Robin Pho to share their journeys of building resilient businesses with a purpose, how they redefined business success, and how enterprises strive not to be "best-in-the-world" but "best-for-the-world”.
Members’ Engagement Session – Drink Night ~ Good Vibes Only at Jiu Zhuang Dempsey (28 Apr 2021)
A great way to unwind the day by gathering the tech-savvy individuals together over drinks. Graciously hosted by YBLN Vice-Chair, Mr Mark Lee, these get-together sessions aim to foster an engaging community for our members to meet peers, share experiences, and possible partnership explorations.
Members’ Engagement Session – Drink Night ~ Let’s Have A Get Together at Publico (21 Mar 2021)
To build a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive network, YBLN organises small and highly interactive sessions with the members on a regular basis. Hosted by YBLN’s Exco member, Mr. Suhaimi Zainul-Abidin, it was a fun-filled night with a group of finance enthusiasts.
Dialogue with Minister Chan Chun Sing: Opportunity of A Generation (3 December 2020)
A special conversation with Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing to cap off the year on the global economic landscape, and how young business leaders can play a vital role in the future of our economy. The dialogue was moderated by Suhaimi Zainul-Abidin.
Fireside Chat: Leading During & After Crisis (15 June 2020)
YBLN’s second Fireside Chat had Sajen Aswani, Chief Executive of Tolaram Group and Tan Chin Hwee, Asia-Pacific Chief Executive of Trafigura Group share what they forecast and how they are positioning themselves for the future. This Fireside Chat was moderated by Fang Eu-Lin, Partner of PwC Singapore.
AYEC Cambodia Delegation (11 Oct 2019)
Eleven young entrepreneurs from Cambodia, led by the President of Young Entrepreneurs Association of Cambodia, met their Singapore counterparts including Chong Ee Rong, Chairperson of YBLN Exco, Mark Lee, Vice Chair of YBLN Exco, TS Teo, MD of PIL Logistics, and SS Teo, SBF Chairman, at a networking dinner. The Royal Ambassador of Cambodia to Singapore was the Guest-of-Honour.
AYEC Carnival and Meeting, Bangkok (2-3 Sep 2019)
Three YBLN Singapore members presented at the ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Council Carnival and Meeting, and networked with more than 350 participants from 10 ASEAN countries.
Fireside Chat: Stewardship in Business (29 Aug 2019)
In YBLN's first Fireside Chat, distinguished guest speakers Beh Swan Gin, Chairman of Economic Development Board, and Dilhan Pillay Sandrasegara, Chief Executive of Temasek International, shared their thoughts on the stewardship mindset and values Singapore businesses need to have to navigate today's economic climate.
ASEAN Economic & Trade Activity, China (27-31 May 2019)
The China Young Entrepreneurs’ Association hosted YBLN Singapore members at the ASEAN Economic & Trade Activity. They attended a business matching session, heard about investment opportunities, and visited leading Ningxia companies and conglomerates.
Building Purposeful Brands (16 Apr 2019)
Twenty-four YBLN members attended a workshop conducted by Daniel Comar, Geometry Asia Pacific, on how brands with clarity of purpose can achieve greater success.
Roundtable with David Werdiger (31 Jan 2019)
This interactive session focused on maintaining the critical harmony and balance in both the family and business when there is a family business succession transfer. There was also a discussion on preserving family values as one's business internationalises.
BizQ Article: Opening Doors to Niche Investments
Click here to read the article.
BizQ Article: Serving Up a Recipe For Success
Click here to read the article.
BizQ Article: Aqeel Nomanbhoy: Carrying on His Family's Legacy
Click here to read the article.
BizQ Article: Suhaimi Zainul-Abidin: Next-Generation Fund Manager
Click here to read the article.
BizQ Article: Fang Eu-Lin: Making the Case for Sustainability
Click here to read the article.
BizQ Article: A Rising ASEAN Entrepreneurial Talent
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BizQ Article: Casey: Paying It Forward
Click here to read the article.
Initiatives
We believe purpose must translate into action. These are a few examples of how young Singaporean leaders are reshaping the future of business:
YBLN Mentorship Programme
Building the next generation of leaders
Inspired by the success of earlier generations, SBF created the Young Business Leaders Network (YBLN) to harness the potential of Singapore's brightest entrepreneurs, ‘next gen’ business owners, and corporate leaders. Our vibrant community represents the hope and future for Singapore stewardship. Structured over a 12-month period, the YBLN Mentorship Programme offers YBLN members the opportunity to engage, learn, and be inspired by some of Singapore’s most successful industry stalwarts.
The SBF-YBLN HOPE Fund
The SBF-YBLN HOPE Fund was aimed to help our promising enterprises tide over the pandemic crisis. Click here for more information. Please access the various media reports below:
- The Business Times article
- The Straits Times article
- Fortunes Times article
- CNA 938 interview (with Arnold Gay and Yasmin Yonkers)
- Money FM 89.3 interview (with Michelle Martin)
SBF-YBLN HOPE Fund Partnership with CIMB and Goldbell
The SBF-YBLN HOPE Fund announced a partnership with CIMB Bank Singapore and Goldbell Financial Services to bring further financial support to SMEs impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here for more information. Please access the various media reports below:
- The Business Times article
- Money FM 89.3 interview (with Michelle Martin)
- BiZQ article
- CNA 938 news bulletin coverage
Join Us
Our shared future depends on the thoughts, values, and actions of our current generation of young business leaders. To join us, please reach out to the Young Business Leaders Network team via our Enquiry Form.
MORE INFORMATION
OPERATING HOURS
Monday - Thursday:8.45 am to 6.00 pm
8.45 am to 5.00 pm
Closed on Weekends and
Public Holidays
