Stories

Asia’s approach to sustainability can be traced to a unique interplay of strategic policy continuity, high-impact demonstration projects, and robust supply chains. Beyond progressive policies, Asia’s integrated manufacturing ecosystems and surging green finance industry, such as China’s Emissions Trading System (ETS) and Singapore and Hong Kong–based climate bonds, have accelerated clean innovation, from lab-based prototypes to mass-market deployment. For sustainability-focused startups, this confluence of regulatory clarity, industrial depth, and investment exuberance positions Asia as the launchpad for globally relevant solutions.

The climate shifts have unveiled extraordinary opportunities for positive change, with a new generation of entrepreneurs, policymakers, and investors collaborating on new solutions and approaches that can reshape Southeast Asia’s sustainable, urban future. At the core of this momentum stands Singapore. With its transparent governance, global outlook, and willingness to adopt emerging technologies on a national scale, Singapore is naturally the frontrunner to be the region’s test bed – where it can be a “living laboratory” for pioneer approaches to urban planning and a sustainable future.

LKYGBPC’s commitment to fostering social ventures through technology and urban innovation has been further amplified for its 2025 edition through our collaboration with the Singapore Centre for Social Enterprise, raiSE, a national ecosystem builder that looks to seed and nurture new and existing Social Enterprises in Singapore. The partnership aims to equip participants with essential resources and expertise to unlock new, innovative ways to further develop the Social Enterprise sector.

Spotlight on the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (LKYGBPC) Visionary Partner: Mr. Zhang Fan, Co-Founder, Sequoia Capital China | Four-Time Forbes “Midas List” Honoree - on Empowering Future Innovators

We track down a Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition alumnus from 2006. Games developer extraordinaire Leonard Lin reflects on how the competition has evolved.

The very first intern under SMU’s Global Innovation Immersion programme to go to Sweden was SMU 3rd year Business Management student, Claire Soh – all thanks to the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition.

Four of the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition partners tell us why they believe in the competition.

Press release: Launch of the 12th edition of the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition.

From student volunteer in the inaugural LKYGBPC in 2002 to judge to potential AI partner, David Isaac Mathews has a long-lasting affiliation with the competition. He reflects on its evolution.

German-based startup COLIPI'S Maximilian Webers is hoping to extend its European success to the Asian market.