0830 - 0900

Registration

0900 - 0910

Opening Performance

0910 - 0915

Emcee Opening

0915 - 0920

Welcome Address

Melvyn Mak, Chairman, TBN Asia

0920 - 0940

Opening Address:

From the Edges of Borneo to the Heart of Impact

When social entrepreneurship was still a foreign concept in many parts of Malaysia, Sabah stood quietly on the sidelines—home to fewer than five accredited social enterprises, often operating in isolation and with little systemic support. But that narrative was about to change. Under the leadership of Viviantie, CEO of SCENIC, Sabah’s ecosystem began to transform—not through replication, but through reimagination.

This is a journey of how Sabah emerged as one of Malaysia’s top three states for social enterprises. From championing local founders in rural areas to unlocking government and corporate partnerships for social procurement, SCENIC’s model of community-rooted innovation has proven that great impact can come from the margins. With SEWF Rural now set to be hosted in Sabah and a growing pipeline of resilient changemakers, Sabah’s story is no longer about catching up—it’s about leading with purpose.

Viviantie Sarjuni, CEO, INSKEN (Institut Keusahawanan Negara)

0940 - 1000

Second Day Keynote Address:

Key to Poverty Alleviation - Economic Development through Social Entrepreneurship

The Economy of Communion is not interested in creating a system that only cares for its victim, it aims to build a system where there are no victims. In order to do that, we must change the rules of the current socio-economic system through:

Changing the rules of economic theory in favour of the poor.
The current rules are not motivated to overcome poverty, and instead continues to favour the rich.
Changing the rules for access to capital in favour of social enterprises.
The problems facing our world are massive, and yet, social enterprises who work hard towards a social mission to bring about change, struggle to raise capital. Real steps need to be taken towards establishing a social stock exchange that can be the tipping point.
Changing the rules of education for a new generation of leaders.
We need leaders who genuinely care for the common good. This is achieved not by training, but through a deep formation of the heart and spirit of the leader.

Lawrence Chong, Group CEO at Consulus, MD at DesignFutures Venture, & Consultor in Vatican Dicastery for Interfaith

1000 - 1100

4th Plenary:

Families and Foundations - from Scholarship to Entrepreneurship, Evolving the Pathway to Greater Social Impact

Many Asian families like to fund traditional causes like education. While it is a noble and needed cause, perhaps family offices could consider diversifying their philanthropy and/or investments into innovative vehicles that are directly addressing societal problems. Social enterprises offer solutions that are more sustainable than charities, and they often focus on the root of societal problems, rather than just the symptoms - systemic rather than specific funding. In many cases, these align well with the family values. While recipients are always asked to be more creative in their solutions, correspondingly, families should also be more creative in their giving beyond scholarships. Together, we can bring about greater purpose driven social impact.

Dr. Vincent Chian, COO, Fairview International PLC

James Zou, Managing Director, Rao Family Office

Lam Nguyen-Phuong, Chairman, Nguyen-Phuong Family

Wong Xiao Cheng, Chief Operating Officer, YTL Foundation

Moderator:

Jackie Yap, Associate, Congleton Family Office

1100 - 1120

Morning tea break

1120 - 1140

Inspire Me 3:

No Farmers, No Food

Farmers are the bedrock of our food chain. Yet, they remain one of the poorest groups of people - have you ever heard of a rich farmer? We have heard of the rich banker, or the rich businessman, however, without the food that the farmers produce, what do their riches do for them? Research has shown that investment in agriculture is three times more effective in reducing poverty than non-agricultural sectors. Unfair trade practices and inequality, lack of market access, land ownership issues, climate change, social and policital marginalization, etc, have unfortunately resulted in agricultural workers being one of the most exploited and oppressed. How can we transform the farming landscape and help farmers? Additionally, in increasingly urbanized societies, how do we strengthen our own food security? One possible answer is through social entrepreneurship.

Kenny Eng, Founder & Chief Farmer, The Local Farm

1140 - 1220

Fireside Chat:

Building Collaborative Good through Bridging Divides

In today's increasingly fractured world, the popular saying: divide and conquer has not aged well. As we recognize and celebrate that we are better together, unite and collaborate works more effectively. Reaching across the divide to offer understanding and empathy will always deliver stronger results. Salt is composed of two poisons: chlorine and sodium. If you ingest either by itself, you can die. But put them together and you have ordinary salt - one of the most common and useful substances on planet earth. And so it is with us. When we can unite and collaborate, we too can transform into one of the most effective good on planet earth.

Collin Swee, Founder & CEO, Newport Technologies Sdn. Bhd.