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A Night of Possibilities: Highlights from the Young Founders School Gala 2025
- Rituparna Konar
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
“The future belongs to those who believe in the power of possibility.”
On August 30th, 2025, the Young Founders School (YFS) Gala 2025, proudly supported by Singapore Global Network, brought together entrepreneurs, educators, mentors, and changemakers to celebrate young innovators and inspire a vision for the future. The evening highlighted innovation, impact, and the transformative power of opportunity.
Messages from Key Speakers
Jonathan Lim, Manager at the Singapore Global Network, opened the evening with a keynote on resilience, creativity, and the entrepreneurial spirit. “They’re (YFS) not just teaching business, but important traits to pick yourself up and try again,” he said, emphasizing the value of skills that extend beyond the boardroom.
Billy Naveed, Founder of Young Founders School, spoke about the organization's AI-first approach to learning and its mission to empower young people. He shared stories of Aminu, a founder whose startup Clean Wave collected two tons of waste in a single day, and Charlotte, a dentist running free clinics. “That’s what happens when we refuse to accept that a young person’s future should be determined by their circumstances,” he said, highlighting YFS’s commitment to enabling possibility.
Achievements and Goals
The 2024–25 year marked record growth for YFS: 23,000 students and 1,000 internships delivered, representing 800% and 300% year-on-year growth, respectively. Over SGD 500,000 was raised at the Gala, supporting programs that expand YFS’s reach and impact.
Looking ahead, YFS aims to reach 50,000 students and deliver 1,500 internships by 2026, while launching new chapters in Indonesia and the Philippines. The organization's ultimate goal is to reach one million students by 2030, equipping them with the skills, confidence, and guidance to shape their futures.
Voices from the Evening
The stories of students left a lasting impression. Fardeen Khan, an alumnus from Bangladesh, shared how mentorship helped his Nabik Automations project support thousands during floods. Guided by mentor Sanjida, his story captured the essence of YFS, how mentorship can turn ideas into meaningful impact.
James Zheng, a 17-year-old from Hong Kong who lost his sight at 14, revealed how
he built UEB Math Scribe during his YFS internship, an app that converts Braille math into print in real time. “I’m not just solving my own problem. I’m creating tools that can help students like me worldwide,” he said.
Attendees also shared their reflections:
“As a parent and someone who works with startups, I’m constantly reminded how powerful early exposure to entrepreneurship can be. Grateful to this community for investing in hands-on learning, mentors, and role models for young builders.”— Clement Parazon, Head of Venture Capital and Startups Partnerships, Southeast Asia, Google.
“I am really fortunate to be part of the volunteer team and privileged that, for the second time in a row, TiE Singapore decided to come out in large numbers to support this entrepreneurial initiative that is so close to all our hearts.”— Prantik Mazumdar, President, TiE Singapore.
“An amazing event for an amazing cause, harnessing AI to equip underprivileged children with the skills to become tomorrow’s entrepreneurs. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection was pleased to play an important part in the SGD 500,000 raised on the night.”— Seb Seward, VPGM, Asia Pacific, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.
“It was a superb evening celebrating the efforts of an incredible charity that empowers teenagers with entrepreneurial skills and confidence. The achievements of many who have gone through the programs and mentorships are truly awe-inspiring.”— Struan Todd, Chief Insurance Officer, Blackpanda.
Thank You to Our Community
The Gala’s success is thanks to our attendees, sponsors, and supporters. Your presence, engagement, and contributions make the YFS mission possible.
Be a Part of the Journey
Young Founders School is on a mission to reach one million students by 2030. Join us. Partner with us. Mentor with us. Help us create possibilities that will define the future.
