Social Entrepreneurship

Bringing Diversity to Documentary

I’m honored to have been accepted into the 6-month “Diverse Voices in Docs” program organized by Kartemquin Films and the Community Film Workshop of Chicago. (see HuffPo article) Think of it as an incubator for emerging documentary filmmakers of color.

We’re now done with our very first session and I’ve been blown away by all the talent in the room. So much experience. So much wisdom. We wasted no time on day one. Tasked with introducing everyone to our works-in-progress within 5 minutes, I took the leap to turn an idea that’s been in my head for months, into reality. I’m excited about highlighting and exploring a much heavily praised aspect of Singapore with folks here in Chicago.

Adventures In Learning

The documentary I’m going to be working on throughout the course of the program and beyond will shine a spotlight on innovation in the classroom, before teens enter university. Areas of interest include classrooms that incorporate social entrepreneurship, environmental sustainability, or global citizenship.

Driving Force

The interest in these new curriculums and teaching methods really stem from my experience of growing up in a very “exam-driven” educational system, where school was more about learning to get the good grades than it was about learning… actually learning. I remember feeling like a fish out of water when I first stepped into the classrooms at Northwestern University. “You mean you actually wanna hear my opinion?” And also in constant awe of the number of fellow students around me who truly believed they could change the world.

Research Research Research

I’d like to follow stories both in Singapore and in Chicago. If the above resonates with you, I’d love to chat. In this initial research stage, I’m seeking people who’ve done academic studies on the education systems in Singapore and the US, and those who are directly involved in either education system, whether as a teacher, an administrator, or even as a student with an opinion to share.

At this point, I’m still searching for the right points to cover, characters to follow, and stories to tell. Know someone who fits the bill? Send him/her my way.

Journey With Me

Curious and wanna come along for the ride? Sign up to receive progress updates via my newsletter. :)

February 4, 2013February 4, 2013 by yongshuling Categories: Adventures In Learning, Diverse Voices in Docs, Kartemquin Films, My Work, Social Change, Social EntrepreneurshipTags: chicago, Classroom Innovation, Documentary film, DVID, education, Environmental Sustainability, Filmmaking, Global Citizenship, Kartemquin Films, northwestern university, singapore, Social Entrepreneurship, United States 1 Comment

Playing for Change

If there’s one thing I can turn to for warmth and comfort for the soul, especially with the plummeting temperatures here in Chicago, Playing for Change is it. This is a wonderful organization i came across a year ago that brings the world together through the universal language of music. To record a guitarist in 1 country, a drummer in another, and a trumpeter, a saxophonist, a choir in many more and then put them together into 1 music piece… that’s both brilliant and beautiful.

So what started out as a cool music project 4 years ago is now helping to raise funds to promote music education through the Playing for Change Foundation. Just in spring, they opened the doors to their first completed music school in South Africa! Now that’s music to my ears!

See and hear the magic for yourself!

It’s inspired me to try a mini-version of my own when i return home to Singapore too… how awesome would it be to bring together the musicians and street buskers of Singapore? From little drummer Ethan Ong to the uncle who’s been playing the keyboards in the Orchard Road tunnel for decades… oh, the possibilities! How exciting!

October 3, 2009December 4, 2009 by yongshuling Categories: Learn Something New, Social Change, Social EntrepreneurshipTags: Busker, Ethan Ong, Global, Mark Johnson, music, musician, Orchard Road, Playing for Change, Social Entrepreneurship, South Africa, World Leave a comment

The Social Venture Network

I was very fortunate to have been asked to edit the footage my bosses shot at The Social Venture Network Conference back in Spring. Sure, it meant sitting through hours of speeches and forum discussions, but i loved every minute of it. I learned so much from hearing the country’s pioneers of socially responsible businesses discussing and debating issues. It was absolutely exciting to see the CEOs of companies like Stonyfield Farms and Honest Tea – brands of products i have in my refrigerator – dispensing advice and sharing their business experiences. Definitely one of the most enjoyable pieces I’ve edited.

Witness the power of collaboration as the country’s pioneers of socially responsible business come together to discuss and debate issues, to inspire and aid business growth, and to build lasting friendships. The Social Venture Network is your connection to knowledge and resources from a community of the most innovative social entrepreneurs on the planet.

Edited as part of my work for Conscious Planet Media.

September 23, 2009December 4, 2009 by yongshuling Categories: Conscious Planet Media, My Work, Social Change, Social EntrepreneurshipTags: Conscious Planet Media, Social Entrepreneurship, social innovation, Social Venture Network, socially responsible business, SVN Leave a comment

Why be socially conscious?

I’ve finally finished editing the video featuring interviews with Social Venture Network members and other memorable moments at their spring gathering for my work at Conscious Planet Media. What I really loved about editing this was watching all the footage recorded at the plenary and breakout sessions. I got to learn so much from pioneers of socially responsible business and was truly inspired to believe that we can indeed change the world.

I was reading David C. Korten’s Agenda for a New Economy where he explains why the steps being taken to address today’s economic crisis are as ineffective as treating cancer with a bandage. Simply pouring trillions of dollars into bailing out Wall Street institutions ain’t gonna help. Business needs to be redefined. What we really need are locally based, community oriented businesses devoted to creating a better life for all, not simply increasing profits.

My friend Eu-wen shares a similar interest for social entrepreneurship as i do. I think what he’s doing and learning at his internship at Embrace istremendously inspiring. They’ve found a way to produce an affordable infant incubator for just US$25. Compared to traditional incubators that cost $20,000, this one is far more affordable. It looks just like a sleeping bag for babies, is easy to heat up (just boil a pouch & insert!) and very portable… it’s going to save the lives of many babies born premature in countries like India where they may not have access to good healthcare facilities.

A few weeks ago, he posted the following video on facebook along with the following note.

Transactions made freely by customer and seller on equal terms, leads to higher welfare of all parties involved, unlike in traditional models of plain charity. If you are marginally interested in social enterprise or are intrigued by the idea but dont know all that much about it, watch this video. Have Seth Godin explain to you in 7 minutes why working on, developing, and/or creating social enterprise is possibly the most rewarding thing you can do with your life.

I soaked up all 7 minutes of it. Take the signal from Obama’s decision to create the Office of Social Innovation in the White House and the growing number of business schools offering a focus on civic engagement and social entrepreneurship. Something big is brewing. It’s a growing movement that you should be a part of. It’s time to realize that the world is bigger than yourself.

August 20, 2009December 1, 2009 by yongshuling Categories: Conscious Planet Media, Learn Something New, Social EntrepreneurshipTags: Conscious, Conscious Planet Media, Economy, Embrace, Global Engagement, Korten, Seth Godin, Social Entrepreneurship, Social Venture Network, SVN Leave a comment

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