Social Entrepreneurship in Singapore

• Main Authors: Tan, Wee Liang, TAN, Teck Meng
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Institutional Knowledge at Singapore Management University 2002
• Subjects: Asian Studies; Business Law, Public Responsibility, and Ethics; Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
• Online Access: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/lkcsb_research/238; https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/context/lkcsb_research/article/1237/viewcontent/B_03_Tan.pdf
• Institution: Singapore Management University

Social entrepreneurship is a new phenomenon in Singapore. Unlike the US, where there are entrepreneurship programs offered at various ACCSB accredited universities such programs do not as yet exist in Asia. The motivations for social entrepreneurship in Asia differ from those in developed countries. While as social entrepreneurship often stem from the social agenda of successful entrepreneurs who are motivated to repay society, the recent trend of social entrepreneurship in Asia may stem from initiatives directed at political liberalisation and the development of civil society on the part of existing governments. The Singapore government in 1997 introduced a series of initiatives to promote active citizenry and involvement in community development, thereby encouraging greater opportunity for social entrepreneurship.