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About The Event
We came together for an evening of discovery and purpose at “Embracing Social Sustainability”, organised as part of the SGLN Fellowship Programme's Action Learning Project (ALP) series.
The night began with a unique mindful cooking workshop led by Chef Jeremy Nguee (Culinary Director of TPC (Tsao Pao Chee)) which was not just about preparing a meal—it was an experience in mindfulness, demonstrating how intentional actions can make a positive impact. Working without recipes, we collaborated to create a delicious Nonya curry, a reflection of the power of trust, teamwork, and being present in the moment. It was a vivid reminder that social sustainability starts with the small, everyday actions we take to support one another.
Following this, we had a dynamic panel discussion featuring industry leaders Jesher Loi (Director of Branding and Development of Ya Kun Kaya Toast), Dr. Kenneth Tan (Deputy Executive Director of OCTAVE Institute Limited), and Jessie Chong (Former Head of Singapore Association for Mental Health), each offering valuable insights into how they’re driving purposeful change in their organisations. We were also fortunate to be joined by keynote speaker Frederick Tsao, Chairman of TPC (Tsao Pao Chee), who explored the broader significance of social sustainability. He emphasised the importance of aligning our purpose, communication, and energy to create businesses that not only succeed but contribute positively to society.
The evening left us with one clear message: social sustainability is more than a corporate initiative—it's a way of thinking that can transform how we work, live, and engage with the world around us.
We would like to extend our appreciation to our SGLN fellows Alice Fok, Michelle Khoo, Robin Pho, IDP-C, Sueann Yeo, Tracie Teo, and De Rui Wong who organised this event as part of their Action Learning Project.
Our gratitude also goes out to TPC (Tsao Pao Chee) for sponsoring this event.
Key Moments
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About the Singapore Leaders Network
Supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and managed by the Human Capital Leadership Institute (HCLI), the Singapore Leaders Network (SGLN) aims to prepare Singaporeans for global leadership roles. We aspire to help advance the social capital of Singaporean corporate leaders who can support one another on their professional and personal leadership journeys - whilst cultivating a vibrant and robust community. This is achieved through activities that enable members to learn, lead, and link including through large scale in-person events, smaller business networking sessions on various topics of interest, a structured mentoring programme, an Ambassador programme, as well as an online LinkedIn community.
Cooking Workshop Facilitator
Jeremy Nguee
Culinary Director of TPC (Tsao Pao Chee)
Head of the OCTAVE Culinary Academy
Best known for his work promoting Singapore Heritage Cuisine, Jeremy was the chef‐owner of award-winning gourmet caterer, Preparazzi and the creator of Bazuka Yakibuta and Rakusaba, Laksa Bar as well as the artist behind food concepts like The Dempsey Project, Ce Le Vi Sky High Hawker, MRS KUEH and Batu Lesung Spice Company. He was also winner of the Martell VSOP Ultimate Start‐up Space 2011.
In the last decade, Jeremy has applied his touch to projects in Paris, New Delhi, Saudi Arabia and Budapest working with a wide network that includes fine-dining restaurants, family establishments and hawker masters.
As part of OCTAVE, he continues to promote heritage cuisine, build pathways, and nurture a culture of innovation and knowledge sharing in the food industry.
Speaker
Frederick Chavalit Tsao
Chairman of Tsao Pao Chee (TPC) Group
Chavalit Frederick Tsao is the Chairman of Tsao Pao Chee (TPC).
He is the fourth generation to embark on his maritime career when he joined his family business at twenty years old. He ventured out on his own whilst serving IMC Group of companies (now known as TPC), whose roots can be traced to 1906. He started several companies, listed and then delisted two companies, and turned around a bankrupt Thai national shipping line successfully. At 37, he took over the helm from his father, Tan Sri Frank Tsao.
Under his stewardship, he restructured the traditional shipping company into a global enterprise with diverse business interests in more than 15 countries. Today, TPC has interests in four strategic business areas:
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IMC Industrial, a leading integrated maritime and industrial solutions provider in dry bulk shipping, industrial logistics, chemical transportation, shipyard and marine engineering, offshore assets and services, consumer logistics and palm oil plantations;
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Heritas Capital Management, an investment and fund management group;
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Octave Institute, a sustainable living lifestyle and real estate group; and
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AITIA Institute (AI) is a not-for-profit organization, that offers quality research based and personalized corporate programmes ready to tackle a spectrum of challenges faced by businesses.
Mr Tsao founded Family Business Network Asia, a regional chapter of Family Business Network International to promote sustainable family business. He believes that family business can make a difference to the evolution of business in the new role of business in society. He holds dual positions as the Permanent Honorary President and Chairman, Ambassadors’ Circle, Family Business Network International.
Mr Tsao graduated from the University of Michigan with a Master of Science in Engineering (Industrial and Operations Engineering) and a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering).
Panellists
Jesher Loi
Director of Branding and Development of Ya Kun Kaya Toast
Jesher Loi is the 3rd generation business owner and brand guardian of Ya Kun International. Ya Kun International is a regional brand that serves Singapore’s heritage breakfast of kaya toast and local coffee. They are currently in 8 countries with over 120 outlets worldwide. Jesher oversees the branding elements of each outlet and ensures brand consistency throughout its operations. He is also actively involved in the regional expansion strategy as Ya Kun goes beyond Singapore’s shores.
On the side, Jesher is actively involved in the youth, mentoring and heritage scenes where he was a Board of Director for Scape and is currently on the Advisory Board of the National Museum of Singapore. He was also a Singaporean delegate for ASEAN Youth Fellowship 2022 and a Fellow at the Company of Good Fellowship 2022 where he received the Merit Award for his Action Project on Community Development. He also sits on the SMEC Business Manpower Sub-Committee and the Singapore Business Federation’s Young Business Leaders’ Network Exco.
He is also active in the classical music scene among youth and secondary schools where he conducts string orchestras and also strives to use the vehicle of the business for social good.
You may also find his TEDxSingapore Talk on Reframing passion and purpose at work here.
Dr. Kenneth Tan
Deputy Executive Director of OCTAVE Institute Singapore
Kenneth oversees the development of end-to-end solutions in the areas of organisational development, talent management, and leadership development. His teams are responsible for delivering the Stewardship of Life Journey programmes, Mindful Living Programme and Mindful Emotion Programme, as well as key developmental resources for employees. Kenneth also leads the digital transformation initiatives at TPC Group.
Kenneth has over 20 years of experience in consultancy, organisational development, and leadership development roles spanning the people, private, and public sectors. Kenneth is a certified Association of Talent Development (ATD) coach and mentor, Gallup certified coach, and an Agile-methodology certified SCRUM Master. He is certified in AI and Business Strategy by MIT and has trained in Design Thinking at Harvard University. Kenneth is also a senior reviewer for the International Academic Forum (IAFOR) and has published and presented numerous papers on the topics of leadership development and organisational development. He holds a PhD in business management from the Australian National University.
Jessie Chong
Former Head of Singapore Association for Mental Health
Jessie's professional journey has evolved significantly, from a 30-year career as the former Regional Director of MUFG Bank and a Board Member of the Financial Women Association (FWA), to her recent dedication to the community service space.
Five years ago, Jessie discovered her Ikigai “reason for being” for the second half of her life journey to make the transformative transition to a purpose-driven career focused on creating meaningful social impact. Jessie’s commitment to giving back to the community was acknowledged by Senior Minister, Ms Indranee Rajah, in 2023 who recognized Jessie as a role model for seniors moving from corporate roles to serving the community.
Jessie earned a Masters in Psychology Counselling to equip herself to pivot into the community service space. She is now the Senior Assistant Director at the NTU Advancement Office, collaborating with partners to support financially needy students.
As the former Head of Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH), Jessie empowered Persons with Mental Health Conditions (PMHCs) for social reintegration. Her ability to bridge corporate and community service sectors positions her as an exemplary figure in promoting social sustainability.
Beyond her professional commitments, Jessie is a passionate advocate for mental well-being, facilitating wellbeing workshops to empower others to thrive mentally and emotionally. She is a devoted mother of two grown-up children.
With extensive leadership and community service experiences, Jessie inspires others to integrate social responsibility into their corporate practices, fostering a more sustainable and inclusive society.