Advertise on podcast: Conversation of Change

In the first episode of Beyond Borders, a new series under Conversation of Change, we have Meena Asadi from the Cisarua Refugee Shotokan Karate Club (CRSKC) to explore how karate became a source of hope, confidence and belonging for young refugees in Bogor, Indonesia since 2016. Meena shares why she chose karate, the challenges of building CRSKC with limited resources, and the journey of watching her students grow from hesitant beginners into confident athletes and leaders. The conversation also explores the experiences of young refugee girls and women overcoming barriers. Her book, The Darkest Place, is currently in Taiwanese. If you are a publisher who believes in the power of stories to create change, we invite you to connect with us and explore how you might help to bring her story to more readers around the world. Every border has a story. Every story has the power to create change.

Yishun is often the subject of headlines in Singapore - memes and jokes. But what if there was another side to the story? In this Conversation of Change episode, featuring the founders of Found Films, Cassandra Rudge and Aizuddiin Nasser, the creative team behind Yishun Strong, a home-grown micro-comedy series inspired by the lived experiences and characters of Yishun. They explain how childhood memories, local personalities, and a commitment to inclusivity shaped the series. Beyond the laughs, Yishun Strong is also an attempt to challenge stereotypes, foster belonging and celebrate the richness of local communities. We explore the role storytelling can play in reshaping public perceptions, the support they've received from residents and local businesses, and their ambitions for a larger second season. Tune in to hear how humour, creativity and community come together to tell a different story!

In this conversation, Benjamin Chua, founder and CEO of Speco, shares how the company blends social impact with sustainable innovation. He discusses Speco’s early beginnings in creating employment opportunities, offers practical insights on Fair Work practices, JEDI inclusion and navigating evolving B Lab standards. From becoming a certified B Corporation in 2020 to successfully recertifying in 2023, Benajmin shares insights on what it means to build a purpose-driven business. Stay connected by following the podcast for future episodes!

In this episode, we speak with Eric Olson, founder of Dignity Made, about building a social enterprise that restores dignity through coconut products. Eric shares the story behind Dignity Made’s mission from its roots in anti-trafficking efforts to the development of their innovative cold-centrifuge coconut oil process. We also dive into the brand’s transformation, the heart behind every jar signed by their team, and the real impact they’re making in communities. From healthcare to supporting education and breaking cycles of debt, this conversation highlights what sustainable, community-led change truly looks like. Follow their journey on Instagram!

In this episode, featuring Audrey Yang, a climate educator from Clean Creatives about practical sustainability, creative advocacy and how businesses can avoid greenwashing. They discuss the Clean Creatives pledge, low‑cost steps for SMEs, the importance of sustainability skills in communications, and how small actions and collective pressure can drive real change. Tune in to learn how you, your team, or your business can start making credible sustainability commitments today, and join the growing movement of creatives using their influence to drive real climate action!

In this episode of Conversation of Change’s new B Lab series, we have Dr. Bernice Pan, founder and CEO of Deploy, a certified B Corp and pioneer in sustainable, circular fashion. Bernice outlines Deploy’s 20-year journey and practical approaches to designing longevity and reducing waste. Topics covered include waste monitoring, zero-waste and multifunctional design, material selection, supplier screening for environmental and human-rights risks, climate-action planning, and the role of collective action and governance in scaling impact. As B Lab’s new standards raise the bar, this episode is a timely listen for fashion brands and aspiring B Corps looking to turn intention into action. Tune in to hear how long-term thinking, smart design, and collective action can drive real change.

In this episode of Conversation of Change, hosts Nabilah and Li Xuan sit down with Aarav and Dylan, co-founders of Expedition Joy, a youth-led initiative that creates memorable birthday celebrations for children and seniors in Singapore. They share how the project began, the challenges of fundraising and teamwork, and meaningful moments with beneficiaries.  Listeners will also hear practical ways to get involved whether through volunteering, contributing resources, or supporting Expedition Joy’s expanding efforts to spread joy across more communities. If you’ve ever wondered how young people can spark meaningful change, this episode is a heartfelt example of passion, compassion, and purposeful action in motion.

Join Christina Lee as she shares her journey from a long media career to founding Global Green Connect and a purpose-driven social enterprise, focusing on pragmatic sustainability, decarbonization and empowering youth and women. The episode covers working with SMEs on scope 3 emissions, translating ESG into economic value, education and hands-on programs like the SDG Open Hack. She also offers practical tips and simple actions you can take to kickstart your own sustainability journey. Take your first step toward a greener future!

What if education funding focused on your potential instead of your credit history? In this episode, Nabilah sits down with Mario Ferro, founder of Waiser, to explore how pay-it-forward income-share agreements are opening doors to higher education across Asia. Mario explains Waiser’s mission to break financial barriers, foster ethical financing, and drive systemic change in how we think about education access. He also shares real stories from students whose lives have been transformed, explains how Waiser promotes transparency in career choices, and reflects on their journey toward becoming a certified B Corp. He also highlights practical ways listeners can support the movement or even apply for funding themselves. Tune in to discover how Waiser is working to scale its impact to hundreds of thousands of students and what that could mean for the future of education.

We sat down with Ben, the co-founder of Luke's Lobster. From his early days as a freelance food writer to building a successful and sustainable business, Ben shares how he and his partner, Luke, turned a craving for authentic lobster rolls into a thriving enterprise that supports fishermen and local communities. Discover the motivations and challenges behind establishing a B Corp certified company, and gain insights into their unwavering commitment to sustainability, team engagement, and ethical seafood sourcing. Tune in to learn how Luke's Lobster successfully navigated expansion into Singapore amid a global pandemic, maintaining core values and a high standard of excellence. Don't miss this inspiring story of growth, change, and culinary delight!

In this uplifting episode of Conversation of Change, we chat with Chin Hock, founder of Holdinghands Studio — a self-taught photographer who turned his passion into a social enterprise that empowers under-resourced communities through photography. Hear how Holdinghands Studio balances social impact with sustainability, measures success, and overcomes challenges like language and cultural differences while building strong community ties. We also dive into their meaningful partnerships and their bold vision to inspire global change through the lens of a camera. Don’t miss this powerful conversation about how creativity and collaboration can drive real impact. Tune in to see how photography can be a force for good — and how you can be part of the journey.

Let's hear from Empowered Families Initiative (EFI), an innovative program focused on building the foundation for lower-income families to be empowered to make a change towards a better quality of life. We have the inspiring co-founders of EFI, Adriana and Pal, as they share their personal journeys and the origins of EFI. Learn about the challenges and successes faced by the families they support, and explore how the initiative empowers individuals to break free from poverty by leveraging their strengths. This episode highlights the importance of enabling families to shape their own futures and thrive with dignity, challenging the traditional models of social support. Discover the unique aspects of the EFI model that set it apart from conventional approaches, and learn how you can get involved in supporting such groundbreaking initiatives!

In this episode, Make The Change engages in an inspiring conversation with Lisa, the co-founder of Nazava Water Filters, a groundbreaking social enterprise providing affordable and safe drinking water to households in need. Join us as Lisa shares her journey from the Netherlands to Indonesia, where she witnessed firsthand the challenges of accessing clean water. Discover how Nazava Water Filters empower low-income rural communities by offering a sustainable solution that saves time, money, and reduces carbon emissions. Learn about the innovative design and rigorous testing that make Nazava filters reliable and effective across diverse environments. Lisa also discusses the importance of a sustainable business model and her vision for Nazava to become a global leader in household water filtration by 2030. Before wrapping up, Lisa highlights upcoming initiatives, including fundraiser campaigns to support war victims in Ukraine and provide water filters to Indonesian schools. Don't miss this eye-opening episode that underscores the transformative power of clean water!

Welcome to this episode of Conversation of Change, where we spotlight social entrepreneurs making a positive impact. This episode features two inspiring young entrepreneurs, Suyeon and Muhan from To Our Youth. To Our Youth is a self-photobooth service in Singapore dedicated to spreading joy and preserving memories. Despite their young age, Suyeon and Muhan have overcome numerous challenges to establish their business, including negotiating for spaces in shopping malls and breaking even within just three months of operation. In this episode, they share their journey from a spontaneous idea to a thriving business, their unique marketing strategies, and the importance of authenticity in their brand. They also discuss their future plans, including expanding to more locations and exploring portable booths and social sector collaborations. Don't miss this episode packed with inspiration and practical insights on making a difference through entrepreneurship. Until next time, keep making memories and sharing joy!

In this episode, Make the Change engages with Liz Cullen Whitehead, the CEO of 12PointFive and co-founder of Diversity Masterminds, who has supported diverse entrepreneurs since 2002. Liz shares her journey of creating positive change, her challenges, and how she addressed them. She also provides insights into the importance of supplier diversity, sustainability, and mindfulness in today's business landscape. Learn about Liz's bespoke services to underrepresented business owners and how she helps them leverage certifications for growth. Discover the rewarding aspects of her consultancy experience and her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make a positive impact. Join us for an episode filled with captivating stories and thought-provoking discussions. For more information, visit Make the Change, 12PointFive or Diversity Masterminds. Stay tuned for our next episode of Conversation of Change!