36 ex-offenders and at-risk teenagers successfully complete the STEP UP Entrepreneurship Series

SINGAPORE, 21 March 2023 – The STEP UP Entrepreneurship Series organized by Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG) and HCSA Community Services successfully concluded today with 36 participants including ex-offenders and at-risk teenagers taking part. 

The series wrapped up with a graduation ceremony witnessed by Guest-of-Honor, Mr. Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Social and Family Development where participants were issued with certificates of completion.

The series saw training sessions organized by P&G in which P&G representatives volunteered to share best practices and case studies on essential entrepreneurship skills. This includes topics such as branding and communications, business ownership and leadership skills amongst others. This also involved guest speakers such as Benny Teo, Former Chef and Co-founder of Eighteen Chefs sharing his experiences with the participants.

“HCSA Community Services has been an important partner in MSF’s efforts to reintegrate ex-offenders. I am encouraged to know that beyond funding, P&G staff also volunteered their time to serve our community alongside HCSA. I hope to see more of such collaborations and partnerships among the community to prevent offending and re-offending. By coming together and sharing our resources, we can do more to uplift the lives of those around us,” said Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Social and Family Development.

“At P&G, we see ourselves as a force for good and growth in the communities we are in. Programs such as the STEP UP Entrepreneurship Series allow us to give back to our communities through mentorship and support for vulnerable segments such as ex-offenders and at-risk teenagers. It is inspiring to hear about their personal journeys and the drive they have to move forward. It’s heartening to see how this program enables them with skills and opportunities to thrive in the society,” said Clint Navales, Vice President Communications, Asia Pacific, Middle East, And Africa (AMA), P&G.

“Everyone has a role to play when it comes to helping vulnerable members of society progress and achieve social mobility. We are proud to be able to have a partner in P&G who has developed and provided training which can help our participants step up and realise their potential. We are aligned in our desire to create good for society, and where there are better opportunities and support in giving our vulnerable members a future and a hope,” said Kim Lang Khalil, CEO of HCSA Community Services.