Projects to be inspired by

Living labs

Tackling food waste and scaling for success though strategic partnerships

location: Singapore

This case study highlights how Living Labs, a capacity builder in Singapore, facilitated strategic partnerships and helped the growth a startup in Thailand, while also creating positive environmental and economic impacts. FoodWise, a Thai startup, developed innovative methodologies and tools to help restaurants reduce food waste generation. Their solutions proved to be highly efficient, leading to increased profitability for restaurants by 10 points within three months. However, the lack of sufficient traction hindered their ability to secure funding for scaling their operations.

The Mills Fabrica

Revamping retail for environmental education

location: Hong Kong

This case study focuses on a retail store that underwent a transformation to become an educational platform, aiming to raise awareness about plastic pollution and promote sustainable consumption practices. By incorporating retail space, educational workshops, and interactive experiences, the store sought to engage customers and inspire positive change in their daily lives.

The Yayasan Amir Trust schools programme

Transforming Education in Malaysia

location: Malaysia

The Yayasan AMIR Trust Schools Programme (TSP) is a collaborative initiative between the Malaysian Ministry of Education and Yayasan AMIR, a foundation established by Khazanah Nasional Berhad, Malaysia's sovereign wealth fund. The program, launched in 2010, aims to enhance the quality of learning and teaching in selected government schools, with a focus on holistic development and improved student outcomes.

Adopt- A - School program

Revolutionizing Education

location: Pakistan

This case study examines the implementation and impact of the Adopt-A-School Program in Pakistan, which aimed to address the historic lack of focus on building capacity in public education. By leveraging alternative sources of capital and resources, the program sought to improve the condition of dilapidated schools in the provinces of Sindh and Punjab. Spearheaded by CARE Foundation, Pakistan's largest educational nonprofit, the program facilitated partnerships between the private sector, civil society, and government-run schools to undertake educational improvements for children.

Social Impact Bonds

Addressing the Budget Challenge through Innovative Social Service Delivery

location: Japan

This case study explores the implementation of Social Impact Bonds (SIBs) in Japan as a solution to the country's acute budget challenge. With social spending already accounting for a significant portion of Japan's budget, the government sought innovative approaches to address the growing demand for social services. The Nippon Foundation, a prominent organization in Japan, introduced the SIB pay-for-success model as a potential solution. This case study examines the pilots launched in 2015, the successful outcomes achieved, and the subsequent adoption of SIBs in Japan.

Just Energy Transition Programs (JETPs)

A Multi-Stakeholder Approach to Sustainable Energy Transition

location: South Africa

This case study examines the Just Energy Transition Programs (JETPs), a comprehensive initiative aimed at facilitating the transition from coal mining to clean energy in various regions. The JETPs prioritize the integration of climate action, socio-economic considerations, and community engagement in order to achieve sustainable and equitable energy transitions. This case study focuses on the initial program implemented in South Africa and explores the challenges and complexities encountered during the planning phase.

Adasina Social Capital

Building a Gender Lens Investment Strategy through Community Engagement

location: USA

Gender lens investing has been gaining traction over the past few years, with investors seeking to align their values with their financial goals. However, the lack of reliable data and metrics has made it challenging for investors to make informed decisions that have a real impact on gender equity. This case study explores how Adasina Social Capital (‘Adasina’), an investment and financial activism firm, mobilized community groups, activists, and investors to build a gender lens investment strategy through community engagement.

Social Finance

Outcomes-Based Investing through Scaling Impact and Getting Smaller

location: USA

This case study examines Social Finance, an organization dedicated to building partnerships and investments to measurably improve lives. Recognizing the increasing interest in impact investing, they developed a model centered on outcomes-based approaches.

Image of children playing

IBEL

Amplifying Impact: Empowering Children through Collaborative Community Engagement

location: Hong Kong

This case study delves into the transformative work of IBEL in empowering children through educational opportunities and fostering community engagement. IBEL emphasizes the importance of language for social immersion and cultural integration. They promote an inclusive educational system that provides equal learning opportunities. IBEL believes in holistic development, considering academic, physical, emotional, and mental aspects. By addressing poverty through comprehensive education, they aim to create a more inclusive and integrated society.