In June 2024, 57 high achieving students from across Asia and Singapore gathered for the inaugural Next Generation Philanthropy Leadership Scholarship Program Summer Camp.

This initiative from the Good Soil Foundation, supported by Sky9 Capital, was held at the National University of Singapore. It aims to develop future philanthropic leaders, with plans for annual editions and overseas programmes for Singaporean students. Led by founder Ms Faye Lo and co-founders Mr Ryan Cao and Mr Zack Cao, the Good Soil Foundation hopes to nurture social impact leaders through professional training and development.

Over five days, the high school students, aged 15 to 17, attended workshops and participated in activities to acquire the skills needed for leadership in social impact and philanthropy. 

Guided by esteemed mentors such as Professor Richard Buttrey from the University of Cambridge, former Singapore Nominated Member of Parliament Mr Viswa Sadasivan, and TikTok’s head of Social Impact Jerry Lewis Ong, students participated in workshops on leadership, public speaking, as well as social responsibility.

Exploring philanthropy

One highlight of the camp was a visit to Singapore’s OUE Group, where its chairman Dr Stephen Riady discussed corporate responsibility with the students. The conversation underscored the role of corporate philanthropy in fostering inclusive societies.

Students also visited the Enabling Village and Tzu Chi Foundation, gaining insights into the impact of organised charity work.

The programme encouraged students to apply their knowledge through practical ways. One standout project was NourishMind, focused on physical and mental health through nutrition, offering personalised meal plans, artificial intelligence-driven mental health tools and an interactive food interface. Another project, The Sanctuary Initiative, aims to address elderly loneliness with engagement kits.

Each summer, the programme will welcome a new class, with alumni from the previous year mentoring incoming participants, supported by Ms Lo, Mr Ryan Cao and Mr Zack Cao.

In 2025, a new cohort will embark on a unique learning journey where students will engage directly with local communities. Mornings will be dedicated to classroom learning, while afternoons will involve volunteer work, allowing students to experience philanthropy in action. The Next Generation Philanthropy Leadership Scholarship Program also has plans to bring students to different countries such as Thailand, Japan and China.