Tech Touch
Singapore Tatler|May 2017

Social enterprises are harnessing the power of technology to create a greater and more measured impact on communities around the world. Grace Ma reports.

Grace Ma
Tech Touch

IN THIS CONNECTED AGE WHERE technological advancement is often viewed as an impediment to human interaction, a new breed of social entrepreneurs is using digital disruption to achieve greater social impact while running sustainable businesses that give value to their customers.

Take Zaya Learning Labs for example. Founder Neil D’ Souza started the social enterprise in India four years ago to provide quality content to low-income communities around the world via Class Cloud, an enterprise-grade wireless device that allows a classroom of 40 to 50 students to access personalised learning curriculums in places where there is limited or no internet.

The device enables women and students in rural schools to be educated for as low as $1 per month for a batch of 200 students. “We reach up to 1,000 students per school and this makes the unit economics of what we offer work very well,” says D’ Souza. “Our business model relies a lot on recurring revenue for our application and content; these costs are very low in the second and third year and hence our margins are very high.”

Meanwhile, in areas of healthcare and special needs assistance, Singapore-based start-ups such as Homage, Hapticus and eBeeCare use web and mobile technology to bridge the gap between demand and supply. Homage, started by Singaporeans Gillian Tee and Lily Phang in 2016, uses a proprietary system to build a smart customised care plan that helps those looking for home based care services match with suitable professionals who have the necessary qualifications and skills.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM SINGAPORE TATLERView all
Mathew Leong
Tatler Singapore

Mathew Leong

As the Norway-based Singaporean chef celebrates a milestone year both personally and professionally, he opens up about the toughest moments of his career and why failing is not an option

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
Asian Inspirations
Tatler Singapore

Asian Inspirations

Chef Ace Tan on his second restaurant, Asu-his love letter to regional Asian cuisine

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
State of the Arts
Tatler Singapore

State of the Arts

Arts nominated member of parliament Usha Chandradas discusses growing the creative economy by focusing on both supply and demand

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
Through a Curator's Lens
Tatler Singapore

Through a Curator's Lens

Circe Henestrosa, a fashion curator and the head of the School of Fashion at Lasalle College of the Arts, University of the Arts Singapore, merges her personal connection with artist Frida Kahlo with her extensive curatorial experience to explore intersecting themes of identity, disability and cultural heritage

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
Second Nature
Tatler Singapore

Second Nature

Poet and educator Yong Shu Hoong brings fresh perspectives to the helm of the Singapore Writers Festival, from interdisciplinary perspectives to multilingual programmes

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
Wine Down
Tatler Singapore

Wine Down

Nothing wraps up the day like a nice glass of vino. From flashy hedonistic escapades to geeky watering holes, these new wine bars promise celebrated viniferous pours that will please even the most discerning of oenophiles

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
A Legacy in Silhouettes
Tatler Singapore

A Legacy in Silhouettes

Kristina Blahnik, CEO of the designer shoe brand Manolo Blahnik and the niece of its legendary founder, shares her insights on preserving the house's heritage and introduces the new Manolo's Silhouettes campaign

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
To Have and to Hold
Tatler Singapore

To Have and to Hold

With its sumptuous textures, Loro Piana's elegant autumn/winter 2024 collection is a chic celebration of craft, quality and the universal appeal of tactility

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Scent of Strength
Tatler Singapore

Scent of Strength

Hermès unveils its first chypre perfume, Barénia―a captivating fragrance crafted by renowned perfumer Christine Nagel that embodies bold femininity and celebrates the brand's rich heritage

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Nocturnal Revival
Tatler Singapore

Nocturnal Revival

Nighttime skincare rituals will get a boost of supercharged restoration with La Mer's new Rejuvenating Night Cream

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024