Club of Aces

Winners of Red Club x Cartier's Young Leader AwardDIDI GAN and SURAJ NANDAKUMAR have made a mission out of giving waste new life. Here are their stories.

- JENNIFER CHEN

The winners of the latest edition of the Young Leader Award organised by Red Club, a global community of entrepreneurs, and French luxury house Cartier reveal the many facets of the circular economy. This is where used materials are regenerated for re-use instead of going into the dump.

In an edition themed Tech for a Sustainable Future, scientist-entrepreneur Didi Gan from Singapore was awarded for her transformation of food waste into a powerful substance that eliminates 99.9 per cent of bacteria and viruses, making it a sustainable replacement for traditional disinfectants. Her fellow winner, urban planner Suraj Nandakumar from India, helps cities build recycling infrastructure, processing the waste for quality feedstock and facilitating businesses' entry into the circular economy.

This is the first time the award has gone to two winners. Didi and Suraj beat 64 other applicants from around the world in a contest that recognises innovative solutions addressing critical environmental and social challenges. Both receive grants of 50,000 euros (S$71,000) to continue their work. The next edition of the Young Leader Award will take place in 2026, with the call for applications opening later this year.

DIDI GAN

Founder of N&E Innovations (Singapore)Didi developed an edible antimicrobial from upcycled food waste that can replace traditional disinfectants. This lessens the burden on landfills as well as reduces carbon emissions.

My entrepreneurship journey began with a commitment to creating a sustainable future, inspired largely by my children, Nathaniel, Emma and Asher, after whom N&E Innovations is named. They drive my mission to make a positive impact on the world, and this personal connection to the future is at the heart of my work.