SINGAPORE, Thekabarnews.com—Young innovation can have a real cross-border impact. Take Nathan Alexandro Tjhe, a student from Pontianak who has been able to combine entrepreneurship with social responsibility.
Nathan has been successful in creating a sustainable model with his student-led movement, “Peduli Initiative.” This initiative helps Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) in Singapore and vulnerable communities in Indonesia.
Nathan is a student at ACS (International) Singapore. In 2022, during the difficult times of the pandemic, he began his journey. He quickly adapted to the new academic and social challenges.
Nathan received the IGCSE Distinction Award for his academic excellence. He also demonstrated his entrepreneurial flair with the innovative product “Snug & Stitch,” an adaptive baby clothing design to reduce textile waste and increase sustainability.
This achievement was a major milestone in his journey, going beyond just earning Prudential Young Trailblazers’ Best Overall award.
The success of that business later formed the basis of the Peduli Initiative.
The student-led movement collects and sells usable second-hand items to raise independent money for social programs.
We then use the profits to support community support programs for Indonesian migrant workers in Singapore, in line with corporate social responsibility (CSR).
“I consider business to be a way to create sustainable impact, not only profit. When it works, the system can continue to shower many people with benefits,” Nathan said.
The program has engaged more than 100 Indonesian migrant workers through social interaction events and emotional support sessions. It also helps through the distribution of daily basic needs packages.
The Peduli Initiative also came to Indonesia. The team has also been involved in humanitarian efforts for victims of natural disasters in Aceh. Furthermore, they support orphanages in Pontianak and Kubu Raya.
The program’s long-term social impact was recognized internationally with a grant of US$2,500, or some Rp43 million, from the International Baccalaureate (IB) Global Youth Action Fund.
Judges chose Nathan’s project out of 1,100 applicants from 40 countries. It was the first from his school to receive the prestigious grant.
His dedication also earned him recognition from the Culture Ministry, Community, and Youth (MCCY) as one of the country’s 60 Best Young Leaders.
Nathan’s story is a case study in how Indonesian youth can transcend academic achievement. It shows how they can become active players in global social change.
His journey is also a lesson that innovation built for service, and not just success, is more powerful.
Nathan’s achievement is a testament to many young Indonesians that age is no barrier to effecting meaningful and sustainable change at an international level.
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