Swiss Re's innovation drive targets Southeast Asia

Select entrepreneurs will participate in a 6-month programme starting in Jan. 2025.

Swiss Re Foundation is launching its flagship initiative, Shine, in Southeast Asia for the first time, following its success in other global regions. 

Since its inception in India in 2018, Shine has expanded to Brazil, Slovakia, South Africa, Switzerland, the UK, US, and now Southeast Asia. 

The programme aims to foster innovation in critical impact areas such as the Net-Zero transition, health and nutrition, financial literacy, socio-economic well-being, skills development, climate-smart agriculture, disaster risk reduction, and coastal resilience.

It is open to social entrepreneurs in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.

For its Southeast Asia programme, Swiss Re will collaborate with Impact Hub Kuala Lumpur (outreach partner) and BOOKBRIDGE (learning partner).

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Victor Kuk, CEO of Swiss Re Asia, emphasised the importance of Southeast Asia as a critical market for the insurance industry, facing rapid economic growth alongside challenges like climate change and barriers to healthcare. 

He highlighted the need to support innovators and disruptors to tackle these societal challenges.

Shine Southeast Asia is now accepting applications from social innovators across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand until 19 June. 

The selected entrepreneur will participate in a six-month immersive learning programme starting in January 2025, partnered with Swiss Re experts and leadership to develop a strategic and financially viable business. 

In addition to expert guidance, the entrepreneur stands to win a financial award of up to US$29,731 (SG$40,000) to support their enterprise’s growth.

($1.00 = SG$1.35)