Next Generation Philanthropy Leadership Program 2025: Nurturing Youth Leadership for a Better Tomorrow

From June 23 to 27, 2025, the Next Generation Philanthropy Leadership Program returned to Singapore for its second edition gathering 54 outstanding high school students from across Asia for an immersive week of learning, service, and leadership at NTU (Nanyang Technological University) Business School. Proudly organized by the Singapore Good Soil Foundation, this year’s program coincided with Singapore’s 60th year of independence (SG60) and the SG Youth Plan supported by the National Youth Council.

As a sponsor of the Singapore Good Soil Foundation, Sky9 Capital remains committed to cultivating the next generation of changemakers—equipping youth with the tools, networks, and mindset to lead with purpose and serve their communities.

Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is consistently ranked among the world’s top universities. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, NTU is placed 12th globally.

The Next Generation Philanthropy Leadership Program 2025 had the honour of inviting Mr. Richard Buttrey (Director of Academic Programs at ARM, a leading tech firm in the University of Cambridge), Mr. Viswa Sadasivan (Former Singapore Nominated Member of Parliament), Dr. Yonatan Bisk (Assistant Professor at Carnegie Mellon University) and Dr. Catherine Breslin (Founder, Kingfisher Labs and voice AI pioneer).

Leading much of the academic content was Mr. Richard Buttrey, Director of Academic Programs at ARM, a renowned Technology company within Cambridge University. Mr. Richard Buttrey provided guidance in a hands-on, mentorship style.

Complementing these technical insights was a deeply impactful leadership session by Mr. Viswa Sadasivan, former Nominated Member of Parliament of Singapore and Managing Consultant of Strategic Moves Pte Ltd.

Students engaged in site visits and service-learning experiences that deepened their understanding of social issues. At Metropolitan YMCA, students explored social enterprise operations.

Student volunteering sessions at Ren Ci Nursing Home and Sree Narayana Mission provided meaningful opportunities for students to engage with elderly residents. Notably, the elderly care project featured at Ren Ci was developed by last year’s champion student project leaders, who returned this year to lead the session themselves. Their initiative, entirely student-driven, exemplified the lasting impact of youth-led action and served as an inspiring model for the new cohort : demonstrating how young people can take ownership of real-world issues and become a powerful force for good.

The program culminated in the NextGen Charity Pitch, where student teams proposed innovative, youth-led solutions to real-world challenges.

Member of Parliament Ms. Lee Hui Ying joined the morning graduation ceremony as Guest of Honour.

Teaching assistants who returned this year as volunteers were honoured with awards in appreciation of their selfless contributions. Their continued dedication has been instrumental in driving the Singapore Good Soil Foundation’s year-round activities and in maintaining strong ties with our most engaged and committed students.

Guest-of-Honour Adviser Ms. Mariam Jaafar, Member of Parliament and Managing Director at Boston Consulting Group, joined for the Charity Pitch finale.

Shaping Tomorrow’s Changemakers

Several student teams have already committed to continuing their charity initiatives beyond the program, supported by alumni mentors and local partners. The energy, insight, and integrity shown by the 2025 cohort affirm our belief that the future of philanthropy is in capable hands.

Ms. Faye Lo, Founder of the Singapore Good Soil Foundation and Head of Venture Philanthropy and Impact Investment at Sky9 Capital, reflected on the program’s second year as a powerful affirmation of its mission. As she continues to guide the Foundation’s vision, she hopes each student leaves with one core belief: “That what truly matters is not how good you are, it’s how good you want to be.”

Sky9 Capital is honored to support the NextGen initiative and look forward to seeing these young leaders grow their impact across the region and the world. This year’s cohort will now return to their schools and communities equipped with the tools, networks, and mindset to carry their projects forward.