Foundations Partnered on Youth Employment in Southeast Asia
The initiative aims to boost ocean and food-system careers across four nations through a multi-step capital model.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Scholarships
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Tsao Pao Chee, the No 17 Foundation, and the Standard Chartered Foundation have joined forces to create employment pathways in Southeast Asia. This partnership specifically targets candidate ventures within the ocean and food-system sectors across Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Why it matters
The program seeks to bridge critical gaps in skills, career awareness, and small business capital. By linking philanthropy with institutional investment, the partners hope to scale ventures and expand job opportunities in the region.
Asean nations contribute 20 percent of the world's aquatic food supply, a sector that relies on a workforce of over 15 million. The global ocean economy recorded a gross value added of US$2.6 trillion in 2020.
The players
Tsao Pao Chee
This family business has a 120-year history operating within the shipping and logistics industry.
No 17 Foundation
The organization works to foster economic development and sustainable employment solutions globally.
Standard Chartered Foundation
This charitable entity focuses on promoting economic inclusion and supporting youth opportunity programs.
The details
The initiative utilizes a four-step model that begins with research and venture testing before moving toward employment creation and institutional financing. The partners are currently in a discovery phase to identify high-potential businesses in the ocean and food sectors.
Timeline
In 2020, the global ocean economy achieved a gross value added of US$2.6 trillion.
The partnership was announced on October 5, 2026, during the At One Impact Week event.
Culture Shift
The initiative follows a pattern set by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 to improve life below water through economic incentives. It represents a shift toward using philanthropic capital to trigger institutional investment in blue-economy sectors.
Small business owners and aspiring professionals in the ocean and food sectors may see improved access to venture capital and training resources. These changes will likely affect how regional firms scale their operations and recruit new talent over the coming years.
The takeaway
This partnership demonstrates the potential of combining philanthropic research with institutional capital to stabilize regional supply chains. By focusing on ventures that can scale beyond 20 employees, the foundations aim to build a sustainable economic engine for Southeast Asian youth.
Further reading
Learn more about career and educational opportunities in this field at Scholarships.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Business Times.
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