Project Inspire winners named

MANILA, Philippines–Two inspired young finalists saw their projects recognized and awarded at the Project Inspire 2014 Grand Finals, which were held recently in Singapore.

Their inspirational projects transforming the lives of disadvantaged women in Vietnam and Cambodia received grants totaling $35,000.

Project Inspire: 5 Minutes to Change the World 2014, co-organized by Singapore Committee for UN Women and MasterCard for the fourth consecutive year, saw over 500 entries from a record of 70 countries around the world.

The judges picked the two following presentations by 10 finalists who were flown in for the event.

REACH received the grand prize of $25,000 for its winning project ’Supporting Disadvantaged Young Women through Vocational Training and Job Placement Program’, which will transform the lives of disadvantaged women in Vietnam by providing them with a range of skills training (from web design to hairdressing).

This year, Singapore Committee for UN Women and MasterCard announced a brand-new $10,000 grant awarded to the runner-up, courtesy of new partner Hilton Worldwide.

Claiming this prize, Singapore-based Riverkids project “From ’Ait Chai” Collector to Fashion Designer’, provides counseling, healthcare and vocational training for Cambodian sex workers, so they can transition out of the sex industry, and run their own small business.

Additionally, the Sinag Store Project by Sinag Microfunds Inc. co-founded by Sheena Rose Jamora from the Philippines was named the winner of the Project Inspire People’s Choice Award, having garnered the largest share of public votes during the three-week voting period.

Through the Sinag Store Project, financially disadvantaged girl students will gain marketable design skills and experience first-hand how to use those skills to launch a social enterprise project.

Launched in 2011, Project Inspire: 5 Minutes to Change the World presents 18-35 year olds with a 5-minute platform to pitch their inspired idea to the world and win a $25,000 grant.

The grant is to be used to support an existing women’s empowerment program aimed at helping women and girls in Asia/Pacific, the Middle East or Africa attain sustained livelihood through business and livelihood skills.

Project Inspire: 5 Minutes to Change the World is a joint initiative from the Singapore Committee for UN Women and MasterCard, to help young change-makers create a better world for women and girls in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa. The competition is jointly organized by Singapore Committee for UN Women and MasterCard, with the support of venue host and knowledge partner, INSEAD as well as strategic partner Bain & Company. Supporting partner Hilton Worldwide joins Project Inspire for 2014.