SINGAPORE, 1 February 2024 - Mapletree Investments (“Mapletree” or “the Group”) is pleased to sponsor UNICON 2024, Asia’s largest student-led entrepreneurship and tech conference, organised by the National University of Singapore’s (“NUS”) Entrepreneurship Society (“NES”) to promote entrepreneurship among students in the Republic and beyond.

Held at Mapletree Business City on 26 and 27 January 2024, the student-led conference drew approximately 600 attendees, including local and international student entrepreneurs, local start-ups, investors and industry titans across Singapore.

Featuring insightful panel discussions, engaging fireside chats and in-depth perspectives from 37 industry professionals from companies such as Grab, Shopback and Visa, UNICON 2024 provided a unique opportunity for networking and knowledge exchange on diverse topics, spanning from the latest advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to the pivotal role of sustainable finance in shaping the future. 

In his opening address, Mr Alvin Tan, Minister of State for Trade and Industry and Culture, Community and Youth, said: “Come up with your ideas, do not be afraid to fail, tap on the platforms that are readily and widely available to you, and make use of the innovative ecosystem that we continue to grow.”

Mr Edmund Cheng, Chairman, Mapletree, said: “As part of Mapletree’s ongoing commitment to nurture young talents, we are thrilled to support NES’s flagship event for the second year, igniting the entrepreneurial spirit among the next generation of leaders. UNICON 2024 is an excellent launchpad to inspire young, outstanding talent through success stories within Singapore’s startup ecosystem. By investing in the future leaders of the business world, students are empowered to be catalysts of change, driving progress, and shaping a brighter tomorrow.”

UNICON 2024 also hosted the Asia leg of TigerLaunch, the world’s largest student-led pitching competition organised by Princeton Entrepreneurship Club in partnership with NES. As a testament to Mapletree’s commitment, the Group presented cash prizes of S$3,000, S$2,000 and S$1,000 to the top three finalists for their innovative business ideas. In addition, the winners scored an opportunity to advance to Princeton University, where they will compete for the coveted combined prize money of US$60,000 and gain access to exclusive accelerator programmes such as the prestigious Y Combinator programme.

The Group contributed further by serving as the venue sponsor, providing a conducive space for the conference. 

Last year, UNICON 2023 saw over 500 participants and a strong line-up of 28 speakers from established firms such as Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia & India and Speedoc. Thirteen startups showcased their ideas at the startup booths and 10 finalists had pitched their business proposals to represent Asia in TigerLaunch.

Photos:
Photo credits: Mapletree Investments

(From left to right) Ms Ayushi Lahiry, Vice President Internals, UNICON 2024; Mr Wan Kwong Weng, Group Chief Corporate Officer, Mapletree; Mr Alvin Tan, Minister of State for Trade and Industry; Mr Akshay Salunkhe, President, UNICON 2024; and Ms Adele Lim Vice President Externals, at the launch of UNICON 2024

Mr Wan Kwong Weng, Group Chief Corporate Officer, Mapletree, delivered the opening address at UNICON 2024 on 26 January

(From right to left) Mr Alvin Tan, Minister of State for Trade and Industry; Mr Wan Kwong Weng, Group Chief Corporate Officer, Mapletree; toured the startup showcase booths, speaking to representatives from Zoala

Mr Wan Kwong Weng, Group Chief Corporate Officer, Mapletree (second from left); Mr Alvin Tan, Minister of State for Trade and Industry (centre); Mr Akshay Salunkhe, President, UNICON 2024 (first from right); learning more about the products from the representatives from NUS Enterprise and Commenhers

The startup showcase bustling with event participants

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