ML Alliance proudly supported four of its portfolio SMEs at the Sustainable Innovation & Investment Gala (S2iG) on 26 October at Sheraton Towers, Singapore. Organised by the S2iG Committee, which includes representatives from Singapore, the USA, UK, UAE, and Canada, this invite-only gala connected high-potential innovators with global investors, targeting USD 100 million in investment opportunities. Among the standout participants were Gerard, Elvin, Chintu, and Prem.
Gerard Rodrigues, Managing Director of EXPO AV Pte Ltd, expressed confidence in his company’s unique positioning as Singapore’s only event production firm managing major venues, including Singapore Expo and the upcoming D’ Marquee at Downtown East, set to open in January 2025. Since 2023, EXPO AV has expanded into venue management and creative agency services. “I think we’ll be getting there very soon in the next one or two years. The opportunities are there,” he noted, highlighting the company’s 98% client satisfaction rate and strong government relationships as key growth assets.
Elvin Ting, Founder and Group CEO of Orange Room Pte Ltd, which has organised the TriFactor Asian Championship Series since 2009, emphasised the company’s mission to “Build Fans and Deliver Impact” through its 'sportainment' approach, blending sports and entertainment. “There are scalability challenges, particularly in regions with developing infrastructure,” he acknowledged, but remains optimistic about S2iG’s potential to foster strategic networks that inspire fans and create lasting impact across Asia.
Chintu Varghese, Co-Founder and CEO and of TabbieMe Limited, which serves over 100,000 students and 900 Math teachers, outlined the company’s expansion strategy in Africa and Southeast Asia. With a curriculum-agnostic AI education model, TabbieMe tailors content to cultural contexts, empowering teachers and individualising student feedback. “We aim to build a Math practice platform for 1.2 billion school-going students,” Chintu stated, commending S2iG’s focus on sustainable, scalable solutions that align with TabbieMe’s mission to address educational challenges in underserved regions.
Prem Kamath, Founder and CEO of Serious Media Pte Ltd, shared insights on his company’s transition to Serious Fluence. This award-winning platform has executed over 100 successful influencer campaigns in the past four years, helping individuals monetise their social media presence in the thriving influencer marketing sector. “We’re launching a platform that lets everyday people earn from their social media feeds,” he asserted, expressing confidence in Southeast Asia’s growing creator economy despite challenges like talent retention and timely funding. Reflecting on S2iG, he appreciated the valuable insights and new camaraderie, which he believes will strengthen his confidence in advancing Serious Fluence’s journey.
“Congratulations to these pioneering entrepreneurs for being selected as four of six finalists from a competitive field at the S2iG pitch,” said Thomas Ang, Founder and Director of ML Alliance. “In line with our motto, ‘Bridging Partnerships - Nurture, Develop, and Grow,’ ML Alliance is dedicated to fostering impactful collaborations, cultivating innovative solutions, and supporting the growth of transformative businesses throughout Singapore and beyond.”