2023 Singapore FinTech Festival - Official Community Partner
In the vibrant tapestry of the eighth edition of the Singapore FinTech Festival (SFF), The Working Capitol proudly takes the stage as the official community partner, contributing to an event that has globally attracted a record-breaking 66,000 participants. While the spotlight at SFF 2023 shines brightly on Artificial Intelligence (AI), the festival goes beyond, sparking dynamic conversations on re-architecting the financial system, navigating future risks in technology and climate, and fueling the aspirations of entrepreneurs and the future tech workforce.
The Working Capitol spans across three key areas of participation. Firstly, Founder’s Peak, featuring our Founder & CEO, Ben Gattie, sharing insights into his leadership journey. Secondly, we had a compelling panel discussion about neighbourhood transformation and impact with our members in the sustainability field. Lastly, establishing a co-working space situated between Hall 4 & 5, designed to replicate our sustainable hub at 1 Keong Saik.
Founder’s Peak by Ben Gattie, Founder & CEO of The Working Capitol
Founder’s Peak by Ben Gattie, Founder & CEO of The Working Capitol
In the spotlight of the newly introduced Founder’s Zone, Ben Gattie took center stage to impart a compelling narrative titled “Liquidation. Maybe the best thing that happened to me?”. In a succinct 10-minute speech, Ben unveiled a pivotal chapter of his leadership journey - where a challenging decision compelled him to liquidate a Grade A building, marking one of the lowest points in his entrepreneur journey.
Shortly after, the pandemic gathered and businesses grappled with the urge to escape leases, Ben, intimately acquainted with the depths of desperation, chose a divergent course. Defying industry norms, he extended a helping hand with rental relief and facilitated flexible downsizing options. Against odds, our organization emerged from the COVID crisis with an outstanding 98% occupancy rate, and our footprint expanded from 2 to 33 shophouses. This remarkable feat stands as a testament to conducting business with a compassionate heart.
This journey sparked a transformation where Ben realign his values. Now, The Working Capitol is not just about business; and it's all about being environmentally-kind, culturally-rich and community driven, one dot at a time.
ESG Panel Stage with Unravel Carbon, Flo Energy and Cream of the Crop
Stepping onto the ESG Stage alongside our esteemed sustainable members and partners, we delved into the enlightening conversation, "The Working Capitol: From Red-Light District to Singapore’s Most Sustainable and Resilient Neighbourhood." The engaging panel was skillfully moderated by Dr. Darian McBain and featured key industry voices:
Dr Darian McBain, Chief Executive Officer, Outsourced Chief Sustainability Officer Asia (Moderator)
Ben Gattie, Founder & CEO at The Working Capitol
Ernst Westendorp, Chief Commercial Officer at Flo Energy Singapore
Woo Qiyun, Sustainability Consultant at Unravel Carbon
Daniella Danis, Founder at Cream of the Crop
Aligned in our belief that the greenest building is the one that already exists, we spotlighted Keong Saik's transformation from a former red-light district, where the last licensed brothel shuttered just three years ago. In our commitment to revitalizing the neighborhood, strategic initiatives such as the introduction of the iconic Potato Head at Keong Saik in 2014 marked the beginning. Subsequent endeavors included bringing in renowned brands like the second Shake Shack outlet in Neil Road and the One MICHELIN Star restaurant, Man Man Unagi Tei.
Our dynamic community flourished with the inclusion of Unravel Carbon and Cream of the Crop as our neighborhood members, both championing a closer-knit community and sharing their sustainable impact with like-minded individuals. It became clear that our neighborhood approach extended beyond mere environmental friendliness; it was about fostering a vibrant community and establishing a sustainable business model.
In collaboration with Flo Energy, we proudly utilize 100% renewable energy within our premises, contributing not only to the circular economy but also aligning with our adaptive reuse and conservation efforts. Reflecting on the transformative journey of the district, it's evident that The Working Capitol's commitment transcends environmental stewardship — it's about building a thriving community and laying the foundation for a sustainable business model.
Sustainable Co-Working Booth between Hall 4 & 5
The Working Capitol enhanced its event presence with an enticing co-working space, artfully replicating the ambiance of our celebrated co-working hub at 1 Keong Saik. Strategically positioned between the bustling Hall 4 and Hall 5, this dynamic space invited visitors to unwind, engage in discussions, and immerse themselves in comfort with sustainable furniture from our preferred partners, Flokk and Ecopex. Complete with communal areas and adjustable desks from two pax, meeting the diverse needs of the visitors.
But the excitement didn't end there — participants had the opportunity to join us for an interactive game session, where lucky winners walked away with a complimentary day pass to experience the vibrant atmosphere of our campus across the three-day period.
Conclusion
The Working Capitol had an inspiring presence at the Singapore FinTech Festival 2023. From Founder's Zone to the ESG Stage, we shared transformative stories and insights. Our eco-friendly co-working booth, featuring sustainable furniture, became a vibrant hub for discussions and networking. Looking forward to 2024, we're excited to build on these connections and contribute to the dialogue on innovation and sustainability.