Carol Chyau and Marie So

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2008

Carol Chyau and Marie So

Ventures In Development

http://www.venturesindev.org

Hong Kong, China

Community Improvement & Economic Development

The Bold Idea:

Catalyzing the growth of social enterprises in Greater China by building successful examples that will generate economic development along the Tibetan plateau.

While the economy in the coastal regions of China is booming, serious social ills are exacerbated by widening income inequality, environmental degradation, and the loss of social safety nets. The government has allocated resources to tackle these issues, but little of that will trickle down to local communities in a sustainable way. While social enterprises may be a solution, there is still very little understanding of the concept within China.

Ventures in Development (ViD) will catalyze the creation of more social enterprises in Greater China. The mission is to identify, incubate, and implement ideas that have the potential to become sustainable business enterprises yielding quantifiable direct social benefits in the needed regions of Greater China. It will use its own case studies to generate awareness of the potential for the social enterprise model and coach other aspiring social entrepreneurs. It is currently incubating two enterprises: Shokay (materials made from Yak fur) and Mei Xiang Yak Cheese.

Carol Chyau and Marie So pitching at Echoing Green Selection Weekend (May 2, 2008)

Biography:

ViD was founded by Marie So, from Hong Kong, and Carol Chyau, from Taiwan, when they were classmates pursuing the Master’s in Public Administration in International Development Program at the Harvard Kennedy School. Through experiencing firsthand the challenges of launching a social enterprise in China, they are better equipped to help incubate future enterprises.

Moment of Obligation: What experiences led to the desire to start your own organization?
Because we both grew up in privileged environments and have received professional training, we wanted to use business solutions to solve social problems. We decided to start ViD together after finding in each other both the passion and perseverance to bring sustainable development to the Greater China region.

Gall to Think Big: What has given you the ability to dream big and take on deeply entrenched social and difficult problems? (Such as experiences, skills, events, etc.)
We dare to dream big because we aren’t afraid to overcome challenges.

Seeing Possibilities: What are the most important qualities to be a successful social entrepreneur?
PIG: Passion, Integrity, Guts

Which musical artists/albums get you going and keep you inspired?
Coasters, Yakety Yak.

What books do you recommend (pleasure, work and anything in between)?
Who has time to read any more!

Which websites do you visit often (work and/or personal)?

• ted.com
• nextbillion.net

What advice or quote do you keep close to your heart as a social change leader?
“The biggest problem of social entrepreneurs is that they are so obsessed about their work they forget to take care of themselves!” - Toni Blackman, 1999 Echoing Green Fellow.