Singapore Valley Awards 2023

Entrepreneurship. Courage. Connection.

The Singapore Valley Awards 新峡谷奖(SVA) is an annual entrepreneurship award that offers students with the most compelling business ideas a fully-sponsored internship in China for the acquisition of deeper knowledge of the China market and entrepreneurship in practice. First conceived in early 2017 by a group of entrepreneurs with China-centric businesses and supported by Singapore-based private equity firm Tembusu Partners, SVA aims to promote innovation and entrepreneurship among undergraduates in Singapore.

Designed to foster entrepreneurship, the SVA is a gateway to a wealth of industry knowledge. SVA Winners will explore a new frontier together with the founders of successful internet companies, corporate leaders and experienced venture capitalists. A fully immersive experience at some of the top Chinese companies that have gone on to the global stage awaits. Uncover the workings behind household names and rising Chinese startups in a safe environment that rewards original thinking. The unique experience will inspire and challenge students into their future entrepreneurship ventures.

“Why not set up an Award that we can send students, entrepreneurial ones, curious about the world, send them for industry attachment and internship in China. See for themselves how fast moving China is, how progressive China cities have become, how much they have embraced technology, how much they have break the mould in growing their economy. From there, learn about their country, learn about how business is done, learn about networks, make friends, build networks, and I think that is an experience that will be very valuable to our students.”
– Mr Ong Ye Kung, Singapore Minister for Education at the launch of Singapore Valley Awards in 2017

Are you a founder?

Developa business idea

Pitchit to our judging panel

Immerse yourselfin China’s start-up and innovation ecosystem

Establish your global network

“There, they will live and breathe innovation and entrepreneurship.”
– Mrs Lim Hwee Hua, Singapore Former Minister and Co-Chairman, Tembusu Partners at the launch of Singapore Valley Awards in 2017

Understanding China is imperative for aspiring founders and leaders as they become true global citizens. Through SVA internships and everyday life in China’s vibrant cities, develop a deeper understanding of China that can only be gained through experience. Join activities, and meet colleagues who come from every province in China. Learn alongside China’s future leaders and develop friendships that will last a lifetime. Winners will be equipped with the necessary tools to learn and grow in the cross-cultural environment. Student’s creativity, drive, and curiosity will be key.

Get selected

To ensure that only the most qualified students, armed with the necessary skills and tools, are selected for this opportunity, a rigorous and comprehensive selection process will be implemented. This process aims to identify those individuals who not only have exceptional business acumen but are also equipped to thrive in the dynamic and demanding international landscape. By undergoing this process, Award winners will be prepared and ready to embrace the exciting challenges that lie ahead.

Students’ successful business idea will be met with a remarkable opportunity to present to an esteemed and influential panel of judges. The judging panel comprises of highly regarded entrepreneurial minds from Southeast Asia and China, renowned for their expertise and accomplishments in business and investing. The judging panel will thoroughly evaluate the business idea, aiming to gain a deeper understanding of the individual’s vision and actively challenge his or her thinking. Given that the internship will take place in China, it is essential for students to possess the ability to effectively communicate their business ideas in Mandarin to the panel.

The Award

Successful applicants will be awarded a minimum three-month internship in China, with leading Chinese technology companies and venture capital firms that are driving innovation in the world. During the internship period, Award winners will receive SGD 1,500 per month of the internship, up to SGD 6,000 and return airfare. Furthermore, Award winners will receive assistance with the application for necessary visa in order to travel and intern abroad. This Award is currently available for full-time Singaporean undergraduates.

Apply via the application form link listed at the bottom of this website.