Singapore 9: FAQ

1) What is the 'Singapore 9'?

Yahoo! believes the biggest reason behind Singapore’s success is its people. As the nation prepares to celebrate its 47th birthday on August 9th, the "Singapore 9" is Yahoo!’s way of celebrating both Singapore’s present and its future. We are looking for young Singaporeans under the age of 35 who have demonstrated excellence in three areas: Business, Social Enterprise and Entertainment.

What better way to celebrate the spirit of youth and invention than to tell the stories of bold and creative Singaporeans who have dared to dream, each in their own way? By so doing, we not only hope to inspire others but show that 21st century Singapore is indeed a world of possibilities.
 
2) Why Business, Social Enterprise and Entertainment?

For Singapore to become one of the truly great cities of the world, our people must have these attributes:

- Spirit of entrepreneurship: Young Singaporeans must not only be creative, but they must also have the willingness to take risks and be bold.
 
- A sense of social responsibility: Instead of only chasing material success, our youth must learn to care about others and the world around us. This is how we build an inclusive society.
 
- An ability to add to the enjoyment and cultural depth of the city. In short, they must make Singapore a better place to live in.

3) Why should I be part of the 'Singapore 9' campaign?

This is your chance to bring your business, passion or project to national attention. Over the next weeks up until National Day, we will be featuring nominees from this campaign on our home page and our social media channels. It will help to raise your profile and that of your business or work. If you are part of the final 'Singapore 9', you will also get the chance to network and get valuable advice from our three respected judges -- Michel Lu, Elim Chew and Adrian Pang.

Your story may also inspire others to go out and dream of making Singapore a better place. We want to celebrate that spirit of invention and passion.
 
4) How does the selection process work?

For the first time Yahoo! is opening up nominations to the public. Starting Friday 6th July, you can nominate yourself or be nominated by someone who thinks you are deserving of this honour.

At the end of the two-week nomination process, our panel of judges will shortlist a final list of 9 candidates -- three from each category. Singapore will then vote for 1 winner from each category. The three winners will be announced at our Awards Night on August 3rd – the Friday before National Day.
 
5) Who are the panel of judges?

Our panel of judges are: Michel Lu of Argentum Group, Elim Chew of 77th Street and respected thespian  Adrian Pang. Like you, they are people who believed in a project or cause when they were young and through hard work and passion, have achieved success. They know how to spot talent and passion and know what it takes to succeed. Through their experience and industry contacts, they will be able to advise, coach and mentor promising nominees.

6) Can I get my social networks to vote for me?

Yes. This is a social campaign. Its very premise is to get the online community interested and excited about the great work you are doing. We have designed a site that is extremely shareable on social media networks such as Facebook and Twitter. If you are nominated, tell your family and your friends and make sure they support you.
 
7) What should I do once I’m nominated?

Tell everyone you know and get your social networks to lobby for you and your cause.
 
8) There are a lot of negative comments about me. Can you turn off the comments feature?

Unless a comment falls on the wrong side of the law, we abide by a strict policy of community moderation. People online have a bad habit of saying things without the benefit of all the facts or any sense of taste, and this is your chance to educate them. If you are a "Singapore 9" nominee, it also means that you believe in what you’re doing, even if others may not.

9) I do not want to be a nominee but how can I still be involved?

Help spread the word about Singapore 9 to your network of friends, family or colleagues. Someone they  know may deserve to be nominated. You can also help share content on the site through Facebook and   Twitter (hashtag #yahoosg9).