As 2025 unfolds, a new generation of change-makers is rewriting the rules of social entrepreneurship across Asia and the Global South. This year's Global South Next Gen: Voices and Visions initiative spotlights pioneers like Malaysian founder Aisha Rahman, whose app connects marginalized communities with free beauty therapy services, and Indian engineer Raj Patel, transforming agricultural waste into affordable biofuel.
These innovators exemplify Asia's growing focus on sustainable development, with their ventures addressing UN Sustainable Development Goals while creating local employment. Business analysts note a 27% increase in youth-led social enterprises across Southeast Asia this year, particularly in renewable energy and digital inclusion sectors.
For investors, these stories reveal untapped opportunities in emerging markets. The Asian Development Bank recently reported that social enterprises in the region attracted $4.3 billion in funding during Q3 2025 – a 15% year-on-year increase.
As cross-border collaborations intensify ahead of December's ASEAN Youth Innovation Summit, these entrepreneurs prove that community-focused solutions can drive both social impact and economic growth. Their journeys offer valuable insights for policymakers and business leaders navigating Asia's evolving development landscape.
