Singaporean Didi Gan Is One Of Two Winners Of The RED CLUB x Cartier Young Leader Award 2024
The international initiative saw over 500 entries from 66 countries competing for the grand prize, which includes a grant of €50,000.
By Brandon Chia - published
RED CLUB x Cartier’s Young Leader Award (YLA) recognises entrepreneurs aged 20 to 40 who lead socially impactful businesses. For the 2024 edition, two finalists—Didi Gan and Suraj Nandakumar—were awarded the grand prize at the ceremony held at the National Gallery on 15 October for using their innovative solutions to change the world.
The two winners accepted the awards presented by Cartier, alongside representatives of the National University of Singapore Business School and University of Sydney Business School, and a YLA 2024 jury member.
“We are honoured to support these extraordinary individuals who are making a tangible difference in our world by inventing across sectors solutions, stimulating economic progress while improving environmental and social well-being,” said Cyrille Vigneron, Chairman of Cartier Culture & Philanthropy.
The 2024 edition focused on pioneering technology solutions that address environmental and social issues, which saw over 500 entries from 66 countries.
The first winner was Singaporean Didi Gan, founder of N&E Innovations, who developed an edible antimicrobial derived from upcycled food waste, which offers a sustainable alternative to disinfectants and reduces carbon emissions.
“I’m deeply appreciative to be part of the YLA 2024 Edition, empowering me to drive transformative change towards a more sustainable planet by reducing the use of harmful chemicals,” said Gan.
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The second winner of the night was Suraj Nandakumar, co-founder and CEO of Recity Network, a circular plastic management company from India that maximises the circular economy of plastics by finding alternative product applications to reduce waste.
From left: Asawari Kane, Suraj Nandakumar, Didi Gan and Enrico Di Oto.
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“Recity Network is honoured to be recognised by RED CLUB x Cartier, which highlights the significance of our efforts in promoting sustainability and plastic circularity. This accolade reinforces our commitment and inspires us to expand our influence, driving further progress in creating a more sustainable and innovative future,” said Nandakumar.
The winners will receive a grant of €50,000, international exposure and a tailored mentorship programme by the National University of Singapore Business School and the University of Sydney Business School.
The two runners-up—Enrico Di Oto, founder and CEO of OACP; and Asawari Kane, founding member and Head of Growth at PadCare Labs—who were also in attendance at the ceremony, will receive €10,000 each.
“The Young Leader Award is an important recognition of our world’s young talents. It underscores the significance of entrepreneurial spirit and the power of individual initiative,” said Professor Andrew Delios, Vice Dean of Master of Science Programmes at NUS Business School.