Since 2003, the Spirit of Enterprise (SOE) has been collaborating with tertiary institutions across Singapore to nurture aspiring changemakers through the student interviewer experience. The Student Interviewer Programme (SIP) gives students a rare opportunity to connect directly with some of the nation’s most inspiring entrepreneurs, listening to their journeys of resilience, perseverance, and innovation.
Through these meaningful one-on-one interviews, each student interviewer gains more than just academic credit or exposure. They walk away with real-life lessons that spark curiosity, courage, and a sense of purpose. By hearing first-hand accounts of overcoming challenges, students learn the importance of grit, creativity, and community impact, while developing strong communication and research skills that will serve them in any career.
About the Programme
To date, more than 1,000 students in Singapore have participated in the Student Interviewer Programme, each gaining valuable insights into what it takes to start, sustain, and grow a business. Educational institutions have been key partners in this journey, often incorporating SIP into coursework or encouraging students to take part as an enriching extracurricular experience.
The process is designed to be simple yet rewarding:
Students are paired with successful entrepreneurs for a guided interview session.
They prepare research, conduct interviews, and write transcripts that capture the essence of each entrepreneur’s story.
Submissions are reviewed by the SOE Board of Governors, contributing to the annual SOE Awards selection process.
Each interview conducted becomes part of the living archive of Singapore’s entrepreneurial spirit – a growing collection of stories that inspire future generations.
Student Interviewer Programme (SIP) In Numbers (2021 to 2025)
| Year | No. of School Engaged | No. of Students (who successfully completed the programme) |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 7 | 128 |
| 2018 | 9 | 145 |
| 2019 | 7 | 161 |
| 2020 | 5 | 41 |
| 2021 | 5 | 39 |
| 2022 | 6 | 40 |
| 2023 | 5 | 59 |
| 2024 | 8 | 63 |
| 2025 | 6 | 58 |
SOE Best Student Interviewer and
Student Achievement Awards
Every year, the programme culminates in an exciting recognition phase. From the interviews conducted, selected entrepreneurs go on to become SOE Honourees, celebrated at the prestigious SOE Awards event. Meanwhile, exceptional students who demonstrate outstanding interviewing skills, critical thinking, and storytelling are recognised with the SOE Best Student Interviewer Award and the SOE Student Achievement Award.
This recognition celebrates both the entrepreneurs who build businesses that make a difference and the students who capture and share their stories with authenticity and heart.
Student Voices
Real stories from students who gained confidence, insight, and inspiration through the programme.
The SIP Programme gave me insight into how a company can start with a vision and grow through consistent, daily work toward its goals.
School cannot be the only place you learn. You have to learn from life, from people. Because [learning] isn’t just about business, it’s about your life as well.
The programme has taught me that entrepreneurs are just like you and I, except they have much more courage and a vision to thrive.
Keen to register your students for SIP?
Are you an educator or institution looking to inspire your students through real-world learning? The SIP is open to tertiary students across Singapore who are eager to learn from business leaders and gain hands-on exposure to entrepreneurship.
If you’d like to register your students or find out more about how SIP can fit into your curriculum, get in touch with us today.