Ottoman Odyssey is a project that focuses on advancing renewable energy knowledge and providing humanitarian support in Turkey through a cross-cultural, collaborative CSR initiative. It will bring together Singaporean participants to engage with Turkey’s clean energy sector, exploring innovative practices and challenges while contributing to sustainable energy solutions.

Simultaneously, the project addresses the needs of Turkey’s refugee communities by delivering essential services, fostering social integration, and enhancing education and job opportunities. By combining sustainability and social responsibility, the initiative aims to create lasting impacts for both Singapore and Turkey, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration.

• Singaporean Participants

Individuals selected to join this trip will benefit from exposure to
both the clean energy industry in Turkey and its humanitarian initiatives. They will gain valuable knowledge, hands-on experience, and insights that will enhance their professional development, especially in the renewable energy and sustainability sectors. By participating in volunteer activities, they will also gain a deep sense of empathy and global citizenship, while expanding their personal and professional networks.

• Local Turkish Communities and Refugees

The communities in Turkey, particularly refugees and vulnerable populations, will directly benefit from the humanitarian work that participants will engage in. Through volunteering efforts, participants will assist in delivering essential services, raising awareness about local challenges, and contributing to sustainable solutions to pressing social issues.

Access to Education
While Turkey has made strides in providing education to refugee children, many still face barriers such as language differences and overcrowded classrooms.

Healthcare Needs
Although Turkey provides healthcare to refugees, the sheer number of displaced individuals has stretched the healthcare system, especially in areas with high refugee populations.

The project aims to address several key gaps and needs:

• Sustainability Education and Knowledge Transfer

While Turkey is making strides in renewable energy, there is still a gap in widespread understanding and knowledge about sustainable energy solutions and best practices. Participants will engage with local stakeholders in Turkey’s clean energy sector to explore innovations, challenges, and opportunities. This cross border exchange will help bridge the gap between Turkey’s renewable energy needs and Singapore's expertise in the field, creating pathways for future collaboration and growth in the industry.

• Humanitarian and Social Support for Refugees

Turkey hosts one of the largest refugee populations in the world. While significant international aid has been provided, there remains an ongoing need for direct support to communities affected by displacement. Participants will engage in volunteer efforts focused on improving living conditions, providing education, healthcare, and integrating refugees into society, fostering a sense of dignity and self-sufficiency.

• Cultural and Professional Exchange

A lack of understanding and collaboration between Singapore and Turkey in both the energy and humanitarian sectors exists, and this project aims to address that. By facilitating cultural exchange, the project will create new partnerships and networks that will benefit both countries. It will also support the development of new career prospects in renewable energy, allowing participants to identify opportunities for business, research, and professional engagement within Turkey's rapidly growing green energy market.

Recca Trip to Turkey: Early Mar 2025
3-4 days recce trip to visit partners & confirm schedule

Pre-Local Community Project (volunteer.gov.sg): Mid Apr 2025
Will select from volunteer.gov.sg website and go for local community involvement program together with team before the 8-day service learning program

Ottoman Odyssey: Early May 2025
Visit only 3 cities - Istanbul, Ankara, Bursa, Edirne, Gaziantep, Konya.
To be confirmed after the Recce trip.

Post-Local Community Project (volunteer.gov.sg): Late May 2025
Will select from volunteer.gov.sg website and go for local community involvement program together with team after the 8-10 days trip

1. Pre-trip Workshop 1
Executive Insights into Indonesia & Key Economic Drivers
Get an overview of Indonesia and the social economic factors of how the country developed from a Dutch Colony to Southeast Asia's most promising economy. Learn a quick history of the country as well as the culture of the people. Following that, take a look at some key drivers of the economy as we deep dive into a few selected sectors such as consumer patterns and behaviours.

Setting up Business Operations Successfully in Indonesia
In the last 5 years, Indonesia has focused on attracting foreign investment and job creation. However, due to the size of the country and the complexity of its laws, regulations and business classification, setting up legal entities can get complicated and tedious. This programme will provide updates on key information to set up businesses in Indonesia.

2. Pre-trip Workshop 2
HR & Employment Best Practices in Indonesia
Indonesia has a youthful workforce where more than 60% of the population is below the age of 30. Labour in Indonesia is cost competitive, educated and increasingly skilled. This offers a great hinterland of sorts for businesses in other high-cost cities/ countries. Learn about the labor laws in Indonesia and the cultural sensitivity needed to work in Indonesia.

Guide to Internationalisation
Going regional and then international will be the default way for business owners to expand their business and grow their revenue. Learn how you can get the needed support for internationalisation as well as the pitfalls to avoid when expanding abroad.

3. Indonesia Learning Journey : Business Trip (Jakarta)
Our itinerary for this enriching business trip to Jakarta includes site visits and meetings that are planned to encompass a wide array of industries, including but not limited to:

• Professional services
• Manufacturing
• Food & Beverage
• Fintech
• Logistic
• E-commerce

*All schedules, itineraries, and business events are subject to availability and changes. Flight tickets, travel insurance, and VISA (if required) will be covered by participants.

As part of the requirement for SkillsFuture Singapore, there will be an assessment conducted at the end of the course. The mode of assessment, which is up to the trainer’s discretion, may be an online quiz, a presentation or based on classroom exercises.

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Pre-Trip Workshop: To be advised

Overseas Dates: To be advised

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