Meet Harsh Dalal: Singapore’s Cool 19‑Year‑Old CEO
Picture this: a 19‑year‑old fresh out of polytechnic, diploma in hand, and already running a tech startup that’s worth US$25 million (S$33.2 million). That’s Harsh Dalal for you.
From iPhone Snitches to Business Magnates
It all began when Harsh, then a thirteen‑year‑old, decided to jailbreak his mom’s old iPhone 4. The little tweak sparked a fire in his mind about coding, app development, and iPhone jailbreaks. Together with four friends he met online, he created one of the first screen‑recorder apps—didn’t make money, but it was a stepping stone.
- Learned hacking discovered coding passion
- Created a screen‑recorder app forged teamwork skills
- Pivoted to web & software services founded Team Labs
Team Labs: 70 k Customers, Big‑Name Clients
Since 2017, Team Labs has raised US$9.8 million from investors. Today the company serves 70,000 customers worldwide, from Coca‑Cola to Google, and even offers collaboration tools.
The Salary Reality Check
Despite his lofty title, Harsh says he only pockets $100‑$200 a month. The rest of his earnings get reinvested into the company—his own “piggy‑bank” for eventual profitability. When asked about when Team Labs will break even, he shrugged, “We can see it. We’re just not there yet.”
Forbes Spotlight: Youngest of the 30 Under 30
Harsh is the youngest among the 32 Singapore‑based youths who made it onto Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Asia list. The list celebrates 300 bright minds who “survive, succeed, and inspire” amid the challenges of the Covid‑19 era.
All in all, Harsh Dalal is a classic Singapore story: a teenage tech wizard turned CEO, grinding hard, laughing loud, and building a company that’s only just getting started.
Sheik Farhan, 23, national silat athlete
Singapore’s Silat Superstar Hits 30 Under 30
Meet Sheik Farhan, a 23‑year‑old whirlwind of a champion who’s just bagged a spot on Forbes’ coveted 30 Under 30 Asia list. When you think of that title, you picture tech moguls and boardroom crusaders, but this guy’s on the mat, fighting for the holy grail of silat.
Three‑Time Silat Champion
- Won the national silat championship three times in a row— a record no one expects from someone so young.
- Spun, kicked, and out‑smelled countless opponents, proving that stamina and skill can coexist in the teenage dream.
- Still dashes around training gymnasiums like a superhero with a belt instead of a cape.
Why It Matters
For Sheik, it’s not just about personal glory. He’s fiercely tied to the sport’s legacy: “Being on this list gives the whole silat community a louder shout‑out than any single medal.” He believes the honor will keep the ancient martial art alive for future generations, making his humble podium rise higher than any trophy.
Takeaway
When a 23‑year‑old from Singapore struts into Forbes’ hall of fame, he isn’t just a star for self‑promotion; he’s a beacon for an entire sport—showing that relentless hustle can turn an ordinary pastime into a cultural icon.
Oh Chu Xian, 27, Magorium co-founder, CEO
Magorium’s Mission: Turning Trash Into Future Roads
Meet Oh Chu Xian – a 27‑year‑old trailblazer who swapped her everyday life for a bold vision: recycle plastic waste into sturdy road materials because burning plastic is so 90s. She teamed up with a crew to create Magorium, a startup that rewrites the meaning of “recycling” by literally giving plastic a second life.
How It Works
- Collect – gather all the stray plastic that would otherwise melt into the smog.
- Re‑engineer – use high‑tech processes to transform it into a new, road‑ready material.
- Build – the material is then used to pave roads, reducing waste and cutting down on new resources.
The Big Win
During Singapore’s Waste 20/20 competition, Magorium outshone 100+ other startups from 32 different countries. The crowd-cheered crowd‑sourced jury awarded the company a sweet US$19,000 prize, proving that the world is ready for a hero that tackles plastic one brick at a time.
Why It Matters
With the planet drowning in plastic and fewer eco‑friendly ways to dispose of it, Oh Chu Xian’s idea is the hero we never knew we needed. Instead of ending up in a landfill or the ocean, the plastic gets a makeover and helps build infrastructure.
In a nutshell, Magorium is rewriting the recycling rulebook: “From waste to ways”. And oh boy, the roads are looking greener!
Sazzad Hossain, 27, SDI Academy founder
From Zero English to Global Globetrotter: The Story of Sazzad Hossain
Picture this: a kid named Sazzad Hossain, age 11, stepped off a plane into Singapore and barely had the words to say “hello.” Less than two decades later, he’s a 27‑year‑old founder of Social Drift Initiative (SDI), a powerhouse that teaches migrant workers how to ace English, navigate computers, and master money hacks.
The Pandemic Pivot
When the world went into lockdown, Sazzad seized the moment. He rolled out a four‑month crash course—think intense but doable learning sprint—at just $15 a head. The result? Roughly 10,000 migrant workers brushed up on skills that could save their future.
Going Big: Partnerships & Plans
SDI Academy is not stopping here. They’re teaming up with:
- Ministry of Manpower – to bring the program to all corners of Singapore.
- Local NGOs & community groups – ensuring hands‑on support.
- Tech firms – to keep the digital ingredient fresh.
Goal? Scale the initiative so that anyone in need can jump on the train of empowerment.
Why It Matters
When you teach someone how to write a résumé or juggle a budget, you give them a ticket out of the stress loop. Sazzad’s mission is simple: make skill acquisition cheap, accessible, and really fun. The effect? A ripple of confidence that spreads across cities, villages, and the global diaspora.
Takeaway
From a shy newcomer to a trailblazing founder, Sazzad shows that a little courage and a lot of hustle can turn the language barriers into stepping stones. And in the next chapter? More hands, more hearts, and a lot fewer headaches.
Xi Liu, 28, Ferne Health co-founder
Meet Xi Liu: The Bold 28‑Year‑Old Champion of Open Talk About Sexual Health
Ever feel like the word “sexual health” is a hushed conversation? Xi Liu, the energetic co‑founder of Ferne Health, says that’s a thing of the past.
What is Ferne Health?
Ferne Health is a Singapore‑based startup that gives you the power to stay inside your comfort zone while getting a thorough STI screening and a friendly chat with a professional. Think of it as a lab kit that arrives at your door, plus a concierge service that whispers, “I’ve got your back.”
Beyond the Test Kit
- Xi wants to create a safe haven for women—places where talking about pregnancy, Periods, and all that jazz can happen without the awkward “How do I start this conversation?” feeling.
- Her ambition spans the entire region, from Singapore to the broader Southeast Asia area.– the bigger the community, the better the support network.
Why This Matters
When we reduce the stigma that shrouds sexual health, everyone—especially young folks—gains the confidence to seek help. And it’s a win for public health: early detection saves lives, finances, and a ton of later headaches.
All in All
Xi’s mission is simple: turn whatever feels like a taboo into a well‑structured chat. She’s here to sprinkle a little humor into what can often feel like a fear‑filled topic—because a good joke and a refresher on safe practices can go hand‑in‑hand.
Now, if you’re wondering, you can use Ferne Health for a hassle‑free at‑home STI test and hop into a supportive community that’s ready when you are. No more “huh?” moments; just real, safe, and simple conversations.
