Sarah Pang's Journey
Ryde is thrilled to welcome Singaporean professional tennis player Sarah Pang as the first champion of our Ryde Empowers’ program. Sarah’s journey exemplifies the unwavering spirit of excellence Ryde Empowers celebrates. Despite skepticism and funding obstacles, Sarah’s journey has consistently defied the odds.
Sarah’s tennis journey took her across continents to Spain where she worked 12-15 hour shifts at an academy in exchange for training in-kind. From juggling three jobs to self-funding her way to Spain, Sarah finally turned dreams into reality 15 years after picking up a tennis racket to break into the coveted Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) singles and doubles rankings. Every year, only the top 1% of players on Tour break fresh onto the rankings. Sarah achieved this after 5 years of competing solo on the World Tour.
Sarah continues to independently fundraise to represent Singapore on the World Tennis Tour, and actively shares her experiences with corporates and schools in gratitude for the support she receives. Through the length of her career, she has reached out to every level of education in Singapore, encouraging youths to believe in the power and potential of their dreams.
Sarah’s story is far from over. Recently selected as a fellow of the U.S. State Department’s Global Sports Mentorship Program (GSMP), she was 1 of 16 women around the world, identified as emerging global female leaders in sport.
In a world predisposed to instant gratification, Sarah’s journey serves as a reminder of the longstanding value of timeless virtues. It is a journey that reminds us that with resilience, patience and determination, truly anything is possible.
Terence Zou, CEO and Founder of Ryde Group, shared, “We are committed to giving back to the community. Supporting individuals like Sarah Pang through Ryde Empowers provides local talents facing career challenges access to resources. Sarah’s resilience and determination mirrors our own startup journey and embodies the fighting spirit we value. By supporting talents like Sarah, we hope to help them achieve their dreams and inspire others with their stories.”
Sarah Pang expressed “I’m very proud to partner Ryde through Ryde Empowers. It’s so wonderful to see a local company forward-thinking about Singapore’s talent, and our country’s collective future.”
Ryde is proud to be a part of Sarah’s journey as she continues to be a stellar example of the human spirit.
Ryde Empowers - Local Talent, Global Impact
Ryde Empowers is dedicated to nurturing Singaporean talent and contributing to building a stronger, more vibrant community. Our goal is to provide comprehensive support that enables Singaporean athletes, community service leaders, artists, and musicians to excel both nationally and internationally. By focusing on three key pillars, we aim to create a robust support system:
- Shine a Spotlight: Raise public awareness and foster community appreciation; connecting talents with a wider audience to celebrate their achievements and contributions.
- Stories that Inspire: Offer a platform for sharing personal journeys and triumphs, helping talents connect with potential sponsors to receive direct support.
- Supporting Incentives: Provide financial support to encourage talents to pursue excellence progressively, allowing them to focus on their growth and international exposure.
By achieving these goals, we aspire to empower local talents to reach their fullest potential by propelling their careers forward.
Be a Ryde Empowers Talent!
The eligibility of applicants will be assessed on 5 main parameters:
- Focus on Exceptional Achievements: Applicants with “exceptional achievements” in their respective fields.
- Long-Term Growth Potential: Applicants who demonstrate potential for long-term growth, not just current skills.
- Community Engagement: Considers how applicants contribute to Singapore’s community beyond career success.
- Diversity: Applications from diverse backgrounds and talents.
- Reference Checks: Verification of information and assessment of applicants through references.
Application & Selection Process
Nominate yourself or your friends by dropping us an email at [email protected] .
Ryde Empowers is a strategic initiative that reflects Ryde’s commitment to investing in the community’s future. This program is driven by several key motivations:
- Building Stronger Communities: By fostering a sense of community spirit and promoting community engagement, Ryde Empowers strengthens customer relationships and creates a supportive environment for Ryde’s operations. This initiative contributes to a more engaged and cohesive community, which in turn benefits Ryde by fostering a loyal and supportive customer base.
- Alignment with Global Goals: Aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals of Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), Ryde demonstrates its commitment to global social good. Ryde Empowers supports under-represented talents and promotes physical and mental well-being, contributing to a healthier and more equitable society. This alignment enhances Ryde’s global reputation and underscores its dedication to contributing positively to the world.
- Marketing and Brand Recognition: Supporting local talent enhances Ryde’s reputation as a socially responsible company. Public exposure through media campaigns and success stories strengthens brand recognition and builds customer loyalty. By showcasing these initiatives, Ryde aims to position itself as a brand that values and supports community development.
- Enhanced Employer Branding: Ryde Empowers creates opportunities for employee engagement through volunteering and mentorship, fostering a positive work culture. This engagement not only boosts employee morale but also attracts top talent who are drawn to companies with strong social commitments. Ryde’s involvement in such meaningful programs highlights its dedication to creating a fulfilling work environment.
Ryde Empowers represents a long-term commitment to nurturing Singaporean talent and helping them advance to the next stage. Launched in May 2024, this 12-month talent development initiative is designed to provide continuous support across various fields, including athletics, community service, arts, and music. With plans to onboard new talents every quarter, the program is structured to ensure a steady and progressive development pathway for all participants.
We are committed to continuously evaluating the program’s impact, with the flexibility to extend its duration or increase the intake frequency based on the evolving needs and successes of our participants. This ongoing assessment ensures that Ryde Empowers remains a dynamic and responsive initiative, capable of adapting to maximize its positive impact on the community.
Applicants will be required to submit the following documents in email submission to [email protected]:
- Portfolios, performance samples, competition placements, or recognition from industry professionals.
- Certificate of achievements.
- Evidence of participation in workshops, training programs, or attempts to further artistry.
- Evidence of achievements in societal contribution and community involvement like social entrepreneurship, environmental activism, volunteer work, social initiatives, or participation in community events.
- Personal Statement (500-750 words) outlining career goals and program expectations, demonstrating a genuine passion for the pursuit and a strong desire to build a career in the chosen discipline.
*Kindly ensure that all files uploaded are in PDF format and are less than 10MB in size per file.
