Notable Roles | - Founder, Seastainable Co. |
Key Recognition | - Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia, Social Impact (2023) |
Background and Early Foundations
Samantha Thian’s passion for marine conservation was ignited during a scuba-diving trip at the age of 16. This experience led her to volunteer as a whale shark research assistant in Cebu, Philippines, during her university years. In 2017, she founded Seastainable Co., a social enterprise aimed at supporting marine conservation in Southeast Asia. Initially focusing on reducing plastic straw usage in Singapore, Seastainable has since evolved to fund and offer grants for marine conservation projects across the region.
Career Milestones and Impact
Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
2017 | Founded Seastainable Co. to support marine conservation efforts in Southeast Asia. |
2020 | Recognized in Prestige Singapore's 40 Under 40 list for her contributions to sustainability. |
2022 | Awarded the EcoFriend Award by Singapore's National Environment Agency for her environmental advocacy. |
2023 | Named in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list under Social Impact category. |
2023 | Received the 10 for Zero Award from Conservation International Singapore for her commitment to zero waste and net-zero carbon emissions. |
- Seastainable Grants: Over SGD $50,000 committed to more than 50 marine conservation projects across 7 ASEAN countries
- Community Impact: Engaged over 10,200 individuals through workshops, cleanups, and educational programs
- Stridy App: Co-developed a mobile application to coordinate and crowdsource beach cleanups globally
- Corporate Role: Leads sustainability initiatives across Asia Pacific and Middle East Africa regions at Electrolux
Leadership Style and Influence
Samantha Thian exemplifies a leadership style that combines grassroots activism with strategic corporate engagement. Her approach emphasizes community involvement, education, and practical solutions to environmental challenges. By bridging the gap between individual action and organizational responsibility, she fosters a culture of sustainability that resonates across different sectors and communities.
Legacy and Future Focus
Samantha Thian’s work through Seastainable and her roles in various organizations underscore her commitment to marine conservation and sustainable development. Her initiatives have not only raised awareness but also provided tangible support to conservation projects across Southeast Asia. Looking ahead, she aims to expand her impact by developing more innovative solutions and fostering collaborations that drive systemic change in environmental sustainability.
