Ever wondered how Singapore, a small yet mighty nation, has become a beacon of progress and functionality? Buckle up as we take you on a journey through this impressive success story, guided by our guest Kaijie NG, a former leader in Singapore with an intriguing career path that spans both public sector and startup scenes. We discuss the country's thriving world of entrepreneurship, the unique social contract between its people and government, and how one's personal experience of social mobility plays a pivotal role in a nation's success.

As our conversation unfolds, we shift our focus to the intricacies of corporate innovation. Our guest shares valuable insights about their work at IMDA and the crucial role this organization plays in fostering a symbiotic relationship between corporates and startups. Through the Open Innovation Platform, they've been able to facilitate numerous problem statements and exponentially grow the ecosystem. Get ready to delve into the nitty-gritty of aligning different business cultures, navigating growth challenges in startups, and the role of trust in successful mergers and acquisitions.

As we wrap up, we'll explore how the IMDA's innovation division is driving forward corporate innovation strategies. Hear about the efforts to bring together corporates and startups, the importance of diverse solution providers, and the vision to help corporates become self-sufficient in innovation. We'll also discuss the success of the Open Innovation Platform, it's impact on the Singapore market, and how it bridges the gap between corporates and startups. By the end of this episode, you'll walk away with a newfound appreciation for Singapore's entrepreneurial culture, the value of social contracts, and the ongoing efforts to propel corporate innovation.