Leading Asia’s Next Wave of Community Storytelling
Sebastian Chen
Founder
SG60 Voices From The Heart
Leading Asia’s Next Wave of Community Storytelling
Sebastian Chen
Founder
SG60 Voices From The Heart
Sebestian Chen - Asia’s Best Business Leaders 2025
Sebastian Chen is redefining the way communities connect through storytelling. As the co-founder of SG60 Voices From The Heart, he, together with Dr Nik Chong, has created a platform where every voice matters. Bringing together 60 storytellers from diverse, often underrepresented backgrounds, SG60 transforms personal narratives into live experiences that resonate across audiences. What started as live storytelling is evolving into SG60 Written Stories From The Heart and SG60 Podcast From The Heart, extending the mission into written, audio, and video formats, all anchored in the principle of being “From The Heart.” In an age dominated by technology and AI, Sebastian believes this human-centred approach is critical to fostering genuine connection. Sebastian approaches his work like a social entrepreneur and venture builder, designing initiatives that generate real social impact while nurturing emerging leaders. Every story told under SG60 not only amplifies unheard voices but also fosters empathy, builds informal support networks, and strengthens communities. For clients and partners, this translates into authentic platforms that inspire engagement and meaningful connection. With extensive experience in event management, volunteer coordination, and leadership, Sebastian excels at orchestrating complex initiatives with meticulous attention to detail. He has led diverse teams, fostered collaboration, and mentored individuals to reach their full potential. His passion for endurance sports complements his professional life, reinforcing resilience, problem-solving skills, and a tenacious approach to challenges. Through SG60 and beyond, Sebastian continues to champion stories that matter, creating platforms that inspire, connect, and transform. Speaking with TradeFlock, he shares more about his work and journey.
What was your biggest challenge in scaling SG60, and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge we faced was trust— convincing people that something as simple as live storytelling could truly work. Many doubted us, questioning how 60 voices from diverse backgrounds could come together with almost no resources. There were moments when it seemed the entire idea might collapse before it even began. What helped us move forward was collaboration. Partners from both government and commercial sectors believed in the vision, supporting us with resources, amplifying our reach, and lending credibility when we needed it most. We didn’t wait for the perfect plan; instead, we embraced agility, charged ahead with a touch of “cowboy spirit”, and adapted at every step.
"Your story doesn’t have to be extraordinary to be impactful —it just has to be real”
Yet the real magic has always come from the storytellers—the courageous individuals who stepped onto the stage, opened their hearts, and built a community from scratch. Their authenticity, passion, and commitment are the true heartbeat of SG60, transforming what once felt impossible into a living, breathing movement of connection and hope.
How do you guide new storytellers and community leaders, and what’s your top advice?
Together with Dr Nik Chong, I mentor emerging storytellers through hands-on coaching and workshops—helping them structure their narratives, rehearse with confidence, and stay authentic to their voice. We also connect them with partners who provide platforms and opportunities to share. Through storytelling, individuals not only build community connections but can also brand themselves as leaders and enhance their presence in corporate or professional settings. Beyond individual growth, we are building the Asia Community Storytellers Collective, nurturing and connecting storytellers across Asia. By operating like social entrepreneurs and venture builders, we are scaling a futureready storytelling ecosystem that fosters inclusive communities, cultivates leadership, and ensures storytelling remains a vital human-centred skill. My consistent advice is: “Your story doesn’t have to be extraordinary to be impactful—it just has to be real.” That truth empowers storytellers to step forward, lead with heart, and showcase their unique perspective in any context.
What project are you currently focused on, and what impact do you expect?
Right now, our focus is on reaching the milestone of 60 storytellers through live events in community halls, schools, workplaces, and corporate gatherings. With strong partner support, we anticipate directly engaging around 500 participants by year’s end. These 60 live stories mark our first milestone, laying the foundation for a broader multi-medium movement that will soon expand into written and podcast formats. Beyond numbers, the true impact lies in fostering an inclusive community where connections, informal mental health support, and networks form organically. Our storytellers, ranging from musicians and artists to carers, entrepreneurs, and cancer survivors, prove that every story matters and has the power to inspire.
How is technology helping you capture and spread community stories?
We are developing a digital storytelling archive supported by short-form videos, podcasts, and AI-enabled multilingual translations. This ensures stories live beyond the stage, reaching younger generations, different cultures, and wider communities. With the SG60 Podcast ‘From The Heart’ and other digital formats, technology extends the reach of every story, but the heart remains central, keeping the human connection alive even in a tech-driven world.
