WOMEN WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Elim Chew: "A Rebel with a Cause"

A self-proclaimed rebel "with a cause", Elim Chew is a fashion entrepreneur who strongly believes in making a difference, not just in the world of clothes.

"I can't just leave things as they are," says Chew.

Elim Chew is the founder of retail fashion giant 77th street. Started in 1988, the chain revolutionized the street wear scene in Singapore. The group conquered international markets and became the first retailer to set up a shopping mall in Beijing.

She lends her experience and expertise to a number of youth organizations in Singapore to give the young a platform to promote their artistic talents and encourages social entrepreneurship.

"Making money for a purpose is my philosophy-you have to help people, otherwise there is no point."

Her philanthropic endeavors sprung from what happened after she donated her first S$50000 profit made from 77th street. The money was sent to build six churches in Gujurat, India. Months later, a massive earthquake struck Gujarat, crushing many buildings and leaving thousands dead. But the churches she helped build remained standing.

"After the quake, the six churches stood strong and served as relief centres for the injured and homeless," said Chew.

Since then, there has been no looking back for the entrepreneur, who is also one of the largest collectors of Starwars memorabilia in Singapore.

She is currently working on a book about young people who suffer from depression-a problem she says is rampant, but not given enough attention.