Many years ago, as Group CEO Lawrence Chong always mentions wherever he goes, the idea of starting Consulus began with a woman’s vision for a united world. Chiara Lubich.
Since then, the company has built upon the inspiration brought by Chiara and eventually became a global force spanning a reach of 23 nations globally. In 2024, Consulus turned 20 and within those two decades, the company has made a name for itself as a global creative change firm.
Following the resounding success of the Shape the World Summit 2024 earlier in the day, the Gala Dinner last 21 June at Jewel Changi, Singapore, served as a night of multiple celebrations.
Starting the night’s festivities was the announcement of the new Global Chairperson for 2024-2025, Mr. Rawi Ahmed, succeeding Ms. Sindavanh Manivong, Country Director of Consulus Laos.
The event also marked the unveiling of the next location for the Shape the World Summit (STWS) by Mr. Stanislav Lencz, Regional Director for Consulus Europe, Middle East, and Africa, and Mr. Freddy Nicolas, CEO of ProLingua International.
Cheers erupted from the crowd as it was revealed that STWS 2025 would be held in Europe for the first time in the heart of the historic city of Rome in Italy.
Following the much-anticipated announcement, Lawrence Chong took the stage to deliver his keynote address on Creative Change which focused on personal experiences and insights of working in Consulus. In front of the more than 200 Changemakers in attendance, he outlined the ways of seeing the heart of lasting change and how the 4Cs—Cause, Creative Vision, Circle of Trust, and Competent Pivot—matter in a rapidly changing world.
The launch of Creative Change, and subsequent book signing, also marks the official debut of Consulus Press which kickstarted with the publication of two other books: Garden of Givers and Rethinking Parenting.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a ‘birthday’ without cake. Lawrence Chong, along with Partners Helena Pham, Rawi Ahmed, and Jeffrey Chiu, led the ceremonial slicing of the cake to celebrate 20 years of Consulus. They were joined by Global Heads and Partners from Africa, Asia, and Europe.
For the first time, Consulus created the Shape the World Fellow Awards to recognize global trailblazers who have demonstrated creative ways to impact the world for good and have dedicated their lives to inspiring fellow Changemakers to advance their causes. The following were inducted as the inaugural awardees:
- Mr. Albert Kong for his tireless role in social work in addition to promoting franchising as a professional practice around the world, which has helped thousands of entrepreneurs over the decades.
- Mr. Jim Funk for his dedication to promoting holistic leadership globally through the development of a unique formation course and method to help leaders find themselves in their respective careers.
- Dr. Andrew Kwasari for his contribution to driving regenerative agriculture through SCL Nigeria, which helps thousands of agri-entrepreneurs in Africa.
Throughout the night, performances by Consulites were presented alongside the much-anticipated Jewel Vortex Show. Set in an intimate setting, the Gala Dinner aimed to encourage attendees to interact and find pathways for collaboration against the backdrop of the majestic Changi Jewel. The goal, after all, was to ensure that conversations would extend beyond the event and spark a movement towards creative change.
See you next year in Rome!
Access more photos to the Gala Dinner here.
About Consulus
Consulus is a global creative change firm serving persons, companies, and cities in their transfiguration for an Economy of Communion (EoC). Consulus believes that purpose and unity are essential for innovation and inclusive growth. Since 2004, Consulus has implemented systemic innovation solutions with multidisciplinary business and design capabilities throughout the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. With a presence in 23 nations globally, Consulus believes in shaping an inclusive socio-economic system and is a member of the EoC network.
