Rebecca Eu builds sustainable livelihoods for women in vulnerable communities

This International Women’s Day, five women show us how everyday actions reshape workplaces, communities and cultures to impact lives around them. This series is created in partnership with Uniqlo.

Rebecca’s outfit: Racer Back Bra Top, Smooth Cotton Polo Sweater, JW Anderson Oxford Boxy Long Sleeve Shirt Check, Vintage Belt, and Jersey Barrel Leg Pants, Uniqlo

A quiet force in social entrepreneurship, Rebecca Eu has spent over a decade championing women’s education and uplifting underprivileged communities in the Philippines. Having worked closely with victims of sex trafficking, she is firm in her belief that education is the most enduring form of empowerment.

“Giving them the tools to stand up for themselves and break that cycle is incredibly important,” she says. “If education is what they want, I’m fighting right beside them.”

The 32-year-old is the founder of Mei’s Own, a social enterprise that works with a community of elderly and single-parent artisans in the Philippines to produce lifestyle and homeware products. Proceeds from sales are channelled back into education and vocational opportunities for survivors of sex trafficking.

Rebecca started Mei’s Own in 2019 as a way to help others from her privileged position. Born into one of Singapore’s most prominent families, she is the only daughter of Richard Eu, chairman of Eu Yan Sang, and the great-granddaughter of the late businessman and philanthropist Eu Tong Sen.

“I was wide-eyed and naive, but I did it because it was right for me,” she explains. “[Helping others] is part of the values I grew up with and my belief system tells me that if I’m in a position to help, I always will.”

Rebecca recalls a pivotal moment in 2016 when she met a beneficiary who was rescued from a cyber trafficking ring. Her mother had sold her “for the price of an umbrella” a few years prior. “I don’t know anyone who can turn around and forget that just happened,” she says. “It’s not like I’m doing this to make a positive impact. It’s more like, ‘I want to be able to look at myself in the mirror and be okay with the person I see.’”

To date, Mei’s Own has helped over 1000 children with their education and Rebecca ensures that the work doesn’t stop there. Moving forward, she plans to illustrate more for the brand and introduce new products, including shoes, bags and various kinds of stationery. She also hopes to work with more retail partners to stock Mei’s Own collections.

Charity work is something Rebecca is deeply committed to, such as her involvement in fundraising for the Goh Chok Tong Enable Fund (GCTEF) last year. The GCTEF aims to provide persons with disabilities the opportunities to actively contribute to society. She also donates to Rainbow Centre and often attends their events, in support of helping persons with disabilities thrive in inclusive communities.

She believes every person out there can give back and make an impact, no matter how small it might seem. “Everyone has their own journey with giving, and I highly recommend they just explore that. There is going to be a cause that speaks out to you, no matter how trivial it may seem,” she affirms.

Another cause that resonates with Rebecca is Uniqlo’s Neighbours Helping Neighbours, a local sustainability initiative that collects, sanitises and redistributes pre-loved Uniqlo clothing to underprivileged communities. This initiative was conferred the prestigious Champion of Good award last year by NVPC.

“The programme is so successful because it aligns with the brand’s commitment to sustainability and helps people at the same time,” she says. “This is the kind of work I admire and want to represent.”

She adds: “I am grateful for anything that helps Singaporeans. When you look at recycling materials, only a part of that material gets recycled. But with Neighbours Helping Neighbours, the full garment gets recycled and its life gets extended.”

When she is not working on her various philanthropic efforts, Rebecca and her husband, Kin, run Rinn – a fine jewellery brand specialising in sustainable, lab-grown diamonds.

She pauses momentarily when asked about the legacy she wants to leave behind. “You know, I don’t particularly want my name on a building,” she states. “But if someone would remember me for something, I hope they think about what kindness means to them and how they can share that with the world.”

ART DIRECTION Adeline Eng & Ray Ticsay
STYLING Bryan Goh
HAIR Wong Ying Cui
MAKEUP Lasalle Lee
COORDINATION Sophie Hong & Cheryl Chan