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Olivia Lum

Founder, Hyflux Limited, Singapore

2011 award winner

Photo of Olivia lum holding a trophy

EY World Entrepreneur Of The YearTM 2011
EY Entrepreneur Of The YearTM 2010 Singapore

Olivia Lum founded Hyflux in 1989 with two staff and start-up capital of US$15,000. Today, Hyflux has become one of the world’s leading desalination suppliers. It is publicly traded with revenues of US$450 million, employing more than 2,300 people in operations and projects in Southeast Asia, China, India, the Middle East and North Africa. Olivia is the first female EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year winner and serves as a role model for entrepreneurs and for women across Asia and the world. “I’m very happy to accept this award on behalf of all the employees at Hyflux. For me, this reinforces there are no difficulties you can’t overcome when you have faced the challenges of hunger and poverty.”

*Information correct as of June 2011.

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