ABOUT US

Learn the art and skill of entrepreneurship

Change is the only constant today – which is why entrepreneurial skills are valued. They are the key to future career success, whether that is starting your own business, entering the workforce or changing careers. YoungGems® gives you an edge and helps you transform your future.
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OUR STORY

Storytelling features strongly in our YoungGems® program

As Sir Richard Branson puts it, “successful entrepreneurs are professional storytellers” – so what is our story? YoungGems® is born of our creator’s own life experiences and her frustrations when exploring the world of start-ups and innovation. While in many ways distressing and upsetting, these experiences have lent themselves to a program that is grounded in the real-world, and promotes an inclusive, supportive environment for people of all backgrounds with all types of ideas to shine.

WHY US?

Why do people choose YoungGems®?

There are many reasons why people and partners are attracted to YoungGems® – here are three:

Based on real-world and deep experience

We are experienced entrepreneurs, facilitators, business managers and market experts all in one.

Wide and significant global network

Gemstar is plugged into the global business community from Australia, Asia and the US.

A safe and inclusive environment

YoungGems® is for everyone; we believe anyone can be a successful entrepreneur regardless of age.

Gemstar’s strong reputation across Australia was a key reason for us choosing to partner with them to deliver a bespoke program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals, most of whom communicate solely in Australian Sign Language (Auslan). Disability entrepreneurship increases social inclusion and improves employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Gemstar was incredibly flexible and innovative in their approach to engaging with our Deaf and Hard of Hearing candidates, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when the program needed to quickly transition to online learning platforms. Gemma, Adam and the team were fantastic to work with and I would strongly recommend them to other organisations looking to build capability and capacity within their communities.
Rebecca Adam
CEO of AccessPlus

EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS

What will you gain from YoungGems®?

A deeper understanding of you!

One of the key success factors of being an entrepreneur is understanding yourself – your strengths, weaknesses, motivators and what you really care about and are passionate about. We explore this in our masterclasses in detail, which sets the foundation to help guide your future business journey.

An entrepreneurial mindset

An entrepreneurial mindset is key for future success in a world that is in constant flux. The only way to navigate change is to know how to innovate, how to pivot and how to come up with new ideas. You will learn the successful traits of an entrepreneur, what you must be made of, and how to think like one!

A tangible business plan and pitch

In our program, you will discover your passion and purpose, and work through the problem you want to solve most in the world. You will then learn the skills required to define a solution and bring that to life. The end result: a well-thought-out business plan that you can implement should you want to.

Access to a networked community

You will have access to our YoungGems® alumni and partner network, which is invaluable for key connections that may lead to business opportunities and future employment opportunities. You will also be given the chance to become role models and mentors to future participants. 

MEET OUR CREATOR

Gemma Manning

Gemma is a serial entrepreneur, game changer and visionary business leader.

With a background in strategic marketing, communications and international business, she has forged a career in starting and building global companies. She has successfully established two businesses with international reach: Manning & Co, a strategic marketing consultancy, and Gemstar, a business partner for companies wanting to enter Southeast Asia. Recognised at the highest levels including by Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Gemma has forged a successful career in the face of adversity. 

Meet our team

Mehra Lester

Program Manager

Mehra supports the YoungGems® program as a day-to-day point of contact for participants and by managing our Learning Management System. She comes from a strategic marketing background and has a passion for entrepreneurship education.

Robbie Gaspar

Advisor & Mentor

Robbie is an entrepreneur, athlete and prominent member of the Australia-Indonesian community. As the first Australian footballer to play professionally in Indonesia, Robbie has been both a player and manager in the sporting industry, and has a deep connection with Indonesia. In 2013, he was elected to the Australia Indonesia Business Council (AIBC) committee, where he remained until 2017. In February 2020, he returned to the AIBC WA as the Vice-Chair. Robbie is now an advisor and mentor for the YoungGems® program.

Arnie Tuchtan

Advisor & Mentor

Arnie is the co-founder of tech startup Sonnant and a respected Victorian entrepreneur. Arnie has over 30 years of experience across a number of functions including sales and marketing, finance, operations, and technology. He is passionate about elevating learning experiences for students through disruptive technologies being applied to Learning Innovations. Arnie draws from his real-world experience to help guide participants on their entrepreneurship journey.

Nelson Ang

CURRICULUM & TRAINING ADVISOR

Nelson is the YoungGems® Curriculum and Training Advisor, bringing the program significant education experience. He previously worked for Kaplan Singapore, managing educational programs for university students, working professionals and enterprises. As part of the YoungGems® team, Nelson assists with the YoungGems® program’s content quality assurance by providing continuous advice to optimise the program content and the participant’s experience.

Crystal Shun Mei Yan

Facilitator

Crystal is one of our YoungGems® program facilitators based in Hong Kong. She is a former professional gymnast who represented her country at the highest level internationally. Post her early sporting career, Crystal is currently pursuing her passion for psychology and entrepreneurship education. She supports our team by facilitating program delivery and is also a brand advocate for YoungGems® in South East Asia.

JOIN TODAY

Kick off your journey now

So why wait? If you have an amazing idea or have always wanted to kick off your business, turn to the YoungGems® program to get it ready for the commercial environment. Our courses are made up of carefully selected masterclasses, delivered by a community of experts and the trained facilitation team at Gemstar, and the program is suited for all levels of knowledge. Join today!