LAGOS, Nigeria, March 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), Africa's leading philanthropy empowering young entrepreneurs, today announced three distinguished new members of its Advisory Board:
- Professor Paul Gompers, Harvard Business School – a preeminent scholar of venture capital and entrepreneurship.
- Per Heggenes, former CEO of the IKEA Foundation, with about a two-decade track record in global grant-making and sustainable development.
- His Excellency Badr Jafar, CEO of Crescent Enterprises and Special Envoy for Business and Philanthropy for the United Arab Emirates.
Commenting, Tony O. Elumelu, Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, said:
"Entrepreneurship is the most powerful engine for Africa's long-term prosperity.
We welcome H.E. Badr Jafar, Per Heggenes and Professor Paul Gompers to our Advisory Board.
Badr's experience in championing innovative solutions and strategic philanthropy will be instrumental, as we scale our mission and bridge Africa with global partners who share our commitment to economic inclusion. Per's career experience will be invaluable as we continue to scale our impact and strengthen institutional capacity in support of African entrepreneurs. Professor Gompers' long-standing academic engagement with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, including his Harvard Business School case study on TEF's work, reflects the global recognition of entrepreneurship as Africa's most powerful development catalyst."
The appointments reflect the Foundation's ability to convene global voices and champion African solutions.
Commenting on his appointment, H.E. Badr Jafar said: "It is a privilege to support the Tony Elumelu Foundation's work, at a time when Africa's entrepreneurial energy is reshaping the future. The UAE has emerged as a global platform for innovation and cross-sector collaboration, and I look forward to helping build bridges between regions, sectors, and generations to drive sustainable impact at scale."
Commenting on his appointment, Per Heggenes said:
"The Tony Elumelu Foundation has built one of the most ambitious and impactful entrepreneurship platforms in the world. I am pleased to join at a time when Africa's young entrepreneurs are increasingly central to solving global challenges. I look forward to supporting the Foundation's mission to strengthen entrepreneurship as a pathway to economic independence, resilience, and inclusive growth."
Commenting on his appointment, Professor Paul Gompers stated:
"Entrepreneurship is a critical driver of innovation, job creation, and economic transformation. The Tony Elumelu Foundation has demonstrated what is possible when capital, training, and long-term commitment are aligned. I am delighted to join the Advisory Board and contribute to the Foundation's mission to deepen Africa's entrepreneurial ecosystems and expand opportunity at scale."
To learn more: TEF Annual Report and Impact Report.
Contact: moyo.awotile@tonyelumelufoundation.org
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The Tony Elumelu Foundation Appoints Three New Advisory Board Members
SINGAPORE, June 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Star Living has unveiled a new all-in-one home planning concept aimed at helping Singapore homeowners manage renovation, furnishing, and home appliance selection through a more coordinated and efficient process.
As renovation projects become increasingly complex, many homeowners are looking for ways to reduce the challenges of managing multiple contractors, suppliers, and retailers separately. Star Living's latest initiative brings together renovation-related services, furnishings, electrical appliances, and sanitary solutions under a single customer experience designed to simplify project coordination.
Addressing Growing Demand for More Coordinated Home Planning
Today's homeowners are placing greater emphasis on practicality, time efficiency, and cohesive planning when designing their homes.
To support these evolving expectations, Star Living now offers a broader range of services including:
- Carpentry and customised built-ins
- Masonry and flooring works
- Air-conditioning installation
- Bathroom fittings and sanitary installation
- Interior consultation
- Furniture and mattress collections
- Home appliances and household essentials
Through this consolidated approach, customers can manage multiple aspects of their renovation and furnishing requirements through a single touchpoint, helping to reduce administrative complexity and improve planning efficiency.
"We want to make the renovation and furnishing process more manageable for homeowners. By bringing these services together, customers can enjoy a more seamless experience when planning their homes," said Koh Hong Jie, Group Retail Manager at Star Living.
Expanding Interior Solutions with OPU Door
As part of its broader product expansion, Star Living has also introduced OPU Door, a distributed door system brand offering contemporary door solutions designed for space-conscious residential interiors.
Launched in 2025, the collection includes:
- Slim-frame aluminium core doors
- Concealed doors for minimalist interiors
- Synchronised sliding door systems
- Phantom doors designed for tighter layouts and space optimisation
The range caters to homeowners seeking cleaner visual aesthetics while maximising functionality within compact urban homes.
Adapting to Lifestyle and Material Preferences
The company has also expanded its offerings in response to changing consumer preferences surrounding sustainability, wellness-focused materials, and pet-friendly home environments.
Its current product selections include:
- Low-formaldehyde materials
- Sustainably sourced furniture
- Scratch-resistant and stain-resistant upholstery fabrics suitable for pet owners
As part of its material standards, Star Living uses E1-grade or higher MDF and CARB P2-certified boards. The company has also been awarded the SFIC Sustainability Furniture Mark in recognition of its environmental and health-conscious practices.
Creating a More Connected Retail Experience
Star Living's showroom at Serangoon North reflects the company's lifestyle-oriented retail approach by presenting furnishings, renovation elements, sanitary fittings, and appliances within coordinated home settings.
The showroom is designed to help customers better visualise how different components can come together within a residential environment before making purchasing decisions.
In addition, Star Living works with established air-conditioning brands including Daikin, Midea, Panasonic, and Mitsubishi Electric to support a broader range of household needs.
Positioned for Evolving Consumer Needs
Established in 1981, Star Living continues to evolve alongside shifting homeowner expectations by focusing on practical home planning, coordinated services, and adaptable interior solutions.
By combining renovation-related services with furnishings, sanitary solutions, and appliances, the company aims to provide a more efficient and accessible approach for customers planning their homes.
About Star Living
Star Living is a Singapore-based home and lifestyle brand operated by Star Furniture Pte Ltd. Established in 1981, the brand offers a comprehensive range of furniture, home furnishings, renovation-related services, sanitary solutions, and household products, serving residential customers across Singapore.
Website: https://www.starliving.com.sg/
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Star Living Introduces Integrated 'One-Stop Home & Living' Concept to Simplify Renovation and Furnishing for Singapore Homeowners
