From Jakarta to the world: How joining a global event strengthened a local community

When the Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF) took place in Brisbane in 2022, co-hosted by White Box Enterprises, its impact extended far beyond Australia, reaching communities around the world through digital participation and SEWF Community Hubs. This model was created during the pandemic and climate crisis to reduce barriers to access and ensure more diverse participation and representation.

In Jakarta, Indonesia, community members gathered to experience the energy and ideas of the global social enterprise movement through a locally-hosted SEWF Community Hub organised by Playo.id and SUBstitute Makerspace.

Playo.id an enterprise using creativity and play to strengthen communities

Founded in 2020, Playo.id is a Jakarta-based enterprise that uses play to drive local collaboration and creative experimentation. They work with partners including EUNIC, the British Council and Resilience Cities Network to deliver projects, such as Design Matters Lab and Altermatter.

“SEWF 2022 was one of the earlier international programs that we hosted and organised, especially during COVID-19, when we were all in global challenges,” said the Playo.id team. “Yet, we learned a lot about how local communities creatively explore alternative answers to both societal and economic problems.”

How hosting an SEWF Community Hub sparked lasting connections in Jakarta

The SEWF22 Community Hub in Jakarta was more than a local event. It became a space for connection and long-term collaboration. “One of our memorable moments was when the connection and collaboration between local practitioners happened during the programme. Up to this very day, some of them are still in contact and support each other, especially in exchanging stories, strategies and even markets,” said the Playo.id team.

This ripple effect – building networks and opening up new markets – shows the true power of SEWF Community Hubs.

“SEWF has united us local communities by creating new collaboration and expanding opportunities, both in national and international scopes,” said the Playo.id team.

Bring the global conversation to your community

As we prepare for SEWF25 in Taipei, we invite changemakers everywhere to host a SEWF Community Hub to connect local and global conversations. 

Hosted by local organisations during SEWF25, Hubs bring together social entrepreneurs, changemakers and ecosystem supporters to learn, share and collaborate. Each Hub reflects the local context while featuring SEWF content via livestream or on demand.

Hosting a Hub is about amplifying local voices, making SEWF25 more accessible and inclusive and strengthening the social enterprise movement around the world.

Join the upcoming info sessions

SEWF25 takes place in Taipei from 29-30 October 2025. Community Hubs will happen across the world during SEWF Week. Learn more about bringing SEWF25 to your community at our upcoming info sessions: 23 July, 11:00 UTC, 24 July, 15:00 UTC

Also read:

SEWF 2019 – Changing the course of history! Rejuvenating rural communities through social enterprise Discover the Sabah Creative Economy & Innovation Centre (SCENIC) Community Hub in Malaysia Policy that rises to the challenge: SEWF Policy Forum 2025 How six entities are expanding the Malaysian social enterprise ecosystem