From MNC to NGO: This 27-year-old Uses AI Technology for Social Good

When Casuarina D/O Abdul Karim first graduated with a degree in Computer Science, she envisioned herself climbing the corporate ladder at a multinational corporation (MNC).

She felt it was important to experience the culture of a bigger organisation and gain a solid foundation before deciding where she could best grow and contribute long-term.

And she did.

As a business analyst in a relatively large company, she learnt about the structure, processes, and industry best practices. However, as is typical in big companies, roles are often highly specialised, which leaves little opportunity for cross-functional learning and direct impact.

“The experience helped me better understand what I truly valued in a career — a dynamic environment where I could contribute to different aspects of a project and grow beyond a fixed scope,” Casuarina expressed.

It was around this time when her ex-boss from her internship at a start-up approached her.

“Lawrence, the CEO and founder of Octopus8 (O8), reached out for a catch-up,” Casuarina shared. “We had a candid conversation about the company’s growth and whether I’d be open to coming back in a bigger role.”

It wasn’t just the autonomy or room for contribution at a start-up that drew her in. At O8, Casuarina would develop tech solutions to empower social service organisations, creating impact beyond profits or product metrics.


 

BUILT FOR A GREATER PURPOSE

Reflected in its name, O8 has eight main services from technology, strategy to operations and more. The company is deeply committed to serving organisations in the social service space so that they can be empowered to serve others.

“Like an octopus has eight incredibly smart tentacles that each work independently in perfect coordination, our partners use our ‘tentacles’ to navigate organisational challenges for non-profits,” Casuarina continued.

 

“The name perfectly captures who we are: intelligent, flexible, multi-talented partners dedicated to unleashing non-profit impact.”

A memorable experience that showed Casuarina the real impact of purpose-driven tech was when she helped a non-profit with limited staff overcome manual operations.

“Everything from tracking donations to coordinating volunteers was done using spreadsheets, emails, and paperwork which took up a lot of time and often led to delays or missed opportunities,” she explained.

After introducing O8’s Charity Management System, many of their repetitive tasks and functionalities like volunteer reminders, donor acknowledgements, and event sign-ups became automated. The organisation could now spend less time on admin and more time on supporting their community.

What made this moment memorable wasn’t just the tech, but how it empowered their partner to work smarter by freeing up time and insight to focus on what truly matters: serving their community. For Casuarina, it was a powerful reminder that even the leanest of organisations can be empowered to do more when paired with the right support.

“Tech doesn’t just belong in big companies or fancy products. It can create real, meaningful change, especially in spaces where people are doing good work but don’t always have the right tools,” she affirmed.

“Seeing how something I worked on could make someone’s job easier and their service more effective really made me want to keep doing this kind of work in the social sector.”

However, deploying technology in the social sector is still not without its challenges. Funding remains a concern for many charities, and digital transformation often isn’t their immediate priority. There are also differences in digital readiness and some organisations may feel overwhelmed or unsure about where to begin.
 

TECH THAT SERVES

To understand and effectively address these concerns, Casuarina enrolled in a Specialist Diploma in Social Entrepreneurship offered by Dr Richard K M Eu - SIM Social Entrepreneurship Centre (RESSEC).

Formulated for learners who are employed or interested in working in the social service sector, SDSE hopes to equip them with the skill sets to address societal challenges. Its first cohort was made up of social service workers, volunteers, and social entrepreneurs.

For Casuarina, it was the perfect opportunity to deepen her passion, gain fresh perspectives, and equip herself to contribute more meaningfully to the sector.

She described, “It wasn’t just about professional development; it was about aligning my work with purpose and being part of a community that shares the same passion for change.”

Speaking to different employees and entrepreneurs in the social sector, she realised that while many are open to using technology, they often lack the time, confidence, or resources to take the first step. The biggest deterrent lies in the adoption phase where many fear the steep learning curve may add to their load, rather than simplify it.

“This experience really shaped how I think about building tech for the sector—making sure it’s not just functional, but also easy to use and well-supported so people feel confident using it,” Casuarina noted.

Through her time at SDSE, she also learnt to think beyond the technical side and adopt an entrepreneurial mindset. For example, Casuarina was exposed to areas like finance and marketing. It helped her think more holistically about how a solution fits into the bigger picture, from sustainability to user adoption.

“Now, when I work on client projects, I consider not just how to build the solution, but also how it aligns with business goals, who it really serves, and how it can grow over time,” she concluded.

“The course deepened my understanding of what it means to take ownership, think strategically, and lead with purpose. It empowered me to bring that mindset into my work at O8.”
 

EMPOWERING OTHERS WHO SERVE OTHERS

Looking back, Casuarina wishes that she was taught how her skill set could be used for social good as a student.

But she has since found her path, and despite the challenges, she believes in doing the right thing and serving the underserved communities.

“Never lose sight of the reason you started,” Casuarina advised. “The path may come with challenges, but the impact you create, no matter how small, has the power to change lives. Keep showing up with heart and intention and trust that your efforts matter.”

She also encourages learners who are considering SDSE to not be afraid to take the first step.

“SDSE gives you the tools, support, and mindset to grow your impact,” she shared.

“It helped me think bigger and deeper about the work I do, and I believe it can do the same for you.”