“As human beings, our job in life is to help people realise how rare and valuable each one of us really is, that each of us has something that no one else has- or ever will have- something inside that is unique to all time." - Fred Rogers

Former radio presenter/media personality, Emily Teng, is the founder of award-winning and globally recognised community organisation, Blessings in a Bag.  She started this small-but-mighty initiative when she was just 20-years-old and nurtured it into what it is today.

And it all started in a bedroom…

At 20 years old, our Founder, Emily Teng, knew she wanted to gather community around service to the greater good. It started in her bedroom, with a logitech web camera and an appeal on Facebook (and Myspace!) to get involved for the Christmas season.

Once the New Year rolled in, she noticed young Singaporeans wanting to pitch in with their talent, skillsets and longing for community. And it hasn't stopped since.

We made a significant pivot in 2013 to focus our efforts on local communities in Singapore rather than across the Asia region as well as to focus on nurturing safe spaces for children.

There's been much we've achieved -together.

Over the last decade, we have been powered by the kindness and generosity of committed volunteers, sponsors, partnerships and everyday Singaporeans.

Named one of the world’s most inspiring leaders…

In 2018, Facebook named Emily as one of the world's most inspiring leaders alongside 110 other mission-driven change-makers.  She also received Singapore’s President's award that same year for her decade-long journey of championing the community spirit in Singapore. 

In 2019, Emily relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area where she remote-leads the team. She continues her passionate efforts to cheerlead and champion the work and well-being of other community leaders and change-makers in the world. And last (but not least!), she opens her home to senior, hospice and special needs dogs living out their final months of life so that they may be surrounded by compassionate and loving care.

You can follow her adventures via Instagram here: @emilywjteng on instagram



  • Top 16 Finalist from Asia in the Singapore International Foundation's Young Social Entrepreneur Program in 2013 (Emily bowed out due to the inability to commit at the time)




  • 1 of 15 participants selected for the Australia-ASEAN Emerging Leaders Program by Asia-Link + Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Australia) in February 2017 (Emily was selected to represent her country of Singapore)