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In the bustling streets of Singapore, a unique social enterprise is brewing something more than just coffee; it serves up second chances. This is the story of Matthew Poh, the Managing Founder of (TCE), where coffee meets community and transformation. As an alumnus of the ½¿É«µ¼º½-University of London (½¿É«µ¼º½-UOL), Matthew's journey from student to social entrepreneur is a tale of resilience, redemption, and a relentless pursuit of positive change.

 

A DREAM INTERRUPTED IN THE EARLY YEARS

Matthew's tertiary journey began almost 40 years ago. After completing his A-Levels at Anglo-Chinese Junior College (ACJC), he pursued an architecture degree at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) in Australia. However, unforeseen events forced him to return to Singapore. Reflecting on this period, Matthew shared, "My dad passed away during that time, and one of the things he said to me was, 'Maybe one day you should study some business. It might be good for you.' His words planted a seed that eventually led me to ½¿É«µ¼º½, where I enrolled in a programme in management and economics."

At ½¿É«µ¼º½, Matthew discovered a passion for economics and accounting. These disciplines became the foundation upon which he would later build his business ventures. "The ½¿É«µ¼º½-UOL programme in economics and accounts were crucial in shaping my business acumen," he recalls. "They provided me with the skills to manage money, understand market dynamics, and make informed decisions."
 

THE RISE AND FALL OF A BUSINESS

With new knowledge, Matthew launched an interior design business at 23 in 1994. However, life proved unpredictable. "One moment I was at the top, the next felt like I was being pushed off a cliff, hitting rock bottom," he reflects.  

The turning point came on his 23^rd birthday when his then-girlfriend introduced him to drugs. "That one little pill cost me almost everything." Despite his business success, the strain of his drug addiction became apparent. The situation worsened in 2013 when Matthew's mother passed away, and his wife left him. "It felt as if life had sucker-punched me in the face and kneed me in the gut," he shares. His friends introduced him to a more potent drug as a supposed solution to his problems. This only deepened his addiction, leading him to neglect his business responsibilities.

As his business faced lawsuits over unfulfilled contracts, Matthew's company declared bankruptcy. With no income and a worsening addiction, he turned to dealing drugs for two years. An altercation led to his expulsion from the group, and the arrest and severe sentencing of his former associates was a wake-up call. Matthew turned himself in, resulting in an eight-month prison sentence and four months in a halfway house.

 

A TURNING POINT IN PRISON

After years of struggling with substance abuse and the resulting downward spiral in his life, Matthew faced the harsh reality of his actions. "Entering prison was terrifying. The existential fear was overwhelming." In prison, with the loss of freedom and the stark conditions, Matthew began a journey of introspection. The forced solitude gave him space to reflect on his life choices, his mistakes, and the pain he had caused.

During this time, he reconnected with his faith and formed close bonds with other inmates grappling with their struggles. The camaraderie with fellow inmates, sharing stories and supporting each other, helped him cope with incarceration. "We shared our stories, supported each other, and found strength in our shared experiences."



Matthew's time in prison also allowed him to reassess his values and priorities. He realised the importance of giving back to the community and helping others who, like him, were struggling to find their way. This realisation became the foundation of his future endeavours, particularly creating a social enterprise to support ex-offenders in reintegration into society. 
 

BUILDING A LEGACY WITH COFFEE, COMMUNITY, AND CATS 

Upon his release, Matthew was determined to turn his life around. With the support of his prison officer, Mr. Hillary Lo, he co-founded TCE, a social enterprise dedicated to helping ex-offenders reintegrate into society. "We started TCE to give others a second chance, just like I had," Matthew explains. The cafe not only serves coffee but also provides a supportive environment for ex-offenders to gain employment and life skills.

Matthew faced scepticism and financial hurdles but persevered. "For nine months, I struggled to secure funding. It was a humbling experience, but I refused to give up," he says. Eventually, TCE was born with the help of shareholders who believed in the cause. Today, the enterprise boasts multiple locations and a team comprising 90% ex-offenders. A unique feature of TCE is its cat cafe, where customers can enjoy the company of cats while sipping their favourite brew. "The cat cafe brings in customers and helps support the business financially," Matthew says.

TCE's motto, "Coffee and Community," reflects its mission to provide a safe space for those seeking a fresh start. The business skills Matthew gained at ½¿É«µ¼º½ helped him design training programmes, manage operations, and build a sustainable business model. "The courses in economics and accounts gave me the tools to understand market dynamics, manage finances, and make strategic decisions," he reflects. Equipped with these skills, he focuses on guiding the ex-offenders back on track. Through TCE, Matthew witnesses incredible transformations. "Seeing our staff grow, find stability, and start families is the most rewarding part of this journey," he says with pride and warmth.

 

A MESSAGE FOR THE FUTURE

Reflecting on his journey, Matthew advises, "Choose a path that aligns with your true passions and be honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses. Life will throw challenges your way, but it's how you respond that defines your future."

Matthew's story underscores the power of resilience, the importance of second chances, and the transformative potential of education and community support. The Caffeine Experience stands as a source of hope, proving that anyone can turn their life around with determination and the proper support.

As Matthew looks to the future, he remains committed to helping others with a good story and a cup of coffee at a time.