Keith Marshall at SiGMA Asia 2024: ‘Are we going to change the world?’

Christine Denosta August 28, 2024

Keith Marshall, co-founder of the SiGMA Foundation, delivered a powerful speech during the SiGMA Asia Summit 2024. His speech resonated deeply with the audience for day one of last June’s conference at the SMX Convention Center in Manila.

Marshall, a pharmacist by profession and a dedicated philanthropist, shared his transformative journey from privilege to purpose. He illustrated how personal experiences can evolve into a broader mission of making a difference.

Watch Keith Marshall’s impactful speech during the SiGMA Asia 2024:

Marshall began by recounting a pivotal moment from over two decades ago after his first visit to Ethiopia where his eyes were opened to the harsh realities and injustices faced by the Ethiopians. This experience catalysed his shift from his routine professional life to a life driven by purpose, marking his commitment to philanthropy.

“I was stuck at a crossroads. I could either wash away the situation and say, listen, it’s a problem, but essentially, it’s not my problem. Or else I could say, listen, I’m not going to change the world, but I can be involved in change—collective change.”
– Kieth Marshall, SiGMA Foundation Co-Founder

Returning from Ethiopia, Marshall integrated his newfound purpose into his usual days of running his pharmaceutical company, organising events, and playing football. He continued managing his business while channelling more energy into philanthropic efforts.

Inspired by the vision of SiGMA Group Founder, Eman Pulis, Marshall’s charitable endeavours led to the establishment of the SiGMA Foundation. Starting in Ethiopia, the foundation has grown to serve seven countries across four continents, showcasing Marshall’s unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the world.

Marshall emphasised the importance of purpose in life and how it can coexist with other professional and personal pursuits. He shared that purpose is not about the scale of contribution but the intention behind it. Whether dedicating a metre or a mile, a week or just an hour a day, every effort counts.

Impact of ‘your’ purpose to others

Reflecting on the broader impact of his work, Marshall highlighted the foundation’s achievements, from raising approximately $1.5 million (approximately €1.4 million) to helping over 100,000 children. Despite these accomplishments, he acknowledged that the struggle against hunger and inadequate social systems continues globally. There are still 380 million children suffering from hunger, showing the need for more collective action.

A recent highlight of the SiGMA Foundation’s work is the Women Empowerment Project in Ethiopia. This initiative aims to equip women with the skills and confidence they need to thrive. A success story featured in SiGMA Magazine Issue 29 for East Europe showcases the transformative power of the foundation’s vocational training. A graduate of the foundation’s hairdressing course has not only gained a new skill but has altered her fate in life into success.

Marshall’s message was clear: while changing the world entirely may be an unattainable goal, every step toward improving lives counts. His call to action was for individuals to recognise their privilege and leverage it to drive positive change. He urged the audience to embrace the possibility of making a significant impact, however small it may seem.

SiGMA Asia 2025

SiGMA Asia has announced that the summit will be back in Manila on 1-4 June 2025 to showcase more interactive learning and unparalleled networking experiences.