Books Beyond Borders
S U N D A Y S I N S I N G A P O R E
In a quiet corner of Singapore, tucked away at 33 Erskine Road, lies a bookstore with a mission far beyond just selling books. Books Beyond Borders, founded by Randall Chong, is more than a place to find your next read—it’s a social enterprise that uses the power of books to transform lives in Nepal.
How It All Began
It all started with a book and a challenge. In 2016, Randall’s life took a turn when a friend gifted him a book with the words: “Do one thing that scares you next year.” This challenge sent him on a solo backpacking journey to Nepal, where he was struck by the sight of young boys and girls struggling to attend school. Many, like 16-year-old Madan, walked hours daily for an education, only to drop out and work jobs that barely paid.
Inspired by what he saw, Randall felt called to combine his passion for entrepreneurship with a desire to make a meaningful impact. That’s how Books Beyond Borders was born—a bookstore where every purchase supports education projects for children in rural Nepal.
Making a Difference, One Book at a Time
Books Beyond Borders collects and sells second-hand books in Singapore to fund educational initiatives. Since starting, the bookstore has helped fund classroom projects, focusing on providing resources for schools and supporting girls’ education. For many of these students, particularly those in remote villages, continuing education beyond Grade 10 is nearly impossible due to the high costs of living in city dorms. Without support, many girls face early marriage.
But the bookstore’s mission extends beyond books. From funding school supplies to scholarships, Books Beyond Borders provides essential tools for these students to keep learning and to dream big. Projects like building libraries, distributing reusable sanitary pads, and supporting teacher training are all part of the ongoing impact.
So, if you’re looking for a purposeful Sunday outing, stop by Books Beyond Borders and know that with every purchase, you’re helping to break down barriers to education for children who need it most.
33 Erskine Road, 01-08 (Opposite Maxwell Food Centre)
Opening hours: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM daily
