🌟 Word of the Day — 13 Rabi’ Al-Awwal 1447 AH, September 6, 2025 ‘Statement of Intent (SOI)’ 🌟

Coach Ward

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Estimated read time: 4–5 min read

👋 Introduction

Welcome back to the Business English Word of the Day series! Here we sharpen not only vocabulary but also the way we think about business, leadership, and professionalism.

Today’s word is one you’ll see in education, business, and even government: Statement of Intent (SOI). It’s not just paperwork, it’s about declaring purpose and setting direction before the real work begins.

📖 What Does “Statement of Intent (SOI)” Mean?

A Statement of Intent (SOI) is a formal document that outlines an individual’s or organization’s goals, objectives, and commitment to a particular project, program, or course of action.

• In academia, it’s often used by students applying for graduate programs to explain why they want to study, what they aim to achieve, and how they’ll contribute.

• In business, an SOI might outline strategic plans, partnerships, or a company’s direction before contracts are finalized.

• In government or non-profits, it can establish alignment with mission statements, funding requirements, or collaborative ventures.

In short: it’s your chance to declare what you’re aiming for and why it matters.

🧬 Word Origin: Where Does “Statement of Intent” Come From?

The word intent traces back to the Latin intentus meaning a stretching toward, purpose, or design. Over time, “intent” became synonymous with clear determination or aim.

The use of formal “statements” to declare intentions emerged strongly in the 20th century as universities, governments, and corporations began codifying processes to ensure transparency and alignment.

🧠 Why SOI Matters in Business (or Leadership)

Why does this matter? Because clarity saves time, money, and relationships.

A Statement of Intent:

• Sets the tone for partnerships before legal documents are drawn up.

• Shows commitment and foresight to stakeholders.

• Provides a roadmap for decision-making.

• Builds trust by articulating purpose upfront.

Without an SOI, organizations may waste resources chasing unclear goals, or worse, find themselves misaligned with partners or stakeholders.

🙋 Who Uses SOIs (and Why)?

• Students: To demonstrate motivation and suitability for higher education programs.

• Entrepreneurs: To show investors or partners the “why” behind their ventures.

• Organizations: To outline collaborative projects before binding agreements.

• Government & Non-profits: To align funding, vision, and objectives with policy or mission.

❤️ The Coach Ward Way

When I think about SOIs, I think about the countless times I’ve had to communicate purpose before execution.

Running Coach Ward Business Solutions brings me into contact with people from all walks of life, across industries and cultures. What bridges the gap is clarity of intent. A Statement of Intent forces you to pause, gather your thoughts, and present your vision in a way that others can see themselves in it.

At its core, an SOI is about being intentional, not just busy.

📌 Examples in Action

• “She submitted her Statement of Intent for the MBA program, highlighting her passion for sustainable finance.”

• “Before the joint venture, both companies exchanged Statements of Intent to align goals.”

• “Writing an SOI helped him clarify his career direction before applying for new roles.”

🚀 Your Turn

If you had to write a Statement of Intent today, what would you declare?

Would it be about your education, your career, or your business vision? Think about it, and you may find clarity that sparks your next big step.

👉 Let’s keep growing, one word at a time!