Thank you for being with us this Saturday afternoon. It is really nice to see everyone join in the fun by writing your thoughts on Creativity and Passion on the little stickers we prepared. I hope you have taken a moment to look around, and see what others have written. You will realize that almost everyone else would have written something different from you. This shows that all of us are capable of being creative and passionate, just that we express our creativity and passion in our own unique ways.

Likewise, if we ask you to share your definition of the word Success, I am sure we will get a multitude of responses. At Start-Up@Singapore, we leave it to you to define success.

As much as we look forward to the revelation of the winners this afternoon, I would like to emphasize that at Start-Up@Singapore, we view that the journey towards success is actually more important than being successful. We know that there may only be a couple of winners out of the astounding number of 281 teams participating this year.

While we congratulate these winners, we must remind ourselves that each of the 2000 teams who have walked through the doors of Start-Up@Singapore over the past ten years has a success story to tell.

Start-Up@Singapore is more than just a competition. We are not just an 8-month-long programme teaching people how to write the best business plan. Among all the Business Plan Competitions in the world, Start-Up@Singapore is probably the only one that places so much emphasis on education.

At its core, Start-Up@Singapore is designed to equip participants with the skills of the trade, and to shape their minds to think and carry themselves like a winner. We hope to make Start-Up@Singapore every participant’s launch-pad to a world of endless opportunities.

Speaking of which, our world is ever-changing. Social Networking Sites and Online Communities may be the buzzwords today. Tomorrow, it might be something else. But, at the core of it all, history has proven that people need to come together.

And this is what we strive to do at Start-Up@Singapore. Start-Up@Singapore is a Community. And our Community aims to shape the entrepreneurial mindset in Singapore, in tune with the evolving nature of entrepreneurship.

Running a community-driven effort is not easy. We are really thankful for the contribution of our stakeholders. Judges and Mentors are here out of the goodness of their heart, to help guide budding entrepreneurs find passion and learn success.

When we took the bold decision to increase the cash prizes this year, timely with our 10th Anniversary, it was only possible because of our supportive sponsors. Many of these sponsors have also contributed their time to judge, speak and mentor. We are really glad our sponsors have also gained a holistic experience, as opposed to simply financing us.

Our community is growing stronger as we move from one edition of Start-Up@Singapore to another, with judges, mentors and sponsors coming back year after year to help bring the community to greater heights. In recent years, even past participants have been volunteering to share their experience.

To all the stakeholders who made everything possible, Thank You.

At Start-Up@Singapore, our commitment towards crafting an entrepreneurial ecosystem is motivated by our belief of being part of something unique and standing for something larger than ourselves. My Co-lead once said, perhaps the most important thing that we’ve learnt is that you can dream as high as the sky, but without a great team, you’re more than likely going to achieve nothing.

I have to agree with her. What kept me going were the people whom I worked with. I had a near-perfect team of dynamic and highly motivated individuals who felt like family.

I would like to make special mention to the two ladies in the photograph, Jin Jing and Xiao Chen. I must share with you that they are real-life superwomen. On top of Co-Leading Start-Up@Singapore with me, these ladies are the presidents of NUS Entrepreneurship Society, managing 5 other mega projects.

I would also like to thank thank: Raphael and Isaac – who call themselves “Your Friendly Judging Directors” They are the ones who put the S@S infrastructure together, by bringing the judges, mentors and participants together.

Zhang Yi and Raymond, our capable events directors who have coordinated the success of over 20 Start-Up@Singapore’s events.

Zen and Marcus, the creative people from our in-house marketing team. Especially to Zen, who spent many sleepness nights rushing out designs. Junbo and Anjali, for building the relationship with our sponsors and partners.

Chee Eng. Now, we call Chee Eng our IT God. When Xiao Chen and I represented Singapore in the MIT Global Start-Up Workshop in Africa in March, we discovered that S@S is the only biz plan competition in the world to run its old judging portal. What’s even more interesting is that the portal is developed by our own students, such as Chee Eng.

Wenyu and Amy, for all the welfare and support to the team.

Most importantly, to the rest of the S@S team who have made everything possible.

I would also like to thank our Steering Committee. Jolia and Sang from the NUS Entrepreneurship Centre who has always been there for the team, whether it is at 12 midnight or on a Sunday. Tzann, Joey and Dr Sidney, and especially to Prof Wong Poh Kam and Mr Yeo Keng Joon, for placing so much trust in us.

Moving forward, I would like to conclude by sharing with you about Start-Up@Singapore’s transition process. As we move on from one edition to another, we really hope to see more companies born out of Start-Up@Singapore, backed by the entire community. We want our participants, winners or not, to believe in themselves, take a leap of faith and live their dreams.

Beyond the statistics that we at Start-Up@Singapore is proud of, we believe that the quality of each of our participant’s experience matters more than anything else. We have to admit the greatest challenge is tailoring and delivering this experience to the participants effectively.

Especially because each year, an entirely new team takes over to run the entire programme. The team is expected to be mature enough to adapt themselves to the organization’s institutional memories, yet at the same time, they need to be entrepreneurial by venturing to recreate and innovate.

As I step down from my position as Lead of Start-Up@Singapore 2009, I would like to introduce Jiade, the incoming lead of Start-Up@Singapore who will share with you about the exciting ideas we have in mind.

Exactly 4 years ago, I was scared stiff.

2 years ago, I was feeling very lost.

What happened in between, I only have bits and pieces of memories of.

4 years ago, I could not imagine 4 years later.

2 years ago, I could not imagine 2 years later.

Life has been great. Blessed with great family and friends, and having an awesome experience in NUS. Though flooded with a heavy workload, this semester has been the most enjoyable. Great to see how we have formed our own circle of friends in CN M. I am proposing the idea of forming our own agency – great mix of talents.

Just as I am getting comfortable, it’s already the end of the semester and I will be leaving in July. But I am glad that I had such wonderful memories this semester. This kind of stuff beats all the talk about getting a high CAP score. It’s really all about the experience, and I am glad to experience this experience right here in CN M. (note the gap, in case someone finds my blog through google. but even if you found it through google, I just want to tell you that I love the program!)

Anyway, what happened 4 years ago.. 22 Apr 05 –> Enlistment lah. 21 Apr 07 –> ORD.

It was the Opening Ceremony for the NUS Entrepreneurship Week this evening. As usual, some collaterals were being distributed. And then I saw this photo in one of the NES materials.

I remember it was taken on the last Sunday of the Recess Week (what am I saying, there’s only two Sundays in the recess week anyway – the first or the last) – we had one of our first NES mind jams meant to prepare us for the Silicon Valley expedition.

From Left to Right: Raphael, Wailoon, Chun Jia, Jorina, Mai, Wai Loon, Raymond, Jin Rui, Xiao Chen, Me, Junbo, Jann & Jin Jing.

We had some visioning exercise – it was in February 2008.

And then in July 2008, I digged all those plastic sheets out from the NES House Junkyard and then I pasted it all over the walls of the NES House Meeting Room….

And this is Marcus…

Feb 08 to Jul 08 to Jan 09. =)

And then I found all the old photos..

Below: The very first S@S Team photograph during NES Induction Day in 2007.

Below: Complaining about work at a UN Meeting.

Below & Below below: Emerging Industry Series Ad-Hoc Team – A life-changing moment with a life changing team (below below below)

Below: EIS Team – Raymond not in Photo: Celebrating my 22nd Birthday.

And the 08 team used to talk alot..

And the 09 team continues this legacy..

Some happy moments together forever (HAHA)

Below: The Leads in San Francisco – June 2008.

Below: Our professional Photoshot in August 2008.

Below: S@S 08 Team – exhausted after Awards Ceremony and one year of meaningful events.

Below: S@S 09 Team – exhausted after one Official Ceremony but looking forward to many more events to come.

Official Launch, S@S Mixer, CEO Unplugged, Young Entrepreneurs’ Workshop, Technopreneurs’ Boot Camp, Eweek Idea Realization Workshop

I am taking even more interesting modules this semester.

Sem 2 Year 2

NM2208 – Principles of Visual Communication

NM3204 – E-learning

NM3215 – Advertising Strategies

NM3219 – Writing for Communications Management

GEK1525 – Evaluating Claims Related to Health

Sem 1 Year 2

NM2101 – Communications and New Media Theories

NM2201 – Intercultural Communication

NM2219 – Introduction to Communications Management

ACC1002X – Financial Accounting

MKT1003 – Principles of Marketing

Sem 2 Year 1

NM2102 – Communications and New Media Research

NM2220 – Introduction to Media Writing

TS1101E – Introduction to Theatre Studies

LAC1201 – Chinese Language

SSA1201 – Singapore Society

Sem 1 Year 1

NM1101E – Communications, New Media & Society

SC1101E – Making Sense of Society (Sociology)

EC1101E – Principles of Economics

SN1101E – South Asian Studies

GEK???? – Japanese Studies

Eh. Actually I don’t even know the reason why I typed all my modules out. But anyway, I meant to say that I have to maintain two more blogs now – for NM2208 and NM3204 now. Lol.

We are halfway through yet another Start-Up@Singapore event. While it has been extremely challenging (especially during the recent few weeks), I believe the greatest takeaway is the friendship forged along the way.

Unlike previous years, I did not wrap up year 2008 with a blogpost. So here goes.

I believe year 2008 was extremely life-changing (well, we change every year actually right?). I think the entire Dream.Dare.Dive episode left a deep impact on me. Even till now. I have a lasting impression of the day we visited Google and HP Labs – the 3rd Day of the trip.

Lots of random things happened.

I was walking to my next tutorial class when I bumped into a person I met at the NOC interview. He asked me if I got it. I said I didn’t. He said he did. I feel really glad for him because SV is a very nice place. SV has a very nice environment – no, not the weather, or the architecture or the trees, but.. the people. enough said. Maybe I shall apply again next year?

I have been quite hesitant of the track I’ve chosen right now – Communications and New Media. Not exactly my interest or passion. But I’m enjoying the tutorials.

We were analyzing the MDA Senior Management Rap video in class earlier today.

We were talking about various intercultural business scenarios.

And many more.

And I suddenly don’t feel like blogging anymore.

hmm.

0800 – wake up

1000 – ACC tutorial

1100 – NM2219 project meeting

1200 – Rush off for N E C meeting

1215 – NM2101 project meeting

1300 – NM2201 tutorial

1400 – Sponsorship Team Meeting

1500 – Arts Meeting at Dean’s Office

1600 – Meet Dudley and Sabrina – Wish Happy Birthday!

1700 – A*STAR Meeting

WOW

oh no.

i think im stuck…

This “long” weekend was not any longer than my normal weekend. (I have no lessons on Mondays). But I had a long rest. Long enough for me to do some reflections.

I thought about the Army times.

I thought about my current commitments.

I thought about the days in SIlicon Valley.

I thought about my studies.

I thought of everything about myself.

I managed to catch 7 full episodes of prison break, back-to-back.

I had the last lesson with my tutee – how time flies. I started teaching all the way back in January, and now, we are already approaching November.

I realized the last time I had my iTunes on was in late August.

I realized that the S@S Core Team has gone through a lot already, but there’s many more challenges to come.

I realized my laptop’s turning 17 months old.

I realized my two year plan for my N73 phone has ended.

I realized it is week 11 already.

I realize that time flies very quickly.

I realize that I have aged just by looking at old (I mean recent) photographs…

I realize that there’s alot of things I haven’t do and I really want to do.

I closed my eyes and thought of Ayer Rajah Camp days. Those early mornings and late evenings on the MRT. Rushing for seats and reading books. The morning and afternoon tea breaks drinking teh peng and eating roti john. The early lunches and indulgent mid-day naps. The runs in the morning when the air’s still cool. The runs in the afternoon with the sweltering heat. The trips to HQ or the Medical Centre. Those days where HP would treat us Marche or Swensen’s or some buffet in town on Friday evenings. Those days when all of us would squeeze into somebody’s car to go out for lunch at Ikea or Anchorpoint or Ghim Moh or some random food court. Those times when we had to rush down to settle Charges. The In Camp Trainings – early morning trips for inprocessing/outprocessing.

The office politics. The roll calls. The phone calls. And.

I realized I am now less agressive. I am no longer as hot-tempered as what I used to be. I rarely get controlled by my emotions (erm, maybe not at this point). I mean, maybe it’s just PGP. But, I rather be alone.

And oh, those days where I spent my weekends working. When I look back now, I do not really know where the money I earned went – I don’t know if I could have used the time to do something more meaningful. But what?

All of us know that everything in life is unfair. Everything in life is unfair because we choose to view it that way. To view it that way, we choose to compare ourself with other people. To compare ourself with our people, we are setting unrealistic expectations for ourself. Setting unrealistic expectations for ourself, we tend to get dissapointed when things don’t go our way.

Oh yes, I did not get into the NOC programme this time round. So what? Although I was confident that the interview would be a breeze to me, apparently I was not agressive enough. But I do not like to be agressive. I am beyond the point of being overly competitive. Competition is good when it is healthy. But what exactly is “healthy competition”?

It is disheartening when we start to pity our ownself. Or do we pity our ownself because something is disheartening? Which is the chicken and which is the egg. I mean, I don’t really care about the chicken or the egg or whether I didn’t get into the programme (yeah, at the risk of sounding like a sore loser), but yes, there are boundless opportunities everywhere. Things can only get better!

But then I should be sooo busy that I’ve got no time to rant. Fact is, I am getting really busy, and I hate myself for going online to blog and do other time-wasting stuff.

I have this habit of taking my own sweet time when I have to answer MCQs for a test. I will slowwwllyyy eliminate the choices one by one, and I will do everything on the question paper and then I will take my time to look through my final choice again and finally shade them on the answer sheet. After shading the bubbles, I will once again look through the question paper to see that I have selected the most suitable choice and then I will match it with my answer sheet and then I will recheck my entire answer sheet and question booklet and then I will decide whether to leave the exam hall – which is usually not the case. Because being a KIASU riddy, I will decide to hang around a while with the excuse of checking my answers. And when I check my answers, there are alot of “are you sure you think that this is the correct answer” kind of self-reflective questions. And so, I end up changing my answers. And because I get really confused on whether I should change my answers or not, I will sometimes change it and leave the exam hall. And after leaving the exam hall, I realized that the original answers are always correct. BLEARGHHHH

But people say. MCQ what.. Easy.. Not when…

A looks like B

B looks lik C

C looks like A

D is all of the above

E is none of the above

 

HUH