The 2024 NUS Enterprise Summer Programme in Entrepreneurship highlighted the importance of collaboration through play, providing participants with a unique mix of sports, games, and group activities aimed at revealing both individual and collective strengths. The program began with the Amazing Race of Champions, an exciting adventure that led us on a dynamic tour across Singapore, establishing a lively and energetic atmosphere for the upcoming days. As we navigated the city, we not only immersed ourselves in Singapore's rich culture and heritage but also forged connections with fellow participants in a fun and interactive manner.
Alongside other team-building activities such as traditional dances, language workshops, and crafts from various ASEAN countries, I witnessed my groupmates' creativity, social skills, and problem-solving abilities come to life—qualities that often remain hidden in formal settings. It was more than just fun and games; it prompted us to reflect on our strengths and areas for improvement. These shared experiences provided us with invaluable insights into each other's working styles and taught us how to navigate the complexities of diverse group dynamics. The programme became a journey of self-discovery and growth, equipping us with lessons that will prepare us for the challenges of future leadership roles, far exceeding initial expectations.
A key focus of this year’s programme was to deep dive into the ASEAN region. We explored the rich cultural heritage and dynamic economic landscape of Southeast Asia – from learning how to create traditional Indonesian Batik and the basics of the Thai language, to understanding the regional economic growth projections. It was eye-opening to see the opportunities and challenges in this rapidly evolving market, which is projected to become the world's fourth-largest economy by 2030. This cultural immersion was educational and reinforced the importance of appreciating and respecting diverse backgrounds, a crucial skill in today's globalised world.
The fireside chats with distinguished alumni, such as Mr. Philip Yeo, Chairman of Economic Development Innovations Singapore and a leading figure in Singapore’s public service, and unicorn founder Jeffrey Tiong of PatSnap, were another highlight of the programme. As they shared their experiences of overcoming challenges and achieving success, we were both inspired and enlightened. Their journeys echoed common themes of resilience and the vital role of continuous learning in entrepreneurship.
One insight from Mr. Philip Yeo that particularly resonated with me was the art of effective delegation. He emphasized that understanding how and to whom to delegate tasks is essential, as it leverages others’ strengths while fostering positive relationships and morale. Another standout experience was touring the Singapore headquarters of Google, Alibaba, and City Development Limited. At Google, I gained valuable lessons on the importance of an empowering work culture that prioritizes work-life balance, and how this approach positively impacts talent retention and individual appreciation—concepts I plan to apply in my own business endeavors.
The impact of the two-week programme extended beyond technical knowledge into shaping our approach to entrepreneurship. It was more than just about how to start a business; it was about building the resilience and collaborative spirit needed to thrive in the entrepreneurial world. The structure of the programme stands as a testament to the power of play in learning and growth. The experiences gained and the skills developed during this programme have set a high benchmark, preparing me for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
