Tech In Asia writer Kang Liang Hoh spoke with young entrepreneurs from Singapore to learn more about their path entrepreneurship inspiring and often challenging experiences in their 20s. Their stories and lessons can give young people more motivation and confidence as they begin building their careers.
Accept ups and downs
Of course, until entrepreneurship there is no smooth road to success. Made Real was nearly rejected by its first investor after the investor discovered both co-founders were only 21, even though everything had previously been going well. Robin and Roselyn decided to call to persuade the investor and address the concerns, and funding was granted.
Valerie Dreams of Exchanging Startup Experience in Silicon Valley
Taking on too much, Valerie sometimes felt close to collapsing and giving up. But with wholehearted support from family and friends, she persevered and won a place representing NUS in a year-long study and exchange program in Silicon Valley.
Persevere and keep learning
Weaknesses such as a lack of experience and knowledge sometimes cause difficulties for young entrepreneurs, but they do not lose heart. Both Sonia and Jun Wei agree that they have been through situations others consider ‘failures,’ but to them these were opportunities to learn valuable lessons.
After criticism from those around her, Sonia realized how passionate and committed she was to the project and began again. Jun Wei had no experience in writing, presenting, or event management. He tried to address this by watching programs about startup entrepreneur on TV, both entertaining and a quick way to learn to solve problems.
Find companions
Some of the worst moments for these young entrepreneurs involve not only struggling with time management, but also navigating relationships with co-founders of the same age. Jian Rong went through a tense period with his partner, who wanted quick profits while Jian's goal was to build a strong company for the long term.
David was also exhausted because CIO Academy ran into difficulties just as he was caught up in exams and everyone needed him there to resolve them. Faced with such headaches, youthful impulsiveness and insufficiently considered thinking can easily lead to failure for everyone involved.
8 tips from young Singaporean entrepreneurs for young people
The entrepreneur the young entrepreneurs mentioned above generously shared their experience with peers nurturing dreams of becoming business owners. These are:
1/ Do not wait or fear failure. Know what you want, communicate clearly, and do not hesitate to ask for help.
2/ Successful entrepreneurship of yourself is not everything; you also need to care about the community and society. Nor can you succeed alone: stay in touch with friends and care for your family.
3/ A painful lesson stays with you. Keep a clear head to recognize learning opportunities in everything around you, especially failure.
4/ Entrepreneurs need to be a little “thick-skinned,” not to gain more benefits but to overcome their own fear.
6 outstanding young people with successful startup projects in Singapore
offered 8 startup tips for young people
5/ Remember not to limit yourself because of today's weaknesses; knowledge can be developed and experience accumulated.
6/ The best time to start a business is your choice, not a matter of circumstances, the market or age.
7/ You must be willing to sacrifice your interests to entrepreneurship.
8/ Accept that not everything is rosy and people always think differently from you.
According to Sài Gòn Entrepreneur
Chương trình liên quan tại YUP Education: X-Startup – khóa học khởi nghiệp «Khởi Chánh Nghiệp» · The Journey – lộ trình phát triển doanh nhân
