Innovation and collaboration in focus as NUS Enterprise Summer Programme in Entrepreneurship hosts largest cohort to date

Three hundred aspiring entrepreneurs from 31 universities in 22 countries gathered in Singapore from 8 to 19 July 2024 for the NUS Enterprise Summer Programme in Entrepreneurship 2024, sharing the same spirit of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and excellence.

Teo Zhi Sen, a Year 4 Engineering Science student from the NUS College of Design and Engineering, had the unique opportunity to witness and participate in this programme as a student ambassador. He penned his reflections on this two-week journey, which he said offered a fresh perspective on entrepreneurship through the lens of cultural immersion and experiential learning.

Entrepreneurship through games

The 2024 NUS Enterprise Summer Programme in Entrepreneurship emphasised experiences that build collaboration through play, offering participants a unique blend of sports, games, and group activities designed to uncover personal and collective strengths.

The programme kicked off with the Amazing Race of Champions, an exhilarating adventure that took us on a whirlwind tour across Singapore, setting a vibrant and energetic tone for the days to come. As we raced through the city, we were not just exploring Singapore’s culture and heritage, we were also building connections with fellow participants in a fun and engaging way.

Together with other team-building activities like 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 are often hidden in formal settings. It was more than just fun and games, it helped us reflect on our strengths and areas for improvement.

Through these shared experiences, we gained invaluable insights into each other’s working styles and learned to navigate the complexities of diverse group dynamics. With lessons that will prepare us for the challenges of future leadership roles, the programme was a journey of self-discovery and growth, far beyond what was initially expected.

Exploring Southeast Asia

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 art of the pitch

The pitch sessions were among the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of the programme. Focused on innovative yet sustainable solutions, groups of participants collaborated to present their start-up ideas to industry experts. My team and I worked on an ambitious project – an application that provides fashion recommendations to customers. The journey was intense, filled with brainstorming sessions in the wee hours of the day that tested our clarity, confidence, and composure; but the words of  Mr Kris Childress, a seasoned mentor at NUS Enterprise – “Concise pitches are key to captivating investors” – became our mantra as we honed our presentation skills. We were also fortunate to receive guidance from Ms Laina Greene, Founder and CEO of Angels of Impact, who helped to fine-tune our problem statement, making the final pitch even more compelling. 

As Pitch team leader, my goal was to make sure everyone learns from this process and builds on their strengths. Leveraging my teammate’s understanding of consumer behaviour, I assigned her the market research role due to her sociology background. Overall, I made sure that each member was able to learn something and apply their knowledge. This experience highlighted the collaborative nature of entrepreneurship and taught us the value of clear communication and adaptability. Personally, I also learnt how to inspire my team and adapt to different working styles, fostering a deeper understanding and curiosity about each person's unique contributions. Keeping the energy up in the wee hours of the day became an art form; I learnt that a well-timed joke and coffee can work wonders.

Entrepreneurs in action

The fireside chats with distinguished alumni, including Mr Philip Yeo, Chairman of Economic Development Innovations Singapore and a prominent figure in Singapore’s public service, and unicorn founder Jeffrey Tiong of PatSnap, were another highlight. As they shared their stories of overcoming challenges and achieving success, we felt both inspired and educated. Their journeys told similar stories of resilience and the importance of continuous learning in entrepreneurship.

A particular insight from Mr Philip Yeo resonated strongly with me – the art of effective delegation. He stressed that knowing who and how to delegate tasks is crucial as it leverages others’ strengths while maintaining good relationships and morale.

Among the other memorable moments was the opportunity to tour the Singapore headquarters of Google, Alibaba and City Development Limited. At Google, I learnt the value of an empowering work culture that prioritises work-life balance. The ripple effect on talent retention and valuing individuals were points I noted for when I work on my own business.

A celebration of achievements

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.

For those considering becoming a student ambassador in future editions of the programme, my advice is to embrace the opportunity with an open mind and a collaborative spirit. The experience is not just about contributing to the programme's success but also about learning and growing alongside a diverse group of talented individuals. The insights and friendships gained will be invaluable assets as you navigate your entrepreneurial journey.