2 Brilliant quotes from Mr Ivan Lee, CEO of Thai Express, Onyx Creations, New York New York and Xin Wang Hong Kong Café to Pin Le during the CEO unplugged organized by NES (NUS Entrepreneurial Society) , S@S (Startup @ Singapore)

1.

“Sustaining a Business is about R & D (Research and Development) (Rob and Duplicate)!”

It is a matter of fact. Most entrepreneurs often take an old idea, look at how he/she can add some new features, re-package it and fabricate their own story- A story that consumers will believe and thus purchase it. In business terms, it is called marketing.

2.

““throw away [your] textbooks as it does not apply in the real world””

The sad irony of university education is that it imparts you with all the knowledge to think and analyze. Ironically, that is the downfall of any student when they enter the real world…. No doubt they will end up with a job that pays relatively well. For instance, Students join big MNCs, or Government jobs with the promise of high paying jobs. The problem is university education inculcates students to argue and articulate their points and views, they must prove that they are RIGHT. They cannot afford to FAIL. If they fail, they get a C= CAP 2.0 which translates to being a LOSER. They bring this mentality into the working world and spend hours analyzing and researching until they are pragmatic and risk adverse. Thus they are satisfied with their 8- 6pm job. They do not want to push themselves or strike out on their own. They follow the rest of the corporate warriors and live a satisfied life. I know to a certain extent, what i just typed was a sweeping statement. But there is a certain truth in that.

On the contrary, a student dropout or a student that hates to study, has the hunger to pursue his or her dream which is ridiculed by everyone around them. They work hard. Blood and sweat. They fail many times. And each time they fail, they learn from it. They persevere because they are hungry and determined. They eventually succeed. They come out with an idea that creates value for people and thus becoming entrepreneurs without knowing it. They become house hold names and are adored and envied by the masses. Soon, they become millionaires.

I know I’m speaking for the minority who have succeeded but how many of the majority who have succeeded with their “high qualifications”? I don’t think there is adequate statistic to prove that. Like what Recluse mentioned during lunch and i agree with him, those who are highly educated; reject high ranking jobs in MNCs or Government sector and strike out on their own are commendable and should be respected and saluted.

Which route do you prefer? I could be wrong but the fact of the matter is, it is alright to fail and I want to fail now. I want a C but I know I cannot afford it.