Lifelong learning in Singapore

Written by Ryan Delisser, Bachelor of Advanced Business (Honours)

This winter break, 33 other UQ students and I made our way to Singapore, one of Asia’s biggest startup hubs for 4 weeks of learning, exploration, and entrepreneurial growth.

During this incredible journey, I had several key highlights that impacted my personal and professional development.

Key highlights

1. zeromultiple 
   During my time in Singapore, I had the opportunity to work with zeromultiple, a skincare brand, that differentiated itself through its natural, steroid free products. Under my CEO’s leadership, I was able to explore an industry that I had zero knowledge or understanding about and contribute to the company’s expansion into further online and retail sales channels. The opportunity was unlike anything else I had worked on, allowing me to widen my skill set and meet some new and amazing individuals.
2. New connections
   One of the most valuable aspects of the trip was the chance to widen my network with new and interesting people I typically wouldn’t be around. From the 33 fellow UQ students to local entrepreneurs, and individuals in the skincare industry, I forged connections I will maintain for years to come. Singaporean events seemed to welcome me with open arms, even when I knew no one there and had no knowledge of the topics discussed. The interactions not only provided me with new and interesting insights but also pushed me out of my comfort zone, providing personal growth.
3. Startup culture
   The program not only allowed me to be fully immersed within a startup but also allowed me to attend events and locations where entrepreneurs network and operate. These include Draper Startup House, a local hub for entrepreneurs to work and network, and Blue InCube, a venture capital firm based in Singapore whose events highlight key ideas and insights within the startup industry. The energy and excitement at these events were truly invigorating, and I left each one with new connections, and a new perspective on an industry or product.

The experiences I had during these key highlights led to several crucial learnings that have shaped my approach to my personal and professional life.

Key learnings

1. Saying 'yes'
   One of the key learnings of the program was the power of saying yes to new opportunities. Whether it was attending an impromptu event, taking on an unfamiliar task, or exploring a new area of Singapore, embracing these experiences led to unexpected benefits, great memories, and personal growth. Saying 'yes' opened doors to learning opportunities and allowed me to push myself further outside of my comfort zone, resulting in a more fulfilling and adventurous trip. After all, I would have never even gone to Singapore or had these amazing experiences if I hadn’t said 'yes' back in Brisbane.
2. Importance of networking
   The importance of networking was a recurring theme throughout the program. Building relationships with peers, mentors, and industry professionals proved to be invaluable. It not only provided access to knowledge and resources I would never have been able to achieve, but also created a support system that I can utilise in the future. Engaging in conversations with new and diverse individuals opened my eyes to different perspectives and ideas, enriching my understanding and sparking innovative thoughts. Every interaction was a learning experience, offering insights into different industries, cultures, and problem-solving approaches. These discussions helped me develop a broader worldview and a more adaptable mindset.
3. Embracing the unexpected
   Working in a startup environment comes with its set of challenges, and learning to embrace them was a significant takeaway. From navigating the uncertainties of business development in an unfamiliar industry to the different workplace cultures, the challenges taught me resilience and adaptability. Embracing challenges head-on and viewing them as a chance to learn provided me with great learning and personal growth opportunities. This lesson was relevant outside the office as well, as exploring a new city is never going to go perfectly, especially in an Amazing Race situation.

My experience in Singapore was incredibly valuable and I encourage anyone thinking about this program to go ahead, follow my first lesson, and say 'yes'. Even if you know nothing about startups, Singapore or entrepreneurship it will provide you with unique connections, learning opportunities, and skills that will last a lifetime.

I would like to thank UQ Ventures and Accelerating Asia for making this trip possible, especially Nimrod and Fi. Your hard work is very much appreciated. I’m also grateful for the support of the New Colombo Plan, which helped make this experience possible.