Lessons learnt from Technological Entrepreneurship module

by Sam Yong Zhi (Singapore)

Probably one of the most important lessons that I have learnt from this class is that, I should consciously make an effort to do less planning and more execution. I tend to procrastinate and spend too much time planning for the “perfect” plan. Yet the reality is that plans do change along the way.

The catch is really to get a decent plan up and go ahead to get something done, to get some progress. Along the way there will be useful and probably not so useful feedbacks and the plan will change for the better.

Another take away is that great ideas don’t make great businesses, great people do. While having a great idea or having the money would probably be critical to success of a business idea, what investors look for the most is the management. Eventually they know that if they were to invest, they are “betting” on the people who are going to make it happen then relying on the business idea.

Taking this entrepreneurship class itself was one of the best decisions I have made. I am glad I have taken this class. I have always wanted to start my own business even before I came to SMU. Unfortunately, there was a period of time I was actually influenced by the culture/pressure from the peers and became one of the many students eyeing for a career in finance. Taking this Technological Entrepreneurship module, I was exposed to the world of entrepreneurship again, and with the inspiration from Pamela Lim, I am now determined to strike it out on my own.

Together with the many lessons that I have learnt in class, I am very grateful for the entrepreneurial environment that this course has created. I have always believed that structure drives behaviour and by immersing myself in friends who want to be entrepreneurs, courses that encourages entrepreneurship, Professor who is also a successful entrepreneur, I can now say that I am determined to continue on my journey of entrepreneurship, to do things that I really like and be in control of my own life.