Yale-NUS students enter the world of high impact entrepreneurship

With eight speakers and five sessions in just over the course of one month, Yale-NUS students had the opportunity to learn from entrepreneurs and industry experts about the best practices of scaling up enterprises for sustainable development.

The Yale-NUS Intensive on High Impact Entrepreneurship was a joint effort with leading high‐impact entrepreneurship organisation, Endeavor Global.

“I am delighted by the partnership with Endeavor and the regional Managing Directors who were very open and helpful with connecting our students to their networks,” highlighted Dr Trisha Craig, Vice President for Engagement and Senior Lecturer in Global Affairs at Yale‐NUS.

“Another interesting element about the intensive is that we opened it to alumni and current students. Our alumni could offer advice to current students and share about their own entrepreneurship experiences. Some of them have started interesting companies, and I think that there is an excitement about that among both other alumni and our students. I think we have given them the right tools to succeed in this very global world,” she added.

This excitement translated into a strong sign-up rate from the Yale-NUS community, even amongst students with prior entrepreneurship or finance experience like Cavan Chew (Class of 2022). Having just completed an investment banking internship over the semester break, he took up the intensive seeking deeper insights into businesses beyond finance. “In this regard, the workshop was particularly informative as it covered the less tangible aspects, such as building a team culture, aside from the more quantifiable topics like fundraising.”

“One of my most interesting takeaways was from Adlin Yusman, Managing Director of Endeavor Malaysia. He spoke about expanding to new markets, where it is often useful to not just look for top-tier local talent, but also find local investors who are as invested in your success,” elaborated Cavan. 

Oswald Yeo, Founder of Glints and Endeavor Entrepreneur, in his session about identifying potential in entrepreneurs and businesses. Image provided by Alumni Affairs and Strategic Events.

The students interviewed concurred that their favourite aspect of the intensive was the ability to pick the brains of brilliant individuals. They were able to ask questions with a Southeast Asian focus, as well as seek advice on strategies and experiences.

As a budding entrepreneur and documentary filmmaker, Roy Lara (Class of 2023) was excited to apply the learning to his own journey towards creating impact. “The speakers were able to clarify the expectations of an entrepreneurship journey, and inspired me through their impact-driven mission. This will help me understand where I stand in my own process, and the resources and strategies available to me moving forward,” he shared.

Abery Lia (Class of 2024), who is currently working on her own eco-ethical fashion start-up, was eager to apply the cultural and market insights she gained to better pitch her current project. “I am so grateful that Yale-NUS was able to make entrepreneurship accessible to students in such a thoughtful and engaging way.”

Adlin Yusman, Managing Director at Endeavor Malaysia, during his sharing about the role of culture in shaping entrepreneurial eco-systems. Image provided by Alumni Affairs and Strategic Events. 

“The speakers were all leaders, and some might say thought leaders, in their fields, and I think we were privileged to be able to ask questions and gain insights from their years of experience,” noted Cavan.