The dinner discussions with the 14th batch of NOC interns and 2nd batch of iLEADers started and ended off with a high note yesterday, even after the session you can still see many of us lingering outside the walkways and chatting with each other, meeting new friends and drawing new links. The feeling was like coming back to Singapore once again, and gathering with all these young and energetic group of individuals who are ready to change the world. It really feels good to be amongst the pioneers of change.

Back to the main topic of discussion. We were asked to compare the differences between SV and Singapore companies, now that all of us have spent months in our companies, whether it’s in Singapore or SV. The following are some of the points brought up during discussions.

1. The mentorship given during the course of our internship - May made a point that in Singapore, we do feel that the amount of mentorship given by our superiors does not seem adequate, while Su Shu from NOC expressed that it’s really a matter of who is the mentor. Sometimes you do meet people who are really willing to share more about themselves and their experiences, but even if you do not, we’ll just have to take the initiatives to learn more elsewhere. However, we must still say that in SV, the culture of sharing is indeed much stronger, the valley thrives on people willing to share their knowledge, and help the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs accelerate their personal and intellectual growth. It is indeed an eye-opener I must say. To bring this culture back to Singapore, it really starts off with ourselves - “Look at yourself in the mirror”, as someone said (Sorry I didn’t get his name)
2. Passion and Focus - In Singapore, we do feel that there is a lack of passion and focus for pioneering innovations and change. In the valley, people are not afraid of failures (or probably they are), but they never fail to pick themselves up again, and try something else - the spirit of serial entrepreneurship in the words of the valley. Over here, people also dare to think far, thing BIG, and aspire to pioneer developments that will change the entire industry and playfield. We’re not talking about making money and be satisfied with a regular inflow of revenue, we’re talking about people who is committed and passionate to test their business ideas (probably some stupid ones), and innovate. Seth from Meebo asked a very important question: “What is it that you’re really looking for in life?” It really set us into thinking right after the session with him.
3. VCs in SG and SV - We contrasted that VCs in Singapore are much more conservative than those in SVs, they are less willing to invest in seeds, much more willing to invest in companies with an establish revenue stream. The one thing that remains true for both countries’ VCs, is that we need traction to attract the VCs. Once you are able to show some growth in user adoption and revenue, as well as favourable reviews, for all you know the VCs may start coming to you instead.
4. Company Culture - In terms of company culture of startups, we do notice that in the SV it seems to be less hierarchical. No doubt there is an organisational chart, but it’s easier for one to approach someone of a much higher level that himself or herself. And yes, who will not remember about the pantries after pantries, food within 150m on your work area, gym, swimming pool, bring your dog to work, golf course in the middle of the office, massage chair - all sorta of wacky employee’s benefits that you see over here. Attractive yes, but it still boils down to how you allow other people to feel responsibility and ownership for what they are doing for the firm, and to the industry. Let them know how much they have achieved for the firm and for their clients. These are essence to the soul I would say, much deeper than having pantries after pantries.

And yes I only have half an hour left to leave my hotel room. Today’s the last day of the programme, yet it means the beginning of our own journey back in SG. Really look forward to meeting and growing this community of aspiring innovators.

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