Category Archives: Entrepreneurship
Developing people, developing talents
I heard an interesting interview on FM 93.8 LIVE today in its “Small Talk, Big Returns” show. It was an interview of a Ms Sylvia Fernandez who practices motivation and leadership development using the methods of book author and leadership consultant Aubrey C. Daniels. The interview struck me because I share the sentiments expressed by …
My Budget Speech – 28 February 2011
Yee Jenn Jong Budget Speech (28 February 2012) Mr Deputy Speaker Sir, I welcome the noticeable shift from previous budgets which concentrated mostly on economic growth towards more social programs in this Budget. Over the last decade, our society faced many challenges such as widening income inequality; rising inflation and slower social mobility. Wages of …
My debate in parliament on 19 October 2011
(Text of debate from the Singapore Parliament’s official records. Debate took place after my maiden parliament speech) The Senior Minister of State, Prime Minister’s Office (Mr Heng Chee How): Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to seek clarification from the hon. Member Mr Yee. When he referred to the NTUC group, was he saying that …
Parliamentary Speech (19 October 2011)
Introduction Mr Speaker, Sir, before I touch on the President’s speech, I like to add to the references on Bhutan, as well as correct misconceptions that had surfaced in this House. I happen to visit Bhutan just before this year’s General Elections and am now involved in a non-profit education project for the country. Mr …
Stay hungry, stay foolish – A great principle for life
The guiding principle in the life of Steve Jobs Steve Jobs, the visionary US entrepreneur that gave us many wonderful tools (Mac, iPhone, iPad) and animations (Toy Story, Finding Nemo) that the world has grown to love, has just passed away. He is an entrepreneur and innovator that I truly admire. This is even more so after I have watched his 2005 speech at …
Social mobility in Singapore
Associate Professor Koo Tsai Kee wrote in a Straits Times review that ‘social mobility carried three Tans to the Istana gate’. In it, he described how Dr Tan Cheng Bock, Mr Tan Jee Say and Mr Tan Kin Lian were from humble family backgrounds but made it in life to qualify to challenge for the …
Entrepreneurship begins in school
Presidential candidate Dr Tony Tan spoke of bringing the ‘spirit of Silicon Valley’ to Singapore during his lunchtime rally (http://www.todayonline.com/Hotnews/EDC110824-0000892/President-is-not-a-Super-MP–Tony-Tan). Dr Tan said “(If elected,) I will encourage Singaporeans to strike out in new areas, and give them opportunity to try new ventures and new ideas. I can help encourage their dreams and bring them to …
Helping SMEs manage costs
Two days ago, I met a high-flying corporate executive-turned-entrepreneur. He summed up the challenges of doing business with a story. At the peak of his business, he had 35 executives. Each day, he was the first person into office. As he switched on his lights, he tells himself he has to find $10,000 today just …
Discover the entrepreneur in you (Part 3a): How to make the pitch
I earlier wrote about the importance of making a good elevator pitch. Today, I was at a Tech Start-up event. There was a good mix of some 30 booths with start-ups from Singapore and other countries. It has been a while since I went for such events. Most of the booths I visited would have someone …
Discover the entrepreneur in you (Part 4): Tenacity – a highly useful quality
There is a popular game in arcades where moles will pop out of holes on the game machine. You have to hit it hard to knock the mole down. No matter how fast you hit, there will be more moles popping their heads out smiling at you. A die-hard entrepreneur is like the moles. The …
