Isaac has spent the last four years designing, building and coding systems for financial institutions. His last position was as the technical lead at a Singapore IT firm. Now, he is recovering from enterprise outsourcing hell by coding with Ruby and Python. He plays football and is eagerly awaiting the day he can support Singapore at the World Cup.
When Singapore was a young nation, and education not universal, our elders did all they could to put food on the table. They rested their hopes in the younger generation, believing that they will take advantage of opportunities the nation’s pioneers don’t have. Through their toil, future generations were able to have higher education and opportunities to be doctors, engineers and researchers. Read more
To learn more about the finalists for The Ultimate Start-Up Space competition, each of the 10 finalists will answer 3 questions:
1. Why this idea?
2. Why this space? (Why do you feel like your idea best suits the shop space at 29 Boon Tat Street?)
3. Why this team? (Why do you think you’re the best person/team to realize your business idea in this space?)
In this post, we feature the answers from 3 of the finalists in random order.
Public supports plays a big part in determining the winner. If you have a favorite among the finalists, pledge your support here. Read more
When Borders first arrived on Singapore shores in 1997, it exposed us in Singapore to the potential of bookstores as a social focal point, and more importantly it showed us how bookstores could appeal to the masses and still cater to those who love the printed word with highly knowledgeable staff and a massive collection of book titles.
The space located at 29 Boon Tat is a 1,400 square feet store located on the first floor of a beautiful shop-house and the winners will have the space rent free for one full year.
The winners of “The Ultimate Start-Up Space” will also receive S$20,000 starting capital and more importantly will get an Executive Education programme from INSEAD tailored for their business needs and the opportunity to be mentored by two very successful entrepreneurs – Low Cheong Kee, Managing Director of Home-Fix DIY and Jimmy Fong, CEO of EpiCentre.
The top ten ideas will be announced on 20 May 2011. This list will be influenced by public opinion and determined by a panel of industry experts comprised of business leaders from Martell, INSEAD, Home-Fix and EpiCentre. After the top 10 ideas are announced, the finalists will be provided a crowd-funding platform in the vein of Kickstarter and IndieGoGo to generate support from the public for their ideas. The winner of the Ultimate Start-up Space will be selected on 4 August 2011. The store will then be outfitted for the winning idea. If you win, you’ll get the keys to your store in September 2011.
GOODSTUPH kicks off GOOD stories with their first Chapter on Pursuing Passion. They’ve got a great lineup of amazing people with equally amazing stories to share.
1. Kun of Make Studios.
2. Steve Lawler of KULT
3. Kenny and Karen of BooksActually
4. Eeshaun of Gardensilly
5. Jill-Marie Thomas – Singer
6. Dharni Ng – Beatboxer
Of the many reasons there could possibly be to attend this event, meeting Kenny and Karen of BooksActually should be on top of any list. These two entrepreneurs have done something amazing in creating a sustainable, if not successful, bookstore and brand during a period when mega-stores like Borders and Kinokuniya rolled into town and threatened to put an end to the concept of hometown bookstores.
Below are some of the works by the amazing people who will be sharing their stories:
A project done by the superb team at OgilvyOne Singapore and digital maverick Kun of Make Studios.
Friendly entrance fee: $10
(Includes 4 finger food dishes and a non-alcoholic drink.
Friendly note: RSVP required
Just a heads up, attendance is only confirmed once you get a confirmation email. Spaces are limited so reserve your places early!
RSVP to steph@goodstuph.org by 11 March 2010 before 1800h!
CIty Nomads is another new entry into the already crowded space of Groupon clones in Singapore. In an attempt to differentiate itself from the rest of the doppelgangers, the founders of City Nomads Alex Linton and Shavit Clein have positioned City Nomads as a premium luxury focused group buying site that specializes in food and beverages deals. Read more