Held at the NUSS Suntec Guild House from 3 pm to 9 pm, I must say that, the event was a success, but also terribly long with times it becoming really draggy. Nonetheless, it’s quite amazing to see the energy level from everyone present. People from SG who went to 4 different parts of the world, experienced life, worked, studied and played, and finally returned back to SG with all their hopes, aspirations, dreams, zest, etc … It was a packed and driven “celebration” (if I can call it that).
We had the priviledge of having with us Ms Virginia Cha (or does she like Professor Virginia?!) as introduced before as our teacher as well as bosses to some of us to be with us to share her story. Her life story about how it all began and where it went. She was, as usual, dynamic and energetic, captivating the crowd. However, I noticed that there were certain people (mainly from the US) that mentioned that her idea of entrepreneur was different. She already had all that $$$ and so could “afford” to do anything she liked. True entrepreneurs are poor people who cannot afford to do anything they like and are always looking for funds. Now, I beg to differ. Being an entrepreneur merely means that you do what you want to do. You create value for yourself and for people around you for a certain reward (monetary or otherwise). It doesn’t matter if you are richer, had better networks. You are an entrepreneur, just by being one. It’s a mindset probably, rather than a state of one’s life. That’s entrepreneur in my sense of things. In fact, that’s also the main reason why I feel there is too much talk about entrepreneurship. Way too much thoughts, philosophies, opinions when being an entrepreneur is really the most personal question that one can ask oneself. Are you up for the challenge? Give up whatever you have or might have for something that you hope will satisfy you both physically (materially) and spiritually (emotionally)?
Anyhow, one of Virginia’s advice for most people is that go get a job somewhere, establish a network, build some contacts base, get to know the industry more and if you still have that passion within you, go for it then. It’s not the way that fits all, but it’s a way I think will work for most. I, myself, would take that path. As a fresh graduate, I would really want to get a job in a company where I can learn about the industry, about best practises, about standards, about competitions, about everything, and afterwhich with a broader contact base cast myself into the ocean and try it for myself. Probably many lines that I am interested to go into, but the final aim … (I’m not shy to talk about it) … it’s to have a whole group of restaurants. i.e. Tung Luk Group. But that’s for the distant future.
For now, its focus on getting my first step into the “corporate” (fish eat fish) world where I can accumulate “wealth” and experience. Bring it on!!! (Bring me to SH, someone?! … anyone?!) (“,)
So … I was in this Homecoming and what did I take away … Virginia’s talk was the same the night before, so I shan’t repeat all the key points, but another talk was interesting and that was from Yuping. In fact, that was 1 talk which everyone was actually paying attention (besides the talk by Prof Teo and Virginia). She talked about her company World Indigo and how she has managed thus far. Her slides were simple, her message was simple but her sincerity was great. When she talked, she felt so earnest … I think everyone just stop all their chatter and listened. She really is a strong lady who has come through it all doing quite alright, and I do wish her all the best in her venture and her job as well.
Through all the talks and sharings that day, one things stood out from me. I’m just not sure enough of myself. Why I say that? I’m not sure enough of what I am good at to figure out what I really want to do in life. This is kind of like a “catch 22″ cos’ if I can’t figure out what I am good at, how would I decide what job I want. Then, on the other hand, if I can’t get a job yet how would I know I am not good at it. Duh!!! So, I feel so inexperienced, but then that’s cos’ I am fresh from college (or would be fresh) and eagerly seek worldly experience. I also recently talked to my bro and realized that what we do know is all we can really make decisions upon. What we do not know makes it impossible to decide what good for us. (Anyway, just like to point out that my bro knows quite a numbe rof people who gets “insane” amounts of money for being high up in the company and for doing nothing. Really! Well, there also those that do Strategic planning and gets, also, “insane” amounts of money. BUT, they all started out somewhere … the bottom and slowly accumulated enough experience or could have talked their way up there … whatever!) So, I can’t say I have a clear direction of where I am headed yet, but, trust me, I am definitely moving forward … I am moving!
and finally, we had dinner … it was at the roof top terrace and we had BBQ food with professional cooks to BBQ the food for us. TGFT. Food was good. What started out as an “innocent” jar of Tiger beer (bought by Huiling) later turned into 4 more jars courtesy of Virginia. It felt like Shanghai again! With the overwhelming amount of food, the beer and the loud chatter. Strangely, the Shanghai batch took the table right at the corner, furthest from the food, and furthest from everyone else. (maybe it was because I gravitated towards the open space there from the beginning, or was it a deliberate attempt to be away from the “maddening crowd” … oops!!!)
Once again, thanks to Virginia for sharing more “interesting” stories … like the Yao Wu Bar … the paying for “you know what” … and etc … as usual … eye opener!
… and so the dinner ended … everyone was sooo tired … it’s age creeping up on us much faster than we like it … and here I am back home jotting all these down before I begin to snooze as my eye lids begin to droop.
Nites, everyone (pleasant dreams)!
