Reflection on Mapletree Challenge Forum

The Mapletree Challenge forum was an eye-opener for me as I am person who has no clue and interest about entrepreneurship. It amuses me on how the panelists that were invited share their mindsets of implementing and spreading sustainability into the world and importantly, making a difference through entrepreneurship.

Zack Wilson caught my attention in this discussion as I am able to relate with his expertise in Civil Engineering and its technologies. Zack has over 15 years of experience in engineering, construction and real estate development. He specializes in clean technology, renewable energy, energy efficiency and hi-tech projects for manufacturing plants, cleanrooms, data centres and medical facilities.

He thinks that it is constant challenge to promote clean green and sustainability technologies. He stated that it is also important to approach the right person who is the champion of the organisation who is also at the right level to promote these technologies and make a difference in the industry.

He also believes that “the most sustainable building is the one that you don’t build because you don’t need it in the first place” which I totally agreed on.

Nancy Ling was the other panelist who did caught my attention on how she found an innovation and start building a business from it. Her business focuses on selling premium sustainable disposable cutlery and tableware in Singapore.

In my opinion, I am able to relate more towards Nancy as she explains how she started her business by just a simple realistic idea based on her experience on ordering food on skewers that puts their everything plastic bags especially food and utensils. This opportunity led her to make a decision to make a difference towards sustainability and came out with the establishment of ECO U.

She also added that Singaporeans are addicted to plastic. So to change that habit, you have to make things ‘beautiful’ to convert people to implement sustainability in their every lives.

All in all, I have learnt that you need to have ‘the fire in the belly’ to start on entrepreneurship and not forcing yourself into this industry if you are not ready for it. Eugene, one of the panelists, did made a very good statement on this and stated that we would need to learn and be well equipped to be an entrepreneur. It is not all because of money.