But we don’t talk about the other side of the story: how do people deal with failures?
What if we had an open and honest conversation about how we dealt with our setbacks?
Join us as we chat with our guest speakers on how they deal with failure and challenges, delving into topics like entrepreneurship, mental health and sustainability.
The Human Library—Borrow A Person Instead Of A Book.
A Human Library is a movement that first started in Copenhagen Denmark in 2000. A Human Library consists of “books” that are human, who will share their story.
The Human Library is designed to build a positive framework for conversations and offers space for dialogue through personal conversation.
We saw the Human Library as the perfect space for inspirations.
We were delighted to have Ramesh Krish Kumar, founder of Asmara Singapore, join us as a guest speaker during our Human Library at Sandbox Somerset
What if we had an open and honest conversation about how we deal with our setbacks? That’s what happens during Merlion Project’s human libraries. We
Thank you for joining us at our human libraries in 2022.
Stay tuned for our next event!
Thinking about how to jumpstart your New Year Resolutions?
Everywhere, we see stories of quick success. But we don’t talk about the other side of the story: how to deal with failures and overcoming challenges.
What if we had an open and honest conversation about how we dealt with our setbacks?
Hear first hand stories from these entrepreneurs who overcame struggles and challenges. Get to know how they managed to pivot in difficult situations and the lessons they’ve learnt on their journey.
Get inspired with us!
The Merlion Project (@merlionproject) is a ground-up initiative aimed at collating and celebrating stories of struggles and success. “Life is a journey; we don’t always get it right the first time.”
Nichol Ng is the co-founder of The Food Bank Singapore, which re-distributes excess foods to more than 300,000 underprivileged.
She is also CEO and Managing Director of X-Inc Pte Ltd, a family business she modernised and rebranded, which spans foodservice, retail, logistics and property.
She oversees about 180 employees and an annual turnover exceeding S$70 million. Nichol was listed in Forbes Asia’s 2017 Heroes of Philanthropy and Harper’s Bazaar’s The Power List 2018.
"We had to pivot (during COVID) by changing our main business in distribution as quickly as possible to survive and emerge stronger."
Kent Teo is the founder and CEO of Invade, which manages pop-up retail stores, co-making spaces, and runs some of the largest flea markets and artisan markets such as Artbox Singapore.
Kent has over 10 years of experience in events and retail management, having started a bootstrap business in 2010 called For Flea Sake, organising flea markets.
"Until you are successful, you are seen as insane. It's a route that nobody wants to take. People didn't see it as a proper business."
"But I always believe the more hardworking you are, the luckier you get. You have to stay focused and things will happen."
Joyce Orallo-Lim is the founder of Chokmah, a sustainable lifestyle homeware brand.
Chokmah currently has an experiential retail located in Funan.
Joyce initially worked as an interior designer after graduation, then became a flight attendant. However her passion for the arts led her to starting Chokmah.
"I remember all the discouraging comments I received for wanting to study the arts. Some said it was a waste of time and that it had no future.
I'm glad I took that leap of faith despite it all."
Dr Lim Hui Zhen is the founder of Thrive Chiropractic, which focuses on chiropractic care of the spine. With a space at PLQ Mall in Paya Lebar, Thrive Chiropractic helps office workers, pregnant mums and children. Dr Lim first stumbled into chiropractic by chance, because she had debilitating jaw pain as a teacher. After noticing that taking better care of her spine has made a difference, her goal as a chiropractor is to help others not just survive, but thrive, and be the best version of themselves.
Ramesh is the co-founder and food scientist at Asmara, a Singapore brand that harnesses scientific elements from TCM, Ayurveda and Jamu to offer natural beverages, snacks and elixirs.
Asmara was awarded CLEO’s “Best Premium Tea Brand” in Singapore in 2021.
Ramesh was awarded Singapore’s National Youth Entrepreneurship Award 2022 for his innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, and serves on the Board of Directors at *SCAPE.
Lee Gim Siong is the founder of Smitten Ice Cream Bar, which launched in mid-March 2020, a week before the COVID-19 lockdown.
Sales plummeted to almost zero, but through determination and creativity, it not only garnered enough sales to survive but also expanded its reach and popularity. Smitten is located at Simpang Bedok and is halal-certified.
Gim Siong is a media professional by day. In his free time, he combs the island for the best ice creams and related desserts.
Ken is a founder of Fish Sh-nack, Doco Donburi and their latest edition, Hororok Soups & Stews.
Fish Sh-nack started as a school project that took on a life of its own. It offers irresistible flavours of fish crisp snacks.
Doco Donburi is a spinoff Fish Sh-nack which features a protein packed bento with a dabble of fish sh-prinkles (crisp).
Hororok Soups & Stews does AUTHENTIC Korean Stews, and is located at International Plaza.
Ken is an entrepreneur with a passion for food and a passion to improve lives!
Jia Sheng is the co-founder of Circus Academy of Singapore and Circus of Altrades.
Circus Academy is Singapore’s first-ever circus training school and offers courses from acrobatics to juggling.
Jia Sheng was featured in The Straits Times “30 and under: Young Singaporeans to Watch” in 2020 for his innovative ideas and determination to bring new elements to Singapore’s entertainment industry.
He was also a backup dancer for K-pop group BTS during the Singapore leg of the 2019 Love Yourself Tour.
As a circus performer and dancer, Jia Sheng knows what it’s like to fall down… but more importantly, how to get up and try again.
Sharifah Fazzeleen is the founder of The Organic Room, an organic beauty salon which focuses on self-pampering. It provides facials and sugaring services which are holistic, nurturing and results-oriented treatments.
Sharifah has been in the business for over 10 years, and has received education and training from Confederation of International Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology.
Her inspiration came from her mother's natural and traditional techniques of caring for the skin.
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