Snippets from the founders of Singapore businesses
Daring to take a leap of faith in starting your own business is hard. Here at Merlion Project, we aim to celebrate these stories of
October 23, 2023
Everywhere, we see stories of quick success
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.
OUR LIBRARY EXPERIENCE
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.
Read Our Blog
Smitten Ice Cream Bar’s founder shares how they survived the COVID-19 lockdown
Smitten Ice Cream Bar was launched in mid-March 2020. A week later, Singapore went into COVID-19 lockdown (also known as Circuit Breaker). The ice cream
October 17, 2023
Ramesh Krish Kumar, founder of Asmara, shares his thoughts on Merlion Project’s Human Library
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
August 31, 2023
Gallery
EVENT DETAILS
Thank you for joining us at our human libraries in 2022.
Stay tuned for our next event!
Date: Saturday 7 Jan 2023
Time: 2:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Location: *SCAPE Treetop (Level 5), 2 Orchard Link, Singapore 237978
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!
ORGANIZER
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.”
TESTIMONIALS
3 takeaways I learnt from the Human Library:
1. Entrepreneurship is a journey with a core intention. It’s not about the money, but about serving a specific purpose. There will be instances when people or things will cause us to sway, but reflect on them to stay strong on the key focus.
2. A business is not an end-all or be-all. Have faith that the community (yourself and your partners etc) will be able to solve problems as you go. If it doesn’t work out, it is okay. Just pick ourselves up and keep going.
3. Every failure or setback is simply another chapter of our life’s story. Just keep flipping the page or just keep writing.
1. Entrepreneurship is a journey with a core intention. It’s not about the money, but about serving a specific purpose. There will be instances when people or things will cause us to sway, but reflect on them to stay strong on the key focus.
2. A business is not an end-all or be-all. Have faith that the community (yourself and your partners etc) will be able to solve problems as you go. If it doesn’t work out, it is okay. Just pick ourselves up and keep going.
3. Every failure or setback is simply another chapter of our life’s story. Just keep flipping the page or just keep writing.
To Dr Lim, thank you for inspiring us that things really don’t need to be perfectly lined up before going for it. You taught me to stay focused on our intentions and just pivot along the way.
To Nichol, thank you for openly sharing your life’s work and ups and downs. You are truly an inspiring woman, and I see a whole lot of grit and wisdom in you. I will take the lessons and apply it to my meaningful pursuits.
To Nichol, thank you for openly sharing your life’s work and ups and downs. You are truly an inspiring woman, and I see a whole lot of grit and wisdom in you. I will take the lessons and apply it to my meaningful pursuits.
I love the sharing by Joyce! It was inspiring and wise.
Thanks for sharing real, practical and vulnerable experiences.
I learnt there is no shortcut to success. The more you do it, the luckier you get. Very insightful session. I was able to discuss thoughts in a very intimate setting and learn directly from the human libraries.
I learnt there is no shortcut to success. The more you do it, the luckier you get. Very insightful session. I was able to discuss thoughts in a very intimate setting and learn directly from the human libraries.
The experience was really candid, heartfelt, sincere, and meaningful. Everyone is open to asking questions and sharing their thoughts. This created a safe space where everyone can thrive together.
I enjoyed warm friendly and real conversations with down to earth and like-minded people. Was great to see such successful stories of entrepreneurs in Singapore!
I enjoyed warm friendly and real conversations with down to earth and like-minded people. Was great to see such successful stories of entrepreneurs in Singapore!
It was a very insightful session. I was able to discuss thoughts in a very intimate setting and learn directly from the human libraries.
I aspire to be as sure of my product as Dr Lim Hui Zhen is.
I also want to mirror Joyce’s very positive outlook and passion towards her work. They were both very inspiring human books.
I aspire to be as sure of my product as Dr Lim Hui Zhen is.
I also want to mirror Joyce’s very positive outlook and passion towards her work. They were both very inspiring human books.
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OUR speakers
Nichol Ng
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
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
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
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 Krish Kumar
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
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 Tan
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!
Koh Jia Sheng
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
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.
MEET OUR TEAM
Fari Wu
Fari is part of a small family business which gives her firsthand insight in the SME sector. With a background in journalism, she has interviewed various people, including an embalmer, a funeral director, coffee shop owners, artists and athletes.
Jin Hoo
Jin is a serial entrepreneur with one exit, and is currently the COO of a finance data technology startup. He is co-organising the Merlion Project human library and brings his own experiences with failure to the library experience.
Jack Kong
Jack is currently working as an assistant librarian at the National Library Board. His hobbies include volunteering, sports, and trekking.
Toh Kian Beng
Kian Beng is a certified LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® (LSP) facilitator and a trained para-counsellor. He has been supporting peers in mental wellness since his former job at SCDF and is currently a main committee member of the newly set up Nee Soon South Well-being Committee.
Lai Si Yu
Si Yu is a behavioural change consultant who designs evidence-based interventions for social change. She is mindfulness trained and is currently focusing on mental health literacy in Singapore.
SPECIAL THANKS
