What was told ‘impossible’ is now possible

For the past one year, perhaps more than 2, I had been going around explaining to our authorities and communities the decline in innovation in Singapore and we need to buck up our efforts, especially those outside academic and research institutes. The need to step out of our comfort zone and benchmark ourselves with other countries. I am greeted with the usual answer as always. But I soldier on. A stubborn man I am.

In April this year, with the encouragement of several foreign establishments and associations, together with Joleen Seto, we formed Citizen Innovation. A non-profit non-government alliance to bring together innovative people across existing communities.

There is no shortage of smart people. We just shortage of people that can lead them.

Last week we led a team of citizen innovators to challenge one of the “impossible”. We chose Taipei, one of the most difficult invention show in the region as our first stop. Before the trip, I told our team members that this is a tough race and we are lucky if we can come home with 1 medal. Much to everyone surprised, we won 2 Gold 1 Silver and 2 Bronze awards. This result has proved the quality of community level innovation in Singapore (2017 Award Winner List).

Everyone can be an innovator. The most importance thing is the courage to keep trying, even if you have to fail many times.

We had kicked the ball back into the field, but we need all of YOU, to help us kick the ball further, cheer us on, maybe buy us some drinks and ultimately put the ball into the goal post.

Please LIKE Citizen Innovation page if you think we are doing the right thing. Thank you.

Special thanks to Muhd Ibnur Rashad, Sullivan Wang, Herwan Shah, Mohamed Asif and Kee Wee Teng for the support and making the inauguration trip possible.