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Entrepreneurs

School of life: These dropouts became successful entrepreneurs – here’s the grit behind their glow ups

(From left) Ms Merida Lim, Mr Mr Shaik Nifael Nazeemuddin and Mr Chow Yi Tong dropped out of school as teens but have gone on to launch successful businesses.
(From left) Ms Merida Lim, Mr Mr Shaik Nifael Nazeemuddin and Mr Chow Yi Tong dropped out of school as teens but have gone on to launch successful businesses.

School of life: Gen Z boss with PSLE cert opens neon art-jamming studios after quitting JC and Nafa

Ms Merida Lim showing off glow-in-the-dark slime, which customers can make at Scuro.
Ms Merida Lim showing off glow-in-the-dark slime, which customers can make at Scuro.

School of life: He quit school at 18 to ‘clean longkangs’ and started a $3m waste management company

Mr Shaik Nifael Nazeemuddin's waste management company, Jetters Incz, was named one of Singapore’s 100 fastest growing firms in January 2025.
Mr Shaik Nifael Nazeemuddin's waste management company, Jetters Incz, was named one of Singapore’s 100 fastest growing firms in January 2025.

School of life: He quit school at 14, worked 3 jobs to support family and got an MBA at 46

Mindlink Groups founder Chow Yi at  PSB Academy, where he graduated with an MBA from Coventry University in 2021.
Mindlink Groups founder Chow Yi at  PSB Academy, where he graduated with an MBA from Coventry University in 2021.

Resilience in the kitchen: 3 F&B operators who kept cooking despite failure, loss and illness

(From left) Ms Sharon Poon, co-owner and roast chef of Eat 3 Cuts., Mr Teo Chye Huat of Hai Nan Zai, and Mrs Jenny Png and Mr Sam Png, co-owners of Woody Peranakan Family Cafe.
(From left) Ms Sharon Poon, co-owner and roast chef of Eat 3 Cuts., Mr Teo Chye Huat of Hai Nan Zai, and Mrs Jenny Png and Mr Sam Png, co-owners of Woody Peranakan Family Cafe.

Singapore Polytechnic student entrepreneurs stitch sustainability into pet fashion

Pets-R-Us offers pet bibs, collars and manner belts handmade from recycled fabric.
Pets-R-Us offers pet bibs, collars and manner belts handmade from recycled fabric.

Headstart On Record Podcast

How a young entrepreneur’s own business helped her discover a new career

A young entrepreneur shares why, and how, she is moving on from a student business she co-founded.
A young entrepreneur shares why, and how, she is moving on from a student business she co-founded.

Me and My Money: Co-founder of real estate platform went three years without drawing a salary

Mr Adam Wham is the co founder of Form & Matter Group.
Mr Adam Wham is the co founder of Form & Matter Group.

Tastemakers

How a former property agent went from chance investor to founder of a fast-growing F&B group

Mr Lukas Teo, founder and chief executive of brand management company The Gourmet Factor.
Mr Lukas Teo, founder and chief executive of brand management company The Gourmet Factor.

Want to start a home-based business? Here are 3 things aspiring entrepreneurs need to know

Republic Polytechnic business student Seah Rui En, who runs popular home-based salon NailsbyNoki, at her place on Nov 19, 2025.
Republic Polytechnic business student Seah Rui En, who runs popular home-based salon NailsbyNoki, at her place on Nov 19, 2025.

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.