Facebook co-founder ‘encourages’ failure
Do not be afraid to fail.
Speaking at the inaugural Innovation & Enterprise award dinner at the National University of Singapore Society's Kent Ridge Guild House last week, Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin, who was made famous in the movie, The Social Network, addressed Singaporeans on the fear of failure.
"The best way you're really going to learn is by failing. That's how I learnt. When I moved to the US (from Brazil), I didn't speak English and I went to school and just tried my best to speak to individuals. Of course, I was made fun of, but I kept going and kept motivating myself," the 29-year-old billionaire told budding entrepreneurs here.
He added that he learnt that failure and perseverance pushes the individual forward and builds character.
"Despite our desire to stay in our comfort zones, I think if you go out there and fail, you'll find that it actually prepares you for the next things ahead," he added.
Saverin also spoke about his personal experiences in growing a company, as well as the start-up environment in Singapore.
"I find Singapore quite a conducive place for startups. You have the significantly large markets nearby with talent all around, including in Singapore with the best universities," said Saverin, who has been in living in the Lion City now for close to a year.
The notoriously media-shy Saverin, who is rumoured to own a 5 percent share of Facebook and worth more than S$1.9 billion, is looking to invest in companies that are pioneering the development of social media in Asia.
In a question-and-answer segment, where the crowd had the chance to interact with the entrepreneur, Saverin confessed that he loved Singapore for its clean and green environment, as well as the weather, as it is not cold.
And what is his favourite food here?
"I actually love chili crab. I've been eating it quite often and learning to take the spice," he bashfully replied.
