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Hi readers,
Entrepreneurship can be a lonely road. But when you’re in the company of like-minded folks, walking off the beaten track feels a lot less scary.
For me, being part of the NUS Overseas Colleges (NOC) program was so much more than just about community. Mapping out the NOC mafia reminded me of just how much the program has changed my outlook in life.
Two things set the NOC mafia apart from other networks.
For one, it’s a melting pot of experiences gained from startup ecosystems from around the world. Students immerse themselves in startup hubs like Silicon Valley, Tel Aviv, and Shanghai, and some wind up founding companies together. With 12 programs held in 15 cities today, the program’s global reach not only fosters cross-border expertise but also acts as a springboard for alumni startups to take on the world.
The NOC mafia is also an intergenerational network. Some juniors, such as Seedly’s Chew Tee-Ming, had worked at companies founded by program seniors before going on to found their own startups. Seniors have also funded startups founded by juniors, and many alumni have shared how easy it is to get advice and mentorship from more experienced peers.
The NOC mafia is more than just a network. It’s almost like a family, and I’m thankful to be part of it.
— Tay Tian Wen, journalist at Tech in Asia
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