Have you been SIFE-ed?

It's here again. The beginning of a new team's SIFE journey. It seems like it was just yesterday that I got selected to be part of our SIFE 08 team. I still remember the hours and hours in school. Working until nothing made much sense, sending my teammates home at really late hours in the night.

I've always asked myself whether it was worth it. For a good 3 months, nothing else existed in my life. In terms of skills, my presentation skills have improved. I've become more critical in assessing business feasibility. I've been introduced to so many business models and have learnt so much from them. The thing is, I think it's only now that I see the real value behind my experience.

For the past 8 months, I've been obsessing over trying to find a self sustainable business model for a social enterprise. I've been experimenting with several ideas and working on a couple of projects. I've become more aware of people around me, realising that I'm very lucky to be where I am and to be given what I have. I believe that's the true value of taking part in SIFE. To be inspired by the projects and make a change in your own life to become more aware.

Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) - Check it out.

Need ideas? Check out this initiative for social innovation.

It's been awhile since I've got the chance to post, project presentations, case presentations and mid-term exams catching up with me. RUN! =)

The competition model (for the lack of a better term) is very popular and has been relatively successful. I'm not sure whether such a term has been coined but lately many organisations have been partnering schools and/or organising competitions amongst students. For example, many companies sponsor student-organised competitions for a chance to recruit interns into their company. Some organisations use competitions to generate ideas for new products/services.

Whilst searching for a project for my Social Entrepreneurship course, I chanced upon this competition which is pretty meaningful.

Dell Social Innovation Competition

This competition is organised by the University of Texas in partnership with Dell in search of the next big idea/innovation that could change the world. The purpose behind the competition is very meaningful as we see a decline in effectiveness of the existing donations-based model of allievating social problems.

All the require is that you are studying in a 4-year university and have a good idea that could work. *Disclaimer* the eligibility criteria is more comprehensive than that so please visit their website for the full one *Disclaimer* There are 3 simple parts to the competition and only 10 more days before the deadline for entry submission.

Round 1: Idea submission
Students submit their ideas online and people all over the world can view their submissions and vote.

Round 2: Social Venture Plan & Video
Those who got through the first round will write a plan and prepare a video to pitch their idea to the panel of judges.

Round 3: Final Presentation
Finalists get to go to the University of Texas and present their ideas to the panel of judges.

I think the idea behind this competition is good because even if teams don't make it through, the ability for everyone around the world to view their ideas and get in contact with them serves as a good platform for like-minded people to get together and hopefully put some of these ideas into action.

In SMU, even if you're not interested in taking part in the competition, you can get some inspiration for LTB & other related projects from some of the ideas submitted by the competition participants. Especially good for those interested in social entrepreneurship or community involvement projects.

The call for ideas is definitely good, now all we need are people who are capable enough to execute some of these ideas and maybe then the world will truly be changed.