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The School of Marketing and Management (SoMM) at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) recently hosted an inspiring guest lecture titled “Redefining Success: An Alumnus’ Journey from IT to Entrepreneurship.”

Led by Ms Harjinder Kaur (Senior Lecturer and IAP Coordinator, SoMM at APU), the guest lecture provided students with valuable insights into the realities of entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of resilience, adaptability, and perseverance in navigating an ever-evolving business landscape.

From Student to Entrepreneur

Mr Gurdev Singh, Managing Director of Oxyfresh Malaysia and Founder of Omega Pets and Dave Singh Studio, candidly discussed the challenges, setbacks, and opportunities that shaped his career, emphasising that success is rarely a linear journey.

Through examples from his ventures in photography, food and beverage, sanitation services, and the pet industry, he demonstrated how adaptability, continuous learning, and strategic decision-making are critical to long-term success.

The simple exercise highlighted an important entrepreneurial lesson; that opportunities often favour those who are willing to act decisively rather than hesitate. 

Key Lessons from 25 years of Business Experience

Throughout the session, Mr Gurdev distilled his entrepreneurial journey into several key lessons for students.

Firstly, he highlighted failure as a learning opportunity, explaining that setbacks provide valuable insights that contribute to future success.

Secondly, the importance of understanding every aspect of an organisation was emphasised, with Mr Gurdev noting that effective leaders should possess a practical understanding of how different departments operate.

Thirdly, he challenged common misconceptions surrounding passive income, stressing that successful businesses require commitment, involvement, and strong foundations before they can operate independently.

Fourthly, integrity, reputation, and long-term commitment were underscored as essential factors in achieving sustainable success, often outweighing short-term achievements.

Lastly, students were reminded to recognise emerging opportunities, embrace change, and remain resilient in the face of uncertainty, with persistence often distinguishing successful entrepreneurs from those who give up too soon.

Interactive Engagement and Industry Insights

The lively exchange enabled students to gain deeper insights into the practical realities of managing businesses, overcoming challenges, and making informed decisions in dynamic market environments. 

Student Perspectives

A few perspective from students:

1. Inderbir Singh, Foundation in Computing and Technology: “I truly appreciated the guest lecture, as Mr Gurdev’s openness in sharing both his successes and failures provided a realistic view of entrepreneurship, demonstrating that failure is not something to avoid, but, something to learn from and overcome.”
2. Chiew Hee Lum, Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Marketing Management with a specialism in Digital Marketing: “My perspective on success was reshaped through the guest lecture, as Mr Gurdev’s journey highlighted how setbacks serve as meaningful learning experiences that strengthen personal and professional growth, and i am grateful for the opportunity to learn from such an inspiring alumnus.”
3. Mohamed Adam Musa Babikir, Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Information Technology: “The guest lecture was reassuring, as it highlighted that career paths do not always follow initial plans, while also reinforcing that the discipline, adaptability, and problem-solving skills developed at APU can support success in any professional direction.”
4. Amos Bundala Leke, Master of Science in Digital Marketing: “The guest lecture stood out for its honesty, as Mr Gurdev went beyond achievements to highlight the realities behind success, including the setbacks, pivots, and perseverance required along the way.”
    

Redefining Success through Resilience and Entrepreneurship

Datuk Parmjit Singh, Chief Executive Officer of APU, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to welcome alumni back to campus, noting that their journeys serve as powerful examples of lifelong learning and resilience.

He emphasised that such experiences reinforce the idea that academic knowledge extends beyond career preparation, forming the foundation for creating opportunities, driving change, and contributing meaningfully to society.

Complementing this, Mr Gurpardeep Singh, Chief Operating Officer at APU, reflected on having known Mr Gurdev for many years and witnessing his growth from a passionate student into a respected entrepreneur.

He noted that Mr Gurdev’s journey exemplifies the values of curiosity, perseverance, and continuous learning, while his return to campus demonstrates the importance of giving back and inspiring future generations through shared experiences.

Collectively, Ms Harjinder highlighted that the guest lecture provided students with valuable real-world insights from an alumnus who has navigated diverse industries and entrepreneurial ventures.

She further noted that sharing authentic experiences of both success and setbacks helps bridge the gap between academic learning and industry practice, while encouraging students to develop confidence, resilience, and adaptability in facing future challenges.