Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone:

Lessons from My HEX Global Short Program in Singapore

Growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone. That’s exactly what I experienced during my time in Singapore for the HEX Global Short Program—an intense, eye-opening journey that challenged me in ways I never expected.

From the moment I arrived, I knew this experience would be different. Singapore, a city that thrives on innovation and progress, was the perfect backdrop for a program designed to push boundaries. I was surrounded by driven, like-minded individuals, each bringing their own ideas, perspectives, and ambitions. It was both intimidating and exhilarating.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

This program wasn’t about sitting in lectures and taking notes. It was about real-world learning—solving problems, pitching ideas, and immersing ourselves in the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship. We engaged with startups, tackled complex business challenges, and learned from industry leaders who had been in the trenches of building and scaling companies.

One of the biggest takeaways for me was learning to embrace uncertainty. Often, we wait for the “perfect” moment to take action, but the reality is, there is no perfect moment. Innovation happens when you take a leap, adapt, and refine along the way.

The Power of People

What truly made this experience special were the people I met. Every conversation, whether with a mentor, a fellow participant, or an entrepreneur, expanded my mindset. These were individuals who had taken risks, failed, learned, and succeeded—proving that resilience and adaptability are the keys to growth.

Being in such an inspiring environment reminded me of why I love challenging myself. It reinforced the importance of surrounding yourself with people who push you to be better, who encourage you to think bigger, and who remind you that no dream is too ambitious.

A New Perspective on Growth

The HEX Global Short Program wasn’t just an educational experience—it was a transformational one. It changed the way I see opportunities, risks, and my own potential. I left Singapore not just with new skills, but with a renewed drive to pursue ideas that matter, to embrace challenges, and to keep pushing forward.

If there’s one thing this journey taught me, it’s that growth comes from stepping into the unknown. And sometimes, the best way to grow is to simply take that first step.

Geoff Asilo
Bachelor of Management Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation
HEX – Singapore
Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship

For more information about the UTS Global Short Program visit: www.uts.edu.au/thinkglobal