Why failure shouldn't stop aspiring innovators
MANILA, Philippines — In a world that often celebrates success stories while overlooking the struggles behind them, a CEO believes that failure should not be feared—it should be embraced as part of the journey.
Speaking to the media, Makerlab CEO Mike Sy emphasized that persistence and the willingness to keep trying are among the most important qualities anyone can develop when pursuing their goals.
“Don't be afraid to fail,” Sy told Philstar.com. “One thing that keeps us from becoming successful is not trying. We need to keep on trying. Be persistent. If you fail, you can get back up.”
His message resonates in an era where many people feel pressured to achieve instant results. Whether in business, technology, or personal pursuits, setbacks are often viewed as obstacles rather than opportunities to learn and grow.
For Sy, every failure offers valuable lessons that can help refine ideas and strengthen future efforts. This philosophy is at the heart of Makerlab's mission—to provide aspiring creators with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate challenges more effectively.
“One thing that we want to do is reduce your failure ratio,” he explained. “When you go here, you get the basic principles. You learn from it.”
Beyond encouraging resilience, Sy also challenged aspiring inventors to become problem-solvers. Rather than chasing trends or replicating existing ideas, he urged innovators to look closely at everyday challenges and identify gaps that remain unaddressed.
“Look for a gap that you could solve,” he said. “If there's a problem that you see, even if people already know about it, ask yourself why it hasn't been solved yet. Maybe you are the one who can solve that.”
The advice highlights a mindset that has driven many successful entrepreneurs and inventors throughout history: innovation often begins with curiosity and a desire to improve the world around us.
At its core, Sy's message is simple yet powerful. Success is not reserved for those who never fail, but for those who continue moving forward despite setbacks. By staying persistent, learning from mistakes, and daring to dream big, individuals can turn challenges into opportunities and ideas into meaningful solutions.
“Always dream,” Sy reminded aspiring innovators—a fitting call to action for anyone hoping to create something that makes a difference.
Makerlab recently marked a historic milestone on June 12, with the successful launch of the Philippines’ first-ever “3D Printing Experience Hub” at Ayala Malls Manila Bay, coinciding with the celebration of the company’s 10th anniversary and the nation’s Independence Day.
The whole-day event transformed the mall into a three-venue immersive destination, welcoming hobbyists, entrepreneurs, students, families, creators, and industry leaders to experience the limitless possibilities of 3D printing.
Visitors explored the Activity Center, Experience Hub, and Sales Hub, where live demonstrations, interactive exhibits, expert talks, and exclusive technology showcases highlighted how 3D printing is now more accessible, affordable, and achievable for every Filipino creator.
Celebrating the spirit of Independence Day, the launch underscored the freedom to dream, innovate, and create like a “Maker.”
Guests were inspired by real-world applications of 3D printing across industries such as education, healthcare, engineering, manufacturing and design.
"This launch represents more than a milestone for Makerlab — it represents a new chapter for innovation in the Philippines,” says Mike Sy, CEO of Makerlab.
“We want more Filipinos to discover that 3D printing is no longer the future; it is a powerful tool available today for learning, business, creativity, and innovation.”
