Sasin School of Management recently convened a press conference to herald the exciting launch of Sasin Impact Entrepreneurship Week 2024 (Sasin IEW). This grand event will host the GCEC New Frontier: Bangkok Summit 2024 and feature two riveting competitions – the Bangkok Business Challenge (BBC) and the Family Enterprise Case Competition – Asia Pacific 2024 (FECC-AP). The launch event was a whirlwind of visionary dialogues by four experts, tantalizing glimpses of the upcoming world-class business competitions, and the much-anticipated debut of the GCEC summit, slated for June 19-23, 2024. Offering spirited opening remarks, Dibyendu Bose, Sasin’s Deputy Director of Strategy, Innovation & Impact, set the stage, saying, “Sasin IEW is a confluence of entrepreneurs, investors, academics, policymakers, and the public who are all driven by the ambition to foster innovation and champion a sustainable future for all.”
Lars Svensson, the dynamic Chief Executive of Sasin Sustainability & Entrepreneurship Center, chimed in, adding, “Sasin IEW strives to ignite multi-lateral discourse on ‘Inclusive Entrepreneurship Driving Impact’. This event, premiering three interconnected programs under the sustainability and entrepreneurship banner, marks a first in our history.”
The hallmark of Sasin IEW is the inaugural Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers (GCEC) meeting in Asia titled “New Frontier: Bangkok Summit 2024,” centered on the compelling theme “Inclusive Entrepreneurship Driving Impact”. The event proudly features Sasin’s globally recognized entrepreneurial competitions:
- Bangkok Business Challenge 2024 (BBC 2024) – Celebrated as Asia’s longest-running business competition, this global student startup challenge continues to inspire future business leaders.
- Family Enterprise Case Competition – Asia Pacific 2024 (FECC-AP 2024) – This competition showcases students’ sharp analytical skills as they dissect a regional family business case, leading to the grand finale in Vermont, USA.
The GCEC New Frontier: Bangkok Summit 2024 is packed with three stimulating forums set to invigorate the entrepreneurial ecosystem:
Driving Inclusive Entrepreneurship Ecosystems for Impact: Journey to Success
This forum will delve into partnership strategies and startup innovations in Thailand and beyond, featuring insightful panels with university-based entrepreneurship centers (KMUTT, Chiang Mai University, Chulalongkorn University), Social Enterprise Thailand, the National Innovation Agency (NIA), and the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE).
Navigating the Startup Path to Success: Insights from Investors and Enablers for Impact Entrepreneurs
Addressing entrepreneurial challenges and pioneering funding approaches, this forum enables participants to connect with investors and learn from an expert panel, including an agritech specialist, a seasoned business coach, and representatives from the Thai Startup Association, the Yunus Center AIT, and the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA).
Redefining Values for Impact Entrepreneurship with the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP)
Moderated by Vasu Srivibha, Sasin’s Chief Impact Officer, this forum spotlights how SEP fosters balanced and inclusive growth. The discussion will feature eminent speakers such as Sukich Udindu, the First CEO of SEAMEO SEPS, and Steve Young, Honorary Co-Chair of Sasin Sustainability & Entrepreneurship Center, sharing their insights on the benefits SEP brings to startups and entrepreneurs.
Excited to attend the GCEC New Frontier: Bangkok Summit 2024? Make sure you register at https://app.globalentrepreneurshipconsortium.org/login or get in touch with the Sasin Sustainability & Entrepreneurship Center (Sasin SEC) at Tel: 0-22218-4078, Email: [email protected]. For specific competition inquiries, contact [email protected] for BBC or [email protected] for FECC-AP. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to be part of a transformative journey in entrepreneurship!
It’s great to see such a comprehensive focus on sustainable entrepreneurship. Sasin’s initiative could set a benchmark for other institutions.
I agree, but I wonder how accessible these opportunities are to local entrepreneurs who might not have the same resources or connections.
That’s a valid concern, Johnny. Ideally, these kinds of events should include mechanisms to support underrepresented groups.
Sasin has often partnered with local communities in the past, so I’m optimistic they’ll continue to do so.
Why is there such a big focus on sustainable entrepreneurship? Isn’t traditional entrepreneurship good enough?
Traditional entrepreneurship doesn’t always account for long-term impacts on society and the environment. Sustainability is essential for future generations.
Sustainability ensures that businesses can thrive without exhausting resources or harming the planet. It’s a smarter business model.
Did anyone else notice how corporate the language in this announcement is? Are they really aiming to help entrepreneurs or just promote their brand?
That’s a good point. Sometimes these initiatives are more about image than actual impact.
Even if it is about branding, if it results in positive changes and support for entrepreneurs, isn’t that still a win?
True, but it’s important to remain critical and ensure that the support is genuine and not just for show.
The Family Enterprise Case Competition sounds fascinating! It’s a great way to address unique challenges family businesses face.
Family businesses need a different approach than startups. It’s good to see this being recognized.
Exactly, family dynamics can make or break a business. It’s great they are highlighting this.
Absolutely, Chris. The regional focus is interesting too, especially since family businesses are so prevalent in Asia.
This whole event sounds like one big networking opportunity for the elite. What about the grassroots entrepreneurs?
I think these forums and competitions can spark new ideas and collaborations, even for grassroots entrepreneurs. We shouldn’t dismiss their potential impact.
I’m particularly interested in the ‘Driving Inclusive Entrepreneurship Ecosystems for Impact’ forum. How do they plan on integrating diverse voices?
They mentioned panels with a variety of organizations. Hopefully, this means they’ll be inclusive in practice, not just in theory.
Panels are a good start, Max, but I hope they include meaningful participation from marginalized communities.
Why do we always need these grand events to make progress? Can’t we just get down to work without all the fanfare?
Events like these can generate momentum and attract important stakeholders. They serve a purpose.
I’m curious about the ‘Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP)’ forum. It’s a new concept for me. Has anyone else heard of it?
Yes, SEP is a Thai approach to development that emphasizes moderation, prudence, and social immunity. It’s quite effective.
Thanks for the information, Duane. It sounds like a balanced approach. I’ll look into it more.
This event seems to be well-planned, but I hope it’s not just a platform for big names to pat each other on the back.
As long as the outcomes are positive, I think it’s okay if there’s a bit of that. The real measure is in the long-term impact.
True. Let’s hope they follow through with concrete actions.
There’s a lot of talk about impact, but how do they measure it? Is there follow-up after such events?
Good question! Metrics and accountability should be part of any serious initiative aiming for sustainability.
Excited about the Bangkok Business Challenge. It’s always inspiring to see innovative student startups!
Absolutely, Mark. These students have fresh ideas that can really shake up the market.
I just registered for the event. Hope to meet some like-minded people and maybe start a collaboration.