Talking business

Steve Cheah hopes to give aspiring young entrepreneurs in Thailand a head start via a new campaign that kicks off in November

Steve Cheah, president of Global Entrepreneurship Thailand, is preparing to launch the first-ever "Global Entrepreneurship Week" here in November, in a bid to inspire young Thais to set up their own businesses.

"Global Entrepreneurship is a worldwide campaign started in the UK by former prime minister Gordon Brown. The UK, as you may know, faces the issue of high unemployment. Basically, the initiative is to look at entrepreneurship as an option because, unfortunately, the education system shows that you are supposed to go to school, study a subject, graduate and then find a job.

"But what happens is that many young people cannot find jobs after graduation. They get very disappointed. It's the end ofthe world for them, so the whole initiative is that if you can't get the job you want, it's not the end of the world, as you can consider entrepreneurship as an option.

"This initiative was taken up by the Kauffman Foundation, which then launched the Global Enteprenuership Week, and they have chosen November as the month for a global campaign. This year it's the first time in Thailand.

"Last year we got 123 countries to celebrate the week at the same time in November. Our partners in Thailand this year include the Thai Chamber of Commerce [TCC], the Natiional Institute of Development Administration [Nida], Chulalongkorn University and the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce [UTCC]. TCC will hold its 80th expo at Muang Thong Thani on November 16, where we will launch the Global Enteprenuership Initiative.

"Nida will put on a business conference on November 12 to mark this initiative, while Chulalongkorn University will hold an exhibition at Jumjuree Square. The UTCC, which has a course on young entrepreneurship, will join our international competition to encourage young people to start new businesses. This "Start Up and Open" programme allows interested students to showcase their business ideas online, and the winners of the contest will be flown around the world to meet potential investors in their business ideas.

"Our campaign targets young people up to the age of 35, but older people are also welcome. We want to create awareness in Thailand that there is a worldwide movement to inspire entrepreneurship, and we want to tell government agencies, non-government organisations and universities to join the global campaign.

"All they do will be part of our database for worldwide audiences, and in Thailand you can go t www.GEWThailand.com for further information. The whole world can see what is happening in Thailand during the entrepreneurship week in November.

"Thai applicants are welcome to join the Start up and Open competition. The panel of international judges will choose the top 50 business ideas, which will then be promoted worldwide. Winners will meet investors, venture capitalists and mentors etc.

"Last year, one American firm was among the winners, starting a business called Fresh Paper, which uses paper soaked in natural solutions made from herbs. The papers can be used as wrappers for fruit and other food, and it last two or three times longer due to the effects of natural preservatives. This is now going commercial.

"Another example is a mobile application that helps you locate the nearest taxi in big cities like Bangkok.

"In fact, our role is to inspire, provide a platform to connect organisations and communities, to engage government agencies, and create an environment for mentors or experienced business people to coach aspiring young entrepreneurs."

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Source: http://www.news.thethailandlinks.com/2012/09/22/talking-business/