Page 293 - Social Enterprise A New Business Paradigm for Thailand

knowledge and skills essential for nurturing responsible future entrepreneurs. Notable efforts
include:

(1) The Beta Young Entrepreneur project
Launched in 2011 through a collaboration between the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the

University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), and the Sirivadhanabhakdi Foundation,
this project is designed to support and develop students from the UTCC’s College of
Entrepreneurship into capable, socially responsible entrepreneurs. The program features a
variety of activities that build both business acumen and ethical awareness. Students learn
through hands-on experience, using their time in the program as a springboard to launch real
businesses upon graduation. The project also contributes to strengthening the startup
ecosystem by empowering young people to realize their full potential. (According to the 2017
report, more than 120 students had completed the program.)

(2) The Win-Win War Thailand project (Top Entrepreneurs Who Give Back)

Organized by C ASEAN 187 , this project seeks out aspiring young entrepreneurs committed to
building their dream businesses alongside environmental and social sustainability. The
competition takes the form of an unscripted reality show in which participants present business
plans in real-world scenarios. This platform enables new-generation entrepreneurs to showcase
ideas for businesses, products, or services that align with the goals of sustainable social
enterprise development.

(3) The ASEAN Youth Showcase 2020: Advancing Social Entrepreneurship
This activity followed the Youth Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Summit 2019. It was

organized by C ASEAN and the Foundation for the Institute of Social Enterprise Development of
Thailand (FINSEDT), in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Thailand. The objective was to
build a network of young people across ASEAN who are committed to helping, supporting, and
developing their local communities. Youth participants presented completed sustainability
projects, covering economic, social, and environmental dimensions, through a virtual showcase
on C ASEAN’s Facebook page under the theme “Advancing Social Entrepreneurship.” The event
aimed to empower youth in the region to drive social enterprise and promote sustainable

development across ASEAN. It was attended by 150 to 200 youth aged 18–35, most of whom
were leaders of social organizations, representatives from academic institutions, members of
civil society, and public sector actors. The three final teams selected by the panel received
continued project funding from FINSEDT. The winning teams in 2020 were: WeAble (Berdaya
Baren) from Indonesia, Identify Identity from Malaysia, and Sex (Z) from the Philippines.

187 C asean is a social enterprise that serves as a hub for connection and capacity building across ASEAN countries.
It focuses on the fields of art, culture, and business, with a primary target group of young people, an essential
resource in shaping the future of the region.
259