By Panichat Kitisittichai, Sasin SEC The SCG Bangkok Business Challenge at Sasin is Asia’s Longest-running global student startup competition. It showcases inspiring business plans for undergraduate and postgraduate students in the region. To identify the most investor-ready startup ventures, a judging committee of prominent investors, entrepreneurs, and business professionals evaluates the submissions based on written business plans, live pitches, and venture exhibits. Participating teams compete for prestigious prizes including the HM The King of Thailand’s Award, originally bestowed by King Rama IX and continued by his son, HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua. Teams can also win cash awards exceeding US$46,000. The annual Challenge, now in its 21st year, aims at achieving several objectives: 1. Instilling an entrepreneurial spirit: The competition strives to inspire and nurture an entrepreneurial mindset. By fostering the spirit of innovation within institutions of higher learning, the competition teaches participants to recognize and seize entrepreneurial opportunities leading to economic growth and job creation. 2. Building an international platform: Representatives from various programs compete and learn from one another. This international exposure promotes cross-cultural understanding and strengthens the entrepreneurial network. Participants learn different perspectives, business models, and best practices, fostering a global mindset among aspiring entrepreneurs. 3. Commercializing R&D efforts: The competition aims to create commercial value for research and development initiatives, particularly those from university research centers. By providing a platform for these innovations, the annual Challenge bridges the gap between academia and business, facilitating the transformation of cutting-edge research into viable commercial ventures. 4. Business matching and networking: The Challenge offers a valuable business matching platform for startups, potential partners, and investors. Participants meet industry experts, experienced entrepreneurs, and potential collaborators. This enables them to forge strategic partnerships, secure investment, and access resources crucial for their ventures’ growth and success. 5. Promoting sustainability: The event emphasizes the integration of sustainability concerns into mainstream commercial ventures. By highlighting the importance of sustainable business practices, the competition encourages participants to develop innovative solutions that address environmental and social challenges. This aligns with the growing global acknowledgment of the business need to expand responsible practices and contribute to a more sustainable future. In summary, the SCG Bangkok Business Challenge provides an event for Thai and global student entrepreneurs to showcase ideas. It strives to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset, foster international collaboration, commercialize research efforts, facilitate business connections, and promote sustainability in entrepreneurship. These objectives collectively contribute the region’s vibrant and impactful startup ecosystem.