Innovation and Entrepreneurship in South-East Asia
Module Overview
As the global economy’s centre of gravity shifts east and technology adds millions of people to the formal economy, entrepreneurship and innovation are booming in Asia, creating growth and prosperity for millions! This program tries to understand the drivers and implications of this revolution by visiting hotspots like Vietnam, Thailand and Singapore and meeting with key ecosystem players like start-ups, incubators, venture capitalists, private equity players, and governmental bodies.
Participants will also have an opportunity to roll up their sleeves and put their theory and experience to work on brainstorming sessions with local entrepreneurs. Participants will also have a chance to immerse themselves in the local culture through a variety of meaningful, fun and interactive activities that stimulate learning about the destination.
Location
Visit cities such as Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Jakarta, and Singapore, and balance the big city vibe with visits into the back roads of South East Asia, such as villages along the Mekong River.
Key Elements of the Program
Business Meetings
Business meetings with players in the entrepreneurial ecosystem such as start-ups, incubators, investors and government officials.
Interactive sessions
Sessions with seasoned entrepreneurs as well as those who are taking their first entrepreneurial footsteps.
Exposure
Exposure to a diverse and rich range of ventures, ranging from early-stage startups to successful giants, home-grown companies to multi-nationals.
Sessions
Business meetings with players in the entrepreneurial ecosystem such as start-ups, incubators, investors and government officials.
Cultural immersions
Immersions to experience and understand the local landscape, context and culture.
Educational Outcomes

Theory
- Understand what drives entrepreneurship and innovation in the South-East Asian context.
- Learn more about the social, political and economic fabric of the region that supports or obstructs innovation.
- Dive beneath the cultural skin of the region to understand prevailing social constructs about wealth, success, status and entrepreneurship.
- Identify opportunities and challenges that exist in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Practice
- Adapt and apply theory and classroom learning during intensive brainstorming interactions to address practical, real-life situations by offering solutions to thorny problems faced by local entrepreneurs.
- Connect and communicate with business leadership and entrepreneurs in this region in both formal and informal contexts.
- Be inspired and motivated by the powerful stories of successful entrepreneurs.
Module Length
This program is completely customizable. We recommend a minimum of one week to a maximum of eight weeks. Longer programs involve a larger scope and may include additional locations as well.

Logistics

Stays are in comfortable guesthouses or hotels.

Transport is by plane or train for intercity transfers and air-conditioned coaches for intra-city movement.
Featured Cultural Experiences
Note: Specific cultural experiences will depend on the location and duration chosen for the program.