Manila’s EntreConference inspires young entrepreneurs

Following their participation in Malaysia’s Startup Weekend, three ambitious students from Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) recently embarked on a transformative journey to Manila, Philippines, for the EntreConference 2024. Sponsored by Singapore-based Reactor School, this cross-border learning experience provided an intensive immersion into Southeast Asia’s dynamic business and social impact landscape.

The program, which brought together aspiring entrepreneurs from across Asia, was designed to foster regional collaboration and introduce participants to the economic and cultural nuances of neighboring countries. “This trip exposed us to new entrepreneurial trends and helped us shape our business for the global stage,” shared Viman Vinesh, a Software Engineering student at APU. “The mix of culture and entrepreneurship made the experience even more impactful.” The program’s itinerary included entrepreneurial workshops, visits to prominent businesses, and opportunities for cultural exchange, all aimed at broadening participants’ perspectives.

Business Innovation and Social Responsibility

Throughout the week, students like Viman, Harshaa Ranee Ram Bahadur, and Meerra Murthi not only honed their business ideas but also absorbed valuable insights from Filipino entrepreneurs. The team explored topics such as financial technology, artificial intelligence, and the role of startups in addressing pressing social issues. A visit to the San Miguel Foundation left a lasting impression on the students, highlighting the importance of social responsibility in business.

“Entrepreneurship is about solving problems that affect people’s everyday lives,” noted Meerra, a Computer Science (Cyber Security) major, following their experience at the foundation’s Better World Community Centers, which support education and skill-building in underserved communities. This firsthand exposure to impactful initiatives encouraged the students to think beyond profit, reinforcing their goal to create a startup that contributes positively to society.

Forging Connections

A highlight of the trip was the Echelon Philippines e27 Conference, where the students networked with entrepreneurs from across the region and gained insights into emerging technologies like Web3 and AI. Additionally, they had the opportunity to visit QBO Innovation Hub, a prominent incubator in Manila, where they received mentorship and guidance on scaling their business, Device4U, for the Southeast Asian market.

“It was inspiring to learn about the startup ecosystem in the Philippines and what it takes to grow a business in Southeast Asia,” said Harshaa, a Financial Technology student, reflecting on their engagement with entrepreneurs in Manila. “It gave us a unique opportunity to not only learn about the latest trends in the startup ecosystem but we were able to speak to other startup founders who
guided us in improving our startup idea.”

This experience in Manila not only expanded the students’ entrepreneurial skillsets but also instilled a deeper understanding of the region’s diverse economic contexts, further enhancing their readiness to make an impact on a global scale.