Bangkok--9 May--Ogilvy Public Relations
The Entrepreneurs' Organization's Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (EO/GSEA), the premier competition for full-time students running a business, announced the list of the student entrepreneurs slated to compete in EO's GSEA Global Finals in Bangkok, Thailand. Hosted by EO Thailand, this event takes place for the first time in Asia Pacific since EO took over the program in 2006, highlighting the growing influence and contributions of the region's business and entrepreneur community to the world.
Students from Asia, including Thailand, are flying their nations' flags high as they represent 16 of the 52 finalists shortlisted for the finals, accounting for more than 30 per cent of the group. The number of Asian students participating in this year's competition has doubled compared to 2015, and represents a significant increase from having only one Asian finalist in 2012. GSEA has also seen a three-fold increase in the number of applications in the last 10 years, with over 2,000 applicants from more than 50 countries from around the world this year. Each finalist runs revenue-generating businesses across a wide range of industries, including technology, consumer products, fashion, engineering, health, finance and many more.
Alex Read, EO's Global GSEA Chair said, "We have been so impressed by the ambition, drive and tenacity of these future CEOs that we can't wait to see all the students from around world represent their countries and compete in Bangkok in May. The diversity of expertise on show is truly remarkable. A common thread amongst them is the desire to make a difference at a global level through innovations, which either addressing specific challenges faced by their respective communities, or challenge the status quo to elevate our quality of living. The Global Student Entrepreneurship Awards provides them a platform for networking, mentorship, and learning -- empowering them so that they can inspire others. More than just being an awards show, it is a celebration of the people who will go on to change the world."
According to Sasamon Sanguansin, President of EO Thailand, "This year marks a significant step for the development of entrepreneurship in Thailand in the global arena as Thai young talent Pattaraphon Boonchai, student of Faculty of Engineering Mechanical and Aerospace at King Mongkut University of Technology North Bangkok, advanced to the Global Finals and has a good chance of winning. Pattaraphon showcases rescue robot prototype project, which already garnered awards from the World RoboCup Rescue 2015 competition, with ambitious aspiration to apply mobility technology for better quality of life for the disabilities. Five Thai business people also joined the judging panel in Global Finals competition, comprising Khun Varodom Virapuchong, Khun Supat Ratanasirivilai, Khun Apiwat Hiranpradit, Khun Rawit Hanutsaha and Khun Wasin Techarattanachai."
"EO Thailand is proud to be involved in this global event which takes place for the first time in Asia Pacific, with over 1,500 business people and entrepreneurs from around the world participating. This is an unprecedented opportunity for Thai student entrepreneur to showcase talent, and a major learning platform for Thai students and startups to seek new ideas and inspiration," added Sasamon.
The winner of EO/GSEA will receive a US$20,000 cash and up to US$100,000 in in-kind business services provided by EO members, as well as the prestigious title of 2016 EO Global Student Entrepreneur of the Year who will be representing the Entrepreneurship Organization (EO) network at the G20 Young Entrepreneurs Alliance in China.
The EO's GSEA Global Finals competition will be held on Thursday, May 12, 2016 from 1 pm – 5 pm at Convention Hall A1, 22nd floor, Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, Rama 1 Road. The session is open for general public and the admission is free.
EO's Global Student Entrepreneur Awards
As the premier global competition for high school, undergraduate and graduate students, the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (EO GSEA) represents more than 2,000 of the prominent student entrepreneurs from over 50 countries. For more information, visit www.gsea.org. The Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) is a global, peer-to-peer network of more than 20,000 influential business owners with 153 chapters in 50 countries. Founded in 1987, EO is the catalyst that enables leading entrepreneurs to learn and grow, leading to greater success in business and beyond. EO Thailand was established in 1996 and currently has 100 members. For more information, visit www.eonetwork.org.