The emerging markets of the ASEAN region are rapidly gaining momentum—especially in the fields of digital transformation and technological advancement.

On May 21, 2025, the Office of Career Development at the College of Management, National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU), hosted a General Education Seminar themed “Startup and Innovate Business in Thailand,” drawing over 100 enthusiastic students and featuring vibrant exchanges between participants and speakers.

The session opened with welcoming remarks from Director Shih Sian Jhang of the Office of Career Development, followed by a group photo and an interactive Kahoot quiz that introduced students to Thai culture and the entrepreneurial landscape in a fun and engaging way.

The keynote speaker, Professor Kavin Asavanant from Chulalongkorn Business School, Thailand, delivered a deep dive into the startup ecosystem in Thailand. He highlighted recent trends and challenges faced by entrepreneurs, including government policies supporting innovation—such as a 10-year tax exemption, startup and digital nomad visa schemes—as well as emerging opportunities in sectors like FinTech and HealthTech.

The panel discussion was moderated by Professor Jack Hsu of NSYSU, focusing on two major topics:

1. Entrepreneurial ecosystems in Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia, and

2. The potential economic impact of recent Trump-era policies on the ASEAN region.

Panelists included Professor Wu Lin-Chih, who has teaching experience in Malaysia; Dr. Nguyen Tuan Duong, a Vietnamese postdoctoral researcher and NSYSU alumnus; and Professor Kavin. 

Professor Wu emphasized the importance of adaptability, noting, “Uncertainty is not always a bad thing—the key lies in how we adjust to change.” She cited the rapid growth of Malaysia’s medical glove industry during the COVID-19 pandemic as an example of turning crisis into opportunity.

Professor Kavin encouraged students to maintain a positive mindset, nurture keen observation, and take action to grow amid regional shifts and challenges.

Dr. Nguyen shared his insights from recent visits to Vietnam and Thailand, pointing out the widespread adoption of mobile payment and paid apps—even among street vendors. He also highlighted Taiwan’s potential in AI applications, urging students to ride the wave of technological advancement and explore entrepreneurial possibilities in AI.

The event brought together faculty representatives from across the ASEAN region and featured diverse perspectives. Special thanks go to Deputy Director Hsin-Yu Lin of the Office of International Relations and Accreditation for her comprehensive support in planning and execution.

The session was also livestreamed, with online guests from the “Women Entrepreneurship Flying Geese Project” and the “Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE)” joining virtually—demonstrating NSYSU’s ongoing commitment to diverse talent cultivation and academia-industry collaboration. The event was generously sponsored by the Sun Yat-sen Management Education Foundation.