The Philippine Chapter of Entrepreneur’s Organization has recently hosted the Asian Regional Finals of the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards, bringing together finalists from eight participating Asian countries—China, Malaysia, Taiwan, South Korea, Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, and Singapore.
The Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA) is the premier global competition for student entrepreneurs who actively run a business. The GSEA is an annual program hosted and organized by the Entrepreneur’s Organization that gives young business owners a chance to win capital and recognition that could help grow their ventures. More importantly, the GSEA provides a platform where the students can connect with industry movers and shakers, allowing them to gain valuable insights, and learn best practices, which they could apply to their businesses.
“This is only the second year that we have hosted the Philippine competition of the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards, and we take pride in being able to also host the Asian Regional Finals in our country,” says Raymond Rufino, Regional GSEA Chair for Asia and former President of Entrepreneur’s Organization Philippines. “Holding the GSEA is part of EO’s commitment to inspiring and building a global community of young entrepreneurs.”
The Asian Student Entrepreneurs
The Asian Regional Finals of Global Student Entrepreneur Awards was participated by 21 different student finalists from eight Asian countries. The Finals saw a diverse range of student entrepreneurs, coming from different backgrounds, passions, and also with the different ventures they have started. A total of Eight National Champions were declared (one for each country):
Eileen Phoan, who has a background in Mechanical Engineering, will be representing Malaysia. With her interest in arts & crafts, she has started Left & Right, a handcraft artisan jewelry store that aims to materialize stories of their clients. They make unique pieces for everyone, using different materials from sterling silver, copper wire, and different gems as well.
Kazuki Obata will be the representative of Japan. His experience of being different among his peers has given him the courage to challenge himself, and be more social. He has started organizing events that attract different crowds, and has since gained a large following in Japan.
Kim Ju Yoon will be representing South Korea with his company’s technological venture. “Dot” is a smart watch that is specifically designed for visually impaired people, and at a more affordable price than what is currently in the market. The smart watch, which utilizes a unique braille technology, allows blind people to not only carry a watch to tell time but to also read e-books and receive a wide array of information.
Leo Lofranco who founded Müber will be the Philippines’ representative. The venture is a peer-to-peer package delivery marketplace that allows people to list their shopping requests to be fulfilled by travelers who wish to earn some extra money for their trips. It has garnered over a thousand registered users who have fulfilled many requests and received extra pocket money.
Indonesian, Hardian Gilang, started his company, “Anajidan Helmet” after recovering from a motorcycle accident. He took it as an opportunity to repair his protective gear by customizing it, and in the process created a sturdier covering. Through his success, he was able to elevate the standards of helmet designs in Malaysia.
Kevin Ng from Singapore developed Hyron Infotech, a platform which aims to boost operational performance of companies and organizations. Currently, they have developed three systems—tuition management system, courier management system, and production & inventory system—which have been providing assistance to institutions to improve their performance management.
Andy Tseng from Taiwan developed a unique social media platform that connects charitable organizations and different people. “WeCare” is designed to let people who are interested in social development to take it into action as the mobile app allows individuals to know which organizations in the area need volunteers, and at the same time, allows organizations to get in touch with people who are into volunteerism.
Lisa Xiang Yang is a familiar name having been Miss China in Miss Earth 2013. Her venture, “Koi King” celebrates Chinese heritage, and aims to make wishes of people come true. The unique platform allows the youth to keep themselves grounded in traditional Chinese values, while still living in a fast-paced century.
During the Asian Regional Finals, Hardian Gilang from Indonesia was proclaimed as the first ever Asian Regional Champion, and he was awarded USD 5,000, which could assist him to grow his business. The eight student entrepreneurs will be representing their respective countries for the global finals of the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA) in Washington, DC, USA in April 2015.