When I decided to study in Thailand, I had two main motivations. First, I have always been fascinated by the rich tapestry of Thai culture and wanted to immerse myself in it. Bangkok has a unique blend of tradition and modernity. And its location makes it an ideal launchpad for weekend escapes to amazing beaches and mountains.
Second, South-east Asia, and Thailand in particular, presented a great opportunity to spend time in an emerging market with a strong entrepreneurial spirit. Thailand, like many of its neighbours, is undergoing a wave of economic expansion and innovation. It’s a fantastic place if you are interested in entrepreneurship for a number of reasons:
1. Dynamic emerging market: South-east Asia is characterised by rapid economic growth, an expanding middle class and an increasing appetite for consumer goods and services. This provides an ideal stage for innovation and entrepreneurship, as the demand for new businesses and solutions rises.
2. Gateway to Asean: Thailand serves as a gateway to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), a collective of 10 countries with a combined population exceeding 650 million. For entrepreneurs, this means access to a vast and diverse market with significant growth potential.
3. Entrepreneurship initiatives: Both the private and public sectors in Thailand have been actively promoting entrepreneurship and innovation through a variety of programmes and incentives. This includes creating innovation hubs, supporting start-ups and facilitating foreign investments.
4. Booming tech scene: The technology sector in Thailand and across South-east Asia has been growing quickly. E-commerce, fintech and digital services are thriving, affording ample opportunities to experience and gain an understanding of new technologies.
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Whether you are considering Asia, Europe, the US or anywhere else as an international student, finding the right institution to study at is a crucial decision. I chose Sasin School of Management because it offered an excellent education and a culture conducive to entrepreneurship.
If you are interested in entrepreneurship and wish to study at a university or business schools, there are certain aspects you need to look at:
1. International exposure: How international is the school in terms of both its student body and faculty? Having a good international environment is invaluable for networking, learning and collaborating with individuals with different experiences and insights.
2. Local market experience: At the same time, look for a university/business school that is deeply embedded within its national economy. Being part of Chulalongkorn University, Sasin has extensive connections within Thailand. Local expertise is indispensable for entrepreneurs seeking to make connections and find opportunities to work with organisations.
3. Entrepreneurship within the curriculum: It is very important to consider how much a university/business school’s curriculum includes entrepreneurship across its various subjects. At Sasin, there was a strong focus on entrepreneurship throughout, whether we were looking at sustainability, marketing or leadership. The curriculum and the culture of the school encourages all students to think innovatively.
My journey as an international student in Thailand has given me so much. The combination of an emerging market, an innovative academic environment and the diverse culture of Thailand was amazing. If you’re considering studying in South-east Asia and have an entrepreneurial spirit, Thailand should certainly be on your radar.
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