Bangkok Post – PIM Unveils Modern Business Entrepreneurship Program

May 30, 2024

22 3 minutes read

PIM International College launches a new program to foster innovative startup entrepreneurs with a global focus.

PUBLISHED : 30 May 2024 at 14:11

Panyapiwat Institute of Management’s International College has revamped its former Modern Trade Management (International Program) to foster startup entrepreneurs and future-ready skills with a global focus. This 3.5-year Business Administration Program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to become “Modern Business Inno-preneurs” – sustainable and socially responsible entrepreneurs who can thrive in the ever-changing global business landscape. The program emphasises adaptability, flexibility, and the application of diverse knowledge to meet the demands of future businesses, particularly in the green business sector. Students will learn to design sustainable business models and compete on an international level. The curriculum is designed to create an “eco-system” at each level, providing students with a simulated environment to develop their skills, knowledge, and business acumen. This approach encourages self-discovery and empowers students to find their own path to success.

Assistant Professor Dr. Veerisa Chotiyaputta, Dean of the International College at Panyapiwat Institute of Management, stated that the college aligns with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation’s (MHESI) Education 6.0 initiative to propel young people towards becoming startups and nurture their potential in various developable areas. Amidst rapid changes where technology plays a crucial role in business, the new curriculum emphasises personal development over traditional business processes. As a leading corporate university, PIM leverages its strengths in work-based education, faculty expertise, digital technology, and partner networks. These key factors collectively contribute to fostering students’ potential to become stable, sustainable entrepreneurs with a broad perspective, capable of solving complex problems, demonstrating leadership, upholding ethics, innovating eco-friendly or green businesses, and maintaining social responsibility while balancing environmental preservation.

Another key component supporting student success is the International College International Startup Academy (IC I-SA). This academy nurtures and promotes ideas from the new generation who are passionate about startups and innovation. It is a learning resource for all stages of the business process, from fundamental to advanced knowledge, business model creation, innovation ideation, and other relevant skill enhancement. Faculty members and guest speakers from partner organisations act as mentors, supporting learning with real-world case studies from companies for project-based learning. Students gain hands-on experience in management, trial and error, and presenting solutions, building resilience to overcome fear and uncertainties. They also participate in competitions to test their abilities and further develop their innovative thinking. The companies providing support and case studies for problem-solving range from small to large, both domestic and international, offering students diverse skill-building opportunities. In the past year, the program’s alumni have successfully realised their startup dreams and won awards on both national and international stages, reflecting the program’s effectiveness in achieving its goal of fostering talent, as emphasised by Assistant Professor Dr. Veerisa.

A highlight of this new program is integrating soft and hard skills, refining knowledge and intensive experience, activating the entrepreneurial DNA from year one, and upgrading skills to a global business startup in the final year. The curriculum incorporates new subjects and has undergone feedback from various businesses and organisations, analysing factors relevant to learners and keeping up with current trends, such as social entrepreneurship towards sustainable innovation, startup garage, agile project management, risk management, investment, business law, and electronic commerce. The program alternates between theoretical learning and practical training throughout the 3.5 years, including internships at various levels of businesses and startups and exchange programs under educational collaborations both domestically and internationally. Additionally, there are elective courses in business areas of interest to learners, such as health business, senior care business, FMCG business, fashion and luxury goods business, hotel business, and modern business in ASEAN. This gives learners a broader perspective, sparking new ideas and enabling them to apply their knowledge to their dream businesses. It also provides opportunities for sustainable growth for the community, society, and the nation, contributing to driving the economy.

Admission Requirements: