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Learning – Experiencing – Connecting Journey of UEH Students at ASEAN+ Summer Camp 2025

Learning – Experiencing – Connecting Journey of UEH Students at ASEAN+ Summer Camp 2025

14 Aug, 2025

The ASEAN Summer Camp is an international student exchange program jointly organized by four leading universities in the ASEAN region. The program was co-founded with the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City’s School of Business representing Vietnam. It was first held in 2023 by Universitas Padjadjaran (Indonesia), followed by the second edition hosted by the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City. The upcoming fourth edition in 2026 will be hosted by the University of Malaya (Malaysia).

Students from participating universities of the ASEAN Summer Camp 2025

The third  of the ASEAN+ Summer Camp officially commenced with an opening speech, followed by the first activity - a lecture on “Entrepreneurship and Sustainability” delivered by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Patipan Sae-Lim (KMUTT). Equipped with valuable insights into business models integrated with sustainability, the student groups had the opportunity to apply their knowledge by practicing with business model canvases from two major companies -  Starbucks and IKEA.

Representatives from the School of Business (COB), University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) attending the ASEAN Summer Camp 2025

In the afternoon of the same day, students had the opportunity to experience Thai culture through three workshops: Thai perfumes (scents), Thai food, and traditional Thai dance. This series of activities served as a foundation for bringing everyone closer together by exploring local culture and engaging in teamwork.

Students attending the industry lecture “Entrepreneurship and Sustainability” 

Students were divided into teams to discuss the Business Model Canvas of Starbucks and IKEA

Students participating in Thai cultural experience activities

The following day began with sharing sessions from two speakers: Ms. Chidchanok Pasinpong, General Manager of Avani Ratchada Hotel (part of Avani Hotels & Resorts, which operates in 60 countries worldwide), and Mr. Weerasak Sinsapphaiboon, CEO of The Klinique. Topics on business operations, strategic direction, and the challenges of becoming “sustainable” were all addressed during these sessions.

Sharing by Mr. Apiruj Thongwattana, CEO & Co-founder of Klinique, and Ms. Chidchanok Pasinpong, General Manager of Avani Ratchada Hotel, Bangkok.

This was followed by a panel discussion featuring professors from the organizing universities, who shared insights on sustainability, environmental issues, and potential solutions in their respective countries, with the hope of encouraging future participation and collaboration from young people as well as within the ASEAN community.

Professors discussing the current state of sustainable development in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam

The company visit took place on the third day of the program, where lecturers and students toured the facilities, observed operations, and engaged with staff to gather information useful for their projects. The day began with a morning visit to the Avani Ratchada Hotel, starting with a brief introduction by General Manager Chidchanok Pasinpong, followed by a tour of three main areas of the hotel: guest rooms, amenity spaces, and meeting rooms.

Ms. Chidchanok Pasinpong, GM of Avani Ratchada Hotel, shared about sustainable entrepreneurship initiatives

Students visiting and attending a sharing session at Avani Ratchada Hotel, Bangkok.

Students visiting the surgical facility of the Klinique 

The Klinique, the second destination of the day, was visited in the afternoon. Here, students explored three different service centers of the business: a laser treatment facility, a spa facility, and a surgical facility located in Siam Mall. At each center, managers provided explanations about the services offered, target customer segments, and specific technical aspects, enabling students to more easily identify potential market gaps.

Students “checking in” at the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Herb Garden

Students experiencing the Digital Immersive Art Room

To prepare for the final presentation, students continued working collaboratively on their sustainable product projects at the resort. In the evening, everyone had the opportunity to visit the Rayong local market, where they could freely experience Thai cuisine and culture through the region’s signature dishes and seaside souvenirs.

On the final day, each team continued refining their projects before presenting them in the afternoon. The session began with Team 6’s presentation on an eco-energy system using smart sensors to transmit real-time AI-driven analytics. This was followed by Team 8’s presentation on Avadrop, a laundry bag made from detergent powder that dissolves directly in the washing machine. Finally, the presentations concluded with Team 1’s Klinique Care Plus, an application providing online patient care monitoring services.

Group photo at Rayong Beach

Cultural performance by Malaysian students

The 3rd ASEAN Summer Camp provided students with valuable lessons in knowledge, culture, growth mindset, and especially sustainable business initiatives within the region. Through speeches, workshops, company visits, consultations, and project presentations, students were equipped with the tools and mindset needed to apply sustainable development approaches to improving business operations. Furthermore, the international student groups from Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Indonesia, and Malaysia not only explored cultural differences but also enhanced their communication skills and critical thinking.

Other photos from ASEAN Summer Camp 2025:

New, photos: COB UEH