Following the successful conclusion of Startup Weekend, hosted by Enterprise@APU, three talented young entrepreneurs from Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) were selected for a transformative outbound learning experience, sponsored by Reactor School in Singapore.

Viman Vinesh, Harshaa Ranee Ram Bahadur, and Meerra Murthi secured RM16,000 in sponsorships for their participation in EntreConference in Manila, Philippines, from September 24th to 28th, 2024. 

EntreConference, in partnership with Reactor School, National Youth Council Singapore, and the AsiaReady Exposure Programme, offered participants a unique immersion into Southeast Asia’s vibrant business ecosystem. The programme featured entrepreneurship workshops, company visits, and cultural experiences, helping students forge global networks and gain invaluable insights into business models across the region. 

The trio, led by Dr Beh Ching Yew, Head of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at APU, used the opportunity to refine their startup idea, Device4U, enhancing its strategies for international markets. As Viman Vinesh, a BSc (Hons) in Software Engineering student, put it, “This trip exposed us to new entrepreneurial trends and helped us shape our business for the global stage. The mix of culture and entrepreneurship made the experience even more impactful.” 

Harshaa Ranee Ram Bahadur, pursuing Actuarial Studies with a specialism in Financial Technology, reflected, “It gave us a unique opportunity to not only learn about the latest trends in the startup ecosystem but we were able to speak to other startup founders who guided us in improving our startup idea. It was inspiring to learn about the startup ecosystem in the Philippines and what it takes to grow a business in Southeast Asia.” 

Meanwhile, Meerra Murthi, a student of Computer Science (Cyber Security), emphasised the social impact element: “Visiting the San Miguel Foundation reminded me that entrepreneurship is about solving problems that affect people’s everyday lives. It reinforced our drive to create something meaningful with Device4U.”

The team’s itinerary included attendance at the Echelon Philippines e27 Conference, where they explored emerging trends in fintech, AI, and Web3. They also had the privilege of visiting QBO Innovation Hub, a key startup enabler in the Philippines, gaining mentorship and advice for scaling their business across borders.

A highlight of the trip was a visit to the San Miguel Foundation and its Better World Community Centers, which work to uplift underprivileged communities through education and skills training. 

Professor Dr Vinesh Thiruchelvam, Chief Innovation & Enterprise Officer at APU, praised the students’ achievements: “The recognition from Reactor Singapore for our students’ entrepreneurial potential is a testament to APU’s commitment to nurturing innovation. With the efforts of Dr Beh Ching Yew and the team at Enterprise@APU, we continue to build a strong foundation for outcome-based startup activities that empower our students to thrive globally.” 

The initiative exemplifies Enterprise@APU's mission of providing students with the mentorship, tools, and resources to turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality. By connecting with global ecosystems, APU students are well-positioned to lead impactful, innovative ventures across the tech and social enterprise sectors.