Empowering Change at the SUSS Impact Startup Challenge in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, hosted the Impact Startup Challenge - Multi-University Edition, an intensive event centered on sustainability. The challenge brought together 24 students from SUSS, 5 from NUS High School, and 17 from various Vietnamese universities, including UEH’s Internation School of Business, Van Lang University, Fulbright University, Foreign Trade University, and Swinburne University.

 _{First row, from left to right: Prof Tran Ha Minh Quan, Dean of UEH - International School of Business, Ms Chang Xiu Mei, Lead (Impact Startup), SUSS Student Success Centre, Mr Patrick Ng, Instructor & Founder, Spark Launchpad, Dr Khanh Ngo, Deputy Programs Director, UEH-ISB Talented Programs, International Partners and Industry Relations Manager of UEH - International School of Business, Mr Alex Kwee, Assistant Head (Humanities) and Teacher (Economics), NUS High School & Dr Flora Soh, Teacher (Chemistry), NUS High School.}

The challenge began with an inspiring address from UEH-ISB, setting the stage for a week of learning and innovation. Guided by the lean startup methodology, participants identified social issues aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Using tools like the Javelin Board, they meticulously mapped out customer needs, validated market demands, and developed go-to-market strategies. This approach not only honed their critical thinking but also empowered them to transform real-world issues into impactful solutions.

Throughout the week, students gained insights from local entrepreneurs like Ms. Quyen Toh, Chairwoman of BluSaigon, and Ms. Van Dang, co-founder of SmartR, who offered valuable mentorship to help them in refining their startup ideas.

  A day at BLUSAIGON is filled with awe as students explore the artistry and entrepreneurial spirit behind their luxurious pens.

 _{Visiting Block 71 Saigon with SMARTR.CO Founder, Mr. Van Nguyen, we dive into the entrepreneurial energy driving innovation in the heart of Ho Chi Minh.}

The excitement peaked on Demo Day, where teams presented their innovative solutions to a panel of judges. Among the standout pitches were:

3rd Place: GradQuest - Enhancing fresh graduate career readiness through coaching services.

_{From left to right: Mohamed Shammir s/o Thirunauc Karasu (SUSS), Lin Ying Ying (SUSS), Đặng Thị Phương Ngân (UEH-ISB), Shreshtha Jindal (NUS High) & Loh Mun Yeong (SUSS)}

2nd Place: Timeless Threads - Promoting sustainable fashion through streamlined second-hand clothing shopping.

_{From left to right: Nguyen Thi Nhat Hong (Foreign Trade University), Sarah Gabriel Kate (SUSS), Yeoh Zheng Qi Jasmine (SUSS), Law Hiu Ching (SUSS), Nguyen Minh Duc (Fulbright University)}

1st Place: Sens - Empowering communities involved in Lotus Silk goods.

_{From left to right: Teo Choon Long (SUSS), Tran Thi Thuc Quyen (UEH-ISB), Phung Tran Viet My (UEH-ISB), Vinson Joshua Agcanas (SUSS), Kee Guan Cheng Elson (SUSS) & Chan Ging Yang (SUSS)}

As the challenge concluded, it left a lasting mark on Ho Chi Minh City's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Participants departed with newfound skills, networks and a strong commitment to driving positive change through innovative ventures. Notably, two teams began discussions with potential business partners, underscoring the event's immediate real-world impact.

_{From left to right: Dr Khanh Ngo, Co-organiser, UEH-ISB, Mr James Goh Jia Hao, Chief Experience Officer, Halogen, Mr Rafael Alzate, Specialist, SUSS Student Success Centre, Ms Quyen Ton, Chairwoman, BLUSAIGON, Mr Hung Ngo, Vietnam Investment Lead, Cocoon Capital, Mr Jeffrey Nah, JN Capital & Growth Advisory and Ms Chang Xiu Mei, Lead (Impact Startup), SUSS Student Success Centre.}

The Impact Startup Challenge Vietnam Multi-University Edition exemplified the transformative power of education, collaboration, and entrepreneurial spirit, planting seeds for future sustainable innovations that will benefit society and the economy in Vietnam and beyond.

_{Students, mentors, and staff enthusiastically celebrate the successful conclusion of another impactful Startup Challenge in Ho Chi Minh City, marking yet another milestone in their entrepreneurial journey.}

Feeling up for the challenge? Sign up for the upcoming Impact Startup Challenge Info Session here.

To learn more about SUSS’ Entrepreneurship programmes, visit:

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/suss_entrepreneurship 

Website: https://www.suss.edu.sg/experience-at-suss/entrepreneurship

Email: entrepreneruship@suss.edu.sg