At the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), undergraduate students are encouraged to embark on a journey of entrepreneurship alongside their traditional academic pursuits. Through the innovative platform known as Enterprise@APU, students across various fields of study have the opportunity to explore their entrepreneurial ambitions and transform ideas into tangible ventures. This initiative aims to cultivate a culture of innovation and risk-taking, preparing students for a lifetime of success in the ever-evolving global landscape.

Exploring Entrepreneurship in Academia

One recent highlight of the entrepreneurial ecosystem at APU was the organisation of an Enterprise Speaker Series and accompanying Startup Boot Camp by Entreprise@APU. Spanning from February 28th to March 3rd, 2024, these events provided students with invaluable insights and practical experiences in the realm of entrepreneurship.

During the Startup Weekend, students had the opportunity to participate in speaker series sessions, including "Creativity in Product Development."

Led by Ms Sharifah Zuraidah Syed Ibrahim, an industry expert and a seasoned management consultant who specialises in certification consulting and training, these sessions delved into the essential role of creativity in shaping innovative products and driving business success.

Through practical strategies and real-world examples, students were inspired to inject creativity into their own ventures.

A Vibrant Culmination of Entrepreneurial Endeavors

The Startup Boot Camp brought together over 100 participants, including academic mentors, students, and industry professionals, forming 17 dynamic teams of student entrepreneurs.

Guided by experienced mentors such as Mr Martin Muller from Exzellent Profis Sdn. Bhd., and Dr Tom Tan, an educator and entrepreneur, students explored concepts like Design Thinking, Product Innovation, Business Model Canvas, and Venture Building.

Armed with newfound knowledge, teams collaborated to refine their ideas, culminating in a final pitch session.

A total of 17 teams showcased their innovative startup ideas to the panel of judges, which included Dr Asri Jusoh (President of Action Business Advisors), Mr Terence Chia (Founding Partner, Vectors Angel), Associate Professor Dr Jason Turner (Senior Head, School of Business, APU), and Captain Koh (Chairman, Verofax Asia).

Team Carbonara emerged victorious with their groundbreaking carbon credit accounting software, followed by team PartnerCo and GreenSync as the 1st and 2nd Runners-up respectively. This event showcased the power of collaboration, creativity, and the APU student entrepreneurs' community in driving meaningful change.

Professor Dr Vinesh Thiruchelvam, Chief Innovation and Enterprise Officer of APU emphasised that the Enterprise Speaker Series and Startup Boot Camp were more than just events; they were testimonies to the power of collaboration and creativity in fostering entrepreneurship within the APU community. These initiatives underscore APU's commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent and driving impactful change in the world.