Transforming Innovator into Entrepreneur Learning from Direct Experience

“Transforming Innovator into Entrepreneur” is a campaign that promotes the importance of turning classroom knowledge into innovations through process of learning, applying and developing. Thus, Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi (RMUTT) is very aware of developing students’ innovation competence which is becoming increasingly important for Thailand’s sustainable development. The university puts its full effort to assist student learning both from classroom learning and direct experience allowing them to understand the real-world demands, developing innovative products that respond to those demands and hopefully becoming successful entrepreneur in the future. Recently, RMUTT offered its students hands- on activity at the famous week end Chatujak Market to help them understand the value concept effects entrepreneurs’ entrepreneurial success in their business decisions. This ‘Career Development’ and ‘Innovation’ campaign participated by RMUTT students of more than 400 people aimed to help students get their appropriate training, transfer them knowledge, and giving them advice and direct experience from real practice. Additionally, the university would be selecting students with high-potential entrepreneurship and supporting them with startup funding through RMUTT’s University Business Incubator (UBI) agency. Assistant Professor Dr. Sommai Pivsa-Art, President of Rajamangala University of Technology (RMUTT) revealed, “Not only RMUTT gives hands-on learning and training but we also give students the opportunity to experience real world situations. The university consisting of 11 faculties and a college of Thai Traditional Medicine has continuously intended to foster students with integrative knowledge and live-long learning to build their entrepreneurial skills and prepare students for Thailand’s new global economy in 21^st century and thus, transforming innovative students into skillful entrepreneurs are our goal.”

Chairman of the RMUTT University Council, Mr. Veerasak Wongsombut added, “RMUTT is attempting to connect education to career skills and driving ourselves towards the innovation university and therefore turning our students into successful entrepreneurs is our primary intention.”

A fourth-year student of Plant Production Department, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Miss Ornpreeya Chana-In nicknamed, “Fern” said, “This program is certainly interesting. I have been selling my hand-made photo frames in Instagram since I was in Grade 12. But spending more time on the study, I am unable to keep selling the items. However, through this project, I manage to learn new skills and gain new ideas that inspire me to continue my business in the future.

A 1^st year RMUTT student of Business Computer Department, Faculty of Business Administration, Mr. Punnaporn Amornjun, or ‘Meen’ revealed, “I really want to own a small family restaurant so I decide to pay a visit at Chatuchak Market today. I went around the place to interview other entrepreneurs to find out all about ingredient place and price. Moreover, I also ask them how they attract their customers. Of course, I really appreciate the experience that I have today from making new friends to exchanging ideas with them. A 1^st year RMUTT student of Aviation Service Industry, Faculty of Liberal Arts, Miss Monthira Chanpromm, or ‘Bam’ added, ‘After a field trip, I was able to acquire essential hands-on skills including selling, influencing, and servicing from the actual entrepreneurs. I also have an opportunity to learn from the customers themselves. Hopefully, I will use all the skills in the future. Mr. Sivakorn Chumkhuntod or ‘Tawan’, a first-year student of Robotics and Robotics Engineering Department, Faculty of Technical Education concluded, “I think this program benefits everyone. I gained a lot of knowledge from direct experience. This includes training with skillful instructors, sharing practical business experience, having onsite experience with friends from different faculties, talking to business owners and of course purchasing products. Surely, I would share all the experience I gain today with my friends and if possible, I will use all the experience to gain the scholarship from the university.