As the leading international college in Thailand, Mahidol University International College (MUIC) once again proved that it is a trailblazer in offering innovative courses while at the same time strengthening ties with academic partners abroad.

MUIC recently organized the Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship programfor28 students from Yunnan University, People’s Republic of China from August 17 to 23, 2025.

The students, coming from a wide variety of academic backgrounds—from tourism and business administration to foreign languages and literature to sociology, economics, architecture, physics, engineering and many more—benefitted much from the program designed and facilitated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Onnida Thongpravati of the Business Administration Division.

“As Associate Professor in Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Head of Innovation at MUIC, I had the privilege of designing and facilitating the Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship course for visiting students from Yunnan University. The program combined academic learning with experiential engagement, introducing students to the theoretical foundations of innovation frameworks, business modeling, and the dynamics of Thailand’s entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Ajarn Onnida.

Several MUIC lecturers also gave presentations on related topics: Dr. Orrathip Geerativudhipong (“Introduction to Thailand, Language, and Culture”), Asst. Prof. William J. Jones (“Brief Introduction to the Thai Economy”), and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Supara Kapasuwan (“Cross-cultural Communication”).

After learning these foundations, the students, accompanied by two deputy directors, a program officer and a secretary from Yunnan University, were brought by Ajarn Onnida on company visits to Bertram (1958) Co. Ltd. and Tanee Siam, two Thai companies that utilize  sustainable business methods in order to extend learning beyond the classroom.

“I facilitated industry visits to Bertram (1958) Co. Ltd., renowned for its innovative herbal wellness products such as Siangpure and Peppermint Field; and Tanee Siam, a breakthrough eco-design enterprise transforming banana-plant waste into vegan-leather fashion through sustainable, zero-waste processes,” Ajarn Onnida said.

And in order for the students to apply all the lessons they have learned, Ajarn Onnida concluded the course with a ‘Shark Tank–style’ pitch, “where the students developed entrepreneurial solutions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing local and global impact.”  

“This initiative deepened cultural and academic learning and paved the way for our future collaborations with Yunnan University, other leading Chinese institutions, and universities worldwide,” Ajarn Onnida said.

The program was also a chance for the students and Yunnan University officials to get acquainted with Thai culture. Staff members of MUIC’s Program Development Unit (PDU), served as enthusiastic and informative guides to several fun trips to the Jim Thompson House Museum and Don Wai Floating Market. On campus, the students also had a great time participating in the “Campus Tour Photo-Hunt Challenge.”

Assoc. Prof. Dale Alan Konstanz, MUIC’s Associate Dean for International Affairs, noted the significance of this successful program. “This successful short-term program hosting students from Yunnan University represents an important step in strengthening MUIC’s academic and cultural engagement with China. Organized through the Project Development Unit (PDU), it is part of an initiative that has helped link MUIC with leading Chinese universities, including Yunnan University, and laid a strong foundation for future collaborations. By welcoming Chinese students to our campus, the program fostered meaningful academic interaction and personal growth for all participants, underscoring the significance of Thailand–China educational ties. While China remains one of MUIC International Affairs’ strategic priorities, the initiative also reflects MUIC’s broader commitment to expanding partnerships across Asia and around the world, ensuring diverse and enriching opportunities for students.”

Indeed, the six-day program seemed too short for the students from Yunnan University.

According to Ajarn Dale, the entire Yunnan University contingent was quite pleased with the program and MUIC so much that they expressed their interest in running the program again in the near future. “During the farewell dinner, the faculty and staff from Yunnan University told Khun Worada and I that they were impressed with the college, Thai culture, Ajarn Onnida and fellow faculty members, and our teaching assistants who they called ‘smart and confident.’”

With such a successful start to this new program, the MUIC community can expect to welcome another batch of students from Yunnan University and other universities eager to learn more lessons about business innovation and entrepreneurship.