Mekong Institute taps into Israel’s expertise in entrepreneurship with the recently-concluded training program on “Innovative Entrepreneurship: From Ideas to Starting a Business”, organized in cooperation with The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs and MASHAV-Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation. Held on October 29-November 9, 2018 at the MI Residential Training Center, the training was attended by 21 individuals working in the government and private sector from Cambodia, P.R. China, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam as well as two MI staff.
“Israel is known as a start-up nation where innovation plays a big role in the country,” remarked Mr. Sudam Pawar, Director of MI’s Innovation and Technological Connectivity Department. Addressing the group at the training’s opening, he further added, “We invite you to take this opportunity to learn and interact with our experts from Israel, who will share with us their experiences and what they’re doing in their country.”
The intensive course aimed to help facilitate the generation of viable ideas for starting new businesses, and subsequently encourage innovation that will be beneficial to society and communities. The training participants were oriented on the critical stages and elements of setting up a business – from conducting feasibility studies, defining target audiences to developing a business plan and crafting a brand strategy. Capping the two-week lectures and group workshops was a tradeshow wherein the participants pitched their business ideas.
“This training is very applicable for those starting a new business. It’s good to learn about the management system, and the resource persons provided us very practical information,” shared Mr. Sonemany Xayyalath, a participant from Lao PDR.
Following the training, the participants are expected to apply the knowledge they gained in undertaking entrepreneurial initiatives or in improving their existing business ventures.
MASHAV has also previously organized a similar training with MI in 2016.
