MI BRINGS ISRAEL’S EXPERTISE IN TRAINING ON INNOVATIVE ENTREPRENEURSHIP FOR GMS

Innovation and Technological Connectivity

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.    

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Mrs. Guohua Liu

Director, Sustainable Energy & Environment (SEE) Department

Mrs. Liu Guohua is the Director of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Department at the Mekong Institute. Prior to this role, she worked in the Department of International Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, where she played a key role in shaping and implementing China’s cooperation strategies with UN development agencies. During this time, Mrs. Liu was actively involved in advancing initiatives related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on climate change and green development. Additionally, she contributed to the evaluation of projects funded by various Chinese initiatives, such as the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Special Fund, etc.

In addition to her work in the Department of International Economic Affairs, Mrs. Liu has an extensive diplomatic background. She spent 7 years in the Department of African Affairs, followed by a 4-year tenure at the Chinese Embassy in Lao PDR, where she gained deep expertise in both Southeast Asian and African affairs. These diverse experiences have played a crucial role in shaping her approach to sustainable development and international collaboration, particularly in building regional partnerships and tackling global challenges like climate change.

She holds a Master’s degree in Economics, with a specialization in Finance, from the Central University of Finance and Economics, and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, specializing in International Economics and Trade, from the Shanghai University of International Business and Economics.