Sungkyunkwan University’s (SKKU) Start-up Support Center announced the successful completion of the SKKU Global Corps for ELP program, which invited seven aspiring student entrepreneurs selected from six leading universities in Thailand. As an official partner university of the Experiential Learning Program with Global Partners (ELP), organized by Chiang Mai University, SKKU hosted the two-week program from October 12 to 23.
The program was designed to provide aspiring young entrepreneurs from Thailand with opportunities to experience Korea’s dynamic startup ecosystem and structured entrepreneurship education, while offering SKKU students opportunities for international collaboration and idea exchange with students from overseas universities. Participants were selected from Chiang Mai University, Burapha University, Walailak University, Ubon Ratchathani University, King Mongkut’s University, and Suranaree University of Technology. They received professional guidance from the Start-up Support Center on startup ideas across a range of fields, including artificial intelligence (AI) applications, medical devices, and health foods.
The curriculum was structured around three practical areas designed to be accessible even to middle and high school students: entrepreneurial capacity building, market research, and global exchange. Faculty members from the Start-up Support Center and the Graduate School of Global Entrepreneurship, together with experienced entrepreneurs, provided hands-on mentoring to help participants develop their business ideas into viable business plans with real market potential.
Participants also visited major exhibition venues across Korea, including G-Summit at Suwon Convention Center, COEX in Seoul, KINTEX in Goyang, and BEXCO in Busan, gaining firsthand exposure to the latest trends in advanced industries. In addition to networking with SKKU students, participants engaged with the local community through visits to the Jongno Youth Entrepreneurship Support Center and the Jongno-gu Council, as well as Korean traditional cultural experiences.
Professor Kim Kyong Hwan, Director of the Start-up Support Center, stated, “This program provided an excellent opportunity for young people from Thailand to learn about Korea’s dynamic startup ecosystem, while also encouraging our students to broaden their global perspectives.”
He added, “We will continue to strengthen our global entrepreneurship network by working closely with leading universities overseas.”
Since 2025, the Start-up Support Center has maintained close cooperation with the Science and Technology Park (STeP) at Chiang Mai University in Thailand. Building on the success of this program, the center plans to further establish a distinctive global entrepreneurship education model that integrates academic learning, hands-on startup experience, and cultural exchange.
