SorSU, in collaboration with SERDEF, spearheads Entrepreneurship and Business Students’ Summit 2024 — features esteemed int’l speakers from Universiti Utara Malaysia, Sociopreneur Indonesia; empowers CBM students on entrepreneurship, volunteerism
To equip students with valuable global opportunities and perspectives to further improve their entrepreneurial skills through enriching discussions and collaborative undertakings in entrepreneurship and business innovation, Sorsogon State University, through the Office of Research, Extension and Training (RET), in coordination with Small Enterprises Research and Development Inc. (SERDEF), successfully organized Entrepreneurship and Business Students’ Summit 2024 on November 29, 2024, at the SorSU Audio-Visual Hall, Sorsogon City Campus.
Dr. Jhonner D. Rifacort (Vice President for Academic Affairs), in his welcome remarks, encouraged the students to view the summit as a startup phase where ideas are incubated, skills are refined, and networks are built. VPAA Ricafort remarked, “We urge you to use this opportunity to build your network of mentors, peers, and potential collaborators. Remember, in business, relationships are as vital as resources; they are the bridges that connect ideas to opportunities and ventures to success.”
Similarly, in her message of inspiration, SUC President III, Dr. Geraldine F. De Jesus, shared a point to ponder with the participants — “We cannot survive alone and expect to thrive” — isolated from the fast-paced development and progress. Thus, in order to move forward, we have to continuously expand our circle of influence and at the same time move within those of the others.”
“This summit on entrepreneurship and business can be a beginning, a common point of interest that may expand into major activities involving various sectors in the region. In this way, we can finally achieve ASEAN economic integration before venturing further to the other continents and nations.”
Meanwhile, Prof. Melchor Morandarte (President, SERDEF), in his delivery of the summit’s statement of purpose, led a brief yet substantial talk on “Strengthening Entrepreneurship Education in the Countryside”.
Remarkably, the summit highlighted engaging lectures from distinguished international experts/resource speakers from Universiti Utara Malaysia and Sociopreneur Indonesia, including Topic 1: “Entrepreneurship Development Strategy” by Dr. Dessy Aliandrina (Founder/Chief Executive Officer, Sociopreneur ID), Topic 2: “Driving Entrepreneurship through Innovation: Bridging Gaps and Overcoming Barriers at University and Community Levels” by Dr. Shazida Jan Mohd Khan (Executive Director – Cooperative and Entrepreneurship Development Institute, UUM) and Dr. Juhaida Binti Abu Bakar (Deputy Director, CEDI UUM), and Topic 3: “Entrepreneurship and Volunteerism” by Ms. Clarisa Amadhea (Co-Lead, Sociopreneur Indonesia).
Further, the discussion sessions likewise featured open forums, encouraging the participants to engage directly with the global speakers, ask questions, and shed light on key issues relative to the discussions.
The Entrepreneurship and Business Students’ Summit 2024, organized by SorSU in partnership with SERDEF, signified a pivotal undertaking for aspiring entrepreneurs, cultivating a community of mentorship and collaboration vital for the continual advancement of entrepreneurship. By featuring esteemed global speakers from UUM and Sociopreneur ID, the summit effectively empowered and capacitated the students with the essential perspectives and competencies necessary to thrive in the dynamic entrepreneurial landscape. (SorSU PIO)
