The International Exposure Trip to Thailand in 2024 was a really transforming experience for the Apex students. This trip offered a unique blend of practical experience, entrepreneurial insights, leadership development, and a view into their future goals.

Design Thinking Skills

One of the trip highlights was the full participation of students in the DesignThinkers Academy session. Led by Daryl Lim and Rosemary Phan, this workshop provided a perfect introduction into design thinking, which is a technique that develops creativity, cooperation, and the solving of problems. Students did not just sit and listen but were involved in solving current, real-life challenges.

Through the workshop, they learned the importance of empathy in design, idea creation, and prototyping. Students collaborated closely in brainstorming ideas, testing prototypes, and refining solutions based on real feedback from the experts. It was much more than an academic concept-they acted, tried, and used it to see real results. By this workshop, they also developed their skills of noticing the important value of a user-oriented approach and, at the same time, experienced a newfound creativity in solutions to problems.

Business Pitching at Thammasat University

At Thammasat University, one of Thailand's oldest and most prestigious universities, founded in 1934, students showcased their entrepreneurship skills. Thammasat, which has a strong academic reputation and a long history of democratic values, has grown to become one of Thailand's biggest universities, with over 30,000 students enrolled in a variety of programs.

Students had the opportunity to pitch their business ideas, which was an exciting experience, at Thammasat. It challenged the students to really refine their projects and understand the complexity of bringing ideas into being. The university’s entrepreneurial network, known for its deep connections to Thailand’s business community, provided invaluable feedback as they presented their ideas to industry experts

The next workshop was on the focus of leadership development. The Quantum Leap Program pushed students out of their comfort zones to motivate them to learn new skills necessary to live in the modern world. This in turn developed the traits necessary in a person, such as adaptability, decision-making, and personal growth.

They were engaged in various activities which tested their leading capability. Learning to deal with team dynamics, quickly make decisions in tight situations, the students learned the value of flexibility in the light of uncertainty. Indeed, the program taught the kids how to balance thinking analytically with emotional intelligence so that they might arrive at decisions which were empathetic and not just logical.

By the end of the workshop, students gained a clearer understanding of what it means to be a leader. Students understood that leadership involves more than simply having control; it is about inspiring and motivating.

Future Ambitions

The students returned with newly learned skills and knowledge from this trip and excitement toward the future. The various workshops in entrepreneurship and leadership training gave them a clear vision of where they want to go next.

For some, this journey stirred an interest in pursuing design careers where they could use design thinking to drive change. Others gained inspiration toward deeper involvement with entrepreneurship based on the classes at Thammasat University, while all those who entered the Leadership Program now have in mind to create more impacts on leading many things regarding business, but also the social impact.

The Trip was a great adventure of learning, development, and change. Together, the hands-on learning at Design Thinkers Academy, the entrepreneurial knowledge acquired at Thammasat, the leadership abilities cultivated through Quantum Leap, and the time dedicated to understanding future goals gave students the tools they needed for their careers.

The journey to Thailand provided a chance to work together, discover the culture, and grow personally, alongside participating in workshops and events. Besides forming lasting memories and friendships, students were able to immerse themselves in Thailand’s lively culture.