The SEGi-Preneurship Day has set a new benchmark for experiential learning, transcending the boundaries of a traditional classroom setting. The two-day grand entrepreneurship bazaar, held on 29 February and 1 March, showcased the entrepreneurial prowess of students from the CAD3113P/TOU3124N: Entrepreneurship class of the School of Hospitality & Tourism Management (SoHTM).
The SEGi-Preneurship Day provided a unique platform for students to transform theoretical knowledge into tangible business ventures, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. Armed with a minimum investment of RM100, students embarked on an entrepreneurial journey, tasked with doubling their capital through their business initiatives.
What set this event apart was its unwavering commitment to aligning entrepreneurial ventures with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Students were challenged to conceptualise and execute business ideas that not only generated economic value but also addressed social, economic, and environmental challenges, emphasising the critical role of entrepreneurship in achieving sustainable development.
“We at SEGi College Penang believe in providing our students with transformative learning experiences that extend beyond the confines of the classroom,” said Mr. Muhamad Irfan bin Bustaipo, an entrepreneurship lecturer and mentor for the event. “The SEGi-Preneurship Day empowered our students to apply theoretical concepts in a practical setting while fostering an understanding of the intersection between entrepreneurship and sustainability.”
The event also prioritised gender equality, aligning with SDG-5, by providing equal opportunities and addressing challenges faced by both women and men in entrepreneurship. This commitment to inclusivity fostered a supportive environment for all aspiring entrepreneurs, regardless of gender.
In addition to the entrepreneurship bazaar, the SEGi-Preneurship Day featured a Business Pitching Competition, where students showcased their innovative ideas and entrepreneurial aspirations to industry professionals, potential mentors, and like-minded peers. The event facilitated invaluable networking opportunities, fostering collaboration and support for future ventures.
As the event drew to a close, students submitted final balance sheets, revealing remarkable success stories. Remarkably, all teams managed to surpass their initial investment goals, with most tripling their capital, a testament to the effectiveness of SEGi’s hands-on learning approach.
“The SEGi-Preneurship Day exemplifies our commitment to empowering our students with the skills and mindset necessary to thrive in the dynamic entrepreneurial landscape,” said the Head of SoTHM. “We are proud to have pioneered an event that not only imparts financial literacy but also nurtures a sustainable and socially responsible entrepreneurial spirit.”
With the resounding success of the SEGi-Preneurship Day, SEGi College Penang has firmly established itself as a trailblazer in innovative and impactful learning experiences, setting new standards for experiential education in the region.