The Venture Thailand’s past winners Somsak Boonkam, left, and Aliza Napartivaumnuay, centre, share their experience with the crowd. photo courtesy of Pimplus
Back in its third year, Chivas Regal’s global campaign The Venture is now seeking potential social enterprises to compete on a world stage for the chance to win a share of US$1 million (347 million baht).
“We believe business success and social giving should work hand in hand. I think that’s really important,” said Quentin Job, managing director of Pernod Ricard (Thailand), at a press conference held last Friday at The Hive Bangkok. “Success is not just about winning. Success is about winning the right way.”
Making profit at the same time as helping improve our society is the key of social enterprises. Past winners of The Venture in Thailand are Socialgiver and Local Alike — two online lifestyle platforms that reach out to the community and various services, connecting both locals and travellers with an array of experiences and special deals around the country.
Sharing their experience competing in The Venture were Aliza Napartivaumnuay from Socialgiver, winner of The Venture 1, and second-year winner Somsak Boonkam from Local Alike.
For Aliza, creating social impact is what she deems the heart of any social enterprise. The business of giving back, to her, gives the right kind of balance in thriving in the business world. “I like doing volunteer work. But while I feel that NGO work and charity are a way of solving society’s problems, in another way, I want what I do to be more sustainable than just receiving donation money and being done with it,” Aliza said. She suggested social entrepreneurs should be good listeners and discuss the issues with targeted locals to find a communal solution.
Somsak felt the value of the experience he got through the competition outweighed the prize money. “I got to meet so many business leaders,” said Somsak, who was fresh off of competing at The Venture 2’s world stage last month in New York. “I made friends from 29 other countries, and we all came with similar ideals.”
While it started off with just 17 participating countries, The Venture now welcomes social entrepreneurs from over 30 countries around the globe. Applicants must be individuals or companies with a registered member over the age of 25. Their enterprises must be able to generate profit, as well as help create a better society in ways such as improving the environment, social responsibility, or bettering the people’s standard of living. Businesses must be in either a start-up or growing stage. The winners from Thailand will be announced early next year, and will go on to represent the country at the international round of The Venture, held in mid-2017.
Pita Limjaroenrat, managing director of Ceo Agrifood Co, and who has been on The Venture Thailand’s judging panel, gave some tips to the crowd on what constitutes the best social enterprises. They must take into consideration the profit, the people and the planet.
“It’s a conscious capitalism,” he said. “You have to be competitive and compassionate. and the enterprise has to be scalable. If you mean well, but you can’t compete in the business world, you’ll be gone after two years.”
This source first appeared on Bangkok Post Lifestyle.