Fostering Social Business Leadership Through Immersive Learning in Thailand
By Erwin A. Lizarondo, Yunus Center AIT
13 July 2025 – Fifteen students from HEC-Montreal, representing diverse nationalities and academic backgrounds, joined the second edition of the Campus Abroad Program hosted by the Yunus Center at the Asian Institute of Technology (YCA). Led by Dr. Mai Thai, Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship & Innovation, the two-week immersive program combined hands-on learning with cultural exploration, giving students a front-row seat to Thailand’s dynamic social business ecosystem. A flagship initiative of YCA, the program is rooted in the Center’s mission to empower youth with real-world exposure to social business in action—nurturing the next generation of changemakers ready to tackle global challenges.
The program kicked off on July 1 with an opening ceremony at AIT. Dr Faiz Shah, Executive Director of YCA, extended a warm welcome, followed by remarks from Dr. Mai Thai and Erwin A. Lizarondo, YCA’s Social Innovation Lead and Program Coordinator. Mr. Shawn Kelly, Executive Director of AIT’s Office of International and Public Affairs (and a fellow Canadian), also joined the event to welcome the students and emphasized AIT’s commitment to global collaboration in socially responsible leadership. This second cohort marks an exciting milestone in a growing partnership between HEC-Montreal and the Yunus Network, which now spans 112 universities worldwide.
Over two packed weeks, participants engaged in fieldwork with local social enterprises and nonprofit partners across three key areas:
- Food Sustainability – Learning directly from SOS Food Rescue and their impactful community kitchen model.
- Regenerative Farming & Supply Chain – Gaining insights from Happy Grocers and their partnership with Tankhun Farm.
- Circular Economy – Exploring community-based waste transformation with On Nut 14 Rai and the Zero Baht Shop.
Their journey took them from bustling Bangkok to scenic Chiang Mai, where they visited the Doi Inthanon Royal Project, got hands-on experience at Punpon Farm, and learned how elephant waste is turned into paper at the Elephant POOPOOPAPER Park. Alongside field visits, students enjoyed cultural exchanges, late-night train rides, group bonding, and many moments of reflection and laughter.
The program wrapped up with student presentations where teams pitched recommendations to enhance the impact and sustainability of the field partners they worked with. By stepping into the role of social business consultants, they demonstrated how business can be a powerful force for people and the planet. In the end, the 2025 cohort left with more than just memories—they gained new skills, deeper insights into social innovation, and meaningful connections with peers, mentors, and communities. YCA is proud to support this growing collaboration with HEC-Montreal and looks forward to many more cohorts in the years to come.
