By Cyrus A. Natividad

A photo of some of the participants from different parts of Asia.

Central Philippine University School of Graduate Studies – Center for Global Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Development hosted the ASEAN ++ International Business Start-Up Conference on January 13, 2021 with the theme “Global and Sustainable Start-Ups”. Universities and Colleges from six Asian countries attended the said event. The participants were on the Zoom platform and the whole conference was broadcasted live on the CPUTV Facebook page.

The following schools were participants to the conference: Thai Nguyen University of Economics and Business Administration, Thai Nguyen City; Myanmar Institute of Theology (Liberal Arts Program), Yangon, Myanmar; Tongmyong University, Busan South Korea; Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan; Zeng Zhou University of Industrial Technology (thru CPU-ZUIT Programs), China and Central Philippine University, Iloilo City, Philippines.
The whole day affair has 14 presenting teams from China, Myanmar, South Korea, Japan, Vietnam and the Philippines. There were 6 Presenting Teams in the morning session and 8 in the afternoon session. The program started at 9:00 AM with an introduction of participating Universities and their countries.

Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director, CPU Office of Communications, led the Invocation. It was followed by the playing of Philippine National Anthem by the CPU Symphonic Band and an Audio-Video Presentation about Central Philippine University.

Dr. Irving Domingo Rio, CPU Vice President for Academic Affairs, gave the Welcome Remarks. He explained the rationale of the Conference. He said that, “As a way of encouraging more scholarship; there is a connecting of universities through research conference.” He added that research aims to avoid risks. Modern technology can provide us with correct data, and therefore risk in business can be avoided.

CPU University President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles in his Inspirational Message said that “we have to talk about a global and sustainable start up especially at this time.” “And we should maximize our potentials and capabilities to adapt, survive and thrive that we may live in a better and safer world for our children’s children,” he added.

Dr. Rowena M. Libo-on Dean, CPU School of Graduate Studies introduced the Keynote Speaker, Dr. Shin Dong Suk. He is the Vice President for Strategic Planning and Head of the Linc + (Leaders in Industry and Academic Cooperation) of Tongmyong University, Busan, South Korea.

Dr. Gynnyn G. Gumban, Faculty, CPU School of Graduate Studies introduced the 1st Plenary Speaker, Dr. Nguyen Thi Gam, Dean of Academic Affairs Faculty of Marketing, Commerce and Tourism – Thai Nguyen University of Economics and Business Administration (TUEBA), Thai Nguyen City, Vietnam. Prof. Althea Denuevo, Coordinator, MBA Program introduced the 2nd Plenary Speaker, Prof. Mai Aye Aye Aung, Dean of Liberal Arts Program, Myanmar Institute of Theology.

The afternoon session started with a Video Presentation of the Center for Global Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Development. It was followed by the introduction of the Keynote speaker by Dr. Libo-on. He is Dr. Masahiro Abiru, Faculty of Economics, Fukuoka University in Fukuoka, Japan. Dr. Carmen Hernandez, Coordinator (Doctor of Management Program, CPU) introduced the Plenary Speaker for the afternoon session – Atty. Jobert Peñaflorida, President, Iloilo Federation Festival, Inc. Iloilo City.

The speakers introduced concepts and business ideas from their countries with their own experiences. Six Teams from 6 Asian countries presented. The Conference ended with the closing remarks of Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, CPU VP for Finance and Administration. Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on said the Closing Prayer.

The CPU Handbell Ringers and the CPU Sari-Saot Dance Troupe rendered some intermission numbers during virtual conference.

Engr. Bernie Cangrejo, Chairperson, CPU Packaging Engineering Department, was the Moderator for the Q and A portion both in the morning and afternoon sessions.

The participants were on the Zoom platform and the whole conference was broadcasted live on the CPUTV Facebook page.