We, as humans, have amazing abilities. We can explore and learn new things. When we use our imagination to think in creative ways, we can make the world a better place. During the recent summer vacation, I was fortunate to participate in The Young CEO, Entrepreneurship, and Digital Design Summer Camp at Chottay Sikkay (National incubation centre). This experience proved to be truly transformative for me, and opened up new horizons and opportunities.

For an aspiring entrepreneur with a strong passion for digital design, the week brimming with learning, networking, and creative experiences was an unforgettable opportunity. The highlight of the camp was the opportunity to interact with mentors who were accomplished professionals in both entrepreneurship and digital design.

The camp was not just about intense learning, it also offered ample chances for networking and socialising. As I reflect on my time there, I am filled with gratitude for the knowledge gained, the friendships that I formed and the growth I experienced. This summer camp was a source of empowerment that has set me on an exciting journey filled with limitless possibilities and potential.

The mentors of Chottay Sikkay believed that entrepreneurship is not just about creating a business; it’s a life skill that teaches how to handle failures, innovate, improve communication, take risks, think outside the box, develop a growth mind-set and cultivate passion.

To ignite the entrepreneurial spirit and pave the way for success, three programmes were offered: Value Entrepreneurship 101, Digital Design, and Public Speaking. These programmes helped participants discover their passions, brainstorm creative ideas, and turn them into actionable plans. Whether their goals were to develop a new gadget, create unique fashion garments, or launch an eco-friendly initiative, these programmes provided practical training through hands-on workshops and activities. These included product design challenges, simulated business negotiations, and even a Shark Tank-style competition, all designed to spark creativity and boost confidence.

The Digital Design programme did more than just teach us about digital design tools. The mentors explained why digital design is important and showed us how to create attractive visuals for websites, apps and other things. We learned how to make technology look great and work well by making eye-catching graphics and user-friendly interfaces. Moreover, it was fun exploring the principles of design thinking by creating prototypes of our ideas, acquiring knowledge about customer feedback, and refining pitches for potential investors.

The best thing about the programme was the opportunity to engage with experienced entrepreneurs and business experts, who generously shared their inspiring stories.

Through these interactions, we learned about the significance of teamwork and gained insights into the fundamentals of formulating and presenting bold ideas. These mentors guided us through the various steps involved in the process.

From outdoor adventures and recreational activities to team-building games and fun activities, the summer camp imparted useful lessons in a fun way and gave me an opportunity to connect with other young people who shared similar passions and aspirations.

I am grateful to be the part of The Young CEO, Entrepreneurship and Digital Design Summer Camp and can’t wait to see where this new-found knowledge and passion will take me.

Published in Dawn, Young World, September 23th, 2023