Business students strive for a sustainable world

25 Jun 2015
Enactus team

Seven undergraduate students from UQ Business School are tackling some of society’s most pressing social issues, as part of a newly formed Enactus team.

Students Henry Wong, Kimberley Lee, Daniel Yeow, Martin Keylock, Alistair Tan, Alicia Loh, and Phyllis Ng decided to establish the UQ-based Enactus team based on a common desire to positively impact their surrounding community.

Enactus is an international non-profit organisation, established in 36 countries, with over 1650 universities involved worldwide.

The organisation brings together a community of students, academics, and business leaders who are committed to engaging in social entrepreneurial action to transform lives and shape a more sustainable world.

UQ Enactus Team president Henry Wong said that he is excited by the opportunity to showcase projects, and network with other teams and industry at regional, national, and global competitions.

“Enactus is a great organisation that allows students to put our classroom skills and experiences into practice, whilst at the same time making a positive impact in our community,” he said.

UQ Business School Strategy Lecturer and the team’s faculty advisor, Dr Anna Krzeminska, was pleased to be able to pass her years of expertise and experience in social entrepreneurship and enterprise onto the team.

“I was an Enactus faculty advisor at my previous university in Germany, so when the team approached me I was immediately excited about the opportunity to support them. Since our first meeting I was impressed by the level of professionalism and passion these students have. I look forward to seeing them win one of the Enactus competitions soon,” she said.

Throughout the semester the UQ Enactus team successfully hosted the 2015 Regional Training at The University of Queensland’s St Lucia campus.

Enactus teams from Queensland universities came together to hear from Judy Howard CEO/Country Leader of Enactus Australia, Marie Kavanagh Queensland Regional Head of Enactus, and other industry professionals.

“It was a great opportunity for us to learn, not only from the industry professionals, but also from the other teams about their projects and the kinds of challenges that they faced. They were able to give us some valuable tips,” Enactus UQ team member Daniel Yeow said.

University of Queensland Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Peter Høj said that Enactus is an outstanding opportunity for students to work together and create projects that will have a strong social impact.

“The ability to innovate is a highly desired skill in today's world. Under your leadership, expertise and guidance, Henry, Kimberley, Daniel, Martin, Alistair, Alicia and Phyllis engaged in invaluable experiences that will assist them in forging successful careers,” he said.

The student team are now currently working on a project which they hope to showcase in national and global Enactus competitions next year.

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