Vientiane, Lao PDR — March 31, 2025 – SEA Bridge, a leading platform specializing in growth consulting, innovation, entrepreneurship, and cross-border business development across Southeast Asia, and Soutsaka Institute of Technology (SIT), a prominent educational institution in Lao PDR, have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote entrepreneurial development, industry exposure, and cross-border collaboration between Thailand, Lao PDR, and the wider ASEAN region.

Honoring 75 Years of Thai-Lao Diplomatic Relations

This landmark event was honored by the presence of H.E. Ambassador Morakot Sriswasdi, the Ambassador of Thailand to the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), who emphasized the importance of strengthening ties between the two nations, especially in this momentous year marking the 75th anniversary of Thai-Lao diplomatic relations 

Ambassador Morakot highlighted the significance of nurturing youth leadership and fostering stronger economic and cultural connections between Thailand and Lao PDR, noting that

‍“I believe that the ‘SEA Bridge NextGen’ initiative and this partnership between SEA Bridge and SIT will enhance sustainable human resource development between Thailand and Lao PDR. Through this collaboration, Lao youth will gain entrepreneurial skills, develop innovative thinking, and build networks with business leaders across ASEAN, preparing them for success in rapidly growing industries such as esports, AI, and future food.”

Empowering Lao Future Innovators and Entrepreneurs

The “SEA Bridge NextGen” initiative, established through this MoU, aims to equip Lao students with the skills, knowledge, and exposure needed to thrive in today’s dynamic business landscape. Through a combination of workshops, industry roadshows, real-client cases, and business competitions, SEA Bridge NextGen prepares young entrepreneurs to lead in key sectors driving ASEAN’s future.

By the Numbers: SEA Bridge NextGen

• 2,000+ Participants trained in entrepreneurial skills from 46 leading universities worldwide.
• 10+ Countries Represented through business case competitions and experiential learning programs.
• Students from 46 Top Global Universities like New York University (NYU), University of Michigan, University of Southern California (USC), Imperial College London (ICL), London School of Economics (LSE), and National University of Singapore (NUS).

“By empowering young leaders and fostering cross-border collaboration, SEA Bridge is committed to shaping the future of ASEAN business. Our expertise in growth consulting, innovation, and entrepreneurship allows us to provide practical learning experiences and create opportunities for businesses to expand beyond their borders. 

This partnership with SIT strengthens our mission to equip Lao students with the tools they need to thrive in a dynamic, regional economy,” said Mr. Casper-Tanakrit Sermsuksan, Founder of SEA Bridge.

Expanding Industry Opportunities for SIT Students

As part of this partnership, SIT will gain access to SEA Bridge’s growing network of industry partners and strategic collaborators to provide its students with immersive learning experiences. This includes exposure to high-growth industries such as Esports, AI, Digital Platforms, and Future Food.

Notably, SIT students will benefit from SEA Bridge’s recently signed MoU with Charoensook Corporate Group (CCG), which focuses on building a thriving Thai and ASEAN esports entrepreneurship ecosystem. Through this partnership:

• SIT students will be invited to participate in the SEA Bridge NextGen initiatives and SEA Bridge NextGen 1967 (ASEAN Internship Program), gaining insights from real-world esports business cases and hands-on mentorship opportunities.
• Students will be exposed to the global esports ecosystem through knowledge-sharing sessions featuring industry leaders from organizations such as the Global Esports Federation and Team Liquid: Dota 2.
• SIT delegates will have the opportunity to attend the ASEAN Future Talent Forum 2025 (AFTF 2025), where they will showcase their innovative solutions and engage with global industry leaders.

“This partnership gives SIT students unprecedented exposure to some of the fastest-growing industries in ASEAN. By tapping into SEA Bridge’s extensive network and connecting with partners like CCG and top tier universities worldwide, our students will gain valuable industry knowledge, innovation skills, and cross-border business acumen,”

said Mrs. Vanhkham Souligna, Director General of Soutsaka Institute of Technology.

Key Objectives of the Partnership

The MoU outlines a comprehensive collaboration framework to:

• Empower Lao Youth with Entrepreneurial Skills: Providing workshops, short-term courses, and mentorship programs focused on innovation, leadership, and marketing.
• Expose Lao Students to Thai and ASEAN Business Ecosystems: Offering practical learning opportunities through internships, collaborative projects, and study visits to leading companies across Thailand, Lao PDR, and ASEAN.‍
• Facilitate Cross-Border Business Exchange: Giving Thai and ASEAN businesses a platform to explore opportunities in Lao PDR, connect with local talent, and foster deeper partnerships in the region.‍
• Drive Innovation and Regional Collaboration: Leveraging SEA Bridge’s expertise to design programs that address real-world challenges and nurture cross-border business solutions.

A Year-Long Journey of Innovation and Capacity Building

The collaboration begins with a Special Keynote by SEA Bridge for SIT students, followed by the nomination of selected students to join SEA Bridge NextGen 1967 ASEAN internship program between May and August 2025. The partnership will culminate in a significant highlight — leading a delegation of SIT students to attend the ASEAN Future Talent Forum 2025, scheduled for November 28-29, 2025.

Commitment to Knowledge Sharing and Sustainable Impact

SEA Bridge and SIT are committed to ensuring that this collaboration creates lasting impact by facilitating knowledge exchange, building capacity, and strengthening regional networks. SEA Bridge, with its proven expertise in growth consulting, innovation, and entrepreneurship, will serve as the primary operator of the program, while SIT will contribute research, networks, and assistance in nominating participants and guest speakers.

About SEA Bridge

SEA Bridge specializes in growth consulting, innovation, entrepreneurship, and cross-border business development across Southeast Asia. Through curated programs, SEA Bridge empowers entrepreneurs and innovators by providing industry exposure, capacity building, and mentorship. With a mission to accelerate regional growth and innovation, SEA Bridge continues to connect rising talent with impactful opportunities in the ASEAN ecosystem.

About Soutsaka Institute of Technology (SIT)

Soutsaka Institute of Technology (SIT) is a renowned educational institution in Lao PDR, dedicated to equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in an increasingly competitive global economy. SIT emphasizes hands-on learning, industry exposure, and practical training to prepare students for the future.