Kasikorn Bank <\/span>in collaboration with the Wisdom Seed Foundation organized the <\/span>AFTERKLASS Business Camp Year 5 "Young BIZ Accelerator Camp: A Skills-Up Camp for Real Entrepreneurs"<\/span>. This program allows youth from across the country to cultivate their ideas, develop business plans, and receive funding to enhance their plans and products, leading to actual sales and final presentations of their performance. The <\/span>Blockfruit team won first place with their idea KeepFresh, a gel pump that slows down ripening and preserves the freshness of fruits using natural extracts, aimed at households and fresh fruit businesses.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>

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Mr. Rawi Angthong, Senior Director of the Sustainability Integration Division at Kasikorn Bank,<\/strong><\/span> stated that Kasikorn Bank is committed to enhancing learning opportunities for children and youth through the continuous implementation of the AFTERKLASS project. This year, in collaboration with the Wisdom Seed Foundation, they organized the AFTERKLASS Business Camp Year 5 under the theme Young BIZ Accelerator Camp, focusing on deep learning and practical training to help youth acquire knowledge, skills, and an entrepreneurial mindset that they can leverage in the business world in the future. The project started in September, with this year's highlight being the scholarship support for the six finalist teams to develop their business plans and products to achieve their first sales (1st<\/sup> Dollar Stage) through learning business management principles. Each team successfully launched their products to the market and achieved their first sales while learning the principles of developing sustainable business potential for the future.<\/span><\/p>

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Recently, during the Acceleration Camp with Demo Day held on December 21-22, 2023, the six teams presented their business operations to the judges on the final stage, highlighting the strengths of their products, strong business structures, and performance to instill confidence in the judges regarding their potential for stable sales and profits. The competition results were as follows: the winning team was Blockfruit, presenting KeepFresh, a gel pump that slows down ripening and preserves the freshness of fruits using natural extracts for households and fresh fruit businesses. The first runner-up was Team Sang Khao, presenting enev sandals, health-oriented footwear made partially from rice husks, adding value for farmers with practical design. The second runner-up was Team Umbrella Sink, presenting Dheva, an inhaler designed as jewelry that reflects the unique scent of Thai flowers from their native regions, using quality materials and design.<\/span><\/p>

Mr. Rawi further stated that the AFTERKLASS project under Kasikorn Bank is committed to continuously supporting the new generation of youth and providing a platform to showcase their potential. This year's activities create opportunities for youth to engage in hands-on experiences, learn new skills necessary for the 21st century, and develop an entrepreneurial perspective that can be applied in the future. This aims to create opportunities and readiness for youth to apply knowledge for effective financial management at both personal and family levels, promoting sustainable growth. For more details about the project, visit www.afterklass.com or the AFTERKLASS Facebook page.<\/span><\/p>