Bright Ideas and Global Connections: Judging Cambodia’s Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
Last week, Michael-Philippe Bosonnet had the privilege of serving as a judge at the Business Model Competition (BMC), a student entrepreneurship competition held in Cambodia in 2025. Hosted by the National University of Management and supported by the Embassy of Ireland in Vietnam, Griffith College Dublin, and other valued partners, the event featured 12 innovative pitches from student teams. The initial competition included participation from 25 universities across Cambodia.
Cambodia is one of the 10 countries that make up the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), a group similar to the European Union, which consists of 27 members.
This initiative, which is funded in part by the Embassy of Ireland in Vietnam, industry, and knowledge partners, aims to foster stronger ties between Cambodia and other countries. Griffith College played a pivotal role in this event as a knowledge partner.
The ideas presented by the students were of exceptional quality, as were the prizes. Three teams received cash awards, with the first prize being $5,000. In addition, two teams were selected for sponsored social innovation and technology innovation visits to Ireland and the U.S.
Griffith College Dublin will host team Hy-Lid, the creators of a UV prototype for cleaning bathroom stalls, as well as two additional students for their semester abroad.
Reflecting on the event, Michael-Philippe Bosonnet noted the parallel with Griffith College’s previous Innovation Bootcamp in December 2024. The winning team, DRAP (Dublin Restroom Application), aimed to address the lack of public restroom facilities in Dublin. Bosonnet emphasised the importance of investing in national infrastructure, particularly in areas like restroom facilities, to support the economy during uncertain times.
The judging panel was comprised of professionals from Cambodia, Ireland, France, Vietnam, and Japan, underscoring the international nature of the event. Bosonnet was especially inspired by fellow judge Sou Monypich, Co-Founder and CEO of TUBE COFFEE, a franchise with over 45 stores across Southeast Asia. She exemplified a successful female leader from Cambodia, providing inspiration for young entrepreneurs.
The awards dinner, held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Phnom Penh, was attended by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education for Cambodia, the Deputy Head of Mission for the Embassy of Ireland in Vietnam, and other distinguished guests.
Beyond the competition itself, the experience reinforced the rapid growth of Cambodia's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Bosonnet expressed deep gratitude for the hospitality of the event’s hosts, including Stephen Paterson, Visakha Sao, and Dr Hor Peng, Rector of the National University of Management. Their efforts in fostering innovation are creating opportunities for a new generation of Cambodian entrepreneurs and strengthening connections between Southeast Asia and Europe.
As a result of this visit, Griffith College will host the winning Hy-Lid entrepreneurial team and two students for a semester abroad in 2025, giving more Cambodian students the opportunity to experience the benefits of studying in Ireland.
The event highlighted the remarkable talent, energy, and ambition present in Cambodia, and Bosonnet expressed excitement for the future of the young founders.
