On June 14, 2025, in Yangon, Myanmar, Mr. Hoang Van Cuong – CEO of Saigon Business School (SBS) – served as a distinguished judge at the ABE KidsMBA National Shark Tank 2025 competition. The event was hosted at KINGS International School, with the support of the British Embassy in Yangon and under the patronage of the Association of International Schools, Colleges & Universities in Myanmar.
More than just an academic competition, the event was designed as a realistic business simulation, allowing students to apply their business knowledge in practical, challenge-based scenarios.
Nurturing Entrepreneurial Confidence from an Early Age
As both a judge and a representative of Saigon Business School – a pioneer in applied business education in Vietnam – Mr. Hoang Van Cuong emphasized the importance of early exposure to real-world experiences:
“I believe that engaging with real-life challenges from a young age helps students develop distinctive thinking and sharp critical reasoning. These qualities not only lead to academic success but also empower young people to seize career opportunities in an increasingly globalized world.”
Inspired by the globally recognized Shark Tank model, the competition provided a platform for student teams from Kudos To You Professional Development Academy, KMD College, and Shwe Maw Kun Private School to pitch their business ideas before a panel of esteemed judges, including:
- Mr. Hoang Van Cuong – CEO, Saigon Business School (SBS)
- Ms. Taryar Ahnt Kyi – CEO, French Myanmar Chamber of Commerce & Industry
- Mr. Devanandan Batumalai – Managing Director, KBZ Bank
A full recap of the ABE KidsMBA National Shark Tank Competition 2025
Built on the ABE Endorsed KidsMBA Foundation
The competition was grounded in the ABE Endorsed KidsMBA program, developed by the Association of Business Executives (ABE), United Kingdom. This internationally recognized program equips students aged 11–15 with core business skills through a 16-module curriculum. The program fosters creative thinking, communication, leadership, and an understanding of sustainability within future business models.
ABE KidsMBA National Shark Tank serves as a crucial bridge between classroom knowledge and the real world of business. It is not only a platform for young learners to showcase their talents but also a launching pad for future entrepreneurs and aspiring business professionals.
Importantly, winners of the national round will have the opportunity to represent Myanmar in the international competition for the title of “Future Entrepreneur of the Year” – a global arena for young talents committed to making meaningful contributions to society.
Outstanding Final Results from the Competing Teams
At the final round of the competition, the two most outstanding projects came from the GED program at KMD College:
🥇The Winner award went to Myat Hsu Latt for the project “Mysteria” – an innovative escape box product.
🥈First Runner-Up went to Shin Thiri Latt for the project “Myeonbox” – a Korean instant noodle product with a creative twist.
To encourage entrepreneurial spirit and provide young talents with access to an international learning environment, Saigon Business School (SBS) has decided to award a 100% scholarship, including round-trip airfare to Vietnam, for both top-winning students to participate in a future academic program at SBS.
The 2025 edition of ABE KidsMBA National Shark Tank reinforces the message that entrepreneurial thinking can and should be nurtured from an early age. With the guidance and inspiration of educational, entrepreneurial, and technological leaders – including judges like the CEO of Saigon Business School – the competition has empowered the next generation with practical learning experiences and a forward-thinking mindset that will serve them for life.
