AIESEC, the world’s largest youth-run organisation, partners with the Academy of Entrepreneurs to empower 1,500+ members with  practical entrepreneurship experiences to develop them into impact leaders, so that together they can create a better world.

Founded in 1948, AIESEC is a non-governmental, and not-for-profit organization entirely run by youth, for youth, that provides young people with leadership development, cross-cultural internships, and global volunteer exchange experiences. The organization focuses on empowering young people to make a progressive social impact.

AIESEC is a non-governmental in consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), is an independent arm of the UN DPI and UN’s Office of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth member of ICMYO, and is recognized by UNESCO, where the idea behind AIESEC in 1948, was for representatives from schools across Europe exchanged information about various programs and schools that specialized in business and economics.

Via AIESEC students carry out internships in other countries, run conferences, participate in global volunteering and speaking opportunities.

“100% run by young university students volunteers, in the past 73 years AIESEC grew from 1 to 114 countries and have had over 1 million alumni participating in their programs.

The Academy of Entrepreneurs has always been inspired by their impact, history, mission and values – so when they contacted us in late 2020 with the interest of to  empower and enroll the AIESEC Australian members into our ‘How to Turn Any Idea into a Social Impact Business’ we were beyond thrilled” 

– Paula Mills, CEO of the Academy of Entrepreneurs

Academy of Entrepreneurs and AIESEC’s first workshop together in 2017

Why is AIESEC Australia excited about the partnership?

ZHONG HAN CHUA, Youth Academy National Director of AIESEC Australia:  The partnership allows AIESEC Australia to provide youth a learning opportunity that we couldn’t otherwise provide. Furthermore, with AE providing the education, AIESEC Australia can focus more on delivering impactful learning experiences in the universities we operate in.

AIESEC’s Vice Presidents and the Academy of Entrepreneurs meeting on February 2nd, preparation for our launch day on March 8th, 2021.

Why is entrepreneurship such an important skill for leaders to have?

ZHONG HAN CHUA, Youth Academy National Director of AIESEC Australia: At its core, entrepreneurship is not about starting a business. It is the ability to identify problems in the world and have the skills & belief that we are able to do something about it. In a world where people are increasingly disillusioned by their ability to make meaningful changes to make the world a better place, we need leaders who are equipped with the right skills and attitude to inspire change.

What is AIESEC’s goal with this program?

ZHONG HAN CHUA, Youth Academy National Director of AIESEC Australia: We want people who are part of that experience able to gain meaningful feedback on the businesses and initiatives they have been working on throughout the semester. We hope to see the teams carry their ideas and feedback forward, and gain the confidence to set up their own businesses and start making the world a better place in their own unique way.

What is AIESEC Australia’s big goal for 2021?

 ZHONG HAN CHUA, Youth Academy National Director of AIESEC Australia: For 2021, AIESEC Australia wants to provide opportunities for meaningful leadership development for at least 1,500 university students across Australia. We want these opportunities to inspire belief in youth that we will make this world a better place, and serve as a springboard for them to go on to achieve greater things in life.

The Academy of Entrepreneurs and AIESEC strongly believe that the youth has the ability to change the world for the better and make it more livable and sustainable than it used to be. Which is why we are both super thrilled and can’t wait to start this program and witness the transformation of these amazing young leaders who will lead us into a brighter tomorrow.

FUN FACT: 25% of the Academy of Entrepreneurs team are ex AIESECers!

“The youths are the hope of the country” (Ang kabataan ay ang pag-asa ng bayan)

— Dr. Jose P. Rizal

Written by Paula and Chua