Empowering Innovation Through Industry–Academic Collaboration:

Dec 8–12, 2025 | Bangkok

From 8 to 12 December 2025, International FLS Corp and our newly launched school, Let’s Mandarin Chinese Academy (Bangkok), had the privilege of hosting an inspiring group of scholars from Singapore Management University (SMU) through Growth-X Consulting for an on-site innovation challenge.

Together with our founder Mr Chee and Ms Cha, we welcomed the students to our Bangkok campus, where they spent a full week working closely with our team on real business challenges faced by a growing education company.

Tackling Real-World Challenges With Fresh Perspectives

During the programme, student teams were tasked with two real-world problem statements relevant to our business growth and operations. Beyond theory, they were encouraged to think practically—balancing innovation, feasibility, and scalability.

The final presentations exceeded expectations. Each team delivered thoughtful, data-backed, and well-structured proposals, confidently presenting their ideas to our Thai management team. The discussions that followed were dynamic and insightful, offering perspectives that were both bold and grounded in research.

For a growing education company like ours, these fresh Gen Z viewpoints provided valuable clarity and new ways of thinking about growth, branding, and engagement.

Recognising Effort, Collaboration, and Ideas

Impressed by the quality of thinking, collaboration, and professionalism demonstrated by all teams, we made the decision to reward every participant with Yuu Points. It was a small gesture of appreciation for the big ideas, strong teamwork, and positive energy they brought to the challenge.

Gratitude for a Meaningful Partnership

This collaboration would not have been possible without the support and coordination of many individuals and institutions.

We extend our sincere thanks to Derek Chiang and Singapore Management University for enabling this partnership, and to Chun Hei, President of Growth-X Consulting, for coordinating the programme and connecting us with such sharp, driven Gen Z talent.

Special thanks also go to Tricia Peng, our former intern and current part-time Marketing Executive, who generously shared practical insights and tips with the students ahead of their trip to Bangkok. We are equally grateful for the thoughtful gifts from SMU, which were very much appreciated.

More Than a Competition

For International FLS Corp and Let’s Mandarin Chinese Academy, this experience was far more than a student competition. It was a meaningful exchange of ideas, a learning opportunity for both sides, and a strong reminder of the value of industry–academic collaboration in today’s fast-changing education landscape.

Engaging with young talent not only challenges assumptions but also helps organisations stay relevant, agile, and future-focused.

Looking Ahead

We look forward to building more partnerships that encourage innovation, cross-border collaboration, and mutual learning—connecting Singapore and Thailand, academia and industry, and experience with fresh perspectives.

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