The Entrepreneurship Education Network (EENet) was established under UNESCO-APEID (Asia-Pacific Programme of Educational Innovation for Development) in 2012, with a mission to advance Youth Entrepreneurship Education as a catalyst for human and social development. EENet fosters collaboration between institutions across Asia, supporting initiatives that equip young people with entrepreneurial skills, mindset, and innovation-driven approaches to economic growth.
Member countries of EENet currently include China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Uzbekistan. In the Philippines, key figures leading EENet initiatives include Dr. Antonio Lopez, Maria Luisa Gatchalian, and Melchor Morandarte, who serve as Country Focals. Thames International President Joel Santos was appointed as Country Chair, with Shiela Dingcong of Thames International serving as Vice Chair. Their leadership ensures that EENet’s advocacy aligns with national priorities in education, policy development, and economic sustainability.
Current Partner Institutions of EENet Philippines:
EENet actively engages in shaping strategic directions for CHED to provide policy guidance and support. Key initiatives include a comprehensive survey identifying the gaps and needs in entrepreneurship education across students, faculty, and administrators. EENet spearheads impactful projects such as local and ASEAN-wide Youth Camps, Faculty Development and Skills Workshops, curated events promoting startups and entrepreneurial ecosystems, curriculum analysis, incubation and acceleration programs, and ASEAN student exchange programs.
Formal partnership agreements have been established between EENet and Millersville University of Pennsylvania, enabling collaboration on joint educational projects and research initiatives. Locally, EENet has partnered with the National Development Corporation (Philippines) and the Marikina City Innovation Center to support capacity-building projects that drive economic growth and innovation. At the 10th Country Meeting in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in October 2024, Country Vice Chair Shiela Dingcong represented the Philippines in discussions focused on expanding EENet’s reach and impact.
UNESCO EENet Country Chapter Secretariat:
EENet remains committed to continuing UNESCO’s mission of advancing Entrepreneurship Education and ensuring that young people are equipped to be the leaders, innovators, and changemakers of tomorrow. With a renewed focus on fostering sustainable entrepreneurship ecosystems, EENet aims to play a key role in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In addition, EENet will actively contribute entrepreneurial solutions to social, economic, sustainability, and technological challenges. It will drive innovation in green technologies, promote environmentally sustainable business models, and support initiatives that encourage responsible entrepreneurship worldwide. Through collaboration, policy advocacy, and real-world impact, EENet strives to shape a future where entrepreneurship serves as a force for global progress and sustainability.