Impromptu Speech Competition on Business Innovation for Sustainable Tourism

Bangkok, Thailand – April 4, 2025 – The PATA Thailand Bangkok University Student Chapter, in collaboration with the Business English major at BU International, successfully hosted an Impromptu Speech Competition on the theme “Business Innovation for Sustainable Tourism.” The event brought together students from various universities, encouraging them to speak spontaneously on topics related to sustainable tourism while strengthening collaboration between student organizers, faculty, and external professionals.

The weeks leading up to the contest involved intensive planning and coordination between the PATA Thailand Bangkok University Student Chapter and the Business English Program. Students handled tasks ranging from venue preparation and material design to communication, timekeeping systems, and judging criteria. These responsibilities provided student organizers with hands-on experience in event planning, professional communication, and teamwork under pressure. The collaboration fostered a strong sense of responsibility and adaptability, setting a professional tone for the event.

The inter-university final round, held on April 4, 2025, brought together 12 contestants from leading institutions: the International College for Sustainability Studies, Srinakharinwirot University; King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok; Dusit Thani College; Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi; Prince of Songkla University, Surat Thani Campus; and Bangkok University International. Each contestant was given a random topic with only three minutes to prepare, challenging their ability to think critically and speak confidently on innovative strategies for sustainable tourism. A distinguished panel of judges from the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Headquarters, King Power Corporation, and the British Council evaluated the participants. Prizes included trophies, certificates, and a total of 30,000 Baht in cash awards.

🥇 First Place: Jeffrey David Wright, Sustainable Hospitality and Tourism Management, International College for Sustainability Studies, Srinakharinwirot University for an outstanding presentation on AI-driven eco-tourism solutions integrating technology with cultural preservation.

🥈 Second Place: Khin Thu Rein, Business English Programme, Bangkok University International for a compelling speech on green infrastructure investment in hospitality and its long-term benefits for local communities.

🥉 Third Place: Chongkolphan Paorel, Marketing Programme, Bangkok University International for a powerful argument on how sustainable storytelling can redefine destination branding in the post-pandemic era.

The competition reflected the shared vision of academic and industry partners to equip the next generation with the skills, awareness, and confidence to lead in sustainable tourism. We extend our sincere appreciation to PATA, the British Council, and King Power Corporation for their continued support. The awards ceremony followed immediately, celebrating student excellence in a warm and inspiring atmosphere. Behind the scenes, the PATA Thailand Bangkok University Student Chapter ensured seamless coordination, timekeeping, and stage management with professionalism and precision.

The success of the Impromptu Speech Competition was made possible through the dedicated efforts of the PATA Thailand Bangkok University Student Chapter and the dynamic collaboration with PATA Headquarters, King Power, the British Council, and the Business English Program at Bangkok University International. This partnership brought industry expertise and credibility to the judging panel, significantly elevating the standard of the competition. It also provided students with valuable exposure to global perspectives on sustainable tourism. The Business English Program at BU International played a key role by offering academic guidance, logistical support, and mentorship to student organizers. This cross-sector collaboration between academia and industry demonstrated how collective efforts can create meaningful, real-world learning experiences that equip students to tackle modern challenges in tourism through innovation and professionalism.

More than just a competition, the event served as a transformative growth journey for everyone involved. Contestants enhanced their public speaking and critical thinking abilities, while PATA Thailand Bangkok University Student Chapter gained hands-on experience in leadership, logistics, and coordination. The initiative is closely aligned with SDGs particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by promoting essential life skills and fostering meaningful dialogue around sustainable tourism practices. Students who participated in the planning and execution reported increased confidence and a deeper appreciation for how structured teamwork can lead to impactful outcomes. The event also provided valuable networking opportunities with industry professionals, further inspiring students to pursue future initiatives that support sustainability and innovation in tourism. A recap video and photos, available on the PATA Thailand BU Student Chapter’s official social media platforms, capture the dynamic energy of the speeches and the dedication of the team behind the scenes. Ultimately, the competition stands as a testament to the leadership and commitment of the PATA TH Bangkok University Student Chapter in empowering youth to address global tourism challenges. Guided by the motto “Empower Youth, Save the World,” the chapter continues to nurture the next generation of tourism professionals through experiential learning, cross-sector collaboration, and student-led innovation.

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Contact

Aung Zwe Wint

Assistant Advisor, PATA TH BU Student Chapter

Email: aung.wint1@bumail.net