AI Kid School presents

TechLinks Asia×Thammasat Business School

AI-Powered Business Case Challenge

SME × AI × University Students — a student-driven innovation competition solving real SME problems with AI and business strategy.

Winning student teams at the TechLinks Asia AI-Powered Business Case Challenge
Winning teams — TechLinks Asia × Thammasat Business School

In collaboration with Thammasat Business School

AI-Powered Business Case Challenge

SME × AI × University Students. A student-driven innovation competition focused on solving real SME business problems by combining AI and business strategy — designed to create real, implementable impact. Not a traditional case competition: no hypothetical cases, real problems from real SMEs.

Sam with university students at a TechLinks session in Bangkok

Objectives

  • Empower students with real-world experience
  • Support Thai SMEs with innovative solutions
  • Bridge academia and industry
  • Promote AI for real business impact

Participants & Outputs

  • University students across Thailand · 3–5 members per team · Free registration
  • Identify real SME problems, apply AI + business thinking
  • AI-based solution / prototype, business plan, impact estimation, final presentation

Timeline

Jul 25 – Aug 15

Register

Aug 16

Case Launch

TBS Building · AI Workshop & Case Briefing

Sep 6

Workshop Day

Zenic Hub · Top 15 teams

Sep 20

Final Day

IW Sathorn Office

Prizes & Rewards

1st · Champions

25,000 THB + 1 ZTE smartphone per team member

2nd Prize

15,000 THB cash prize

3rd Prize

10,000 THB cash prize

Best AI Project AwardBest Cloud Project AwardOfficial Certificates to Top 15E-Certificates to Top 30

Details are subject to change.

Bridging the Gap Between AI & SMEs

Many SMEs lack access to practical AI solutions that can enhance their operations and growth.

Empowering the Next Generation

Students gain real-world experience by solving actual business challenges using AI.

Driving Real Impact

Innovative ideas developed in this challenge can be applied to support SME transformation.

Building an AI-Ready Ecosystem

Connecting students, businesses, and technology to foster sustainable innovation.

Full Sponsor Benefits

TechLinks Asia × Thammasat Business School — AI-Powered Business Case Challenge

BenefitDiamondGoldSilverBronzeFood
On-site Engagement
Branded Photobooth with brand logo
Premium Exhibition Booth 12sqm (Opening Day — Thammasat)
Exhibition Table (Mentor Day)
Premium Exhibition Booth 12sqm (Final Day — IW Office)
Medium Exhibition Booth 8sqm (choose 1 of 3 days)
Small Table 6sqm (food, any 3 days)
Workshop Participation (max 3 people)1 person
Keynote Speaking Opportunities3211
Judge Seats21
Mentor Seats321
Online Engagement
Link in Bio
Instagram (Intro / Promote / Thank)3 posts, ITP2 posts, IT1 post, Intro1 post, Intro1 post, Intro
Facebook3 posts, ITP2 posts, IT1 post, Intro1 post, Intro1 post, Intro
TikTok & Rednote3 posts, ITP2 posts, IT1 post, Intro1 post, Intro
LinkedIn3 posts, ITP2 posts, IT1 post, Intro
Thank you post
Main product video posted in Social Media
Brand Logo Placements
Standing Vinyl (Big) provided
Standing Vinyl (Medium) provided
Standing Vinyl (Small) provided
Standing Vinyl (bring your own, extra)
T-Shirt Logo — Main (Front-1, Back-1, Shoulder-1)
T-Shirt Logo — Slot 2 (Shoulder-2)BigSmall
T-Shirt Logo — Slot 3 (Back-2 only)
T-Shirt Logo — Slot 4 (Back-3 only)
Bottom Bar Front
Bottom Bar Back
Etc.
Judge Table Logo Stand
Logo on Name Card
Logo on Event Badge
Event Pass
Networking & Recruitment
QR list of companies in the community
Access to 2SMOL Private Community (150+ Founders, CEOs & Entrepreneurs)
Student Participant Database (CVs)
Investment priorityFirstSecondThirdFourthNone
Exclusive 1-on-1 to our network3x2x1x
Join TechLinks Community
Post Event
One-pager report (reach & impression)
Dinner with TechLinks
Afterparty

Enterprise Sales · Strategic Partnerships · APAC

Sam
Dhanakorn
Ocharoenchai

Enterprise Sales & Strategic Partnerships Leader across AI, Cybersecurity, SaaS and Digital Transformation.

Founder of TechLinks Asia — building Asia's next generation of AI talent. Based in Bangkok, working across APAC.

techlinks.asia ·smolteam.com

Sam Dhanakorn with the TechLinks community
On the ground with the community — Bangkok

Ecosystem & Enterprise Partners

Ocean TechConexa2SMOLBridgewiseLumin8 / DTGOTransluciaWhatnotPruksaBangchakAIAKMUTT

Executive Summary

10+ years across APAC, from consultative B2B enterprise selling to community and ecosystem building.

Enterprise sales and strategic partnerships leader with 10+ years of experience driving commercial growth across Southeast Asia. Experienced in consultative B2B solution selling, enterprise account management, executive stakeholder engagement, and regional market expansion across AI, cybersecurity, SaaS, fintech, and digital transformation.

Proven ability to build executive relationships with Fortune 500 companies, government organizations, financial institutions, startups, and technology partners while managing opportunities from prospecting through commercial negotiation and long-term account growth. Experienced working directly with C-level executives including CEOs, CIOs, CTOs, and CISOs throughout APAC.

  • 10+ years of Enterprise B2B Sales & Strategic Partnerships
  • Enterprise solution selling across AI, Cybersecurity, SaaS and Digital Transformation
  • C-Level engagement with CEOs, CIOs, CTOs and CISOs
  • APAC market development across Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Philippines and the Middle East
  • Managed enterprise opportunities valued from THB 20K–1M
  • Consultative selling, executive presentations and commercial negotiation

Core Expertise

Enterprise SalesStrategic Account ManagementConsultative SellingBusiness DevelopmentRevenue GrowthPipeline ManagementTerritory PlanningChannel DevelopmentExecutive Stakeholder ManagementCommercial NegotiationAICybersecurityEnterprise SaaSDigital Transformation

Selected Experience

Recent roles. Full history on the CV.

Sam presenting on stage
  1. APAC Business Development Manager

    Ocean Tech Ltd. · Mar 2026 – Present

    Lead enterprise sales initiatives across Southeast Asia for cybersecurity, AI, and enterprise technology solutions. Managed enterprise pipeline THB 20K–1M engaging C-level stakeholders across SEA.

  2. Head of Growth

    Conexa · Jan 2026 – Present

    Led user acquisition and commercial growth strategy for an AI-powered networking platform. Acquired 500+ new users within the first three months through partnerships, events, and growth campaigns.

  3. Co-Founder & Strategic Partnerships Lead

    2SMOL · Feb 2026 – Present

    Founded a community platform connecting startups, SMEs, universities, corporations, and government organizations across Thailand and Southeast Asia.

  4. Regional Growth & Partnerships Lead

    SEA Real Estates · Jan 2026 – Present

    Led strategic partnerships and business development across Southeast Asia's real estate ecosystem.

  5. SEA Business Development Manager

    Bridgewise · Nov 2025 – Feb 2026

    Developed enterprise sales opportunities for AI-powered investment intelligence solutions serving banks, brokers, and financial institutions across SEA.

  6. Global Partnerships Lead

    Lumin8 TLC / DTGO Group · Jun 2023 – Oct 2025

    Led strategic partnerships with multinational corporations, technology providers, startups, and innovation ecosystem partners.

  7. Product Owner

    Translucia Metaverse & Wasabi Ventures · Jan 2022 – May 2023

    Managed product strategy and commercialization initiatives across AI, digital platforms, and emerging technologies.

  8. Entrepreneur in Residence

    Whatnot Startup Studio · Dec 2020 – Aug 2022

    Embedded startup innovation into Pruksa's digital transformation. Worked directly with executives from Pruksa, Bangchak, AIA and KMUTT.

  9. Project Manager / Client Lead

    Ahancer & DETEKT Design · Aug 2015 – Nov 2020

    Managed enterprise client relationships across FMCG, electronics, and lifestyle sectors. Delivered 10+ enterprise client engagements.

Selected Achievements

  • · Built enterprise partnerships across Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia and the Middle East.
  • · Supported enterprise adoption of AI, cybersecurity, and digital transformation initiatives across APAC.
  • · Built and managed ecosystem communities exceeding 50,000 members.
  • · Organized innovation programs involving multinational corporations, startups, universities, and government organizations.

Selected Industries

Financial Services · Cybersecurity · Artificial Intelligence · Enterprise SaaS · Government · Telecommunications · Real Estate · Education · Manufacturing

Education

  • MBA, Business & Innovation

    Bangkok University, 2022

  • BFA, Industrial Design (First Class Honors)

    King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, 2015

Founders & Team

TechLinks Asia · 2SMOL

Sam with the Conexa team in Bangkok

Founder

Sam

Founder of 2SMOL, a growth strategist helping global businesses and startups scale in Thailand. Experienced in building ecosystems that connect enterprises, founders, investors, and communities across APAC.

APAC Lead @ Ocean Tech (Cybersecurity · Israel) · Head of Growth @ Conexa (AI Networking · Vietnam)

Co-Founder

Monica

Australian finance graduate, data analyst & management consultant. AI builder & product strategist with multiple startup ventures.

Owner of various Chinese ⇄ Thai initiatives in merchandising, art toys, cloud and hardware businesses.

Lily

Business Operation

John

Global Business Manager

Stephen

AI DevOps

Enia

2D & 3D Design Expert

Get in Touch

Let's build together

Open to enterprise partnerships, sponsorships for the AI-Powered Business Case Challenge, workshops, and advisory. Based in Bangkok · Working across APAC.