Latest news with #SchoolofBusiness
Observer
9 hours ago
- Business
- Observer
Oman launches hotel training drive for youth employment
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has signed a partnership agreement to launch a training-for-employment program in hotel reception across various establishments in Dhofar Governorate. The initiative aims to equip young Omanis with skills for front desk and hotel management roles, reflecting a broader strategy to enhance national employment in the growing tourism sector. The three-month training will be conducted by the Muscat Hospitality Academy, in affiliation with the internationally accredited Swiss School of Business, Hospitality, and Hotel Management. This collaboration between the public and private sectors is intended to boost service quality in the hospitality industry while aligning with Oman's vision for sustainable tourism development. The program also supports long-term economic diversification by creating new job opportunities for national talent. The agreement is part of a broader set of initiatives launched by the Ministry to build a skilled local workforce and support the continued growth of Oman's tourism sector. — ONA
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Business degrees for an AI era
IN an era of rapid technological change, global disruption and evolving industries, business education is undergoing a profound transformation. Employers—from start-ups to multinational corporations—increasingly find that while many university graduates have solid academic backgrounds, they often lack the practical skills, industry exposure and digital fluency needed to navigate today's complex global business environment. Artificial intelligence (AI) is driving business careers by automating routine work, enabling quick and smarter decisions, personalising customer experiences, creating new AI-focused roles and transforming how people work together for enhanced productivity. People in business need to adapt by learning AI tools and focusing on skills that complement AI, like creativity, strategy and emotional intelligence. As business becomes more agile, data-driven and globalised, educational institutions must rethink how they prepare students to thrive from day one. At the forefront of this transformation is the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Through real-world learning, technology integration, industry collaboration and multicultural engagement, APU is redefining what it means to be future-ready. At APU's School of Business (SoB) and School of Marketing and Management (SoMM), these challenges are met head-on by providing a more relevant, practical and globally aligned experience. From gap to growth APU's Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Club (APUBCC) members and student ambassadors seizing the moment to snap a photo with Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo following the launch of the first-of-its-kind 'Web3 Innovation Lab (W3IL)'. A global skills gap in new graduates remains a persistent concern for industry leaders. Many attribute this to overly theoretical curricula, limited real-world experience and inadequate exposure to emerging technologies. As a result, many graduates struggle to apply leadership concepts or lack the specialised skills required in sectors such as e-business, business analytics or digital marketing. APU vice-chancellor Prof Dr Ho Chin Kuan highlighted a key flaw in many traditional business programmes. 'Too often, technologies like AI, blockchain and advanced analytics are treated as optional, when in reality they form the backbone of modern business strategy. 'As industries evolve, business education must move beyond static models and adapt to dynamic, real-time demands,' he said. To meet these evolving needs, APU's programmes in Business, Management, Marketing and Hospitality offer real-world experience and strong industry engagement. Every course is developed in collaboration with industry professionals, ensuring that content aligns with current market demands—not outdated theory. 'This model ensures that APU graduates are not only employable but are equipped to lead, adapt and innovate,' added Prof Ho. Enterprise@APU nurtures and supports entrepreneurs and startups through the guidance of experienced coaches, industry experts and organisations. Where tech drives business In today's digital economy, fluency in emerging technologies is no longer an option—it is a business imperative. The university integrates tools like AI, blockchain, data analytics and the Internet of Things (IoT) directly into its business curriculum, going beyond digital literacy. Chief innovation and enterprise officer Prof Dr Vinesh Thiruchelvam explained that at APU, technology is not treated as an add-on subject. 'It is central to how our students learn and solve problems. They are trained to use digital tools strategically, making decisions that drive measurable business value. 'Whether it is using predictive analytics for market forecasting or leveraging automation in operations management, our graduates emerge with practical digital skills that give them a competitive edge,' he said. Beyond academics, APU nurtures an entrepreneurship mindset—a vital asset in a world where innovation drives progress. Initiatives such as the Startup Weekend, Accelerator Programme and Venture Building outreaches, led by the Enterprise@APU academic team and supported by the Enterprise Red Dragons youth team, provide students with opportunities to explore, pitch and launch business ideas. 'We are cultivating a generation of innovative business creators. Our students develop critical thinking, resilience and a spirit of innovation through hands-on entrepreneurial experiences. 'At APU, we embed the entrepreneurship DNA in our students, empowering them to be more employable and build stronger portfolios for the organisations they serve,' added Prof Vinesh. Global minds, strategic leaders In today's interconnected world, the ability to work across cultures and borders is essential. APU's state-of-the-art campus, which hosts students from over 130 countries, creates a truly multicultural learning environment that mirrors the global business stage. Prof Dr Kashif Hussain, APU's SoB senior head, emphasised the value of this diversity. 'Our collaborative classrooms unite students from Asean, the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, Europe and beyond, offering a unique multicultural training ground. 'Here, theoretical knowledge is put to the test through interactions with varied cultural approaches and communication styles. 'This active engagement hones critical skills in communication, negotiation and cross-border collaboration—skills that employers in international business actively seek and that are often difficult to acquire in a purely domestic setting.' Modern commerce requires graduates who combine domain-specific expertise and a deep understanding of global dynamics. 'In today's global economy, the ability to navigate diverse markets, understand regional business norms and build relationships across cultures is not just valuable—it is a competitive advantage.' 'We understand that success in today's marketplace demands more than just creativity—it requires strategic insight,' added APU's SoMM senior head Assoc Prof Dr Devinder Kaur. 'We equip our students to craft bold, innovative marketing solutions that are not only imaginative but also deeply informed by shifting global trends and consumer behaviours.' APU's purpose-built, ultra-modern campus is strategically located within Mranti Park Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. Pathways to success APU's strategic location within the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation (Mranti) in Kuala Lumpur provides students with direct exposure to regional innovation ecosystems, government-led initiatives and cross-cultural business practices—key advantages for those aiming for international careers or partnerships. The university's holistic, future-focused approach to education is reflected in its strong graduate outcomes. APU's dual award partnership with De Montfort University (DMU) in the UK adds further global credibility. Graduates receive degrees from both institutions, significantly increasing their international employability. APU has also positioned itself as a leader of hospitality and tourism management education. Its collaboration with the Hotel and Tourism Management Institute (HTMi) of Switzerland brings a suite of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes to Malaysia. The HTMi Switzerland's Kuala Lumpur Centre, located on APU's campus, is the first of its kind established by a Swiss hospitality school in Malaysia. The APU School of Business, Marketing and Management programmes are distinguished by their dual accreditation from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and Digital Marketing Institute (DMI), providing students with globally recognised qualifications and enhanced career prospects. APU is the first and only Malaysian university to receive accreditation from the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). This accreditation underscores APU's commitment to excellence, rigorous quality assurance processes and student-centred education. To learn more, visit
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
India's golden paradox: High demand, low supply, and the path to self-sufficiency
Nilanjan Banik is a professor at Bennett University's School of Business. His work focuses on the application of time series econometrics in issues relating to international trade, market structure and development economics. He is also interested in the "rules" part of WTO; especially examining non-tariff barriers aspects of GATT/WTO agreements. He has project experience with Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia; Laffer Associates, USA; KPMG, India; Ministry of Commerce, Government of India; Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), New Delhi; Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER), New Delhi; Center for Economic Policy Research, UK; Asian Development Bank Institute, Tokyo; Asian Development Bank, Manila; South Asia Network of Economic Research Institutes (SANEI); UNESCAP-ARTNeT, Thailand, Australia India Institute, University of Melbourne; and World Trade Organization, Geneva. LESS ... MORE For Indians the allure of the yellow metal both for its ornamental value and as an asset class, is as old as the country's civilisation dating back to the times of Indus Valley Civilisation or perhaps, even earlier. While that attraction for gold has not diminished over centuries, its supply side has failed to keep pace, resulting in the country's overwhelming dependence on imports. This mismatch of growing demand and reducing supply has become a major burden on the economy with its adverse impact on the balance of trade and a worsening current account deficit. To put things in perspective, India's gold import in 2024 surged to 802.8 tonnes—a 5% increase over the761 tonnes in 2023—with the import bill ballooning to $48.5 billion. In contrast, India's production was only around 1.6 tonnes of gold, meeting only 0.2% of its total demand. This great divide cuts into the country's precious foreign exchange reserves, makes the economy vulnerable to global price shocks and puts pressure on its exchange rate. Moreover, levying higher import duties has only fuelled greater smuggling thereby undermining formal trade and tax revenues losses. No lack of reserves The recent gold reserves data makes the paradox even more evident. In December 2024, the country's gold reserves increased to 876.20 tonnes, valued at $66.2 billion. This significant increase of 72.6 tonnes, the highest since 2021, is only the second highest since 2017, has put India's gold reserves among the top 10 countries globally, says Trading Economics, a mobile app that provides economic data of 196 countries. Similarly, the World Gold Council estimates that India has 2,191.53 metric tons of gold ore resources, but only a fraction of these resources have been explored and exploited. Hence, there is a huge potential that remains to be tapped. While the Hutti Gold Mine, located in the Raichur district of Karnataka, producing about 1.8 tonnes of gold per year, is the only current producer, there have been significant new discoveries in recent years. Some of these include the Sonakhan prospect in Chhattisgarh held by Vedanta, the Gurahar Pahar prospect of the Mahakoshal greenstone belt or the giant in Rajashtan – Bhukia-Jagpura gold mine with reserves estimated in excess of 100 tonnes. Then in the South, there is the newly- discovered Ganajur gold mine in Karnataka which Deccan Gold Mines Ltd has completed an international feasibility study and the Jonnagiri Gold Mine in Andhra Pradesh developed by Geomysore Services (India) Private Limited which is slated for production by the end of 2025 and will be India's first private gold mine since Independence. Despite significant geological potential and availability of sizable discoveries, India's gold mining industry has not reached its true potential due to various factors, including lack of exploration, frequent changes in the policy and absence of private exploration/mining companies who have the expertise and risk capital to develop these projects. Though the government brought in the Composite License (CL), not many international companies with the required experience have availed this opportunity. As a result, only a handful of companies eg., Vedanta, Deccan Gold Mines Limited, Geomysore Services (India) Private Limited etc are actively carrying out exploration in India. This is a far cry from Australia, Canada and many African countries where 100s of exploration companies spend millions of dollars developing this industry. The way ahead The Indian Gold Mining Policy requires regulatory reforms to enhance self-sufficiency by creating a more viable and attractive environment for exploration and mining operations. To overcome impediments, the government should prioritize ease of doing business through single-window clearances, offering attractive incentives and tax concessions to draw experienced private companies into the sector. Policy reforms must support the security of tenure and appropriately reward the high-risk capital expenditure associated with exploration activities. Streamlining the regulatory landscape, reducing bureaucratic delays, and ensuring transparent and predictable processes will encourage investment, boost domestic gold production, and ultimately decrease India's reliance on gold imports. For India, it is a time to take some robust measures because the cost of runaway gold imports is extremely high, impacting India's overall economy A slew of market-oriented reforms, mining reforms and global recognition of the refining sector can go a long way is pushing greater Atmanirbhartha, job creation, and overall development of the economy. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
RV University in Bengaluru grants Pahalgam victim's son admission free of cost
Bengaluru: RV University has granted admission free of cost to the son of Manjunath Rao, a victim of . Rao's son will join BCom programme at the university's School of Business. He completed his II PU with 97%. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now MP Tejasvi Surya tweeted: "Responding to my request, RV Institutions came forward to sponsor and support the degree education of Mr Abhijaya M, son of Late Shri Manjunath Rao, who lost his life in the tragic Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025. Grateful to Rashtreeya Sikshana Samithi Trust (RSST) for stepping up and standing for this national cause. It is the duty of every Bharatiya to stand with one another. I sincerely hope other institutions and organisations across the country come forward to support the education and healthcare of victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. " RV University pro-chancellor D P Nagaraj said: "It's our societal commitment to the family to support them in such a situation. While we gave the student an option, he chose to do BCom in RV University. We will be providing him free education, accommodation, and food."
Fashion Network
12-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Pearl Academy looks to future of Indian fashion with immersive event
Creative education institution Pearl Academy hosted its annual graduation showcase, Portfolio 2025– Delhi Edition, across its Delhi West and School of Business campuses. The event spotlighted future-facing work from students across disciplines including fashion, styling, communication, and product design, with a focus on AI, sustainability, and disruptive design. Portfolio 2025 led to two international placements with Dubai's Apparel Group and 14 spot hires by brands such as Reliance Brands, TJX, Snapdeal, and J.J. Valaya, Pearl Academy announced in a press release. Additional offers came from Pantaloons, Aparna Kaushik Designs, and labels including DYou and Ridhi Mehra, while ongoing recruitment continued from Sabyasachi Calcutta LLP and Asian Paints. Entrepreneurship was a core focus at the School of Business, where six startups, including Shark Tank-featured Aignosis AI, pitched ideas under the Pearl Runway Cohort 3.0 and Pearl Shark initiatives. These ventures received grants under Pearl Academy's sector-agnostic incubation programme. Pearl Academy also announced a partnership with EY India to support its business programmes, with students set to receive training in data visualisation tools such as Power BI and Tableau. 'Each idea born in the classroom finds its voice in Portfolio,' said Pearl Academy's president Aditi Srivastava in a press release. 'This showcase is more than a graduation- it's a declaration of possibility.'The event concluded with a graduate fashion show, supported by workshops and installations that encouraged collaboration between academia and industry.
