Building a World-Class University: Madan Bhandari's Vision for Nepal's Skilled Workforce
KATHMANDU May 5: Madan Bhandari University's international conference, titled "First Step Towards Building a World-Class University," gathered experts and academic leaders to discuss the importance of practical and technical education in Nepal on Sunday.
Richard Miller, Founding President of Olin College of Engineering, emphasized that investments in practical education are vital for Nepal's development. He highlighted the need for collaboration between the government, policy makers, academia, and society to produce skilled human resources. Similarly, Bruce Flesner, former vice president of the American University in Cairo, urged investors to engage with Madan Bhandari University, stressing the relevance of education in everyday life.
Seeram Ramakrishna, former Deputy Vice President of the National University of Singapore, presented Singapore as an example of rapid academic progress and called for investment in research and scientific laboratories. Former World Bank Nepal Director Kenichi Ohashi advocated for inclusive and technology-friendly policies to support Nepal's transformation, noting that skilled students are key to this change.
Madan Bhandari University should emphasize world class educatio...
Prof Dr Rajendradhwaj Joshi, President of Madan Bhandari University, emphasized the importance of international collaboration to ensure high academic standards and long-term success. The university's research in areas like mushrooms, kiwi, and agriculture is already attracting global attention. Former Education Minister Giriraj Mani Pokharel hailed the university as a significant step forward for Nepal's higher education sector.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Prof Dr Rajendradhwaj Joshi and Om Krishna Shrestha, Proprietor of Ares Mushroom Farm. Shrestha acknowledged challenges in starting his business but committed to helping students in mushroom production and research. The event also featured participation from scholars and policymakers, aiming to establish global partnerships for the university.
Experts call for secure data centers and market-oriented education
Experts emphasized the need for secure data centers and market-driven education. Birendra Pandey, first vice president of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries, highlighted his organization's commitment to supporting skill development. Prof Dr Seeram Ramakrishna urged Nepal to adopt practical education and policies to adapt to artificial intelligence's changing workforce.
Madan Bhandari University students presented their research, focusing on advanced agricultural laboratories and industry collaboration. Deepak Pandey of Larke Himalayan Herbal Industry praised the university's partnership, allowing students to engage in research and the collection of Himalayan herbs.
Global collaboration and outreach to enhance educational quality
A panel on "The Power of Stakeholders Engagement in Building a World-Class University" stressed the importance of global collaboration. Dr Govinda Pokharel, former Vice President of the National Planning Commission, emphasized aligning university curricula with national development goals. Prof. Dr Rajendradhwaj Joshi reiterated the university's mission to provide quality education, while Dr Seeram Ramakrishna highlighted the potential for Nepal to attract students from India, China, and the U.S. with consistent research and innovation.
Former Auditor General Bhanu Acharya warned against unstable national policies hindering educational reform, while Sangita Singh, former Planning Commission Member, emphasized the role of the Nepali diaspora in education and technology transfer.
