Deans and Directors of B-schools and Universities from nearly 50 countries across the world discussed and analyzed the opportunities for higher education in Asia and India at the sixth edition of Eduniversal World Convention being held at IIMB on October 9-12, 2013.
The conference was inaugurated by Mr. Natarajan Krishna Kumar, CEO, MindTree India, on October 9. Speaking on the theme ‘Economic influence on education in India and social challenges’, Mr. Krishna Kumar, said “Indians have a fundamental philosophy that education is very important and we have a propensity to invest in education, so we present a market of great opportunity. However, when foreign universities come to us, they must realize that they cannot juxtapose the European or American model here. They need to build a local product and a local curriculum at an effective cost for India. And they must partner with institutes of global repute here in India.”
Describing India as “a country of contrasts”, he listed the contrasts –poverty vs. luxury, kids dying of malnutrition vs. children battling obesity, and more. He outlined the challenges for institutes of higher education and urged them to focus on recruiting good faculty, investing in solid research, and developing curricula and teaching methodology that would be relevant to industry.
In his welcome address, Professor Devanath Tirupati, Director In-charge and Dean (Academic) IIMB, highlighted IIMB’s growing focus on internationalization, excellence in research, and innovation and entrepreneurship. “Traditionally, the IIMs focused on education and training. Today, the scene in education has changed dramatically and so have our aspirations. We want to be recognized as a leading global school in research and education, and we have been actively seeking collaboration from institutes of excellence from outside the country as well.”
Martial Guiette, Founder-CEO, Eduniversal, France, said: “We live in a globalized village and the thrust that holds it together is education. In this edition of the Eduniversal World Convention, we will focus on coalition and fostering sustainability, entrepreneurship and innovation among the higher education institutions of the world while exploring opportunities in Asia and India.”
During the two days, the Eduniversal Convention will have plenary sessions on Asian higher education, rethinking internationalization strategies and maintain balance between independence and inter-dependence, and entrepreneurship and education. There will also be workshops on double degree programs: the future of MBA, and impact and opportunities in the transforming countries.
Stay tuned to MBAUniverse.com for more highlights on 6th Eduniversal World Convention.
