To equip students with essential skills for future careers, UNDP Bangladesh and Grameenphone Ltd, under their joint initiative “Futurenation,” hosted an Employability Masterclass and Scholarship Award Ceremony at the University of Asia Pacific Auditorium on Wednesday.
UAP Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Qumrul Ahsan chaired the program, where Architect Mahbuba Haque, chairperson, Board of Trustees (BoT), UAP, was present as the chief guest.
National Project Manager of Futurenation, UNDP, Debashish Roy, and Alamzeb Farjad Ahmed, member, BoT, UAP, were present as special guests.
The masterclass covered a wide range of topics, including self-assessment, employability skills, soft skills, tech skills, business communication, and career mapping, which was conducted by Sharfuddin Ahmed Chowdhury, head of communications, Grameenphone.
Around 280 students joined the employability masterclass.
In the event, 200 students were awarded the British Council Scholarship, and 80 students received the Frontier Tech Scholarship.
In her speech, the chief guest, Architect Mahbuba Haque mentioned that the partnership between Futurenation and the University of Asia Pacific will not only enhance the educational experience but also align it with the skills and competencies that employers are actively seeking.
Besides, she advised the students to become self-reliant by developing their skills and utilizing the opportunities that Futurenation offers.
In the welcome speech, the vice chancellor emphasized the need for comprehensive employment training, which can bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry expectations. He also praised the graduates of UAP who continue to prove themselves, reflecting their career-preparedness.
Among others, Architect Ziaul Islam, director, Office of International Affairs (OIA), UAP, deans, faculty members, and students were present.
FutureNation is an alliance of the private, public, and development sectors, created to accelerate the nation's future economic growth by enhancing the skills and potential of youth by identifying opportunities for development, employment, entrepreneurship, and investment in the post-pandemic situation.