UNDP and UAP will work together to create skilled manpower

To prepare students for future career opportunities, ‘Futurenation’, a collaborative initiative by UNDP Bangladesh, and Grameenphone Ltd. organized an Employability Masterclass and Scholarship Awarding Ceremony at the UAP Auditorium of University of Asia Pacific on 30 October 2024.

Prof. Dr. Qumrul Ahsan, Vice Chancellor, UAP, chaired the program, where Architect Mahbuba Haque, Chairperson, Board of Trustees (BoT), UAP, was present as the Chief Guest. Mr. Debashish Roy, National Project Manager, Futurenation, UNDP, and Mr. 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 Mr. 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 emphasised 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.