Focus on “Innovation within the education eco system” - Shanil Jayasekera
Asian International Academy, which was re-named recently with the appointment of its new board, focuses on an innovative education eco system approach in the current market context. Since its inception in 2011, the educational institute has based its vision on its three core values, which are innovation, contemporary and equality. Below are excerpts of an interview conducted with Mr. Shanil Jayasekera - a seasoned professional in the education industry, who is the Managing Director of Asian International Academy...
What were the changes made?
A: The company has strengthened its management with senior professionals Mr. R. Muralidharan, Managing Director of Bartleet Religare Securities has been appointed as the Chairman of Asian International Academy, Dr. Rohitha De Silva, a visionary entrepreneur who has his presence in variety of industries including healthcare, IT and media has been also appointed as a Director of the company. The new board of directors comprise of Mr. R. Muralidharan, Dr. Rohitha De Silva and myself, who. The Asian International Academy is based on three core values namely innovation, equality and contemporary which comes as a collaboration of these three experienced professionals. We have been serving the nation for the past 3 years and we continue to focus on better quality and innovative learning options. Our management team flanked with R. Muralidharan, a recognized leader in the business fraternity and Dr. Rohitha De Silva who is a seasoned professional with global exposure, will surely take AIA to the next level in education. Our team of quality lecturers are capable of creating better results for those who wish to reach for the best
What can students expect from the rebranding?
A: Through the rebranding the institute will continue offering industry best innovative products and new services for a variety of industries and will further enable its programs to a more larger market enhancing the education eco system in the country. Currently the institute offers University of London Degree, CIM and is the study centre and partner of Sri Lanka Institute of Credit Management with a unique offering in customized training and distant learning programs in Sri Lanka. We will continue to focus on innovation within the education eco system.
Can you explain more about your values?
A: The academy provides equal opportunity for people to learn irrespective of which part of the country or which part of the world a student is from, how busy their schedule is and most importantly it takes charge of students who have language difficulties. For students who have language difficulties, especially in the banking and finance sector, we offer the initial training and studies in Sinhalese getting them to show their proficiency on the subject and provide them with adequate time to prep up the English language and move in to more advance programs. This provides an equal opportunity for students who wish to study with AIA.
All our offerings are very contemporary, we keep one ear on the ground and our lecturers are from the industry, who knows exactly what goes on the business world out there be it Marketing, Financial Management or Credit Management. The course content is another factor which suit the modern day need of every industry, in terms of delivery giving a customized option to a student.
Tell us more about the customized training programmes offered?
A: This is a significant move by an educa- tion institute, which not only offers a theoretical qualification, but also an institute which takes pride in enabling the future allrounded employee who is career ready, equipped with an academic qualification, and application of it in the present context in any given industry. Companies now can benefit through these programmes as they can obtain a programme developed precisely to suit their requirements, addressing their training needs, which is more focused, cost-effective and less time consuming true to our contemporary value offering.
How can a student gain more information?
A: The Asian International Academy currently offers University of London Degree, Chartered Institute of Marketing programmes under its brand Knowledge Factory and is the study centre of Sri Lanka Institute of Credit Management. Those who wish to obtain more information about the programmes can log on to www.aia.lk or call 0117555255.