AOD launches ‘BE THE CALLING IN THIS BRAVE NEW WORLD’ Campaign to inspire the Next Generation to be future job Creators & Entrepreneurs

AOD OPEN DAY on the 11th of July to Reveal More

AOD (The Academy of Design) officially launches its “Be the Calling in this Brave New World” campaign to engage the next generation with the changes required to be successful in tomorrow’s post pandemic world, giving them an opportunity to be inspired by like-minded people from their own generation, and in future proof professions, through an event (following COVID safety Guidelines) on the 11th of July 2020. AOD invites 15-18 year olds and parents of this generation who are the generation of fighters for a better world, the generation known as Gen Z. This generation is known to have a great desire to bring out solutions to problems that our society may, and is facing, along with their ‘thinking minds’ and the willingness to uplift each other. This generation is known to be loyal, courageous and brave enough to adapt to change with a multitude of attitude and strength in bringing out the best in themselves as well as others, in the path of self-discovery. This vision of our society, along with the vision of AOD 3.0 will bring together the ultimate package of individuals, to look upon the world of tomorrow through the lens of design, innovation, tech and sustainability for a better world through new careers that would add value to industries in the future.

In Sri Lanka, students have long chosen traditional education disciplines, like doctor, lawyer or teacher, over art and design streams but the future also demands people with mixed skillsets, whether a student pursues what is considered ‘ traditional careers’, creativity and design thinking knowledge would still be essential. Companies are now starting to request designers that know coding or software engineers that are creative.

AOD is known to bring together players from across diverse industries and disciplines to connect industries with startups, students and international knowledge experts. AOD is the most forward design catalyst in the country with its wide international network built over the years, at its epicenter, the Colombo Innovation Tower ( CIT), the pioneering innovation hub in Sri Lanka.

The CIT runs on the philosophy that design and creativity, married with tech, will act as the underlying core, and when merged with business and technology, has the power to deliver innovative solutions.

This eco-system led by design and technology is ignited by sharing knowledge, collaborating with various industry players, advancing by working actively, and nurturing by mentoring and developing the skills and knowledge needed to innovate.

Established in 2001, AOD brings a lot of design expertise to the table. With constant access to a pool of young design and creative talent, married with tech, it is ideally placed as an innovation engine. AOD envisions the CIT becoming a one- of- akind epicenter for innovation in South Asia, marrying design and technology. AOD itself will be turning a new leaf with AOD 3.0 to cater to future demand, combining design education with technology and business.

AOD’s “Be the Calling” campaign will help to bring out the realistic and creative minds of individuals for tomorrow, by bringing out the unique aspects of each other and every individual of Gen Z, allowing them to think rationally and radically when solving problems around them, bringing out great minds and individuals for the betterment and further development of the country through Design, Tech, Fearless business movement, Uplifted minds of engineering and the creators of today. The wait is over. AOD focuses on creating methodological thinkers, realists, leading sustainable design thinkers, individuals with self- discovery, contributing to society with a more realistic and broader mindset.

Another interesting addition introduced by AOD is CIT Labs, a startup accelerator focused on innovation in the creat ive led industries. AOD has a vision through CIT Labs to be at the forefront of change, disrupting the conventional system of supply chain, promoting the best experience for consumers and producers, and creating an ecosystem that matches partners for success. This Young Creative Entrepreneurs Residence Program is a highly progressive program that is open to only AOD enrolled Masters Program students who have a vision to be the innovators and change makers of tomorrow. They should be willing to explore and create their own start up business or innovation idea that they would like to develop from day one, from an environment of innovation at the Colombo Innovation Tower. The program grants a select group of students access to the CIT Labs startup and AOD Masters program, joint curriculum. Most importantly the student will walk away as an established start-up or with an innovation and industry partnership that’s future proof and progressive.

AOD is a design educator that works in collaboration with industry in creating the next generation of designers and connects and engages their creativity with businesses, brands and commercial platforms that directly influence Sri Lanka and

South Asia.

The AOD Open Day will give students an opportunity to understand what it is like to be a a part of our design movement, with personalised program workshops, career guidance, alumni brand pop- ups and much more. This is an opportunity for the students to understand how they can shape their own future. AOD Open Day will take place on the 11th of July 2020 at the Colombo Innovation Tower (CIT) from 9.00am – 5.00pm. Join AOD to be a part of this change! For more information on the Open House and registrations call 077 572 7772, follow us on Instagram @aod_design or hit AOD.LK.