PIM achieves a new milestone with the simultaneous launch of its International MBA in the UAE, Oman and Kuwait
View(s):Standing tall from the rest, the Postgraduate Institute of Management (PIM) inaugurated a new batch for its prestigious MBA internationally in the UAE, Oman and Kuwait simultaneously on Friday, October 01, 2021. PIM MBA is the most sought after postgraduate qualification from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, the largest University in Sri Lanka. PIM also boasts of having alumni (PIMA) in many counties outside Sri Lanka.
Mr. Damith Fonseka, President, PIMA, UAE, who played a decisive role in coordinating the programme and the ceremony, welcomed the newly selected MBA aspirants, the Director and Faculty of the PIM. He extended a warm welcome also to their Excellencies, Hon. Omar Lebbe Ameerajward, H E Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Sultanate of Oman, Hon. U.L.Mohammed Jauhar, H E Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the State of Kuwait, and Hon. Malraj De Silva, H E Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the UAE, who presented himself while being in the USA on official commitments. Mr. Fonseka also specifically mentioned Mr. Nalinda Wijeratne, Hon. Consul General of Sri Lanka to Dubai and the Northern Emirates, for joining this memorable occasion while being currently engaged in the Expo-Lanka exhibition in the UAE.
Dr. Senaka Kelum Gamage, Director, PIM, while being thankful to the PIMA, Oman Chapter, for assisting in the coordination of the international programme, spoke of the speciality and uniqueness of the PIM’s MBA programme. He said that the PIM not only enjoys pioneering status as the Institute that initiated postgraduate management studies in the country, it is also backed by the country’s largest university, the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. He emphasised that in a world that is becoming increasingly complex, what is expected of an MBA is gaining mastery. Herein the PIM’s MBA is meticulously designed and conducted to help students develop a global mindset while having a local feel to achieve mastery in the particular disciplines they operate. He also thanked the faculty and the administrative staff for the efficient conduct of the PIM’s programmes thus far. He was specifically appreciative of their Excellencies for gracing this important event amidst their busy official commitments.
Hon. Malraj De Silva addressing the august assembly said that he was inspired by watching the PIM’s inspirational video as his personal motto is to climb up the ladder without being satisfied by the basics. He said that he was proud of the performances of the Sri Lankan community living in the UAE, as they have been considered as the best workforce. He, therefore, suggested that the acronym PIM should actually be read as the Practical Innovative Management Institute.
Prof. Ajantha S. Dharmasiri, former Director, PIM, addressing the distinguished gathering, extended a warm welcome to the new learning partners. He said that in the post-COVID era, we need to find solutions to the issues posed by the new-normal world. Herein he emphasized the two acronyms, VUCA 1.0, which stands for volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity, and VUCA 2.0, representing vision, understanding, confidence and agility. The new MBA would provide the right skillset, right mindset, and the right toolset to grapple with these issues. The MBA in fact would thus be a journey of transformation based on three approaches: to be humble, holistic and humane.
Hon. Omar Lebbe Ameerajward profusely thanked the PIM for the great initiative of bringing higher education to the doorstep of the Sri Lankans employed in the Middle East. This move would equip them with the necessary skills and competencies to do their jobs more efficiently and effectively. Hon. U L Mohammed Jauhar mentioned the PIM’s efforts to continue with its MBA programmes, which would, for certain, enable our Sri Lankan community employed in this region to secure better jobs with higher remunerations.
Dr. Gayan Jayakody and Mr. Asanga Ranasinghe of the PIM faculty shared their experiences on how they circumvented issues and the different approached called for in doing PhD and DBA programmes, respectively. This would be another step unique to PIM with the launch of the PhD and DBA first time outside Sri Lanka.