The Epitome of Transnational Education-Setting the Bar with Nawaloka College of Higher Studies Sri Lanka
View(s):The journey has been rich with flawless victories, as the institute is making way to the epitome of excellence. Remaining competitive in hostile market conditions amongst established ‘big players’ is in by any means not a task to be taken lightly, but thrive it did with excellent strategy executions.
Deputy Chairman/ CEO of Nawaloka College of Higher Studies Victor Ramanan expressed his insight on the vitality of ‘Transnational Education’, and elaborated on the role NCHS plays in order to contribute for ensuring the ideal version of Transnational Education for its students.
Victor Ramanan Deputy Chairman/ CEO of Nawaloka College of Higher Studies
Q: What is the core focus/ motive of the Nawaloka College of Higher Studies?
Providing a responsible helping hand for the young generation is the destiny of NCHS. Nawaloka Holdings, as a group consist of several divisions; Healthcare, Trading, Construction, Pharmaceutical, Finance etc. It is a lucrative portfolio with diverse avenues under the conglomerate. Education was the only aspect which was excluded. That exclusion was rectified in 2014 as NCHS became a proud member of the Nawaloka Holdings. The institute has a clear vision backed by a well thought of mission which gives emphasis to the dire urgency to give a boost to the economy by enhancing literacy rates while educating the younger generation.
Education is not a negligible excursion; it is a definitive factor which changes the entire global landscape. The current education system is structured in a manner which permits anyone to acquire a degree. In a time where degrees are literally handed out, latching on to one with quality, recognition and utility is tessential. The standards of the institute are reflected through the degree. NCHS is accountable for the education which it provides, and it takes extreme measures to ensure that the graduate which leaves with the degree is tremendously different from the amateur, unaware student which entered through the doors. The vision statement makes certain that NCHS does not compromise when it comes to meeting the customer’s educational requirements.
Such a case came into light during the last graduation ceremony. A student took the mike and gave an account of her experience on her own accord. During her speech she mentioned the insecurities she had when it comes to presenting herself, the anti-social aspects which held her back and the difficulties that she faced to blend in with her peers.
The speech went on to highlight the manner in which NCHS laid the platform for her to find clarity with her insecurities and personality development she received through the influence she received from the lecturers as well as her peers. She concluded by stating that education alone is insufficient, and that the manner in which NCHS incorporated both education and the soft skills development within its curriculum is cherishable.
| Q: What are your impressions on the growth of the private education sector? |
The Private Education has currently entered a boom. There are only 2 sectors in the entire world which radiates eternal prosperity, and that is Healthcare and Education. Scrutinizing education in Sri Lanka from a critical view reveal that it is available in abundance through infinite sources. There are plethora of instances where a certain institute claims that they are number 1 albeit the evidences to back that claim is non-existent. Such tactics distract the public from the harsh reality by presenting a false impression.
When we talk about the growth, it is evident that it is appreciating on a daily basis. State university intake is lesser than the increasing demand for higher education.
Automatically, those who are denied admission tend to deviate towards private education. Opportunities are never lackluster, compared to the bygone era.
There is variety in the options that are available for an individual to climb up their respective professional lives. That is a cause for relief, since the Sri Lankan younger generation does not lack potential.
The focus should be on the quality of education that you provide, and existing in a fabricated illusion gives minimum meaning unless the institution has solid evidences to back the marketing campaign. Parents spend their hard earned money on their child’s education, and they are not plucking the cash out of imaginative trees.
As a humble person, the matter which I wish to highlight is, that the hard-earned money should benefit the child in the right way. NCHS does not tolerate the stereotypical process of selling a bland degree; and it strives to provide an overall inclusive standout qualification which is worth the price.
The approach practiced is 2 fold. On one hand, we provide education. At the same time the student is kept under the radar; the watchful gaze of the responsible NCHS authorities. Progress and results during each semester is monitored and a smooth communication link is ensured between students, lecturers and parents until the degree is completed.
The structure of education in NCHS is different from other proprietors. When a student is chosen for Swinburne or any other affiliated foreign university, the curriculum and other source material and infrastructure is provided by that particular university. The student ID which is issued is the database which contains the students profile until the completion of the degree. Students are registered as a member of the respective affiliated university once the semester officially starts. It goes to say that the student is a prestige student of the affiliated university from the get-go, and the recognition of the chosen university follows to whatever the country that the student wishes to visit.
Success rate- Nawaloka cf. Hawthorn
The final grading and assessments are conducted directly through the intervention of the affiliated universities. If the student wishes to study in the foreign university directly, NCHS as taken steps to provide IELTs preparation classes to improve language proficiency. In addition to the preparation sessions, complete flexibility to face and pass the exams are facilitated accordingly.
Experts should take responsibility as to educate parents and their children on the current context of the education system, while giving proper guidance on the available options. Conducting a thorough detailed research on the university which is desired is fundamental. Every institution can ‘claim’ the number 1 slot, but only a handful can actually prove these statements. Swinburne is ranked amongst the top 3% universities by the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU). Additionally, the ‘Good University Guide’ rated five starts for graduate satisfaction; a fact which is a cause for pride; but NCHS doesn’t parade by claiming that its number 1.
Ranks tend to change annually therefore severe consideration on that aspect is futile. Focus on the consistency in the output that was generated through each intake. Parents and students should be wary of this aspect. The Sri Lankan society is programmed in a way which gives priority to recognition of the university over the content behind the degree. As an institution, we make certain that the degrees that are awarded are rich in content and depth while proving with factual evidence that the recognition is omnipresent.
The competition gets intense with each passing year. There was a time where a person could find preferable employment with only Advanced Level credits behind the name. That was a distant memory because the current market expects recognized qualifications. Therefore, it is best to pursue education till the market expectations are met. Furthermore, the value of each qualification outdates and updates in relation to the availability. If the majority has the same credentials, then it is difficult to differentiate the better candidate. It is advised to stay several steps ahead of the rest, if a student wishes to remain competitive.
The future goal is to establish a stand-alone full-fledged university. Investments are made to provide an overall university experience for the future students of NCHS. The new destination shall consist of a swimming pool, gymnasium, cafeterias, laboratory facilities, recreational centers, sports centers and other facilities that are expected from a standardized university. Rest assured that the dream shall come to fruition in due time.
Intentions to enter hospitality industry is made clear. Sri Lanka is a haven for tourism, and capitalizing on the hospitality industry is a top priority within the agenda of NCHS. In addition, providing specialization in nursing is put up for consideration. Finally, NCHS plan to incorporate a full time MBA programme taught by lecturers from the affiliated universities.
A certain proportion of parents understand the gravity of selecting the ideal educational institution. The fact why parents should consider NCHS is simple. It is because of the standards which are maintained backed up by the results which have been generated. The lecturer panel is chosen with extreme caution, and there have been instances where staff changes have been made to accommodate the will of the students. Aspects of delivery quality of the content of education is governed with strict policies and regulations, that minimum inefficiencies are expected to be realized.
Considering the statistical evaluation, certain reports have to be analyzed. In a survey conducted by Swinburne University, it was identified that the Sri Lankan students of NCHS has performed exceptionally well, exceeding the performance in any of the affiliated universities branches throughout the globe. That itself is a testimony for the quality of the delivery of the lecturer panel in NCHS.
Q: As a CEO, how would you advice the current youth who are seeking higher education?
Don’t just chose a degree based on a whim. Chose the degree which you are most passionate about. Select a degree which is economically required for the country visualized for residency. If the wish is to migrate, select a major which suite that particular country. On the other hand, if the student is patriotic to remain and serve the homeland, select the ideal specialization which suit Sri Lanka.
A student should be forward thinking. The demand for each industry tend to shift. The educational requirement at the time of seeking employment might be drastically different from the current expectations. A student should be able to forecast on the future of the passionate stream, and latch on to one which has potential in the long run. At the end of the day, the passion for the cause is what makes the ultimate difference.
- Randheer Mallawaarachchi