GEN Bangladesh Empowers Over 350 Startups Through Workshop with Smart Bangladesh Accelerator

Global Entrepreneurship Network Bangladesh (GEN Bangladesh) held a transformational workshop in partnership with Smart Bangladesh Accelerator (SBA), the biggest Accelerator Program launched by Bangladesh’s ICT Ministry. Over 350 startups enthusiastically participated in the event, ready to explore opportunities for development and innovation.

The workshop, conducted on February 17, 2024, provided an opportunity for entrepreneurs to discuss critical themes such as innovation, scalability, risk management, funding, growth strategies, and lean operations. Participants obtained vital knowledge and insights to help them further their businesses through hands-on classes and expert perspectives.

The prominent speakers were Dr. Rubina Hussain, President of SEED Bangladesh, Mr. Arifur Rahman, National Program Coordinator at Smart Bangladesh Accelerator, and Mr. Md. Mustafizur Rahman, CEO of Choukosh. Their presence and expertise enhanced the event, giving attendees concrete techniques and mentorship possibilities.

As part of the Smart Bangladesh Accelerator Program, selected workshop startups will have the chance to get professional coaching, personalized mentorship, key investor contacts, and intense boot camps. GEN Bangladesh and Smart Bangladesh Accelerator are devoted to fostering the growth and success of entrepreneurs in three categories: early-stage startups, women-led enterprises, and growth-stage firms.

GEN Bangladesh and the Smart Bangladesh Accelerator continue to pave the route for entrepreneurial success by offering complete assistance and resources to entrepreneurs, therefore encouraging innovation and economic progress in Bangladesh.

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Specialized Training on Hospitality & Tourism Management

Reports on

Orientation Program

Specialized Training on Hospitality & Tourism Management

Date:  February 7th, 2024

Duration:  9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Organizers:  Social Development Foundation (SDF)

Financed by:  Bangladesh Ministry of Finance

Implementation:  Vromon BSDI

Theme:  “Tourism, a key tool for poverty alleviation.”

Overview:

On February 7th, 2024, a significant event unfolded from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, This marks the start of a program to help 150 students get started and learn about something new. Spearheaded by the Social Development Foundation, financed by the Bangladesh Ministry of Finance, and implemented by Vromon BSDI, the program focused on the pivotal theme of leveraging tourism for poverty alleviation.

Distinguished Guests:

The event boasted the presence of esteemed figures within the industry, including Acting DIG of Tourist Police, Md. Abu Kalam Siddique, Chairman of SDF, Md. Abdus Samad, Managing Director of SDF, Dr. Amitabh Sarkar, President of the Bangladesh Tour Operators Association, Shiblul Azam Qureshi, and the Honorable Executive Director of Bangladesh Skill Development Institute, KM Hasan Ripon. Also, important people like Abu Sufian, who runs Travel JV BSDI Project, Travel TRD, and Dr. Md. Sabur Khan, who is the Chairman of Daffodil Family, were there to make the event even more special by being a part of it.

Event Highlights:

All of the honorable guests emphasized on potentiality of the tourism sector in the country and beyond. all of the honorable guests gave various speeches on how to make this potential sector more far-reaching. All the hosts join forces to maximize the potential of Bangladesh’s demographic dividend as it exists. All emphasized on how it will play a very important role in changing one’s life from the context of the country and the international both.


Mindset will change one’s life:

The Chairman of SDF, in his speech, emphasized the mindset of changing one’s life and having the belief in personal improvement. He conveyed that with the right mindset, challenges can be overcome, leading not only to success in academics but also in life.

Furthermore, he described Bangladesh’s 12-month, 6-season climate as a continuous spring. He addressed important topics such as food safety, hygienic serving, and how the hospitality industry can elevate ordinary experiences to extraordinary ones.  


Learning skills is the major step toward being successful:

Dr. Amitavh Sarker, Managing Director, SDF believes that a skill-based course plays the highest role in changing the behavior of any person. Most of the current education is not skill based because of which the students are only completing the graduation but no one is getting the output from him. One solution to this problem could be to improve efficiency in this sector.

Empowerment Through Education:

Dr. Md. Sabur Khan, Chairman of Daffodil Family, shared inspiring anecdotes, encouraging a mindset of dedication and creativity among the students. He emphasized the potential for entrepreneurship within the tourism sector, advocating for a holistic approach to education that transcends theoretical knowledge.

Call to Action:

Acting DIG of Tourist Police, Mr. Abu Kalam Siddique, encouraged young people to take advantage of the current demographic dividend, stressing the importance of having the right skills to meet the growing needs of the tourism industry. He underscored the economic benefits of youth engagement and highlighted the importance of professionalism in enhancing tourist experiences.

Vision for the Future:

President of the Bangladesh Tour Operators Association, Shiblul Azam Qureshi, emphasized the significance of hospitality in the service industry, stressing the importance of professionalism and effective communication skills. He advocated for linguistic proficiency as a catalyst for prosperity in the tourism sector.

Mastering Skills: The Vaccine for Poverty Eradication:

At the orientation program, Mr. K M Hasan Ripon, the Honorable Executive Director of Bangladesh Skill Development Institute, shared an important message. He highlighted how important it is to become really good at something in order to fight poverty. He said, ‘There’s nothing better than being really good at something. Being efficient is the best way to get rid of poverty.’ This message deeply resonated with the audience, capturing their attention and making them think, showing how learning new skills can help solve big problems like poverty.

Closing Remarks:

Dr. Md. Nuruzzaman, CEO of Daffodil Family, had a vision to introduce community-based tourism and decentralized approaches to developing tourism. He highlighted the potential for collaboration and sponsorship in nurturing entrepreneurship within the industry. CEO, in his speech, pointed out that with increased support from related organizations and stakeholders, such as Bangladesh Venture Capital and SME Foundation, it would be feasible to attract numerous new and diverse entrepreneurs to this sector. This emphasizes the importance of collaboration and sponsorship in fostering the growth of entrepreneurs in the tourism industry.

Conclusion:

The event concluded on a high note, with all participants gathering for a group photo, symbolizing unity and collective effort. The program was officially closed, leaving a lasting impression of enthusiasm and commitment towards leveraging tourism for socio-economic advancement.

This orientation program served as a beacon of inspiration, igniting passion and dedication among participants, and shall be remembered as a catalyst for positive change within the hospitality and tourism sector.

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Mastering-in-AI-Prompting---1920-by-1080

Exclusive workshop on “Mastering in Ai Prompting” on 27th January at BSDI

২০২৪ সালের Techjury নামক আন্তর্জাতিক টেকনোলজি সংস্থার পরিসংখ্যা মতাবেক ২০২৩ সালে পুরো পৃথিবীতে Artificial Intelligence এর মার্কেট সাইজ ১৩৬.৬ বিলিয়ন ডলারেরও উপরে। আবার ২০৩০ সালের মধ্যে এই মার্কেট বেড়ে দাড়াবে প্রায় ১,৮১১.৮ বিলিয়ন ডলার। বর্তমানে পুরো বিশ্বের প্রায় ৭৭% কোম্পানি Artificial Intelligence নিয়ে কাজ করার চেষ্টা করছে। এসকল কোম্পানি যেকোনো সময়েই তাদের কর্মকর্তা এবং কর্মচারীদের জন্য Artificial Intelligence কে বাধ্যতামূলক করে দিতে পারে। তখন কিন্তু আমাদের এই গতানুগতিক ধারার পড়াশুনা সম্পূর্ণ সাহায্য করতে পারবে না।

আপনি নিশ্চয়ই আপনার জীবনের কোনো না কোনো সময়ে ChatGPT, Google Bard বা এরকম কোনো Artificial Intelligence assistant ব্যবহার করেছেন অথবা নাম তো অন্তত শুনেছেন। আবার আপনাদের অনেকে হয়তবা ChatGPT ব্যবহার করার সময়ে লক্ষ্য করেছেন যে ChatGPT আপনাকে এমন সব উত্তর দিচ্ছে যেগুলো বিরক্তিকর। অথচ আপনাদের মধ্যেই অনেকে হয়তবা ChatGPT কে কাজে লাগিয়ে আপনার আগোচরে সবার থেকে ভালো কাজ করছে। আসলে এটার গোপন রহস্য কি জানেন?

ছোটবেলা থেকে আদেশ বা Command দেওয়ার প্রথা দেখতে দেখতে আমরা হয়ত ভুলেই গেছি Boss এবং Leader এর পার্থক্য। হয়তবা এই ভুলের জন্যই আমরা Artificial Intelligence এর মত সম্ভাবনাময় Software যেমন ChatGPT ব্যবহার করতে পারছি না।

এর প্রধান কারন হলো আমরা ChatGPT কে command দেওয়ার চেষ্টা করছি বারবার। এই command করার অভ্যাস বাদ দিয়ে আমাদের অভ্যাস করতে হবে কিভাবে ChatGPT বা এরকম Artificial Intelligence assistant কে আমাদের পার্সোনাল সহকারী হিসেবে কাজে লাগানো যায়। 

এরজন্য আপনাকে “Command” করার পরিবর্তে  “Prompt” করার ক্ষেত্রে Master হতে হবে। 

Prompting কি জানেন? আসলে ChatGPT কে যদি আপনি একটি নবজাতক শিশু হিসেবে চিন্তা করেন যেই শিশুর মাথায় সকল তথ্য এবং জ্ঞান আছে তাহলেই বিষয়টা বুঝতে পারবেন। আপনাকে শিশুটিকে যত্ন সহকারে বুঝায়ে তার মাথা থেকে আপনার চাহিদা মত তথ্য বের করে নিতে হবে। Basically “Prompting” বিষয়টি এরকমই। 

আপনি যদি Prompting এ Master হতে পারেন তাহলে ChatGPT আপনার চাহিদা মত সঠিক ভাবে তথ্য প্রদান করবে এবং ChatGPT হয়ে যাবে আপনার পার্সোনাল এসিস্ট্যান্ট।

Prompting বিষয়ে আরো exciting সব তথ্য নিয়ে আপনাদের সাথে অতিশীঘ্রই দেখা হবে “Mastaring in AI Prompting” ওয়ার্কশপে Bangladesh Skill Development Institute (BSDI) তে।

আপনি গতানুগতিক পড়াশুনার সাথে অথবা আপনার চাকরী বা ব্যবসার সাথে Artificial Intelligence যুক্ত করতে চাইলে “Mastaring in AI Prompting” ওয়ার্কশপটি করতে পারেন মাত্র ৪৫০ টাকার বিনিময়ে। 

এজন্য শুধু আপনাকে নিচের ফর্মটি পূরন করতে হবে।

https://admission.bsdi-bd.org/

বিস্তারিত জানতে চোখ রাখুন আমাদের ফেসবুক পেইজে..

BSDI Empowers Chattogram Professionals with Epic Training

On July 8th, 2023, Bangladesh Skill Development Institute (BSDI) and Chattogram’s renowned Epic Properties Ltd. joined forces for a special training program, empowering 60 participants from diverse departments. Led by Mr. K M Hassan Ripon, the Executive Director of BSDI and a celebrated corporate trainer, the day focused on equipping individuals with the essential tools to excel in three crucial areas:

  • Professional Strategic Negotiation Skills: Participants honed their ability to navigate negotiations with confidence and finesse, striking win-win deals while safeguarding their interests.
  • Effective Interpersonal/Influencing Skills: The program equipped participants with the tools to build authentic relationships and effectively communicate their ideas, driving positive influence and collaboration.
  • Customer Service Management: Participants learned techniques to exceed customer expectations, foster loyalty, and build brand advocacy, solidifying Epic Properties’ commitment to exceptional service.

The training program received positive feedback from the participants, who appreciated the practical and engaging approach adopted by Mr. Ripon. The collaboration between BSDI and Epic Properties demonstrates the growing commitment to skill development within the Bangladeshi corporate landscape. By equipping professionals with crucial skills, such training initiatives pave the way for enhanced productivity, improved communication, and ultimately, organizational success.

This collaboration between BSDI and Epic Properties marks a significant step towards empowering professionals in Chattogram with the skills needed to thrive in today’s competitive environment. The program’s focus on critical soft skills ensures not only individual growth but also a more impactful and customer-centric organizational culture for Epic Properties.
This successful collaboration serves as an inspiration for other businesses and training institutes to join hands, creating a vibrant ecosystem of skill development that empowers individuals and propels Bangladesh towards a future of prosperity.

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Let’s Talk with Employability Mentor: A Productive Session with Titumir College Skill Development Club

Let’s Talk with Employability Mentor session was continued its series of sessions with students from Titumir College Skill Development Club on 7th September, 2023. The session was led by K M Hasan Ripon, one of the leading employability mentors in Bangladesh. The session was attended by a total of 30 students from the club.

The session began with an introduction from Ripon, who shared his own experiences as a young person and how he overcame the challenges he faced. He then invited the students to share their own thoughts and feelings.

The students were very open and honest in their sharing. They talked about their fears of failure, their lack of confidence, and their struggles to find a job. Ripon listened carefully to their stories and offered words of encouragement and advice.

Ripon also shared some practical tips on how to improve employability skills. He talked about the importance of developing soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. He also emphasized the need to be up-to-date on current trends and technologies.

The session was a valuable opportunity for the students to learn from a seasoned mentor and to connect with other young people who are facing similar challenges. Ripon’s insights and advice will help the students to improve their employability skills and achieve their career goals.

Here are some of the key takeaways from the session:

  • It is important to be confident in your abilities.
  • Do not be afraid to ask for help.
  • Networking is essential for career advancement.
  • Be willing to learn new skills.

The students were very grateful for the opportunity to participate in the session. They expressed their appreciation for Ripon’s insights and advice.

The session was a success and it is hoped that it will be held again in the future.

Entrepreneurship development training (EDT)

The 10th batch of Food and Beverage Production Course students at Bangladesh Skill Development Institute (BSDI) have completed their 50 practical classes and are now ready for EDT training. The EDT training will provide them with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful entrepreneurs in the food and beverage industry.

The EDT training is a comprehensive program that covers a wide range of topics, including business planning, marketing, financial management, and leadership. The training is taught by experienced professionals who are passionate about helping entrepreneurs succeed.

The EDT training is a valuable opportunity for new entrepreneurs to learn the skills they need to be successful in the food and beverage industry. The training will provide them with the knowledge and confidence they need to start their own businesses and achieve their goals.

The 10th batch of Food and Beverage Production Course students at BSDI are excited about the EDT training. They are confident that the training will help them to achieve their dreams of becoming successful entrepreneurs in the food and beverage industry.

The EDT training is a great example of how BSDI is contributing to the economic development of Bangladesh. The institute is helping to create a new generation of entrepreneurs who are committed to creating jobs and opportunities for others.

“Empowering IT Freelancers: Entrepreneurship Development Training by BSD.

The 4th batch of IT Freelancing Course students at Bangladesh Skill Development Institute (BSDI) have completed their 50 practical classes and are now ready for EDT training. The EDT training will provide them with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful entrepreneurs in the IT field.

The EDT training is a comprehensive program that covers a wide range of topics, including business planning, marketing, financial management, and leadership. The training is taught by experienced professionals who are passionate about helping entrepreneurs succeed.

The EDT training is a valuable opportunity for new entrepreneurs to learn the skills they need to be successful in the IT field. The training will provide them with the knowledge and confidence they need to start their own businesses and achieve their goals.

The 4th batch of IT Freelancing Course students at BSDI are excited about the EDT training. They are confident that the training will help them to achieve their dreams of becoming successful entrepreneurs in the IT field.

The EDT training is a great example of how BSDI is contributing to the economic development of Bangladesh. The institute is helping to create a new generation of entrepreneurs who are committed to creating jobs and opportunities for others.

Here are some of the benefits of the EDT training for IT freelancers:

  • Learn how to develop a successful business plan.
  • Learn how to market your services effectively.
  • Learn how to manage your finances wisely.
  • Learn how to lead and motivate others.

The EDT training is a great way for IT freelancers to take their careers to the next level.

Seminar on “Soft Skills Development in the 5th Industrial Revolution”.

The 5th Industrial Revolution is upon us, and it is bringing with it a new set of challenges and opportunities for the workforce. In this rapidly changing world, it is more important than ever for workers to have the soft skills necessary to succeed.

Soft skills are the non-technical skills that are essential for communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. They include skills such as:

  • Communication: The ability to effectively communicate one’s ideas and thoughts, both verbally and in writing.
  • Collaboration: The ability to work effectively with others, both in teams and independently.
  • Problem-solving: The ability to identify and solve problems effectively.
  • Critical thinking: The ability to think critically and analyze information.
  • Creativity: The ability to think outside the box and come up with new ideas.

These skills are essential for success in any field, but they are especially important in the 5th Industrial Revolution. In a world where work is increasingly collaborative and cross-functional, soft skills are essential for building relationships, working effectively with others, and solving problems.

The Importance of Soft Skills Development

In recognition of the importance of soft skills, the Bangladesh Skill Development Institute (BSDI) recently organized a seminar on “Soft Skills Development in the 5th Industrial Revolution.” The seminar was attended by technology enthusiasts and young technology students from various institutions who are passionate about developing their skills and preparing for the future workplace.

The seminar was conducted by Mr. K M Hasan Ripon, the Executive Director of BSDI. Mr. Ripon discussed the importance of soft skills in the 5th Industrial Revolution and provided tips on how to develop these skills. He also highlighted the role of BSDI in providing soft skills training to young people.

The Benefits of Soft Skills Development

There are many benefits to developing soft skills. These skills can help you:

  • Improve your communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Be more effective in your work and studies.
  • Build stronger relationships with your colleagues and classmates.
  • Advance your career.
  • Be more successful in life.

If you are looking to improve your chances of success in the 5th Industrial Revolution, it is important to develop your soft skills. There are many resources available to help you, including online courses, workshops, and mentorship programs.

Conclusion

The 5th Industrial Revolution is a time of great change, but it also presents great opportunities for those who are prepared. By developing your soft skills, you can give yourself a competitive edge in the job market and set yourself up for success in the future.

Starting the first batch of the Tourism and Hospitality Management course under SDF

In a collaborative effort to drive social development, BSDI and SDF have joined forces to provide practical-based training programs for 800 underprivileged individuals across six divisions in Bangladesh.

BSDI, known for its practical training programs, will deliver six transformative courses:
1) Food & Beverage Production
2) Food & Beverage Service
3) Tour Guide
4) Ticketing & Reservation
5) Front Office Management
6) Housekeeping Operation

The journey starts on December 24, 2023, with the launch of the first batch comprising 150 eager participants. BSDI’s commitment extends beyond training, providing participants with:

Comfortable hostel facilities: A supportive environment to focus on learning and growth.
Job placement assistance: Connect with potential employers and launch your career.
Internship opportunities: Gain valuable hands-on experience in the chosen field.

BSDI & SDF Partner to Equip 800 Underprivileged Bangladeshis with Life-Changing Skills. This partnership between SDF and BSDI promises to empower hundreds of individuals, opening doors to financial stability, self-reliance, and a brighter future. Together, they are shaping lives and communities, one skill at a time.

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BSDI jointly celebrated International Women’s Entrepreneurship Day

In Bangladesh, the International Women’s Entrepreneurship Day was held in Dhaka on November 19, 2023, a global celebration of the achievements and contributions of women entrepreneurs.  the event was organized by the Bangladesh Open Source Network, the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Department of Daffodil International University, Micro Industries Development and Services (MIDAS), the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN), and the Bangladesh Skill Development Institute.

Among the guests at the event were Mr. Joseph Giblin, Chief of the Economic Unit of the U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh; Mrs. Zahida Ispahani, Chairperson of MIDAS; Mohammad Nuruzzaman, CEO of Daffodil Family; K M Hasan Ripon, National Host of Global Entrepreneurship Week, were among the distinguished Special Guests. Mr. Kamruzzaman Didar, Executive Director of the Bangladesh Skill Development Institute, Iqbal Bahar Zahid, President of the Nijer Bolar Moto Ekta Golpo present. And The program was efficiently chaired by Munir Hasan, General Secretary of BdOSN.

Mrs. Ispahani, in her speech, called for greater recognition of the contributions of women entrepreneurs. She said that women entrepreneurs are often overlooked, but they are making a significant impact on the economy. She also called for more opportunities for women entrepreneurs to network and learn from each other.
The event was a success in bringing together women entrepreneurs from across Bangladesh. It was a celebration of their achievements and a call for increased support for women entrepreneurs in the future.

Here are some of the key takeaways from the event:
Women entrepreneurs are playing a vital role in the economic development of Bangladesh.
There is a need for increased support for women entrepreneurs from the government and the private sector.
Women entrepreneurs need more opportunities to network and learn from each other.
The event was a positive step towards promoting women entrepreneurship in Bangladesh. It is hoped that such events will continue to be held in the future to celebrate the achievements of women entrepreneurs and to advocate for increased support for them.