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 Upcoming Events |
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 "Aspirations 2010" International Education Exhibition, 3 - 4 July in Colombo & 6 July in Galle |
Past Events |
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The event ‘ Quiz it and Rock it with Steve Waugh’ Indefinitely Postponed
Due to the terrorist attacks on Friday the 20th of February, the Australian Government has issued a travel advisory to Australians and as a result unfortunately The Management of mr. Steve Waugh has decided it is is in his best interest not to travel to Sri Lanka until further notice from Australian Government.
As such Aspiraions Education regrets to inform you that the Cricket Quiz with Steve Waugh scheduled to be held at the Cinnamon Grand , Atrium Lobby on 25th February will be postponed indefinielty. |
1. Pathbreakers 2 - The Aspirations Conquest – October 2008
Pathbreakers is not your average reality show. It is a refreshing take on the reality format where brains are matched up with survival skills. Mixing elements from the tried-and-tested Television Quiz format with the ever-popular Reality Show, Pathbreakers put to test both knowledge and interpersonal skills of contestants.
The Aspirations Conquest was the second season of the hit reality TV show Pathbreakers. The objective of the show is to allow school-going children an opportunity to showcase their abilities and prove themselves in a competitive environment. It was an occasion to apply what they learn in classrooms within a whole new, stimulating context.
The initial briefing was done by Mr. Lakshman Bandaranayake, Chief Executive/Managing Director, Vanguard Management Services (Pvt) Ltd and Mr. Ajith Abeysekera, Chairman Aspirations Education on Sunday 28th of September at the Galle Face Hotel.
The show featured 50 school-goers (aged above 15yrs) selected from 200 contestants who competed with each other through a series of challenges that demand skills that make up the leaders of tomorrow. The Aspirations Conquest was telecasted as a weekly prime time TV show on Sri Lanka’s premier entertainer ETV and was also air Derana.
The grand winner Kushan Felix of St. Peters College, Bambalapititya was awarded an all expenses paid guided tour to Malaysia and Singapore including visits to world class universities and institutes in the two countries.
Mr. Ajith Abeysekera, Chairman, who pioneered and sponsored the Pathbreakers shows had this to say about Aspirations Conquest. “The main purpose of organising an innovative show of this magnitude was to provide opportunities for students to showcase their intelligence and innate talents, enhance leadership qualities and improve skills in teamwork. It gave them the rare exposure to come on TV and experience the intricacies associated with a reality TV show. They have learnt through this experience that it required much more than knowledge and intelligence to face a competitive show of this nature. One has to be smart, confident, quick on the uptake and also prompt with one’s responses”.
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2. National Entrepreneurship Week Sri Lanka (NEW 08) –Exhibition Partner and Strategic Dialogue – November 2008
A. Exhibition Partner
Making graduates more employable is a global challenge and universities around the world are becoming more entrepreneurial to face this challenge. Sri Lanka is exploring how to create an entrepreneurial culture within its state universities. As a result the Government of Sri Lanka has declared a National Entrepreneurship Week from 24th to 30th November 2008 to address 'Graduate Entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka'. With this objective British Council together with the Ministry of Higher Education and UGC organized a series of events throughout this National Entrepreneurship Week to create nationwide awareness on entrepreneurship.
In this initiative, Aspirations Education the premier Career Guidance and Placement Centre was selected as the Exhibition and Strategic partner and was entrusted with the task of organizing and conducting the exhibition and the roundtable discussion and action planning in partnership with the British Council. The exhibition which was held on 29 and 30 November 2008 at the BMICH. Organizations representing various fields participated in this exhibition
This provided the corporate sector participants the opportunity to meet their prospective employees and enlighten them on the various skills and competencies required for gainful employment. Students on the other hand received first hand information about the job opportunities available in the different sectors.
B. Strategic Dialogue
The Strategic Group discussion initiated by Aspirations Education Foundation was held on Sunday 30 November 2008 with the participation of Academics, Students and Corporate Sector Representatives. This discussion was held among 3 groups, and explored the causes and consequences of graduate unemployment and the gaps between the employee expectations and what is on offer from graduates. This discussion was moderated by Dr. Uditha Liyanage who is the Head of the Postgraduate Institute of Management and Prof. Dayalal Abeysekera, professor of Sociology at the University of Sri Jayawardanapura. Many top corporate personalities, high level academics both from Sri Lanka as well as from the UK and enthusiastic university students took part in this event. This strategic discussion gave an opportunity to understand the parties involved in the human resource cycle better.
According to the observers this event was highly successful and was an eye opener for university students, academics as well as for the corporate sector
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3. Pathbreakers Season 1- August 2007
Pathbreakers takes the credit for being the first English language simulation of the reality show format in Sri Lanka. Aspirations Education together with some of the leading foreign Universities around the world developed & broadcast a reality show, where contestants analyzed issues and decisions of real-time organizations. 8 teams, representing leading educational institutes in the field of business and management in Sri Lanka, competed in the show. The participating teams simulated the role of “Management Consultants” to an organization’s Board of Directors.
Each team of participants was given a case study on a specific business management issue of a real-time business. Based on this case study, each team was to report their findings and recommendations to the Board on how to tackle the issue. The team with the best management insights and coordination won the day.
The series was produced and broadcast on ETV in 2007. The show ensures high entertainment value and inspirational learning outcomes for both participants and viewers.
The teams were judged by an elite panel of academics and industry professionals comprising of Dr. Uditha Liyanage-Head of Academic Affairs and Senior Lecturer of Marketing at PIM, Mr.Deepal Suriyaarachchie- Managing Director, Eagle Insurance and Ms. Kasturi Wilson- Chief Process Officer , Hemas Holdings Ltd.
It was a new experience and a challenge for all participants who represented Imperial Institute of Higher Education (IIHE)., Academy of Business Studies ( ABS), Australian College of Business and Technology (ACBT ), Royal Institute of Colmbo ( RI ), Institute of Technological Studies (ITS), Imperial College of Business Studies ( ICBS ) Virtual Business School, and ICFAI institute.
Tharaka Perera, Gimhani Gunasinghe, Vinushi Wickramaratne and Anushka De Silva represented IIHE was awarded the challenge trophy, certificates and a cash prize of Rs. 100,000.ACBT Team who were the runners-up won a trophy and certificates too. Gimhani Gunasinghe of IIHE was adjudged the best female presenter and Kushan Weerasuriya of ACBT was adjudged the best male presenter and were awarded a cash prize of and a certificate each.
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Aspirations Education Exhibitions
1. Aspirations Education International Exhibition – July 2008
Aspirations 2008 – International Education Exhibition was held in Colombo on 5th and 6th July and in Kandy on 8th July was an immense success with students and parents from all parts of the country attending in large numbers. It was a rare occasion where representatives from 23 Universities and Institutes from Australia, UK, USA, Malaysia and Singapore participated.
The organizers planned it in such a way where students could get first hand information and details pertaining to the different universities and institutes with regard to courses, levels of study, financial requirements, accommodation, recreational facilities etc. They got the opportunity to make comparative study and select what was best to suit their individual requirements. Those with the relevant qualifications could get on the spot offers in order to commence studies at the earliest intakes.
Aspirations Education has been conducting such exhibitions annually over the last few years. With the wide publicity given through the print and electronic media, and more so with the meticulous planning of every aspect of this event, this year’s exhibition became a roaring success.
2. Future Minds - (Month ?) 2008
Shedding more light on Education & Career Options
Aspirations Education took part in the Future Minds 2008 Educational, IT and Trade Fair in 2008. Organized by the Nalanda College Junior Old Boys Association, this exhibition attracted a large number of participants in all age categories. As a Career Guidance Service which has won the confidence of students and parents, Aspirations Education took this opportunity to highlight its unique services offered to the students across the country.
3. Aspirations International Education Seminar for Teachers in Kandy – November 2007
An International Education Seminar was conducted by Aspirations Education in November 2007 at the Queens Hotel for teachers and Career Guidance Counsellors of schools in Kandy District. The purpose of the seminar was to make them aware of the various opportunities available for higher studies in reputed foreign universities and institutes overseas.
4. Adyapana Higher Education and Career Exhibition - August 2007
Aspirations Education was the principal sponsor of “ADYAPANA 2006, a Higher Education and Career Exhibition”, which was held for the second consecutive year. At the exhibition representatives from over 35 international Universities and institutes were present and each university/institute provided information by way of presentations, seminars and even individual interviews for the benefit of the students. Since they offer programmes from Foundation to Undergraduate leading up to the Postgraduate level encompassing a wide variety of fields, students were at an advantage to decide for themselves, what suited them the most. Adyapana – 2007 Higher Education and Career Exhibition was organized by Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services, and was held at Sirimavo Bandaranayke Memorial Exhibition Center located at the BMICH premises from 5th to 7th October from 10 am to 8 pm, where admission was free of charge for all visitors.
Adyapana – 2007 was positioned mainly targeting those students who had just sat for their A/Ls as well as those who had passed the A/Ls in the previous years, but were unable to gain admission due to limited accommodation in the State universities.
5. Malaysian Education Exhibition - March 2006
Aspirations Education held the Malaysian Education Exhibition for the second successive year at Galadari Hotel on the 18th and 19th of March 2006. Ten reputed Universities and Institutions in Malaysia participated at this exhibition. Over one thousand students and parents attended the exhibition on both days and made use of the opportunity to get first hand information about the courses available and the relevant requirements to follow the selected courses.
Deshabandu Prof. Tuley de Silva, scholar and an eminent educationist, President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Sri Lanka and the immediate Past President of Sri Lanka Association for Advancement of Science was the chief guest at this occasion. He stated that having started with just one University the country presently has 15 Universities including the Open University which caters to different age groups including different options for the working executives. He further explained in detail the current scenario regarding the policies of University selections where only a limited number of students qualify for University admissions annually though over hundred thousand become eligible. This is due to the lack of infrastructure facilities to cater to a larger section of the student population which deprives quite a number of qualified students, the opportunity to continue higher studies in their home country.
It is in this context that the service rendered by career guidance services such as Aspirations Education should be applauded, he added. They offer pathways to those who are left behind and others who are interested to find suitable courses in foreign Universities and Institutes in Countries like Australia, Malaysia, United Kingdom, Singapore, New Zealand, China etc.
With the students’ interest at heart, the Chairman Mr. Ajith Abeysekera, the Managing Director Ms. Daphne Abeysekera and their well trained staff provide accurate information and offer the most comprehensive service in career guidance absolutely free of charge, making it so convenient to both students and parents alike.
Mr. Ajith Abeysekera expressed his views about the present demand for higher education among the Sri Lankan Students. However competitive the market is, there is a higher preference for Malaysia which is in close proximity to Sri Lanka as well as culturally and climatically closer to us. Further the low cost of living, safe environment and easy visa procedures with no special financial requirements are the other factors that attract our students to Malaysia. However, he emphasized that as beneficiaries of a free education system in our country, students who qualify abroad have a duty and obligation to serve their motherland in whatever possible way, either by returning to Sri Lanka or from abroad.
Mr. Sahan Kulatunga; who a past student of Monash University, Malaysia & Australia was there to speak about his experience and achievements which was so encouraging and inspiring to the prospective students. He expressed his gratitude to Mr. and Mrs Abeysekera for all the support and guidance extended to him, which helped him immensely to select the correct path and succeed in life.
The Aspirations Education web site, www.aspirations.edu.lk was also officially launched on this occasion by the Chief Guest Prof. Tuley de Silva.
Aspirations Education participated in the following exhibitions held during the year 2006 & 2005 respectively.
6. Adyapana – August 2006
Aspirations Education was the main sponsor of “ADYAPANA 2006 Higher Education and Career Exhibition” organized by Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services. The exhibition had over 45 international universities and institutes offering programmes from Foundation, to Postgraduate levels encompassing a wide variety of fields, students were at an advantage to decide for themselves, what suited them most. Adyapana – 2006 Higher Education and Career Exhibition was organised by, and was h
eld at Sirimavo Bandaranayke Memorial Exhibition Center located at the BMICH premises from 11th to 13th August from 10 am to 8 pm, where admission was free of charge for all visitors.
7. National HR Conference – June 2006
8. Education Fair at Lyceum International School - 2006
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9. Pre -Departure briefing-Nottingham, Malaysia - August 2006 and 2005
10. EDEX - January 2006
11. Education & Career Exhibition - 2005
12. Edutex Sri Lanka - 2005
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13. Education and Career Fair - 2005
14. EDEX -January 2005
15. Malaysian Education Exhibition - July 2005
Aspirations Education, as the leading placement centre for reputed Universities and Institutes in Malaysia, organised the Malaysian Education Exhibition at the Galadari Hotel in July, 2005. The Malaysian High Commissioner for Sri Lanka HE; Nazirah Hussain was the chief guest on this occasion. With the participation of 12 prestigious Universities and Institutes in Malaysia it was a great success as a large number of parents and students attended the exhibition.
16. Australian Education Exhibition – August 2005
Aspirations Education serves as one of the leading placement centers for a range of internationally recognized Universities and Institutes in Australia.
They organized the "Australian Education Exhibition" in Gampaha in August 2005 where 11 highly acclaimed Australian Universities and Institutes participated.
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