Skill Week 2025 concludes; Skill Hero Awards presented to exceptional talents

KATHMANDU: Skill Week 2025, organised by Glocal After School, an entity of Glocal, concluded with a closing ceremony in Kathmandu on Monday.

Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Security, Sharat Singh Bhandari, was the chief guest at the event attended by renowned entrepreneurs, government diplomats, and over 100 aspiring enthusiasts. The event aimed to collaborate with industry, educators, and government to promote extensive skilling opportunities and showcase emerging skills.

Addressing the programme, Minister Bhandari emphasised the need to connect skills and employment. He noted that the youths were migrating abroad. "Whatever the reason, we must create employment opportunities in our country," he added. He also highlighted the necessity for people from all levels and sections of society to learn to respect labour.

Skill Week 2025 included workshops on diverse skills, skill-focused competitions, skill shows and exhibitions, a learning hub, sessions, and entertainment components, making it an infotainment week celebrating skill. Held from January 6 to 13, experts from various fields imparted their knowledge to curious youth. Skill Week also featured competitions, exhibitions, a job and career fair, food and games, case study presentations, music, concerts, and fun elements, exploring the world of skills along with a fun fiesta.

During the programme, Asish Thakur, Chairman of Glocal, presented the Glocal Skill Hero Awards in the fields of Art and Culture, Entrepreneurship, Science and Technology, and Tourism and Hospitality.

Sushant KC, the up-and-coming singer, received the Skill x Art and Culture award for his exceptional talent in creating Nepali music that upholds Nepali values and captivates both local and international audiences.

Aayushi KC, founder and president of Khaalisisi, was honoured with the Skill x Entrepreneurship award for her innovative strategies in waste management, contributing to a greener future for Nepal and connecting a passionate recycling workforce to income.

Sanu Kaji Shrestha, an innovator in zero-waste scientific practices and a travelling professor with over 60 years of experience, received the Skill x Science & Investigation award.

Samir Thapa of Silver Mountain College was awarded the Skill x Tourism & Hospitality award.

Additionally, Glocal Chairman Thakur recognised standout students who excelled during Skill Week. Smriti Paneru and Aadarsha Shrestha, winners of the National Case Study competition, received an award and cash prize of Rs 50,000 for their comprehensive report on an industry entity.

Gaurav Sapkota, Anish Katwal, and Purnika Prajapati were each awarded Rs 5,000 for winning the Poem Competition, Innovative AI Poster Competition, and Logo Making Competition, respectively.

The event also included a panel discussion on green practices and elevating the quality of education to match international standards for graduate students pursuing opportunities within the country. The discussion featured Saurabh Jyoti, Chairman of Padma Jyoti Group; Dambar Bahadur Sunuwar, Under Secretary at the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security; and Veronique Lorenzo, European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nepal. The discussion was moderated by Stephen Driver, Principal of Embark College.

Along with Minister Bhandari, Shekhar Golchha, Chairman and Managing Director of Golchha Group also addressed the attendees, sharing their vision for bright future for Nepali graduates in local industry.

The sixth edition of Skill Week aimed to encourage students to develop skills alongside their education and understand the industry's demands for relevant skills. The event promotes retaining Nepali graduates within Nepal and bridges the gap between the education sector and the industry.

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