AOD Graduate School launched with MA programs in Design Innovation to support Sri Lankan industries with future forward talent – Adaderana Biz English | Sri Lanka Business News
The AOD Graduate School was formally launched by the EU Ambassador in Sri Lanka, H.E Denis Chaibi at a ceremony following the AOD convocation held earlier this year, to fulfill and support the demands of the industry and ensure those currently working in the industry remain relevant and ahead. The newly launched AOD Graduate School kicks off offering 3 future forward MA programs in Design Innovation, Design Management & Entrepreneurship and Contour Fashion in a powerful partnership with the De Montfort University, UK.
With the rapidly changing dynamics of the industry, accelerated by changes brought about by the pandemic, the future demands a new type of talent with a unique skill set with creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship qualities being at their core. “The traditional employee – employer as we know it, is over. There is no better sector to embrace this disruption and lead it than the creative sector. Creativity and innovation has always disrupted and led the way,” says Linda Speldewinde, Founder and Chairperson of AOD.
Further sharing her view on the jobs of the future and role of designers, she adds “Progressive designers are well poised to lead industries in its next phase of transformation. Design has never been limited to aesthetic. It’s a mindset and way of solving problems with creativity. Those who are able to couple their creativity with entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial skills will be unstoppable. AOD Grad School aims to support the industry by providing such talent the future will demand, and will continue to strengthen its position as a total design education provider and trusted partner of industry”
Creating dynamic innovators and entrepreneurs to lead industry transformation
MA Design Innovation and the MA in Design Management and Entrepreneurship will no doubt be highly sought after qualifications in the future across industries and provides the opportunity for those who have followed a related field in their undergraduate studies or has relevant industry experience to upskill themselves.
The MA Design Innovation explores key design skills and creative outlook and caters to varied design interests whether in retail, product design or interior, footwear or visual communication and more! MA Design Management and Entrepreneurship develops the key skills and innovative approach required by entrepreneurs and industry professionals to be intraprenuers. The program will teach one to examine global challenges in the business of design, explore the use of design management and design thinking, brand management, examining the role of design in service industries and developing business planning skills with awareness in international markets.
Producing contour fashion specialists that will be irreplaceable in the competitive and dynamic apparel industry
The apparel industry in Sri Lanka is known for specialist fields such as lingerie, swimwear, performance wear and athleisure. The sector is changing rapidly with shifts in consumer behavior and is in high demand following the global shift to remote working, which has led to a growth in comfort-inspired, fashion-driven work attire. With the trust of the iconic global brands to produce these technical products, Sri Lanka’s apparel sector is on its journey towards becoming a specialist manufacturing hub for contour fashion.
The demand for contour fashion designers and specialist therefore becomes much more evident given the dynamic nature of this sector and the unique skills required to excel further and to elevate the standards of the apparel industry to greater heights as a specialist hub. The contour fashion program by DMU is a highly sought after qualification and one of the few in the world in this specialist area. AOD Graduate School now brings this renowned program to Sri Lanka, making it accessible.
With opportunities to dive into live industry projects and be up to date with the latest sector developments, AOD’s Graduate School offers an unmatchable array of future forward opportunities with these Masters qualifications that will ensure one is a step ahead. Attractive financial schemes are also in place for those interested.
Enrollments are now open for June 2021 commencement for all three MA programs. Geared for the working professional, the programs will be conducted on Saturdays. For more information on the MA programs reach out to [email protected] / +94 77 584 7772 or walk in between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday – Colombo Innovation Tower, No 477, R A De Mel Mawatha, Colombo 4.
Caption: H.E Denis Chaibi, EU Ambassador in Sri Lanka and Dr. (Hon DCL) Linda Speldewinde, Founder and Chairperson AOD