SLIM Organises ‘Your Future with a Professional Qualification’ Knowledge Sharing Forum

The Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) recently conducted a knowledge sharing forum themed ‘Your Future with a Professional Qualification’. The forum was held at the Bandaranayaka Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH). Prof. Sampath Amaratunga, Chairman, Board of Study, SLIM and Chairman, University Grants Commission, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Dr. Madhuka Udunuwara, Consultant – Education (SLIM) and Senior Lecturer – Management Faculty, University of Colombo; Dr. Pradeep Edward, Chief Executive Officer, Lanka Hospitals Diagnostics and Advisor to Business Development at SLIM, and Prabath Ambegoda, Chief Corporate and Digital Officer, Sri Lanka Telecom joined the knowledge sharing forum as speakers to enlighten the audience. The forum was moderated by Ahamed Aroos, Chief Operating Officer, Rainco (Pvt) Ltd. The knowledge sharing forum was named “The Voice of SLIM” to highlight the recent revamp of the Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing Management programme at SLIM.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing Management is a unique programme designed for aspiring marketers who wish to embark on a thriving career in marketing and brand building arenas. In order to groom future marketers to excel in the dynamic corporate world, SLIM has upgraded the course structure, adding novel topics and subject areas such as Digital Marketing, AI, Reputation Management, CRM, Entrepreneurial Marketing and Market Data Analysis, to develop the desired skills needed to respond to international marketing challenges. The revamped Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing Management programme, ensures providing a comprehensive knowledge about the key marketing management theories while educating the students on their practical application. The 18-month programme consists of 4 levels; Diploma in Marketing Management, Higher Diploma in Marketing Management, Graduate Diploma in Marketing Management and Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing Management. While the duration of each of the first three stages will be 4 months, the final stage will last for 6 months.

With various assessment criteria to evaluate the performance of students, the course ensures a continuous learning and development process. The graduate-level of the course focuses on wide concepts such as Sustainability and Strategic Marketing Planning, and every student is required to carry out an individual research study to complete the final level. With an experienced panel of expert lecturers, SLIM is synonymous with bringing out the best in students. The revamping of the programme was initiated and executed by the Education Reforms Committee of SLIM headed by Prof. Arosha S. Adikaram, who is currently an academic of the Human Resource Management Faculty at the University of Colombo. The structural change of the course was implemented upon the approval of the Institute’s Board of Study lead by Prof. Sampath Amarathunga, who is currently serving as the Chairman of the University Grants Commission. He highlighted the importance of obtaining a professional qualification on top of an academic qualification as well. Moreover, Prof Amaratunga believes that such individuals have an added advantage in the competitive job market.

Following the revamp, SLIM expects to add more value to the industry by igniting the potential of budding marketers, who one day will steer the local and global corporates towards greater heights. With the vision of leading the nation’s efforts towards economic prosperity and the mission of establishing marketing as the driving force to enhance business and national value, SLIM actively promotes marketing as an essential business philosophy.

Sharing his ideas, Roshan Fernando, President, SLIM said, “SLIM being the National Body for marketing strives to elevate the marketing profession in the country. This forum was held to signify the revamp of SLIM PGDIPMM to suit the industry standards. The PGDIP students get the opportunity to learn from the cream of the industry as they possess extensive experience and unparalleled expertise, while bearing comprehensive practical knowledge on Marketing Management.”

“We have revamped this course to add more value to the students and help them stay abreast with the latest trends and practices in marketing.  Most of the top corporates in the country have placed their trust in the quality of education provided by SLIM and give priority to the PGHDIP holders in recruiting marketing professionals. Moreover, the students are given the opportunity to participate in numerous national level events organised by SLIM, including SLIM NASCO and SLIM EFFIES. The SLIM Toastmasters Club is an ideal place to improve soft skills such as public speaking and presentations”, stated Nuwan Gamage, Vice President – Education, SLIM.

“We always make sure that the PGDIP, which is the most recognised marketing qualification in the country, evolves with time and the dynamism of the corporate world. Through this programme, we aim to produce top-notch marketers to work in tandem with the veteran marketers. Marketing is one of the most lucrative and rewarding professions in the world, and marketers across the globe are at the helm of renowned top international companies”, mentioned Sanath Senanayake, Chief Executive Officer and, Executive Director, SLIM.