In a bid to reduce the ripple effect of Covid-19 on the local workforce, a strategic alliance was initiated between two Sri Lankan pioneers; Dentsu Aegis Network’s Isobar Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) with its Initiative of Restart Sri Lanka with Sri Lankan Government to inculcate capabilities of students and developing a knowledge economy, for a soon-to-be digital culture.
Isobar, the digital agency from Dentsu Aegis Network, a global media and marketing communications conglomerate is offering a two-fold progamme for SLIM network of students. The programme comprises of an immersive learning of both local and global experiences and hands-on training and mentoring through an internship programme at Dentsu Aegis Network.
“We are very excited that some of our student will have the opportunity to work with digital industry greats at the end of their SLIM curriculum and for the series of webinars which will be available for our students focusing on many untapped areas in digital marketing and the industry know-how. The initial sessions had over 850 registrations and it was well received among students from diverse calibers and sectors.” said Nuwan Gamage, Vice President Education of Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM).
The first webinar was conducted by Nisal de Silva, Associate Director Digital at Isobar Sri Lanka focusing on how “COVID could be a business accelerant to digital transformation.” The session emphasized the need to build digital capabilities and value propositions for digital talent for organizations to thrive in new world dynamics. “Digital transformation is not a process that could be delegated. It’s a process an organization’s leadership should take ownership for and embrace to adopt new technologies to bring success in the end”, said Nisal.
Mohenesh Chamith Buthgamuwa, Director Isobar & Response Marketing conducted the second webinar focusing on the “COVID 19 Media Dystopia” and elaborated on the disruption created in the global advertising and media industry as a result of having the majority of the population on lockdown. The session also took daring turns on debunking some of the trending “Corona marketing myths”. “It was an honor to partner with the national marketing body – SLIM as our strategic partner. At Isobar, we look forward to the overall growth of digital as well as our contribution to the industry. This marks the beginning of a programme to enable young talents the opportunity to start their career with the right tools and environment. We are hoping to provide more opportunities within our group. Being the leading digital agency in Sri Lanka, we believe that it is our duty to expand digitally and make sure that the marketing fraternity is equipped as they enter a new era”, said Chamith.
Isobar – SLIM partnership will continue to focus on building digital capabilities in combating the Covid economic halt by taking an active role in changing siloed mindsets of students, executives and organization leaders for digital-first transformation in the country.