FEATURES

FEATURES

Next Step / What's next for Digital Financial Services in Bangladesh?

The habit of using digital payments, enforced by the pandemic, has become deeply ingrained for many, indicating a fundamental shift in consumer behaviour. Amidst pandemic-induced lockdowns and restrictions, the reliance on digital payments, including mobile money, has surged globally, contributing to the rapid expansion of registered accounts and active usage.

26m ago

Next Step / Grameenphone Academy: Bridging education gaps in Bangladesh

Moving into 2022 and beyond, the academy shifted its focus. Now, it’s about creating measurable impacts by providing hands-on training to develop highly competent freelancers capable of competing in a global marketplace. The aim was to deepen the impact of the academy's programs by linking in-house training with real freelancing opportunities and expanding its reach through strategic partnerships with various edtech firms. 

6d ago

Next Step / AI startups to watch out for in 2025

As we navigate through 2025, the startup ecosystem is experiencing a transformative era, with emerging technologies reshaping industries and daily life. Here are some of the most promising AI startups, from around the world, to watch out for in 2025.

1w ago

Next Step / Can Bangladesh become a key player in the global semiconductor industry?

While building fab facilities and manufacturing chips may require a huge sum of investment and time, there is another field that launched Bangladesh into the stage of the semiconductor industry - the VLSI (Very Large-Scale Integration), a process for creating complex ICs by designing semiconductor chips.

2w ago

Next Step / Tackling the saturation problem in Bangladesh's edtech industry

The edtech industry has come a long way since it boomed during and after the Covid-19 pandemic. This rapid expansion in the past decade has led to oversaturation in the market.

1m ago

Next Step / Revitalising Bangladesh’s jute industry through pioneering worker training

Bangladesh, historically known as a major player in the global jute industry, has long depended on the "Golden Fibre" as a key economic driver. Yet, in recent years, the sector has faced substantial challenges, ranging from reduced demand for raw jute exports to outdated processing techniques. 

1m ago

Next Step / 5 bad habits of high-potential employees

Despite emphasising the equal weightage of business and people, many organisations end up overlooking the negative impact of these ambitious talents on team morale. When left unchecked, they can have serious consequences on long term business results. Watch out for these 5 bad habits commonly found in high-potential employees.

1m ago

Next Step / Bridging the demand-skill gap in Bangladesh

'Skill-issue', a term popularised in the gaming world as a pejorative for those who struggle with difficult game levels, has been recognised by Bangladeshi youth as a barrier to showcasing their excellence in professional life. It simply refers to the gap in a person's technical skills, knowledge, tool competence, and behavioural skills as the world demands ever-increasing efficiency.

2m ago

Should you pursue a CMA degree?

While business degrees such as BBA and MBA are widely recognised, few students are aware of the professional credentials available in business, particularly in accounting. Beyond standard undergraduate or postgraduate qualifications, additional professional degrees can enhance career prospects significantly. One such option within accounting is the Cost and Management Accountant (CMA) qualification, which merits closer examination.

2m ago

Driving sustainable growth in Bangladesh's garment sector through local service providers

The demand for consultancy-led, workforce-oriented training mirrors a bigger industry movement toward greater inclusion and sustainability. Factories that have adopted these training models talk of measurable improvements in productivity, product quality, and overall worker morale.

2m ago

Can a hybrid workplace model save Dhaka from losing work hours?

A hybrid workplace paradigm offers employees freedom and support by combining in-person and remote work. More autonomy and a better work-life balance increase employee engagement in a mixed workplace. Employers gain from developing a more dependable, productive, and healthier workforce.

2m ago

Iceland's four-day work week: A success story

Iceland has emerged as a pioneer in work-life balance and economic innovation, outshining most of its European peers thanks to a bold experiment in reducing working hours to four days a week, without cutting pay.

2m ago

Reverse brain drain: just another trend or a real opportunity?

Months after the trending 'reverse brain drain' hashtag, it appears that the initial momentum has faded. The conversation seems to have stalled, and we are yet to see a tangible wave of skilled expatriates returning home to rebuild alongside us.

3m ago

From intern to CEO: The career journey of Nike's Elliott Hill

Elliott Hill’s rise from intern to CEO at Nike stands out as an inspiring and rare example of loyalty and career growth. Starting in 1988 as an intern, Hill now prepares to assume leadership as President and CEO of Nike on October 14, 2024, marking the culmination of a 32-year journey with the company.

3m ago

Empowering self-sufficiency in Bangladesh: Specialised ICT training for people with disabilities

The growth of AI and digital skills in Bangladesh is creating new opportunities for people with disabilities, offering fresh hope for greater inclusion in the workforce. One such initiative is currently being implemented by the Building Youth Employability Through Skills (BYETS) project of Swisscontact, in collaboration with the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP).

4m ago

Protecting innovation: The need to keep politics out of startup funding

For many young founders, who are often at the forefront of our startup scene, this political interference is particularly disheartening. These entrepreneurs are known for their drive, creativity, and willingness to challenge the status quo.

4m ago

The future of leadership is kindness

In recent years, the business world has seen a paradigm shift in the qualities we value in leaders. Long gone are the days when assertiveness and strength were seen as the sole indicators of effective leadership.

6m ago

The edtech dilemma: Understanding the pivot towards “offline” models

A hybrid model, offering both online and offline learning experiences, seems to be the answer. Online platforms provide interactive content and self-paced learning, while offline methods such as workshops, peer group discussions, and practical sessions foster hands-on learning and critical thinking.

6m ago