Ashish Tiwari, an essential figure at ACE Institute of Management since its founding in 1999, has dedicated 24 years of service to the institution. Holding dual roles as Principal and Director, his engagement dates to the institution's beginnings, actively involved in tertiary and higher education. Beyond his leadership responsibilities, he shares his knowledge as an educator and training consultant, amassing a quarter-century of experience in these fields. Recently, Mr. Tiwari sat down for a brief interview with College Readers. Excerpts:

How do you envision the future of management education in Nepal and what steps have been taken to achieve that vision?
When examining the history of management education in Nepal, it is evident that its origins are not as ancient or extensive as in other countries. It has emerged as a sector in more recent times. However, significant progress has been made in the field of management education in Nepal over the past two decades. Currently, a substantial percentage of enrollment in tertiary and higher education institutions—around 40-42 percent—is dedicated to management studies. This highlights management as the discipline with the highest enrollment figures at higher education levels. The demand for management education has notably increased over the past decades, making it the most sought-after academic discipline. Looking ahead to the future prospects of management education in Nepal, it is crucial to acknowledge that a significant portion of the population consists of young individuals. Nepal is currently experiencing a demographic dividend scenario, where the productive age group forms the highest percentage of the total population. By effectively utilizing this demographic advantage through appropriate policies and a conducive environment, significant growth can be achieved in the next 2-3 decades. Therefore, effective management is essential for overseeing institutions and achieving progress, regardless of the field. Consequently, the future of management education in the nation holds promise. It is essential to nurture more productive organizations, enhance the capabilities of individuals, and strengthen existing institutions in Nepal. However, realizing this vision depends on the presence of favorable government policies. Currently, there is a noticeable trend of individuals leaving the country to pursue opportunities abroad. Retaining the youth within the nation is crucial, as a significant outflow of talent would result in colleges and universities having fewer students to educate. The solution lies in formulating policies that stimulate industries and promote sustainability. Enhancing the quality of the teaching and learning system to an international standard is crucial. This approach is vital not only for retaining human capital but also for investing in their growth and development. Management plays a pivotal role in every aspect, emphasizing its significance in our endeavors. I foresee a positive future for management. While we are currently witnessing a phase marked by the departure of skilled individuals and students seeking opportunities abroad, it is essential to develop strategies to retain our talent pool and establish more educational institutions in Nepal. Advancement is a goal we aim for, and achieving it necessitates a well-trained workforce in the field of management. Therefore, management education is the key to realizing this vision.

In the current era, it is evident that a considerable number of students choose to pursue their higher education overseas right after completing their twelfth grade. In this regard, what challenges do you believe the field of management education is presently facing?

The trend of students opting for higher education abroad isn't limited to management alone. It spans across all education levels - primary, secondary, and tertiary. After completing twelfth grade, many students choose to study overseas. This shift isn't restricted to management but includes all academic fields. Universities are facing declining enrollments due to various reasons. One key factor is the belief among youth that Nepal lacks career opportunities, pushing them towards education abroad. This challenge isn't just about management education; it affects the entire education system. Collaboration among educators, policymakers, and the government is essential to tackle this issue. Providing concrete evidence of local opportunities is crucial. While studying abroad has benefits, it's vital to consider factors like university quality, scholarships, and post-education prospects. Many students are opting for lower-ranked foreign universities, not realizing the quality variations. Highlighting the presence of reputable local institutions and opportunities is vital. Persuading individuals about these alternatives is necessary to align education with available opportunities. Balancing the number of educated individuals with job openings is crucial, as there are more educational institutions than job prospects currently.

Does your college collaborate with industries to enhance practical experience in the field of management?
Considering the institution's history, ACE stands out as one of the establishments with strong industry partnerships. Since our inception in 1999, our primary emphasis has remained on practical relevance, leading us to forge close ties with the business world from the beginning. Our commitment has been to align education with real-world needs, fostering synergy between academia and industry. For instance, in the past year, we've established Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with over 12 organizations, totaling more than 30 to 35 MoUs with various industry partners. These agreements cover internships, placements, and projects, showcasing our extensive and dynamic collaboration with industries. ACE Institute is acknowledged by the industry as a valuable partner, benefiting our students through internships, placements, and real-world projects, integral to our educational approach.

Can you share examples of management graduates from your institution who have achieved notable success and made significant contributions in their fields?
Answering this query is complex due to our extensive alumni network, surpassing 6000 individuals with bachelor's and master's degrees. Each alum has showcased remarkable feats, not only in Nepal but globally. Singling out one standout figure from this vast pool proves challenging.

Our alumni excel in diverse sectors like private and public industries, banking, and more. Many top managers and CEOs in these fields hail from ACE Institute. For example, Kulman Ghising earned his MBA from Ace Institute of Management. Graduates hold positions such as joint secretaries and thrive in areas like tourism, hospitality, education consulting, management consulting, marketing, branding, cinema, fashion, and entertainment, among others. The range of alumni achievements is extensive. For instance, the current President of the Chartered Accountant Association of Nepal is an ACE graduate. Our alumni hold key positions like CEO, CFO, and COO in multinational banks in the US, Canada, and the UK. Furthermore, numerous successful entrepreneurs have emerged from ACE. The list of impactful alumni is vast, with their achievements and contributions spanning globally.

ACE Institute of Management is a leading and innovative management college in Nepal, affiliated with Pokhara University. Can you expand on the strengths and unique qualities that Pokhara University offers in the field of management education?

I have been associated with Pokhara University for the past 24 years. We were among the initial colleges to affiliate with Pokhara University, and our partnership stands as one of the most supportive, forward-thinking, innovative, and receptive collaborations I have encountered. Pokhara University has demonstrated remarkable progressiveness within the country, surpassing other institutions. Particularly in the field of management, Pokhara University excels, boasting the highest enrollment numbers in management education. Introducing the 4-year BBA program for the first time, Pokhara University has led the way in management education, pioneering the executive MBA program nationally. In 1999, it launched an MBA program at Ace Institute of Management, showcasing standards comparable to esteemed international universities. Pokhara University's commitment to progress, openness to novel concepts, and timely examination and result publication within 45 days highlight its exceptional strengths without prejudice.

The pursuit of improvement is continuous. Which areas should the university prioritize for enhancement?
As a member of the management subject committee at the university, I actively collaborate with the institution. Our continuous pursuit of improvement focuses on refining curriculum and course offerings. An area needing significant enhancement is aligning the curriculum with industry demands. While there is room for improvement in this area, it is promising that Pokhara University has recently established a dedicated committee to enhance collaboration with industries. A crucial improvement aspect involves ensuring the curriculum's relevance by incorporating industry insights during its development. An updated and industry-aligned curriculum is essential, which involves revising existing courses and integrating new ones as needed.

What are the key features that ACE Institute of Management stands alone in delivering quality education?

While there are various notable aspects, some key highlights of ACE Institute of Management include its strong brand identity, esteemed reputation, and impressive placement track record. Another important factor is the significant industry exposure that students gain. Furthermore, the curriculum's delivery method is a standout feature. Additionally, the institution prioritizes a holistic student experience, extending learning beyond traditional classroom settings. This dynamic approach includes active participation in diverse activities. These are factors that often draw individuals to select ACE Institute.

What advice would you give to students who are interested in pursuing a management course, especially considering the challenges and opportunities in this field?

I maintain my belief that Nepal offers ample opportunities for careers in management education. Our thorough market research confirms that organizations actively seek competent managers and leaders. The country holds great potential for management careers, along with numerous entrepreneurial prospects. Therefore, I recommend aspiring individuals not just concentrate on job openings but also consider establishing new ventures. This is a crucial point for young individuals to keep in mind. When entering college, don't just aim for a degree. Understand that education is more than a mere certificate; a degree should be a natural outcome of your educational journey. Prioritize education and learning as your primary goals. Focus on engaging in the learning process, making it your top priority. Your main focus should be on gaining knowledge and dedicating your time, energy, and efforts to this pursuit. This investment will bring lifelong benefits and rewards. Don't settle for mediocre learning experiences or low-quality degrees. I strongly believe that valuable things often require an investment. Remember that anything worthwhile usually comes with a price. So, when planning your educational path, realize that quality education is not free; it requires dedication. For young individuals embarking on their journey, if you are looking for shortcuts to success, understand that there are none. Success demands a journey and hard work; there's no way around it. Earning a higher education degree should be the result of your diligent efforts. Therefore, when choosing a degree program, opt for one that offers more than just a title – it should provide a genuine learning experience. Instead of just obtaining a degree, aim to truly possess it. Approach higher education not just to get a degree, but with a focus on learning. Learning should be your primary objective, as the degree will naturally follow. Dedicate your efforts to acquiring skills such as critical thinking, analytical abilities, effective communication, collaboration, networking, and more.