Industry Academia Collaboration Needed To Address Apparel Industry Challenges: Shahidullah Azim

Personal Representative: Acting President of BGMEA Shahidullah Azim said that industry-academia collaboration is essential to take the industry forward in the context of facing the future challenges of the apparel industry, especially the fast-changing fashion world and frequent changes in technology. 17 August 2022, North South University (NSU). At the time, he further said that apart from developing a competent and suitable workforce for the apparel industry, it is essential to establish a partnership between industry and academia for conducting research and learning for the needs of the industry. Dean of School of Business and Economics Professor Dr. Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Professor of Treasury ABM Rashedul Hasan, Chairman of Marketing and International Business Department Dr. Mohammad Tainul Haque, Marketing and International Business along with Senior Lecturer Ms. Ishrat Jahan Cynthia and faculty members and students of North South University participated. Speaking as the keynote speaker at the event, Shahidullah Azim said business dynamics in the fashion industry are changing at a rapid pace and the use of technology is increasing to meet the changing demands of consumers for diverse fashionable products. He said, “The industry-academia link is important because our growth depends on our ability to move into diversified products, and that ability requires the right skills. The job market needs to be equipped with the right skills to keep pace with contemporary production techniques, product sophistication and fashion trends.” BGMEA is setting up a “Centre of Innovation, Efficiency and OSH” or “Centre of Innovation, Efficiency and Occupational Safety and Health” at its complex in Uttara to connect the skills development and use of advanced technologies in the industry and globally. Acting president of BGMEA said, "We have taken several initiatives on behalf of BGMEA. One such initiative is the internship program, which will begin soon. We want to collaborate with NSU to engage young talent and harness their capabilities with the needs and dynamics of the industry.” He also answered various questions from NSU students on apparel industry, global business landscape, trends and career prospects in apparel industry.