US leader in research and education publishing to make Sri Lanka their biggest innovation hub
John Wiley & Sons, Inc., USA, which is a global leader in research and education publishing, is reportedly looking at making Sri Lanka the company’s biggest innovation hub from 18 other centers spread all over the world.
This observation was made by Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of John Wiley to Sri Lanka Aref Matin.
At a special media round table event held in Colombo last week, Matin has told the media that they started their operations in Colombo 10 months ago and had invested around USD 5 million so far.
“We are amazed with the Sri Lanka talent of graduates and availability of them and have employed over 250. We hope to double this number within the next 18 months making Sri Lanka overtake Russia which employees around 300 staff. Wiley’s Footprint in the country will soon become the largest Technology Centre across the Wiley group globally and will play a major role in Sri Lanka’s intent of becoming a knowledge-hub.”
Commenting on the future of education, Matin has been quoted as saying that universities may become obsolete as youth may prefer to do a short one year course and gain employment rather than spending four years for higher education. “Also youth would acquire their higher education qualifications via online education and new teaching methods.”
Therefore, Wiley’s strategic move will strengthen its efforts towards the group’s digital transformation.
“The company has thrived to be the global powerhouse in the digital publishing sector and committed to deliver innovative solutions to its research and education partners and customers. For over 200 years we have been helping people and organisations in developing the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. We develop digital education; learning, assessment and certification solutions to help universities, businesses and individuals move between education and employment and achieve their ambitions. We are also one of the top two research companies in the World.”
General Manager John Wiley & Sons, Bimal Gunapa has told the media that they may also look at opening a second centre in Sri Lanka soon.
OSL take:
The statement above by a foreign business about setting up base in Sri Lanka is an expression of confidence in Sri Lanka’s continuously growing economic sectors. Foreign businesses could confidently explore business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka. Also, Sri Lanka’s geographical positioning in the Indian Ocean, the ease of doing business environment in the country and the many trade agreements as well as trade concessions enjoyed by the country have made it an attractive business destination in the South Asian region.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/25022020/Z_4 |