La Trobe University, Colombo in collaboration with Study Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, and La Trobe University, Australia organized a panel discussion on “AI and Future Employment Opportunities.” The event focused on providing valuable insights into the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the workforce and it concluded successfully on 25th April at La Trobe University Colombo.

It brought together distinguished academics from La Trobe University, school principals, teachers, industry experts, and education leaders, who shared valuable perspectives on how artificial intelligence is transforming industries, reshaping career pathways, and creating new opportunities for the future workforce.

The event was honoured by the presence of distinguished guests including:

• Michelle Wade – Victoria’s Commissioner to South Asia, Global Victoria, State Government of Victoria, Australia
• David Walker – Associate Dean, Learning & Teaching, La Trobe Business School
• Louise Lexis – Associate Dean, Learning & Teaching, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University
• Lisa Ritchie – Lecturer, School of Psychology and Public Health, and Deputy Coordinator of the Postgraduate Programs in Rehabilitation Counselling, La Trobe University
• Amit Malhotra – Senior Regional Director (South Asia and Africa), La Trobe University
• Piyush Wahi – Associate Director (South Asia & Africa), La Trobe University

The discussion explored key AI topics including the future of work, emerging career opportunities, the importance of digital skills, the ethical use of AI, AI applications in business and healthcare, automation trends, and how students can prepare for an evolving global job market.

Ms. Wade, Victoria’s Commissioner to South Asia, Global Victoria, State Government of Victoria, Australia, remarked that the discussion underscored the growing importance of strong collaboration between education providers and industry stakeholders in equipping students with the skills required to navigate the opportunities emerging from artificial intelligence and the evolving world of work.

Professor Amalia Di Iorio, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Educational Partnerships), La Trobe University, said: “Our partnership reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to high-quality international education through a model that is both globally aligned and locally responsive. Through this partnership, students can access La Trobe University’s academic standards alongside strong local insight, ensuring an education that is both internationally relevant and contextually grounded. At La Trobe University, Colombo, this provides a clear pathway for students to commence their degrees in Sri Lanka while developing the perspective and capabilities required to lead in an AI-driven global economy.”

The event showcased La Trobe University’s commitment to raising awareness of emerging trends and the essential skills required to excel in relevant fields, whether as a student, professional, or educator.

La Trobe University Colombo

La Trobe University Colombo offers globally recognized higher education pathways to La Trobe University, Australia, in Business and Information Technology. Students can complete the first year of their degree in Colombo and transfer to Australia for the remaining two years.

Students enrolled in the Diploma in IT can choose majors such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Information Systems, or Network Engineering.

Meanwhile, students pursuing the Diploma in Business can specialize in Business Analytics, Digital Business, International Business, Event Management, Tourism and Hospitality, Management, Accounting, Finance, Enterprise, Marketing, or Human Resource Management.

La Trobe University Colombo is committed to delivering academic excellence on par with La Trobe University, Australia, ensuring students receive a globally recognized education and the skills needed to succeed in an evolving world.

If you are interested to gain further information regarding the programs offered by La Trobe University Colombo Campus, call on +94 711 263 263 or visit us at 36, Alfred House Avenue, Colombo 03.

The post La Trobe Colombo’s “AI and Future Employment Opportunities” Panel Discussion Concludes on a High Note appeared first on Newswire.

A bold call for sweeping reforms in capital and talent mobility was issued by Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy, who declared that such changes are “non-negotiable” if Sri Lanka is to achieve its ambitious goal of building a US$ 15 billion digital economy.

Delivering the keynote address at the post AGM session of the Sri Lanka Association for Software and Services Companies (SLASSCOM) on Thursday, Dr. Wijayasuriya one of the key architects of the government’s DIGIECON 2030 strategy outlined a powerful vision for Sri Lanka’s digital transformation.

“We are at a critical inflection point,” he said. “To move from a service-based economy to one that creates products and owns IP, we must create a frictionless environment. We cannot expect innovators to build global companies if their wings are clipped by outdated regulations.”

The “Three T’s”: Talent, Trust, Transformation

At the core of Dr. Wijayasuriya’s address was a strategic framework he defined as the “Three T’s” – Talent, Trust, and Transformation with capital and talent mobility identified as the enablers to unlock all three.

On Talent, he challenged traditional norms in education, suggesting it’s time to rethink the relevance of four year degrees in the age of AI.

“Can we not be radical and transform our education system so that talent can be developed in 18 months and join the workforce?” he asked, presenting a bold vision for Sri Lanka to become the “AI talent capital of Asia.”

This vision, he stressed, depends heavily on talent mobility seamless access for global experts to contribute to local innovation and for Sri Lankan talent to thrive on the global stage.

On Trust, Dr. Wijayasuriya emphasized the need to position Sri Lanka as a trusted brand for global digital investment. He urged SLASSCOM to lead the way in upholding ethical standards, IP protection, and cybersecurity, all of which are now seen as critical competitive advantages.

On Transformation, he called for a national shift from offering low value outsourcing services to developing high-value, globally scalable digital solutions, including “Digital Transformation as a Service” and eventually nurturing Sri Lankan headquartered product companies.

“This transformation is impossible without capital mobility,” he stated. “Investors need the confidence that the capital they put into Sri Lankan innovation can flow freely to scale globally.”

SLASSCOM’s Role: Catalyst for Reform

Dr. Wijayasuriya positioned SLASSCOM as the key private sector force to advocate for these reforms. He urged the association and its members to champion the mindset shift needed to take full advantage of the digital economy opportunity.

“The time for incremental change is over. If we are serious about building a $15 billion digital economy, the policies that restrict capital and talent flow must be reimagined urgently,” he concluded.

As Sri Lanka charts its course toward becoming a regional digital powerhouse, Dr. Hans’ message was clear: unlocking capital and talent isn’t optional, it’s essential.

The post Capital & Talent Policy Overhaul “Non-Negotiable” to Build $15Bn Digital Economy – Dr. Hans appeared first on Newswire.