New Delhi, March 19, 2025: University of Southampton Delhi hosted a high-impact panel discussion, bringing together esteemed industry leaders and academic experts to deliberate on the evolving dynamics of education and workforce alignment.
The event, held in New Delhi, focused on two key themes: ‘Redefining Global Talent: Aligning Education with Industry Needs’ and ‘The Future of Work and Education: A Transnational Perspective.’
The panel discussions featured distinguished speakers from leading global organisations and academic institutions, who shared their insights on the evolving job market, the skills gap, and the role of education in preparing students for future workforce demands.
University of Southampton Delhi will welcome students in August after becoming the first international campus to be approved in India by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under National Educational Policy guidelines.
The first session focused on the critical need for educational institutions to adapt their curricula to meet the ever-changing demands of the global job market. Discussions emphasised the importance of bridging the gap between academic programmes and industry needs, ensuring that students are equipped with relevant skills and global competencies.
Panellists included Navanit Samaiyar, Managing Director and co-founder, The India Source; Subir Verma, Director, Fore School of Management; Kieron Broadhead, Deputy Vice President (Operations), University of Southampton; Pradeep Aswal, CEO, Blockchain Council; and Mussarat Hussain, HR Head, Suzuki R&D Centre India.
The second panel explored the impact of technological advancements and globalisation on the workforce, as well as how transnational education can contribute to preparing future professionals. Esteemed speakers included Dharam Rakshit, Head HR, Hero MotoCorp; Professor Deborah Gill, Vice President (Education), University of Southampton; Soumi Pal Basu, GM HR, InterGlobe Enterprises; and Sheetal Sandhu, Group CHRO, ICRA.
Speaking at the event, Kieron Broadhead, Deputy Vice President (Operations) at the University of Southampton, remarked: “This event was a great example of how education and industry can work together to prepare students for the real world. Transnational education helps bridge the gap between what students learn and what companies need. It gives students a global outlook, while also helping universities design courses that match today’s job market. Events like this are important because they bring the right people together to share ideas and build useful partnerships for the future.”
The event was organised by People Labs in collaboration with the University of Southampton Delhi, and served as a platform for knowledge exchange, fostering dialogue between academia and industry leaders to co-create strategies that ensure students are prepared for an ever-changing professional landscape. This event forms part of an ongoing programme by the University of Southampton Delhi to foster collaboration and innovative partnerships with thought leaders and employers.
