James Cook University in Singapore’s CEO Lounge: Connecting students with influential industry leaders and visionaries

A recurring event where Business School students get the opportunity to pitch their business ideas and gain industry insights from Singapore’s leading CEOs.

Currently into its 7th edition, the CEO Lounge is organised every trimester by the Business School in James Cook University (JCU) in Singapore for its final semester students. Through this event, it gives students a platform to pitch business solutions to industry guests, including prominent CEOs in Singapore.

In addition, the event features panels of C-suite officers from various industries who share their invaluable career insights and engage with students in lively discussions over refreshments. These interactions provide a unique opportunity for students to network with top executives and gain firsthand knowledge of the business world. From 2023 till now, the CEO Lounge has benefitted more than 600 students, involving 28 C-suite officers from multinational corporations, small and medium enterprises, and non-profit organisations. Through the CEO Lounge, JCU in Singapore aims to help students grow their professional communication skills, develop their confidence, and become competitive employees.

“By providing our students with direct access to industry leaders and real-world business scenarios, we equip them with the necessary skills and insights to excel in their careers. This initiative not only enhances their learning experience but also prepares them to make meaningful contributions to the global business landscape,” says Professor Stephen Boyle, Acting Campus Dean and Head of Learning, Teaching & Student Engagement at JCU in Singapore.

New collaboration with the Institute for Human Resource Professionals (IHRP)

The 7th edition of the CEO Lounge took place on 21 June 2024 with the theme "Global Perspectives: Cultivating a Competitive Edge", where students heard from business and HR leaders in a panel discussion.

During the event, JCU in Singapore also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the IHRP. This new collaboration will see both parties working together to uplift HR excellence within the private education sector. The agreement, signed by Mr Aslam Sardar (Chief Executive Officer, Institute for Human Resource Professionals) and Professor Stephen Boyle, outlines plans for joint efforts in areas such as learning experiences, collaborative research activities, and knowledge exchange.

“This collaboration is a significant step towards nurturing future HR leaders and strengthening the HR community. By bringing together the expertise and resources of both organisations, we aim to create a clear pathway for JCU Singapore’s students to achieve the IHRP Certification. This will provide a strong foundation for HR excellence within the private education sector. By partnering JCU in Singapore, IHRP seeks to support the students' academic and professional growth, and at the same time develop a talent pool that meets the changing needs of the HR industry.” says Mr Sardar.

“We look forward to working with IHRP on research initiatives and knowledge exchange that will drive innovation and excellence in HR practices. This alliance is a testament to our dedication to enhancing the educational landscape and preparing our students for global challenges,” adds Professor Boyle.

JCU in Singapore looks forward to even more CEO Lounge events that will continue to connect students with industry leaders, so that they can be better prepared to meet industry expectations and excel in their future careers.

Contacts

Media: Ms Pinky Sibal pinky.sibal@jcu.edu.au / Ms Hoe Shu Rin shurin.hoe@jcu.edu.au