The first cohort of Pelsung graduated today in Gelephu at a ceremony attended by the Prime Minister. A total of 324 Pelsups took part in the first cohort. The initiative aims to develop highly skilled, innovative and entrepreneurial Bhutanese to support the country’s evolving economic landscape. Pelsung is the flagship youth initiative of GMC, created to build a disciplined, capable and future-ready generation.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Prime Minister said that the visionary initiatives of His Majesty the King have generated strong global interest, with several multi-billion-dollar companies keen to invest and establish their presence in Bhutan. He said such investments will require a highly skilled workforce, and highlighted that Pelsups will play a crucial role as the future guardians of the nation’s economy.
“As you graduate, continue on your innovation journey, begin your entrepreneurial journey, work with resolve and always remember the trust and confidence His Majesty has placed in you as the guardians of our economy.”
Alongside the graduation ceremony, the Pelsups showcased and presented more than 80 innovative business ideas to guests and officials.
“I joined Pelsung thinking I would learn new things, and to tell you all, I was not wrong. I learnt many new things, met different kinds of people, and gained different perspectives. It helped me open up and accept those perspectives,” said Sonam Choki, Pelsup.
Meanwhile, Pelsung officials said the most promising ideas from the cohort will receive further support through an Innovation Lab that will be set up at the Gelephu Mindfulness City.
“Hereafter, the best ideas will be taken to the Innovation Lab at GMC, where we will help improve them and make their ideas better and ready,” said Phub Dorji, Interim Executive Director, Pelsung.
Pelsung will also roll out a Build and Sustain Pathway to help graduates turn new ideas into real work opportunities, based on future needs and individual interests.
Meanwhile, the second batch is currently undergoing training, and the third cohort is expected to be announced by the end of this month. Training for the new batch is scheduled to begin next month.
Passang Dorji/Karma Wangdi, Gelephu
Edited by Sonam Pem
