In a bid to enhance exposure of its students towards the manufacturing sector, the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM-A) has tied up with Samsung India Electronics Pvt. Ltd. (SIEL). As part of the partnership, the premier B-school has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the leading digital technology company for a scholarship program for management students.
Under the 'Samsung Scholarship Program', five meritorious students from the first year batch of IIM-A's flagship post graduate management program (PGP) will be selected to avail the Samsung scholarship which will be used to fund the second year of their course at the institute.
According to Samir Barua, director of IIM-A, around 60-70 per cent of tuition fees of the students will be sponsored by Samsung under the scholarship program. Additionally, the selected students will get an opportunity to engage and interact with the Samsung senior management to facilitate better understanding and greater knowledge sharing.
Talking about the MoU, Barua said, "The association with Samsung, we believe, would not only motivate students to excel academically but also look for opportunities in the manufacturing sector. Usually, students are more inclined towards the service sector. "
To participate in the 'Samsung Scholarship Program', students from IIM-A are required to submit their candidature to the institute. The expert jury comprising of IIM-A faculty and Samsung leadership will choose the candidates who will be awarded the Samsung Scholarships. The five meritorious students out of the shortlisted candidates will be mapped and chosen on three parameters – first year's score, leadership skills and conceptual and interpersonal skills.
Elaborating on the MoU, JS Shin, president and chief executive officer, Samsung South West Asia said, "Our Scholarship Program here at the IIM-A , seeks to grow beyond financial support to the students to encompass a healthy industry-academia partnership and engagement. As part of this program , we would like to give these students a healthy exposure to our company and our industry, so that we can contribute to the holistic development of these students."