Pune: SIMS Students Learn About Sustainable Development of UNESCO Heritage Sites

Sothees lecture
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Pune, 14th December 2024: The International Lecture Series at Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies, Pune, is ideated by Brig. (Dr.) Rajiv Divekar, Director, SIMS & Dean, Faculty of Management, SIU, and is conducted under his guidance. It is an initiative designed to expose students to global perspectives and foster meaningful discussions on contemporary topics with international experts.

On December 13, 2024, the third session of the series was conducted for MBA second-year students at SIMS, Pune, in an online format. The guest speaker for the session was Professor Dr. Sotheeswari Somasundram, Head of Business School, University of Wollongong, Malaysia. The session, titled “Sustainable Heritage: A Case of Lenggong Valley, Perak, Malaysia,” focused on the preservation and sustainable development of heritage sites.

Sothees Somasundaram

Dr. Somasundram discussed the heritage significance of Lenggong Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and addressed the challenges faced in preserving its cultural and historical value. She linked these efforts to SDG 11.4, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding cultural and natural heritage. The session also showcased community-based entrepreneurship initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable practices while preserving the valley’s unique legacy.

The session was attended by 133 students who actively participated in the Q&A segment, reflecting their keen interest in the subject.

Dr. Ruby Chanda, Professor at SIMS, moderated the session, ensuring a smooth and engaging discussion throughout the event. The session concluded with students gaining valuable insights into the role of sustainable heritage preservation in fostering economic and cultural growth.