Industry Talk (1) & (2)
Industry Talk (1) & (2)
The Industry Talk (1) & (2) session at ICEBTM 2025 was chaired by Prof. Dr. Jonathan Liu, International Business School, Manchester, UK, and Prof. Dr. Daniel W. Lund, Pro Vice-Chancellor of IUB. The session featured engaging presentations by Mr. Syed Nasim Manzur, Managing Director of Apex Footwear Limited, and Dr. Derek Westfall from Oregon State University, USA. The discussions focused on youth skills development, the evolution of manufacturing in Bangladesh, and the strategic importance of supply chain innovation.
The session opened with remarks from Prof. Dr. Jonathan Liu, who reflected on the divide between academia and industry. Drawing from his experience at a recent conference in the United States, he highlighted that young people in both London and Dhaka face similar structural challenges. He emphasized the need for students and young professionals to develop transferable skills, strengthen critical thinking, and cultivate a strong moral compass to navigate an increasingly complex global workplace.
Mr. Syed Nasim Manzur discussed Bangladesh’s manufacturing trajectory, highlighting the country’s historical evolution from a state-controlled sector after independence to an entrepreneurial boom during the “Roaring Eighties” and later expansion through local production and import substitution in the 1990s. He emphasized the importance of resilience, innovation, and source diversification as Bangladesh transitions from a labor-intensive economy toward sustainable and ESG-focused manufacturing. Mr. Manzur also noted current labor challenges, including rising unemployment, and identified growth opportunities in sectors such as FMCG, food, transportation, mobile phones, and pharmaceuticals.
Dr. Derek Westfall focused on the strategic role of third-party logistics (3PL) in modern supply chains. He highlighted that companies must concentrate on their core strengths while leveraging 3PL services for operations such as kitting, light assembly, quality checks, packaging, and postponement. Dr. Westfall discussed the complexities arising from frequent changes in manufacturing partners, including scope creep, communication challenges, and operational delays. He stressed that effective 3PL partnerships require clear communication, alignment, and detailed Statements of Work (SOWs) to ensure efficiency and maintain competitive advantage.
The session concluded with a dynamic Q&A segment and a comparative discussion on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) trends in Vietnam versus Bangladesh, providing insights for enhancing the country’s industrial competitiveness. Tokens of appreciation were presented to the speakers, marking the successful conclusion of the session.
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