Young innovator shares their insights on a global stage
Wellington School of Business and Government student, Alma Adam, recently participated on a panel of Aotearoa New Zealand Gen Z innovators and entrepreneurs for a global education discussion.
Alma, an Information Systems and Management student minoring in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, had the opportunity to speak about what innovation means to her as part of a filmed panel discussion hosted by New Zealand at Expo 2020 Dubai, curated by Dr Colin Kennedy from Creative HQ, for RewirEd Talks. The footage will also be included in Expo 2020 Dubai.
RewirED Talks offer participants the opportunity to contribute to global discussion about learning and education, and what it could look like in the future.
Alma was approached by Management senior lecturer, Dr Mohammad Saud Khan, who invited her to participate in the panel after receiving a call for participants from Dr Kennedy. Alma jumped at the opportunity to take part, “Of course, I said yes!”
The New Zealand at Expo 2020 team nominated Dr Kennedy to participate in Expo 2020’s official programming during Expo’s Knowledge and Learning Week in December, as New Zealand’s participant. Dr Kennedy was selected by Expo organisers to participate in several events, and due to being unable to attend, his contribution was curating this panel discussion.
Alma was impressed by the panel members in attendance, all from varied backgrounds and of different ages and study or career stages. “There was a good variety of participants, so that meant many diverse perspectives were shared.
“We discussed various topics, including what innovation means to us and whether innovation is important to drive positive changes in the world around us.”
Alma hopes for the opportunity to take part in similar events in future, “I would do it again — 100 percent.”
Growing her skills in innovation and entrepreneurship as part of her minor has been an eye-opening experience for Alma and has created new pathways and opportunities.
“It has opened my eyes to a much bigger world — I now see starting a business as an option in my future. I have an idea of what it will be like, what challenges I could face, and things I need to consider.
“I can also apply innovation and entrepreneurship knowledge to larger, established organisations. It is a very interesting topic and it’s very diverse.”
Alma’s panel discussion will be available to view in December as part of Expo 2020's Knowledge and Learning Focus Week. We will provide a link to the discussion once it is available.