ACE Holdings Limited Managing Director MacDonald Chisale emphasized the importance of fostering collaboration between industry and academia to develop skills and enhance the creative industry in Malawi. He made these remarks during the company’s donation of pottery-making equipment valued at K28 million to the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST).
Chisale, an alumnus of MUST, highlighted that the donation aims to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical industry needs, creating opportunities for youth and entrepreneurs to thrive in ceramics and related creative sectors. He stressed that nurturing innovative solutions is vital to addressing local challenges, especially in sectors like pottery, where traditional skills can be combined with modern technology to create sustainable economic activities.
The donation represents ACE Holdings' commitment to promoting skill development and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs in Malawi. By equipping the university with modern pottery-making tools, Chisale hopes to create an environment that fosters creativity, innovation, and job creation for Malawi’s youth.
Professor Alfred Maluwa, the Director of Research and Outreach at MUST, received the donation on behalf of the university. He acknowledged the profound impact this contribution would have, especially in promoting pottery as a viable economic activity. According to Maluwa, the equipment will serve as a key resource in practical training for students and young entrepreneurs, enabling them to develop products that can compete in both local and international markets.
This partnership between ACE Holdings and MUST is expected to inspire further collaborations between industries and academic institutions, providing students with real-world experience and enhancing Malawi’s industrial growth. The integration of traditional craftsmanship with modern business practices marks a positive step toward creating sustainable economic development opportunities for the youth.
The donation is also in line with ACE Holdings' broader mission to invest in Malawi’s future by supporting initiatives that promote education, entrepreneurship, and innovation. By linking academia and industry, they aim to ensure that students and future professionals have the tools they need to succeed in a competitive global market. The focus on pottery and ceramics serves as a starting point for future initiatives that could include other creative and industrial sectors.
In conclusion, Chisale's vision for fostering industry-academia collaboration, as demonstrated through this significant donation, sets a precedent for how such partnerships can drive skill development, innovation, and economic growth. It’s a crucial step toward realizing a future where youth and entrepreneurs in Malawi can fully leverage their potential to contribute to the country’s development.