The Old Boys’ Association of S. Thomas’ College Mt. Lavinia (STCMLOBA) is prepping to host FutureX, a groundbreaking education and career fair on January 25-26, 2025. Seen in the picture from left are FutureX organising committee Chairman Rukshan Kuru-Utumpala, Acting sub warden Asanka Perera and STCMLOBA Secretary Imran Hassan at a press conference held in connection with the upcoming event 

(Pics by Kushan Pathiraja)

Members of the FutureX organising committee

The Old Boys’ Association of S. Thomas’ College Mt. Lavinia (STCMLOBA) is prepping to host FutureX, a groundbreaking education and career fair on January 25-26, 2025 in a bid to transform the landscape of career exploration and educational advancement in Sri Lanka. 

Speaking at a media briefing held in connection with the upcoming event, Rukshan Kuru-Utumpala, Chairman, FutureX Organizing Committee said that the STCMLOBA is one of the oldest alumni institutions founded in 1886. “It has a rich history and legacy, but while we are proud of our history and heritage we need to look at what we could offer the next generation of students to further their careers. Hence we came up with this concept of FutureX because some of the traditional jobs are now becoming obsolete and a new plethora of different careers, jobs and tech-related opportunities are opening up,” he added. 

FutureX will feature over 50 credible higher education and career guidance institutions

In his remarks, Acting Sub Warden Asanka Perera underscored the importance of helping children to find their careers. “As one of the few schools which has career guidance units, we encourage as many students as possible to find opportunities; whether in local universities or foreign universities and to build their careers. It is with this goal in mind that the OBA is organizing this event for the school. Unlike in the past there are plenty of opportunities for students post A/Ls. We are bringing a wide range of educational and career pathways which the children would definitely be able to excel in. This event is not only restricted to students in Colombo. They are welcome to talk to their future places of work which they will find useful. By doing that we are growing an entire society who will be able to get into any good places of work,” said Perera. 

He further said that it has become a trend for children to leave schools after O/Ls. “They would find a foundation course and then move on. From the school’s perspective we feel that by doing so, students maybe missing out on some of the best years of their lives. “You get to grow in your school and live your childhood because you get it only once. This is why we encourage students to do both their O/Ls and A/Ls before moving to pursue higher education,” he underscored.

“One of the main goals of the organizing committee is to provide a solution for many students who sit for their A/L exams. “We know that out of the hundreds and thousands of children who sit for the exam, only 20% get selected to local universities,” said STCMLOBA Secretary Imran Hassan. “Around 80% of them don’t get selected to universities even if they pass the exam. This education and career fair will therefore show them the available higher education opportunities,” said Hassan. 

FutureX will feature over 50 credible higher education and career guidance institutions including local and international universities and colleges, business schools, graduate schools and institutes, technical and vocational training institutes, computer and IT training centers, medical and nursing colleges, engineering colleges, hospitality and culinary arts schools, language and communication institutes, creative and design schools among others. 

Visitors will have the opportunity to network with leading education institutions and employees who can guide their career pathways, helping them explore wide range of programmes tailor-made to their interests and skills. Students can also participate in workshops, seminars and discussions that would enhance their understanding of various fields. These programmes would help empower and equip visitors with knowledge and connections necessary to make informed decisions about their future.