CIM Sri Lanka celebrates academic achievements at 2016 Graduation

The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Sri Lanka concluded its graduation ceremony and the membership investiture for the year 2016 recently. 
CIM Sri Lanka marked its 24th graduation ceremony recognizing 91 students who completed their postgraduate diploma in marketing during March, June, September and December 2015. Eighteen special prize winners were felicitated while 12 members (MCIM) were inducted at the event. 
The event was graced by The Chartered Institute of Marketing Vice Chair and University of South Wales Professor of Marketing Prof. Jonathan Deacon as the guest of honour. Acknowledged as a ‘thought leader’ in the global marketing arena, Prof. Deacon is recognised for his research on marketing, entrepreneurship and management. 
Addressing the gathering, CIM Sri Lanka Chairman Sanjika Perera congratulated all the CIM graduates and said, “The network and friendship from your journey will be a tremendous source during your professional and personal life. I urge you to take advantage of the CIM network, its resources and the community, professionals who are decision-makers in both the public and private sector and the CIM Sri Lanka organisation.” 
Prof. Deacon encouraged the CIM graduates to continue to reach their goals through learning as the graduation is not an end but the start of continued professional development. Commenting on the importance of marketing skills he added, “Great marketers are great leaders; they look at the world differently. Creativity is one of the greatest resources a marketer can have where simple things still matter.” 
He also emphasized the importance of marketing as he stated that great marketers are also called ‘360 marketers’ – “We are the only business function that looks and makes predictions, we also look back and see the development.”
Prof. Deacon urged the students to always be students of marketing, prepare for learning, always be curious, develop and observe the world and also assured the continuous support and guidance by The Chartered Institute of Marketing with necessary resources and networking opportunities.
CIM Sri Lanka is the first international branch of CIM UK and comprises the largest number of members, both professional and students, with 3,000 student members and over 1,500 professional members. The regional institute has always campaigned for greater recognition and excellence in the marketing profession in Sri Lanka, through education, training and development.