Career & Learning Lounge - Discover Your Future: Training, AI, and Opportunities

The 8th edition of the Career & Learning Lounge opened its doors on Friday at the Caudan Arts Centre. This event, featuring over twenty exhibitors, will conclude this Saturday at 5 PM.

Dr. Kaviraj Sukon: "Education is the most important investment you can make in your life"
On Friday morning, during the opening of the exhibition, we interviewed the Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Kaviraj Sukon.

What is your impression after learning about the various training programs offered by the exhibitors?
We discussed a variety of training programs that can benefit everyone. I find it wonderful that different types of training are available across various fields. I thank the Defimedia Group for organizing this event, especially as it celebrates its eighth edition.

What is your message for visitors?
I urge all students, not just those who have completed their School Certificate (SC) or Higher School Certificate (HSC), but also young individuals in Grade 7 or 8 who need to decide on their subjects, to come here and see what courses are available.
The main message is to come here with a plan, knowing what you want to become and the profession you aspire to pursue in the future. Make your choices first and understand the path you need to take to get there.

Students often express that their courses or fields of study do not align with the job market needs, leaving them unemployed. What is your ministry doing to address this situation?
We amended the law last year to introduce "micro-credentials." This aligns universities and industries on the same wavelength to develop and deliver courses. It allows students to gain the academic skills necessary for the job market.

Since I took charge of this ministry, I have strengthened the ties between universities and industry. Together with Business Mauritius, we have worked to improve curricula, and the same process has been applied across all universities. Starting in 2027, new courses will be introduced, and we are already seeing several institutions begin to offer them. Therefore, I advise Mauritians to take advantage of these opportunities: it is no longer necessary to go abroad for these trainings, and this exhibition allows you to discover what is available.

Artificial intelligence is no secret, especially to students. What is your ministry doing to ensure they can use it properly?
When the new government came in, we established "AI guidelines." We had two choices: either not to use it or leave it as it is, but we chose to provide direction for its usage. This week, we launched a free course on artificial intelligence at all public universities, managed by the University of Mauritius.

We will also extend this to students from private universities and institutions, and eventually, we will allow members of the public to participate as well. AI offers immense potential, but if we do not know how to harness it, it may complicate our integration into the job market in the future.

What is your opinion on the latest School Certificate (SC) results?
I believe there has been some complacency. These students need to come here and realize that to be admitted into a course, they need to have certain qualifications. That’s why I say: you can be in any class and be aware of how to study. Students should use the tools at their disposal to evaluate what they have learned and return to their teachers to clarify what they do not understand.

Cygnus International Pty Ltd Present for Students in Australia
Cygnus International Pty Ltd highlights Australia as a new academic destination for Mauritian students. They represent various institutions such as Australian Professional Skills Institute (APSI); Apeiro Institute; Sheridan Institute of Higher Education; Australian Institute of Workplace Training (AIWT); Contempo College; and The Bright College. A delegation from Perth is currently in Mauritius to present study opportunities, aiming to convince young people that Australia can be their academic horizon. Leading this initiative is Nandina Kannayya, CEO, who reminds us that Cygnus International Pty Ltd has been supporting Mauritian students in their overseas study projects for years, with a base in Perth and an international presence. The company offers a variety of programs available in Australia and encourages those considering studies abroad. The Study Perth delegation, comprised of six institutional representatives, emphasizes the opportunities offered by Perth and the network of institutions across Australia. Present at the Career & Learning Lounge 2026 at the Caudan Arts Centre, the representatives assert that young people will find all the necessary information regarding available courses and careers.

List of Exhibitors

1. Cygnus International
   • Study Perth
   • Aiwt
   • Apeiro Institute
   • APS Institute
   • Contempo College
   • The Bright College
   • Sheridan Institute of Higher Education
2. Academy Of Design and Innovation
3. Lifetime Immigration
4. SNIT
5. Vatel
6. Mauritius Institute of Training and Development
7. Honoris Educational Network
8. Amity Global Business School Mauritius
9. Université Paris-Panthéon-Assas
10. Anna Medical College
11. Rushmore Business School
12. Malaysia Education
13. University of Mascareignes
14. Gallops Eduservices
15. Manchester Institute of Training Qualifications
16. Excelsior Education
17. Reach Out
18. Middlesex University Mauritius
19. Glamis Business School Ltd
20. MCCI
21. Sable International
22. Open University of Mauritius
23. VR Canada
24. Charles Telfair Institute
25. Polytechnics Mauritius Ltd
26. Esport Faction