Senior execs and managers wanted for business scholarships
A former winner of the Prime Minister's Business Scholarships believes his network of contacts in Asia is all the better for it.
Applications for the awards are now open, with winners promised the chance to attend business schools worldwide.
Last year there were five winners, in the construction, engineering, communications, manufacturing and natural health industries.
One of those is Dr Nevin Amos, chief supply chain officer for Te Puke-based natural health company Comvita.
He spent his time at the INSEAD business school in Singapore.
"I feel very honoured to have been chosen for the scholarship ... the experience provided me with a broader Asian networking base, contributing to Comvita's growth in that region," Dr Amos said.
Another winner is Beca general manager of transportation Matthew Ensor, who is planning to take a month-long course at INSEAD in Paris, France.
"It's a chance to better understand my own role and strengths," he said. "Beca competes internationally and, especially in a global downturn, we need excellent technical leadership and world-class business leadership skills."
Staff from the newly merged Economic Development Ministry, which co-ordinates entrants, want to help develop the skills of the country's senior managers and executives.
They say a lack of export-led business, the size of ther New Zealand economy and the physical distance from export markets are barriers to succeeding in the international marketplace.
Successful applicants provide half the cash for their study and the government the rest.
Applications for this year's scholarships close at the end of the month.
Back to home
Back to top
Print
Latest
NBR SERVICES
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Sign up for NBR subscriber content or email alerts
Comments and questions4
This kind of thing is a waste of time. It smacks of picking winners (which govt. depts. don't have the skill to do), when what we really need in NZ is to to up the game across the board, rather the focussing on one or two 'flavour of the month' businesses.
This sort of thing is excellent. It smacks of picking winners (individuals who have already managed to succeed to a certain level inside great businesses), when what we really need in New Zealand is to inspire all people to up their game across the board, and getting people like this to places like INSEAD is just the ticket to help them, their business and everyone around them.
About time NZ started picking winners, rather than mucking around the edges and being pc about support. But I agree the selection shouldnt be by bureaucrats, rather by a group of business people - the likes of Stephen Tindall, Dean Bracewell, David Kirk, Andrew Talley, and Sir Peter Gluckman.
The main point is that govt and govt agencies can't pick winners. Very few people can. Even venture capitalists with skin in the game get it wrong very often, look at Stephen Tindall with the deep vision/3D screen thing he invested in a while ago. So, in response to both of you, only markets pick winners, not bureaucrats. I'm in the business of helping new businesses in one way or another, and the amount of bad decision making and interference from bureaucrats is staggering. They might have the will and good intentions, but they don't have the hard experience, and are too easily influenced by a good sell and a smart suit (packaged up as an 'elevator pitch').