AAP 15th residential seminar ‘Ignited Ingenuity’ in Bangkok and Singapore

Arrival of Piyasabon Thero

 Panel on 'In it to win it'

The Academy for Administrative Professionals (AAP) recently returned to Sri Lanka with a high sense of pride in concluding its 15th residential seminar, exceeding expectations with an unprecedented number of local and overseas participants from Thailand, the Philippines, Australia and Sri Lanka. 

Speaker Panita Sirard

Speaker Lilian Coloma

This landmark celebration included five nights and six days in Thailand and Singapore. The Metro Resort Pratunam, Bangkok was the seminar and accommodation venue. Dinner cruise, Pattaya Beach, safari, temple tours, shopping spree, and city tours of Bangkok Old City and Singapore contented the participants.

Dr. Sunethra Nugawela delivering the welcome speech said, “I am inspired of reminiscing accomplishments. A vision of possessing an educational institution for secretaries and admin professionals is now a reality. AAP is now a revolutionised and monopolising industry leader. This has transformed the lives of administrative professionals to be it their own. In its knowledge sharing path, core human values such as trust, integrity, and teamwork are mandatory. 

“AAP’s constructive business formulas, flexible work culture, perfect learning atmosphere, networking and special attention to senior citizens, regionally and globally are significant value additions. The classic example of fostering friendship is the participation of three Past Presidents of the Association of Secretaries and Administrative Professionals (ASA) namely Sukanya of Thailand, Lilian of the Philippines and Sunethra from Sri Lanka at this forum.”

She also sadly missed and fondly remembered Prof. Carlo Fonseka who served the institution as an Academic Advisor until his demise.

The workshop commenced with Buddhist religious blessings and pirith chanted by Ven. Phra Piyasobhon Rajnyaknakavi, followed by a speech on Essential Buddhism ‘Paramis’ and a practical session of breathing meditation, which was well-received by the audience. 

Chief Guest Viva Voyage Managing Director Sukanya Nimmanheminda’s keynote stole many hearts of the attendees. She cited personal experiences, execution in administration, management and finally being an entrepreneur. This process had never been questioned but she looked backed occasionally to review the conspiracies. “The importance of a consciously healthy sense of self-confidence, leading a meaningful and compelling personal philosophy of life were augmented with a positive mind; exploring opportunities in difficulty, and facing challenges are of need, for career aspirants,” she said.  ‘In it to win it’ panel discussion interacted all age groups. Kumari Wickramasinghe was the moderator and Puntip Suwannarojn (Thailand), Barbara Buranasil Pin (Thailand) and Chamalika Senaratne were the panellists. 

Panitta Srisa-ard (Thailand) – spoke on ‘Fusing Power’, the importance of continuous learning, dedication and professional interaction which cleared her path to be a General Manager. Lilian Coloma (Philippines) a CEO, who spoke on ‘Focus on the future’, stressed the need of looking at the future through the past but to forgo unhealthy and unhappy situations encountered. Dr. Sunethra Nugawela’s capacity building workshop, was a fun-filled learning moment combined with music which ended the day’s workshop on a very successful note.

Felicitating Dr. Nugawela for guiding and sharing business insights attending 15 residential seminars was a memorable moment. Nirmala Wijesuriya grabbed the 10th attendance award whilst Priyanka Gunawadana and Rinzi Bangasajayah had also attended 13 and 12 residential seminars respectively. 

‘Ignite Ingenuity’ is another innovation of AAP with a galore of prizes and surprises. The majority of resource persons comprised of starting career as a secretary or an administrative professional which was a unique concept. This methodology was adopted to ignite AAP members to in-genuine their own skills for sustainability, expansion and exploration. ‘Ignite Ingenuity’, was powered by People’s Bank, SDB Bank, Western Infirmary, Mediquiptment Ltd., Commercial Bank and People’s Leasing. The next event of AAP ‘Christmas Splendour’ will be held in early December and information will follow in due course.