Sancy Suraj is the CEO of Knowles Training Institute, a leading corporate training company based in Singapore. With over 400 different corporate training courses delivered to clients across 30 countries, Knowles Training Institute is changing the game for business education. In this interview, we speak to Sancy Suraj about how he has built Knowles Training Institute into the successful business it is today, his leadership style, and the innovative training programs that the company offers.
Can you tell us about the ways in which Knowles Training Institute is changing the game for business education?
At Knowles Training Institute, we are changing the game for business education by delivering high-quality corporate training programs that are tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. We understand that every company has its own set of challenges and objectives, and we work closely with our clients to develop customized training programs that address their specific needs. Our team of experienced trainers and consultants are experts in their respective fields, and they work closely with our clients to deliver training programs that are relevant, engaging, and effective.
We are also changing the game by leveraging technology to enhance the learning experience for our clients. We recognize that the traditional classroom-based training approach may not be the best fit for every company, and we have developed a range of digital training solutions that can be delivered remotely or in a blended learning format. This enables us to reach a wider audience and deliver training programs that are more flexible and accessible than ever before.
Another way in which we are changing the game is by staying ahead of the curve when it comes to industry trends and best practices. We are constantly researching and developing new training methodologies and techniques that help our clients to stay competitive in their respective markets. This includes incorporating the latest research on adult learning into our programs, as well as incorporating emerging technologies and trends into our training content. By staying ahead of the curve, we are able to deliver training programs that are more effective, engaging, and impactful than ever before.
What sets Knowles Training Institute apart from other corporate training companies, and how do you ensure that your courses stay relevant and valuable to clients?
What sets Knowles Training Institute apart from other corporate training companies is our focus on delivering customized training programs that meet the unique needs of each client. We recognize that every organization is different, and we work closely with our clients to understand their specific challenges and objectives. This enables us to develop tailored training programs that are relevant, engaging, and effective.
In addition, we have a team of highly experienced trainers and consultants who are experts in their respective fields. They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to every training program they deliver, and they are committed to delivering the highest quality training possible.
To ensure that our courses stay relevant and valuable to our clients, we are constantly reviewing and updating our training content. We regularly gather feedback from our clients to understand what is working well and where improvements can be made. We also stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices, and we incorporate this knowledge into our training programs.
Overall, our focus on customization, our team of experts, and our commitment to ongoing improvement are what sets us apart from other corporate training companies. We are dedicated to delivering the highest quality training possible, and we will continue to work closely with our clients to ensure that our courses meet their evolving needs and challenges.
How does Knowles Training Institute balance the need for standardization in corporate training with the need for customization to meet each client’s unique needs?
At Knowles Training Institute, we understand the importance of balancing the need for standardization in corporate training with the need for customization to meet each client’s unique needs. To achieve this balance, we take a hybrid approach to our training programs.
On the one hand, we have a set of standardized training modules that cover essential topics in areas such as leadership, communication, and customer service. These modules provide a strong foundation of knowledge and skills that are essential for any organization.
On the other hand, we also offer customized training programs that are tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. These programs may focus on specific challenges or objectives that are unique to the organization. For example, a client may require training on how to navigate a specific regulatory environment, or how to manage a team with diverse cultural backgrounds.
To ensure that our customized training programs are effective, we work closely with our clients to understand their needs and objectives. We gather feedback from key stakeholders, conduct needs assessments, and develop training programs that are tailored to meet the specific needs of the organization.
Overall, our hybrid approach to training enables us to balance the need for standardization with the need for customization. By offering both standardized modules and customized training programs, we are able to deliver training programs that are both effective and relevant to our clients.
“At Knowles Training Institute, we believe that effective training is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Our hybrid approach to training allows us to provide standardized modules as a foundation, while also tailoring our programs to meet the unique needs and challenges of each client. This ensures that our clients receive training that is both effective and customized to their specific goals and objectives.”
How have you seen the corporate training industry change since starting Knowles Training Institute, and how has the company adapted to these changes?
Since starting Knowles Training Institute, I have seen the corporate training industry undergo significant changes. One of the biggest changes has been the shift towards online and virtual training programs. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this trend, as more organizations are now relying on remote training solutions to ensure the safety of their employees.
To adapt to these changes, Knowles Training Institute has invested heavily in online and virtual training capabilities. We have developed a range of e-learning courses and virtual training programs that enable us to deliver training programs to clients anywhere in the world. Our trainers and consultants are equipped with the latest technologies and tools to deliver engaging and interactive virtual training sessions.
Another significant change we have seen in the corporate training industry is the increasing demand for soft skills training. Soft skills, such as communication, leadership, and emotional intelligence, are becoming increasingly important in today’s workplace. At Knowles Training Institute, we have responded to this demand by developing a range of soft skills training programs that are designed to help employees develop these critical skills.
Finally, I have also seen a growing awareness among organizations of the importance of measuring the impact of their training programs. Organizations are now looking for training providers that can provide them with data and analytics to help them understand the effectiveness of their training programs. To meet this demand, we have developed a range of assessment tools and metrics that enable us to measure the impact of our training programs and provide our clients with meaningful insights into the performance of their employees.
Overall, the corporate training industry is undergoing significant changes, and Knowles Training Institute is committed to adapting to these changes to ensure that we continue to deliver the highest quality training programs to our clients.
Can you speak to any particularly innovative or successful courses or initiatives that Knowles Training Institute has undertaken in recent years?
At Knowles Training Institute, we are always looking for innovative and effective ways to deliver training programs to our clients. One particularly successful initiative that we have undertaken in recent years is the development of gamified training programs.
Gamification involves using game mechanics, such as points, badges, and leaderboards, to motivate and engage learners. We have found that gamification can be a powerful tool for increasing learner engagement and improving knowledge retention. It can also be an effective way to deliver training programs to a diverse range of learners, as it can accommodate different learning styles and preferences.
One example of a gamified training program that we have developed is our leadership training program. This program is designed as a virtual leadership simulation game, where learners take on the role of a leader and must navigate a series of challenging scenarios. The program is designed to be highly engaging and interactive, with learners receiving real-time feedback and guidance as they progress through the game.
Another innovative program that we have developed is our virtual reality (VR) training program. This program uses VR technology to immerse learners in a realistic workplace environment, where they can practice and develop their skills in a safe and controlled environment. VR training programs can be particularly effective for training employees in high-risk or hazardous work environments, as they can simulate these environments without putting learners in danger.
Overall, we are constantly exploring new and innovative ways to deliver training programs to our clients. Whether it’s through gamification, VR technology, or other innovative approaches, we are committed to delivering training programs that are engaging, effective, and relevant to our clients’ needs.
“By incorporating gamification and cutting-edge technology into our training programs, we are not only keeping up with the times but also transforming the way learners experience training, making it more engaging, impactful, and memorable.”
Sancy Suraj and his team at Knowles Training Institute have worked hard to set the company apart from other corporate training providers. One of the ways they have achieved this is by ensuring that their courses stay relevant and valuable to clients. To do this, they regularly review and update their course offerings, and seek feedback from clients to ensure that their training programs meet their specific needs.
Another way that Knowles Training Institute stands out is by balancing the need for standardization in corporate training with the need for customization to meet each client’s unique needs. By offering both standardized and customized training programs, the company can cater to a wide range of clients, from small businesses to large multinational corporations.
As the corporate training industry has evolved, Knowles Training Institute has adapted to these changes by staying ahead of the curve. One way they have done this is by developing gamified training programs that use game mechanics to motivate and engage learners. They have also explored the use of virtual reality (VR) technology to create realistic training environments, particularly for high-risk or hazardous work environments.
Looking to the future, Sancy Suraj and his team are exploring new areas and approaches to continue changing the game for business education. One area of interest is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in training programs, which can personalize learning experiences and develop predictive analytics tools to identify skills gaps.
Looking to the future, what new areas or approaches do you see Knowles Training Institute exploring to continue changing the game for business education?
At Knowles Training Institute, we are always looking for new areas and approaches to explore to continue changing the game for business education. One area that we are particularly interested in is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in training programs.
AI and ML technologies have the potential to transform the way that we deliver training programs. For example, AI can be used to personalize learning experiences for individual learners, by analyzing their learning preferences and adapting the content to their specific needs. This can improve learner engagement and knowledge retention, as learners are more likely to engage with content that is tailored to their interests and learning style.
We are also exploring the use of AI and ML to develop predictive analytics tools that can help organizations identify skills gaps and anticipate future training needs. By analyzing employee performance data and other relevant metrics, we can help organizations to identify where training is needed, and develop targeted training programs to address these gaps.
Another area that we are exploring is the use of microlearning and bite-sized training content. Microlearning involves breaking down training content into small, bite-sized chunks that can be delivered quickly and easily to learners. This approach can be particularly effective for busy professionals who may not have the time or inclination to engage in longer training programs.
Overall, we believe that AI, ML, and microlearning are all promising areas for us to explore in the future. By incorporating these technologies and approaches into our training programs, we can continue to deliver innovative and effective training solutions to our clients.
“In a world where technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace, we must be willing to embrace new approaches and explore uncharted territories in order to stay ahead of the curve. By incorporating AI, ML, and microlearning into our training programs, we can ensure that our clients are prepared for the challenges of tomorrow and equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.”
With a commitment to innovation and excellence, Knowles Training Institute and its CEO, Sancy Suraj, are leading the way in corporate training. Through a combination of customized training programs, gamified learning, and VR technology, the company is transforming the way that businesses approach training and development. As Sancy Suraj and his team continue to explore new technologies and approaches, we can expect to see even more exciting developments from Knowles Training Institute in the years to come.
