Powers EntreMindz Season 3 towards fostering entrepreneurial talent

Siddeeque Akbar
Vice President - Retail Banking & Marketing
Amana Bank

Towards inspiring and fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs through knowledge, experiences, and insights, Amana Bank has once again partnered with EntreMindz, organized by UTO EduConsult, for its 3rd season. Through this partnership Amana Bank reaffirms its dedication to encouraging the spirit of entrepreneurship from a young age and supporting innovative ventures that drive economic growth.

Unlocking the entrepreneurial mind-set of Gen Z, EntreMinds season 3 saw over 35 teams aged between 15 and 20 years making their unique and novel business ‘pitch’ in front of an expert judging panel which included Channa Gunawardena (CEO - Dankotuwa Porcelean), Ajith Kadirgamar (Head of Marketing & Communications - Aqcellar), Siddeeque Akbar (VP Retail Banking & Marketing - Amana Bank), Abdul Careem (CEO Inotrend International), Ishrat Rauff (MD/CEO – Adl Capital) and Sharika Mubarak (Co-Founder and President – Aqcellar South East Asia).

During the initial competition briefing, Aaron Golbin, a renowned entrepreneur and venture capitalist from the United States, delivered the keynote address. Nayomi Handunnetti, an acclaimed entrepreneur and influential figure in female entrepreneurship, also shared her valuable insights with over 200 participants who had joined the virtual briefing. In addition to the esteemed judging panel, other experienced entrepreneurs who provided their expertise and advice included Zahara Ansary, the Country Manager of AICPA & CIMA for Sri Lanka and Maldives, Tashya De Silva, the Founder of Stache Brunch & Bistro, Arshad Mohideen, a Digital Marketing Strategist, and Akhlaq Gazzali, recognized as the Best Presenter of EMZ 2022.

Commenting on the partnership Amana Bank VP – Retail Banking & Marketing Siddeeque Akbar said “This event served as more than just a chance to gain knowledge from experienced entrepreneurs; it also provided a platform to motivate and cultivate the future generation of business leaders. Amana Bank has consistently taken the lead in promoting and assisting emerging entrepreneurs, and their collaboration with EntreMindz is a tangible manifestation of their commitment to empowering young, ambitious business leaders.”

Amãna Bank PLC is a stand-alone institution licensed by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange with Jeddah-based IsDB Group being the principal shareholder of the Bank. The IsDB Group is a ‘AAA’ rated multilateral development financial institution with a membership of 57 countries. Testifying its position as a leading practitioner of the non-interest based banking model, Amãna Banks continued to be recognized amongst the Top 100 Strongest Islamic Bank’s in the World by The Asian Banker.

Amãna Bank does not have any subsidiaries, associates, or affiliated institutions apart from its engagement with OrphanCare as its Founding Sponsor.