On February 13, the Rector of the Management Development Institute of Singapore in Dushanbe (MDIS Dushanbe), Professor Mukhtorov Zaynidin Mukhtorovich, held a press conference to share valuable insights on how the Institute is empowering young Tajiks. He highlighted MDIS Dushanbe’s commitment to providing high-quality international education, enabling students to build successful careers both within Tajikistan and abroad. 

How does MDIS Dushanbe contribute to addressing the issue of youth outflow, particularly in the context of global instability and parents’ concerns about their children’s safety?

We provide Tajik youths with access to an international education right here in the country. By inviting top specialists from Singapore and organising meetings with experts from leading international companies, we offer students a clear view of the career choices and prospects available within Tajikistan. Furthermore, our partnerships with local companies create opportunities for internships, allowing students to gain practical experience and ensure that the knowledge acquired is in high demand within the local labour market.

Does the Institute address the issue of the shortage of qualified managers in the country?

We recognise that despite a large number of university graduates, Tajikistan faces a significant shortage of qualified managers. The challenge lies in the fact that their skills often fail to meet the rapidly evolving demands of the labour market. At MDIS Dushanbe, we focus on adhering to high training standards and actively collaborate with esteemed partners from the UK and Singapore. Our programmes encompass courses in courses in business and financial management, business and marketing management, information technology, cybersecurity, and international tourism and
hospitality. Additionally, we embrace the concept of Lifelong Learning, encouraging students to continuously learn, develop and adapt to the ever-changing employment landscape of the professional world.

How do you assess the relevance of your future graduates to the requirements of Tajik business?

Market analysis indicates that there will be a growing demand for specialists in nanotechnology, biotechnology, ecology, marketing and modern information technologies. At MDIS Dushanbe, we focus on these emerging trends to ensure our students are prepared for successful careers.
Furthermore, approximately 90% of our MBA students are already employed in various local and international organisations. They are given assignments that encourage the implementation of new innovative ideas in their projects, enabling them to immediately assess the practical value of  knowledge and creativity.  We regularly receive feedback from employers, which allows us to continuously adapt our curricula and ensure our graduates meet the evolving demands of the labour market. 

How does MDIS Dushanbe integrate real business cases and internships into the learning process?

We adopt a practice-oriented approach to teaching, where theoretical knowledge is immediately reinforced by real business cases and practical assignments. For example, students are tasked with developing business plans and strategic projects for local companies, which they then can implement. Additionally, we actively collaborate with leading companies in Tajikistan, which not only fund students’ tuition but also provide
them with internships at their organisations and future employment opportunities. This hands-on experience allows students to acquire practical skills and gain insight into real business processes. According to Mr Zainidin Mukhtorov, the integration of theory and practice also fosters the development of entrepreneurial thinking.

Entrepreneurial thinking is a value that must be consistently nurtured through knowledge and experience. Therefore, fostering entrepreneurial thinking is one of the core objectives of our programme, which is why we invite experts from the field of entrepreneurship.

For instance, we collaborate with a specialist from Singapore who has achieved significant business success and remains actively involved in the field. He shares his experience, provides analytical insights, and offers valuable materials.

After the in-person classes conclude, students continue to engage with him online. They develop entrepreneurial proposals and ideas, which they submit for analysis. The expert provides feedback, evaluates the projects and assists in refining them.

Our curriculum includes dedicated modules where students receive assignments focused on cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset, analysing the market, and developing business plans. In essence, we offer a practice-oriented environment where students can experiment, make mistakes, learn and grow. 

How does MDIS Dushanbe utilise modern educational technology in the classroom?

We integrate digital tools into the educational process to enhance learning. For example, we have developed a virtual educational environment that connects students and teachers from different countries. This enables us to offer online courses featuring international experts and facilitate collaborative projects. Additionally, we
have a virtual platform that brings together participants from Dushanbe, Tashkent, the University of Sunderland, and MDIS Singapore, where dynamic discussions take place, ideas are exchanged, and experiences are shared. Our approach to learning provides students with the opportunity to experiment, test their ideas, analyse outcomes and draw meaningful conclusions.

 Do students receive support in building a career after graduation?

Yes, absolutely. This is one of the key aspects of our work. For example, one of our students, after completing the first year of his internship, received an offer from the company to cover his tuition fees in exchange for future employment. In such cases, we formalise the arrangement with a tripartite contract, ensuring the student continues their internship with guaranteed employment.

We also provide students with the flexibility to choose their internship locations. They can opt to intern at one company or explore different organisations to gain a range of experiences. If a student secures a contract with an organisation, they can continue their internship there, but there is always the option to switch companies if they
prefer.

How do you work to develop students’ skills such as communication, leadership, and teamwork?

The development of soft skills is integrated into all of our educational programmes, following the standards provided by our partners in Singapore and the UK. The curriculum clearly defines the skills to be developed, including critical, analytical and creative thinking. These intellectual skills enable students to think at a higher level.
Additionally, we also focus on cultivating behavioural skills, such as communication, tolerance, and the ability to adapt to different environments, all of which are closely linked to personal development.

How does MDIS Dushanbe help future managers adapt to doing business according to international standards?

In the context of globalisation, this is crucial. We invite educators, representatives from international corporations, and field experts—many of whom are authors of books on business development. They share not only theoretical knowledge but also practical experience, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of how business processes are structured globally. Additionally, our students participate in online seminars with foreign companies, offering them the chance to interact directly
with leading experts and gain insights into how global markets operate. As a result, our graduates are equipped to apply their knowledge to either start their own business in Tajikistan or pursue careers in international companies. Furthermore, many of our students are already working in international organisations or regional business structures, applying the knowledge they have gained in a practical setting.

What is the format of study for MBA students?

The MBA (Master of Business Administration) programme is designed to accommodate working professionals. We consider their work commitments when scheduling classes. For example, classes are held every other day from 17:00pm to 20:00pm, allowing students to attend lectures after working hours and focus on their professional tasks the following day.

The programme lasts for two years and consists of five modules. Each module includes one month of in-person training with a guest lecturer, followed by two months of online assignments.

Students’ work is first reviewed by a teacher from Singapore and then assessed by an independent expert from the University of Sunderland in the UK. This two-tier evaluation system ensures the objectivity and quality of the assessment.

When we organise online courses, students can attend classes from the comfort of their homes. If it is not technically possible for them to do so, they can utilise the resources of our institute. We specifically arrange online meetings in the evening to ensure convenience for all participants. Where possible, online sessions are scheduled with majority of the classes being held in person.

What are your views on the mistrust of international degrees?

We understand that some individuals may have concerns regarding the quality of international degrees. We would like to reassure you that our students will receive both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees endorsed by our UK partner universities, either the University of Sunderland or the Teesside University, depending on their chosen field of study. This ensures that our graduates will earn the same level of degree certifications as those who have studied directly at these institutions in the UK.

How does MDIS Dushanbe see its role in the future of Tajikistan, and what long-term goals does it set for itself?

We believe that MDIS Dushanbe plays a pivotal role in producing professionals who are ready to contribute to the development of Tajikistan’s economy, social sectors and society.

Our goal is to prepare students who will
actively engage in addressing the country’s most pressing issues, such as the
advancement of technology, entrepreneurship and sustainable development.

We aim to expand access to quality education for young people, empowering them to aspire to managerial roles and become leaders in various fields.

Additionally, we are creating an environment where students not only gain academic education but also become successful entrepreneurs who will drive economic growth and create employment opportunities. After all, the future of our country lies in the hands of its youth. We believe that by providing them with knowledge, skills, and confidence in their abilities, we are helping them to build both their own futures and
that of the nation.