Corporate training is an essential aspect of the modern business environment, and Knowles Training Institute is at the forefront of delivering high-quality training programs to businesses worldwide. At the helm of this dynamic company is CEO Sancy Suraj, a seasoned entrepreneur with a passion for helping businesses thrive through effective training and development. In this interview, we explore Sancy’s journey in building Knowles Training Institute into a leading corporate training company and his insights into the key skills employees need to thrive in today’s business climate.
What inspired you to start Knowles Training Institute, and how has the company evolved since its inception?
Thank you for this question. As a professional trainer, I have always been passionate about empowering people to reach their full potential. Over the years, I have witnessed first-hand how corporate training can make a significant impact on individuals and organizations alike. This passion led me to start Knowles Training Institute in 2005. My vision was to create a company that could provide top-quality corporate training courses to companies in Singapore and beyond.
From its humble beginnings, Knowles Training Institute has grown significantly over the years. We started with just a few courses, and today we offer over 400 different corporate training programs. We have also expanded our reach, and we now serve clients in over 30 countries worldwide. Our success is not just due to the quality of our courses, but also because of our commitment to delivering personalized training solutions to our clients. We understand that every organization is unique, and we work closely with our clients to tailor our training programs to meet their specific needs.
As we have grown, we have also embraced new technologies and methodologies to ensure that our training remains relevant and effective. For example, we have incorporated e-learning into our training programs, allowing us to reach more participants while also offering more flexible learning options. We have also embraced blended learning, which combines traditional classroom training with e-learning and other digital learning resources.
Despite our growth and success, our commitment to quality and personalized training solutions remains as strong as ever. We believe that corporate training is not just about imparting knowledge, but also about empowering individuals to become better leaders and team members. We are proud of the impact that we have made over the years, and we remain committed to helping organizations and individuals achieve their full potential through corporate training.
As a leader in the corporate training industry, what do you see as the key skills that employees need to thrive in the current business climate?
Thank you for this question. In the current business climate, employees need to have a range of skills to be successful. Here are some of the key skills that I believe are particularly important:
Firstly, adaptability is crucial. The business landscape is constantly evolving, and employees need to be able to adapt quickly to changes in their environment. This means being able to learn new skills, take on new roles, and embrace new technologies.
Secondly, strong communication skills are essential. In today’s interconnected world, employees need to be able to communicate effectively with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds. This includes not just verbal communication, but also written communication, digital communication, and non-verbal communication.
Thirdly, critical thinking and problem-solving skills are vital. Employees need to be able to analyze complex situations, identify problems, and come up with creative and effective solutions. This requires a combination of analytical skills, creativity, and practical know-how.
Fourthly, leadership skills are increasingly important. As organizations become flatter and more decentralized, employees at all levels need to be able to take on leadership roles and make decisions. This means being able to inspire and motivate others, delegate effectively, and lead by example.
Finally, digital literacy is a must-have skill in today’s business climate. Employees need to be comfortable with digital technologies and be able to leverage them to enhance productivity, collaboration, and innovation.
At Knowles Training Institute, we offer a range of corporate training programs that are designed to help employees develop these essential skills. We believe that by investing in employee development, organizations can build more resilient and effective teams that can thrive in any business climate.
How do you approach creating effective and engaging corporate training programs, and what factors do you consider when designing a course?
Thank you for this question. At Knowles Training Institute, we take a comprehensive and research-based approach to designing our corporate training programs. Here are some of the factors that we consider when designing a course:
Firstly, we start by identifying the specific needs of our clients. This involves conducting a needs analysis to understand the challenges and opportunities that they face. We also consider their organizational culture, industry trends, and other factors that may impact their training needs.
Secondly, we focus on creating learning objectives that are clear, specific, and measurable. This helps to ensure that our training programs are aligned with the needs of our clients and that participants can see the tangible benefits of their learning.
Thirdly, we use a variety of teaching methods to engage participants and facilitate learning. This may include interactive group activities, case studies, role-playing, and other techniques that encourage active participation and problem-solving.
Fourthly, we design our training programs to be relevant and practical. This means providing participants with tools and strategies that they can apply in their daily work, and using real-life scenarios to help them understand how to use these tools effectively.
Finally, we evaluate the effectiveness of our training programs using a variety of metrics. This includes participant feedback, pre and post-training assessments, and analysis of key performance indicators to determine the impact of our training on individual and organizational performance.
Overall, we believe that effective and engaging corporate training programs require a thoughtful and research-based approach that considers the specific needs of each client. By designing training programs that are practical, relevant, and engaging, we help participants to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s business environment.
“Effective corporate training is not just about imparting knowledge, it’s about designing learning experiences that inspire individuals to unlock their full potential and drive organizational growth.”
With the rise of remote work and online learning, how has Knowles Training Institute adapted its training methods to meet the changing needs of businesses and employees?
Thank you for this question. Like many businesses, Knowles Training Institute has had to adapt our training methods in response to the rise of remote work and online learning. Here are some of the ways that we have adapted our approach:
Firstly, we have developed a range of online training programs that are designed to be engaging and interactive. These programs use a variety of digital tools and techniques to create a virtual classroom environment that facilitates learning and collaboration.
Secondly, we have invested in technology that allows us to deliver training programs remotely. This includes video conferencing, online learning platforms, and other tools that enable us to connect with participants regardless of their location.
Thirdly, we have modified our existing training programs to better suit remote and online learning. This includes adapting the content to be more focused on digital technologies, and using interactive tools like quizzes, polls, and breakout rooms to keep participants engaged.
Fourthly, we have provided additional support to participants who are learning remotely. This includes offering one-on-one coaching, online forums for discussion and collaboration, and access to digital resources like e-books and videos.
Finally, we have also modified our assessment and evaluation methods to better suit remote learning. This includes using online assessments, surveys, and other tools to track participant progress and measure the effectiveness of our training programs.
Overall, we believe that our adaptations to remote and online learning have allowed us to continue to provide high-quality training programs that meet the changing needs of businesses and employees. We will continue to evolve our approach to ensure that our training remains effective and engaging in the digital age.
What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in running Knowles Training Institute, and how have you overcome them?
Running a business like Knowles Training Institute certainly comes with its share of challenges. Here are some of the biggest challenges we have faced, and how we have overcome them:
Firstly, one of the biggest challenges has been staying competitive in a crowded market. There are many corporate training companies out there, and it can be difficult to stand out from the crowd. To overcome this, we have focused on developing high-quality training programs that are tailored to the specific needs of our clients. We have also invested in marketing and advertising to raise our profile and attract new clients.
Secondly, another challenge has been managing growth. As our business has grown, we have had to adapt our operations to ensure that we can continue to deliver high-quality training programs to all of our clients. This has involved hiring new staff, developing new systems and processes, and expanding our physical infrastructure.
Thirdly, the Covid-19 pandemic has presented significant challenges to our business. We had to quickly adapt to remote and online learning, which required significant investments in technology and training. We also had to find new ways to engage participants and ensure that they could still receive the same high-quality training experience as they would in person.
Finally, managing a diverse and geographically dispersed team can also be a challenge. We have staff and clients in over 30 countries, which requires us to be flexible and adaptable to different cultural and business contexts. To overcome this, we have invested in cross-cultural training and communication tools to ensure that our team can work effectively together regardless of where they are located.
Overall, we have overcome these challenges by staying focused on our mission and values, being adaptable to change, and investing in our team and infrastructure to ensure that we can continue to deliver high-quality training programs to our clients.
“Challenges are opportunities for growth and innovation. By staying focused on our mission, being adaptable, and investing in our team, we can overcome any obstacle and continue to deliver high-quality training programs that empower individuals and organizations to succeed.”
Sancy Suraj founded Knowles Training Institute with a vision to provide businesses with the tools and resources they need to succeed in an increasingly competitive environment. Since its inception, the company has evolved significantly, expanding its range of courses and delivering training programs to businesses in over 30 countries worldwide. Under Sancy’s leadership, Knowles Training Institute has become a trusted partner for businesses looking to improve the skills and competencies of their workforce.
As a leader in the corporate training industry, Sancy recognizes the importance of developing a range of skills to thrive in today’s business climate. In his view, the key skills employees need to succeed include adaptability, problem-solving, and communication skills. Sancy also emphasizes the importance of developing emotional intelligence and the ability to work effectively in teams.
Creating effective and engaging corporate training programs is a complex process that requires careful planning and consideration. Sancy approaches this challenge by first understanding the unique needs and goals of each client, and then tailoring the training program to meet those needs. Factors such as the company culture, learning styles of participants, and the desired outcomes of the training program are all taken into account when designing the course.
In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, how has the demand for corporate training changed, and what steps has Knowles Training Institute taken to continue providing high-quality training while ensuring the safety of its employees and clients?
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the corporate training industry, with many companies having to pivot quickly to remote and online learning. At Knowles Training Institute, we have seen a shift towards more virtual training programs as companies adapt to new ways of working.
To meet this demand, we have invested heavily in technology and infrastructure to ensure that our virtual training programs are just as effective and engaging as our in-person programs. We have also developed new courses that specifically address the challenges of remote work, such as effective communication and collaboration in a virtual environment.
We have also taken steps to ensure the safety of our employees and clients. In-person training programs have been suspended in many countries, and where they are still allowed, we have implemented strict safety protocols, such as social distancing and mandatory mask-wearing. We have also provided our trainers with personal protective equipment and have implemented regular sanitization of training venues.
In addition, we have also provided our clients with more flexibility in terms of scheduling and rescheduling of training programs, recognizing the uncertainty and disruptions caused by the pandemic. We have also provided additional support to our clients in terms of guidance and resources to help them navigate the challenges of remote work and adapt to the new business environment.
Overall, we have responded to the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic by being agile and adaptable, investing in technology and infrastructure, and prioritizing the safety and well-being of our employees and clients.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has been a catalyst for change in the corporate training industry. By embracing new technologies and adapting to the challenges of remote work, we can continue to provide high-quality training programs that help individuals and organizations thrive in the new normal.”
Sancy Suraj’s leadership and vision have made Knowles Training Institute a leading player in the corporate training industry. His insights into the key skills employees need to succeed, and his approach to designing effective training programs, are valuable lessons for businesses looking to improve their workforce’s skills and competencies. The Covid-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to the corporate training industry, but Sancy and his team have adapted quickly, investing in technology and infrastructure, and prioritizing the safety and well-being of their employees and clients. With Sancy’s leadership, Knowles Training Institute is well-positioned to continue delivering high-quality training programs that help businesses thrive in today’s ever-changing business environment.
