NSBM students enrolled in the Bachelor of Business, awarded by Victoria University had the opportunity to bring their learning to life through BMO2005 Innovation and Entrepreneurship and BMO3010 Entrepreneurial Venture Scale Up.

 

A core capability developed across both units is an entrepreneurial mindset. To strengthen this capability, we were privileged to welcome Dhanika Perera—Founder of Helakuru, PayHere, HelaPay, HelaRoo, and HelaGo—for an engaging and thought-provoking workshop.

 

Drawing on his entrepreneurial journey, Dhanika challenged students to question the status quo, reflect on the barriers that prevent individuals from pursuing innovative ideas, and explore how an entrepreneurial mindset can be used to create meaningful change. Through interactive discussions and practical activities, students examined what it truly means to think differently and identify opportunities where others see obstacles. The session concluded by encouraging students to reflect on one important question: How will you challenge the status quo in your own entrepreneurial journey?

 

Experiences like these exemplify the value of industry-engaged education, where students connect theory with practice, develop top capabilities, and gain valuable insights into future career pathways. Importantly, these units support students in making informed decisions about whether their future lies as an entrepreneur, creating new ventures, or as an intrapreneur, driving innovation within existing organisations.

 

A sincere thank you to Dhanika Perera for inspiring our students and generously sharing his experiences. We also acknowledge the dedication of the unit convenors, Dr Nilusha Gallage and Dr Adam Scott, together with our local faculty, Hasali Rajakaruna and Shehani Joseph, for creating impactful learning experiences that prepare students for the future of work.