Tag: business leadership

Business

GCCI & GMA Host Harvard-Led Masterclass on ‘Entrepreneurship in the Age of AI’ in Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Business Desk

The Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) and the Goa Management Association (GMA), in partnership with the Goa AI Centre of Excellence, successfully organized a transformative one-day Masterclass on “Entrepreneurship in the Age of AI,” led by Harvard Summer School Faculty, Mr. Niraj Kumar. Held on 25 November 2025, the workshop brought together some of Goa’s most influential entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and innovators for an immersive learning experience designed to deliver the core concepts from Mr. Kumar’s renowned 12-session Harvard program in a single, power-packed day. The masterclass focused on the rapidly evolving landscape of AI-enabled entrepreneurship, covering how artificial intelligence is reshaping business models, negotiation strategies, customer engagement, and organisational decision-making. GCCI President Mrs. Pratima Dhond opened the session by highlighting the importance of staying ahead of emerging technologies to build a resilient and future-ready business ecosystem for Goa. She emphasized that as AI transforms industries across the world, it is essential for Goa’s businesses to adopt and leverage AI strategically for innovation, efficiency, and sustainable growth. Supporting this vision, GMA Vice-Chairman Mr. Rajesh Mehrotra shared that in its Golden Jubilee year, the association is proud to bring global expertise to Goa’s corporate sector through such specialised programs.

During the session, Mr. Niraj Kumar spoke of the pressing need for businesses to integrate AI as a fundamental capability rather than an optional add-on. He pointed out that the future of entrepreneurship will be driven by deep personalization powered by large-scale data, and that companies must now optimise not just for traditional SEO but for AI search visibility as well. He reiterated that AI is no longer a peripheral tool but an integral part of the new world, dramatically transforming how people communicate, interact, and make decisions. The participants engaged in hands-on practical activities such as negotiation simulations, employee training modules, and customer service chatbot creation, which enabled them to understand the real-world applications of AI in business scenarios. A special segment by startup founder Ms. Maria Kapinos on “AI in Animation” offered an inspiring perspective on how AI enhances creativity by accelerating the ability of creators to bring their ideas to life. A memento was presented to Mr. Niraj Kumar by GCCI Director Mrs. Pallavi H. Arondekar, who expressed that such high-value insights from a global AI thought leader will spark new ideas and strengthen Goa’s position as a forward-looking hub of innovation. She also acknowledged the efforts of GAICoE founders Mr. Pramod Rane and Mr. Anand Desai for shaping and supporting this impactful initiative.

The masterclass proved to be an invaluable opportunity for Goa’s business community to learn directly from a Harvard expert and gain practical frameworks needed to thrive in the fast-evolving AI era. Notable attendees included Mr. Ralph de Sousa, Past President, GCCI; Ms. Pallavi Salgaocar, GCCI Managing Committee Member; Dr. Niyan Marchon, Program Director, Directorate of Higher Education, Goa; Mr. Carlos De Sousa, MD, De Souza Group; Mr. Amit Bandekar, Director, NRB Group; Mr. Yatish Dempo, Director, Dempo Group; Mr. Sunil Pai Kane, Director, Power Engineering India Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Gourov Pokle, Chair, GCCI Environment & Waste Management Committee; Mr. Blaise Costabir, MD, GMI Zarak Moulders Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Manish Gosalia, Director, Goa Knowledge Foundation; Mr. Ashutosh Kharangate, MD, MARC; and Mrs. Supriya Rane, Director, La Cabana Beach Resort & Spa, among several others. The event marked a significant step in empowering Goa’s industry leaders with the knowledge and tools required to navigate the future of business confidently in the age of artificial intelligence.

Business

GCCI Celebrates 117 Years of Shaping Goa’s Economic Landscape

Tanisha Cardozo

The Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), established on 3rd September 1908, proudly celebrates 117 years of unwavering service to Goa’s economy. As one of India’s oldest regional chambers, GCCI has been a constant in the state’s transformation—from the Portuguese colonial period to post-liberation development. Over more than a century, it has consistently advocated for pro-business policies, strengthened Goa’s industrial base, and nurtured its social fabric.

Under the leadership of its first-ever woman President, Mrs. Pratima Dhond, the Chamber steps into its 118th year with renewed energy and direction. Throughout its journey, GCCI has been a dynamic bridge between businesses and government, influencing policy, infrastructure, and institutional development. Its contributions span diverse sectors including trade, tourism, shipping, mining, manufacturing, IT, and sustainability.

Central to GCCI’s mission is support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)—the bedrock of Goa’s economy. Through mentoring, training workshops, and strategic partnerships with institutions like GIM and EDC, the Chamber has built a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. Its Women’s Wing continues to empower women-led enterprises through signature events such as Asturi and Business Diva. Initiatives like the ‘Leaders@GCCI’ series have brought national thinkers to the state, encouraging dialogue that connects local challenges to global trends.

GCCI is also deeply invested in sustainable business practices and has played a proactive role in aligning academic programs with industry needs. A notable initiative is the launch of the B.Com (Retail) course at S S Dempo College, enabled by GCCI’s Retail Committee, highlighting its commitment to skill development.

Among its milestone contributions, GCCI’s involvement in formulating the Goa IT Policy and supporting infrastructure like the Manohar International Airport at Mopa has been pivotal. Through MoUs with international chambers, GCCI continues to foster global business linkages and knowledge exchange.

As it moves forward, GCCI remains committed to driving inclusive and sustainable growth. With a focus on women-led enterprises, innovation, and strategic collaboration, the Chamber reaffirms its role as a key driver of Goa’s progress and a symbol of enduring leadership.

Business

Kuok Hui Kwong Takes Over as CEO of Shangri-La Asia, Starting August 1

allycaralgoa

In a significant leadership reshuffle, Kuok Hui Kwong has been appointed the Chief Executive Officer of Shangri-La Asia, effective August 1. A prominent name in Asian business circles and the daughter of Malaysian billionaire Robert Kuok, she brings a wealth of experience, academic pedigree, and family legacy to the iconic hospitality brand.

Having joined the company in 2014, Kuok Hui Kwong has been deeply involved in strategic decisions, serving as executive director and chairman since 2017. Her appointment as CEO marks a consolidation of leadership roles that is expected to enhance strategic alignment and operational efficiency across the group.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in East Asian Studies from Harvard University and has served in leadership roles at SCMP Group and Bangkok Post, strengthening her profile in media and management before fully committing to the family’s hospitality empire.

Her employment contract includes a monthly base salary of USD 73,000, along with a discretionary bonus and pension, underlining the high stakes and expectations tied to her new role.

Her father, Robert Kuok, is known as Malaysia’s richest man, with a net worth of USD 12.4 billion (as of July 2023). He founded Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts in 1971, and the group has since grown into a major force in luxury hospitality.

Despite a modest 2% revenue increase in 2024, reaching USD 2.19 billion, Shangri-La Asia’s net profit declined by 12.3% to USD 161.4 million, highlighting the competitive and shifting landscape the new CEO must navigate.

Kuok Hui Kwong’s leadership is anticipated to inject renewed vision and execution strength into the company. As someone deeply familiar with both the operational and familial heritage of the business, she is well-positioned to steer Shangri-La into a new era of global relevance and resilience.

EduConnect

Goa Institute of Management Mourns the Passing of Former HUL Chairman and GIM’s First Chairman of the Board, Susim Mukul Datta

allycaralgoa

Goa, July 7, 2025: The Goa Institute of Management (GIM) expresses its deepest condolences at the passing of Mr. Susim Mukul Datta, a titan of India’s corporate world and the founding Chairman of the Board of Governors at GIM, who passed away at the age of 89 in Mumbai on Saturday morning.

Mr. Datta served as Chairman of GIM’s Board from 1993 to 2006 and was instrumental in setting the academic and ethical vision that would shape the institution into one of India’s premier management schools. His leadership extended beyond administration—he was a mentor, a strategist, and a friend to many in the GIM family.

Known best in the corporate world as the former Chairman of Hindustan Unilever Ltd. (then Hindustan Lever Ltd), Mr. Datta led the company through a period of significant transformation, including the iconic merger of Lipton Tea and Brooke Bond. His pioneering work in rural marketing helped shape India’s FMCG roadmap.

Over his distinguished career, Mr. Datta served on the boards of more than 21 leading Indian organizations, including Philips India, Tata Trustee Company, Castrol, IL&FS Investment Managers, Peerless, and Linde India. But GIM always held a special place in his heart.

Dr. Ajit Parulekar, Director of GIM, remarked:

“Mr. Datta played a very significant role in shaping the early years of the Goa Institute of Management. His guidance during GIM’s formative decade laid the foundation for what the institution has become today. Even after his formal retirement from our Board of Governors, he remained closely associated with GIM and visited our campus on several occasions. We will always be grateful for his wisdom, mentorship, and unwavering support through critical periods of our development.”

The GIM community extends its heartfelt sympathies to Mr. Datta’s family and loved ones. His vision, integrity, and commitment to excellence will continue to guide GIM for generations to come.