Tag: intellectual property

EduConnect

Goa’s Social Science Faculty Empowered through Advanced Peer-Learning Workshop (Phase IV)

Tanisha Cardozo

The Directorate of Higher Education, Government of Goa, organised a two-day advanced-level research workshop aimed at enhancing the research skills and capabilities of social science faculty across the state. Titled ‘Faculty-to-Faculty Peer Learning in Social Sciences (Phase IV)’, the workshop was held on September 18th and 19th, 2025, and brought together academicians to explore modern research methodologies and tools that can shape the future of evidence-based social science research in the region.

The workshop was inaugurated in the presence of Chief Guest Bhushan K. Savaikar, Director of the Directorate of Higher Education, who spoke about the importance of academic research in tackling real-world societal challenges. His address set the tone for a high-impact event that combined intellectual discourse with hands-on learning. The workshop was meticulously co-ordinated by Prof. (Dr.) Niyan Marchon and Prof. (Dr.) Mahesh Majik, with the support of Asst. Prof. Devmanoj Medisetty.

Dr. Sunil Kumar from the National Institute of Technology Goa delivered the keynote session, focusing on “Integrating Innovation, Intellectual Property, and Development Policy in Social Science Research.” His presentation emphasized how social sciences can harness innovation and policy frameworks to generate actionable insights that benefit both academia and society at large.

The two-day event featured multiple peer-led learning sessions where faculty members shared their expertise on various research topics. These included statistical expressions and hypothesis formulation, quantitative data analysis using SPSS, qualitative research using QGIS, and techniques for effective data management. Participants were also introduced to practical applications such as the use of SPSS for public policy and election data analysis, and methods for developing impactful research questionnaires.

One of the highlights of the workshop was the introduction to open-source tools that can democratize access to quality research resources, making it easier for faculty to pursue rigorous research regardless of institutional constraints. The emphasis on real-world application and data-driven insights aligned well with the broader goals of academic excellence and informed policy making.

The event concluded on a high note, reaffirming the Directorate of Higher Education’s commitment to nurturing a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and innovation among Goa’s academic community. The fourth phase of the Faculty-to-Faculty Peer Learning initiative has once again demonstrated the power of collective academic engagement in elevating research standards across disciplines.

Entertainment

Pop Mart’s Labubu Craze Fuels Global Expansion as Brand Eyes $2.78B Revenue

Tanisha Cardozo

Pop Mart, the Beijing-based collectibles powerhouse known for its blind-box toys, is making bold moves to transform itself from a retail sensation into a full-fledged global cultural brand. At the heart of this transformation is Labubu, a mischievous and toothy character from artist Kasing Lung’s The Monsters series, which has taken the world by storm and captured the attention of fans and celebrities alike—including Rihanna and David Beckham.

At a recent investor briefing, CEO Wang Ning told analysts that Pop Mart is on track to generate 20 billion yuan ($2.78 billion) in revenue by 2025, confidently suggesting that 30 billion yuan this year “should be quite easy” following a blockbuster first half. The company reported an extraordinary near-400% surge in net profit, driven largely by robust international demand where margins tend to be higher than in China.

With over 40 stores already in the United States, Pop Mart is doubling down with plans to open 10 more by the end of the year. But the expansion doesn’t stop there. Company executives pointed to promising markets across the Middle East, Central Europe, and Latin America, adding that sales from North America and Asia-Pacific could match China’s by as early as 2024.

The company’s signature product remains the blind box: a sealed toy package priced between $10–$20, beloved by collectors for the thrill of the unknown. But Pop Mart is now evolving its intellectual properties beyond the toy aisle. Labubu, its flagship character, is being adapted into new formats, including a mini phone charm launching this week—part of a strategy to extend the character’s influence across everyday consumer culture.

The bigger vision? Entertainment. Wang revealed the company is investing in animated films, theme parks, and other storytelling mediums that could make Pop Mart’s characters fixtures in global pop culture. While these moves may not yield immediate revenue, they are central to Pop Mart’s ambition to become “Asia’s answer to Disney or Sanrio”—companies that have turned beloved characters into multi-generational global franchises.

From humble beginnings in retail to ambitious IP-driven growth, Pop Mart’s trajectory signals the rising global influence of Asian consumer brands. With strong creative assets and a growing fanbase, its transformation could reshape the global entertainment and merchandising landscape—and Labubu might just be the face that leads the charge.