Visit of the Hon’ble Minister of Industry, Commerce and Employment to SCE
The Hon’ble Minister, Namgyal Dorji, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment visited the Samtse College of Education on 3rd September 2026 and interacted with students, faculty members, and staff on matters relating to Bhutan’s future development, education, employment, and opportunities for young graduates.
The programme commenced with a marchang ceremony and a Zhabten for His Majesty, followed by a welcome address by the College President. The President expressed appreciation for the Minister’s visit and highlighted the institution’s commitment to preparing young people with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to contribute meaningfully to society.
In his address, the Hon’ble Minister shared the government’s vision of transforming Samtse into a future economic hub through industrialization, infrastructure development, and regional growth. He emphasized that expanding industries and strengthening infrastructure would create new opportunities for young people while contributing to sustainable economic development.
The Hon’ble Minister also encouraged students to pursue higher education and seek opportunities to broaden their knowledge, skills, and perspectives. He emphasized that the knowledge and skills gained through such experiences should ultimately be used to contribute to Bhutan’s development.
Highlighting the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in education and society, the Hon’ble Minister encouraged students to use AI responsibly as a tool to enhance learning, creativity, and productivity. He cautioned against becoming overly dependent on technology and emphasized the continued importance of critical thinking, creativity, and human judgement.
Addressing concerns about employment, the Minister acknowledged the challenges faced by young graduates and outlined government efforts to expand employment opportunities through economic growth, entrepreneurship, skills development, and other initiatives aimed at preparing young people for a changing labour market.
The programme concluded with an engaging question-and-answer session, during which students raised questions on employment and education. The interactive exchange provided an opportunity for students to gain insights into emerging opportunities and challenges and to reflect on their role in contributing to the country’s future.
The visit provided a valuable platform for dialogue between the government and the university community, reinforcing the importance of education, innovation, skills development, and youth participation in shaping Bhutan’s future.
