Knowles Training Institute’s CEO Sancy Suraj: Pioneering Change in Corporate Education


Sancy Suraj, the CEO of Knowles Training Institute, is a visionary leader who has been at the forefront of driving change in corporate education. As a leading global corporate training company headquartered in Singapore, Knowles Training Institute delivers over 400 different courses to more than 30 countries worldwide. Under Sancy’s leadership, the institute has adopted innovative approaches to disrupt the traditional corporate training landscape and shape the future of corporate education. In this interview, Sancy shares insights into his leadership style, the challenges faced in pioneering change in the corporate training industry, successful implementation of changes, and future plans for Knowles Training Institute to continue leading the change in corporate education.

How has Knowles Training Institute been at the forefront of driving change in corporate education under your leadership?

As the CEO of Knowles Training Institute, driving change in corporate education has been a top priority under my leadership. We have been at the forefront of innovating and revolutionizing the corporate training landscape in several key ways.

Firstly, we have embraced technology and digitalization to enhance the learning experience for our clients. We have developed state-of-the-art online learning platforms that provide engaging and interactive training programs, making learning accessible anytime, anywhere. We have also leveraged data analytics to customize our training programs, tailoring them to the specific needs and goals of each client. This has allowed us to deliver more targeted and effective training, resulting in improved learning outcomes.

Secondly, we have adopted a learner-centric approach, focusing on the individual needs and preferences of our clients. We understand that adult learners have diverse learning styles and motivations, so we have designed our programs to be learner-centric, allowing participants to learn at their own pace, and providing opportunities for them to apply their learning in real-world situations. This has resulted in higher engagement and retention rates, as well as increased participant satisfaction.

Thirdly, we have fostered a culture of continuous innovation and creativity within our organization. We encourage our team to think outside the box, experiment with new ideas, and embrace change. This has led to the development of unique training methodologies, such as gamification, simulations, and experiential learning, that have disrupted the traditional corporate training landscape and delivered impactful results for our clients.

Lastly, we have nurtured strategic partnerships and collaborations with industry leaders, academic institutions, and technology providers to stay at the forefront of industry trends and best practices. This has allowed us to incorporate cutting-edge insights and expertise into our training programs, ensuring that our clients receive the most up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills.

In summary, Knowles Training Institute has been driving change in corporate education under my leadership through embracing technology, adopting a learner-centric approach, fostering a culture of innovation, and nurturing strategic partnerships. These initiatives have positioned us as a leader in the industry, enabling us to deliver high-quality, customized, and impactful training programs to our clients worldwide.

What innovative approaches has Knowles Training Institute adopted to disrupt the traditional corporate training landscape?

At Knowles Training Institute, we believe that innovation is key to disrupting the traditional corporate training landscape. We have implemented several innovative approaches that have set us apart and allowed us to deliver cutting-edge training programs to our clients.

One of our innovative approaches is leveraging gamification in our training programs. We have incorporated game-like elements, such as leaderboards, badges, and rewards, to make the learning process more engaging and enjoyable. This approach has not only increased participant motivation and participation but has also facilitated healthy competition among learners, driving them to excel in their training.

Another innovative approach we have adopted is the use of simulations and role-plays. We create realistic scenarios that mimic real-world situations, allowing participants to apply their learning in a practical and hands-on manner. This approach has proven to be highly effective in enhancing decision-making skills, problem-solving abilities, and critical thinking among our participants.

Additionally, we have embraced experiential learning, where participants actively engage in activities and exercises that promote self-discovery and reflection. This approach encourages learners to draw upon their own experiences, analyze their strengths and weaknesses, and develop action plans for improvement. This hands-on approach to learning has resulted in deeper insights and better retention of knowledge.

Furthermore, we have incorporated technology in our training programs to create an immersive and interactive learning experience. This includes the use of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and other digital tools to create realistic and interactive training environments. This approach has allowed us to deliver training in a more dynamic and engaging manner, making learning more enjoyable and effective.

In summary, Knowles Training Institute has adopted innovative approaches such as gamification, simulations, experiential learning, and technology integration to disrupt the traditional corporate training landscape. These approaches have helped us create unique and impactful training programs that have set us apart and delivered tangible results for our clients.

How do you see the role of Knowles Training Institute in shaping the future of corporate education?

As the CEO of Knowles Training Institute, I see our role as pivotal in shaping the future of corporate education. Our institute is committed to being at the forefront of driving change and innovation in the corporate training industry, and we envision a future where corporate education is dynamic, engaging, and results-driven.

First and foremost, we believe in the power of customization. We understand that every organization has unique training needs, and a one-size-fits-all approach does not work anymore. Therefore, we are constantly developing customized training programs that cater to the specific requirements of our clients. This includes tailoring the content, delivery methods, and assessments to ensure maximum relevance and effectiveness.

Secondly, we are focused on leveraging technology to enhance the learning experience. With the rapid advancement of technology, we see immense potential in incorporating digital tools, such as AI, VR, and AR, to create immersive and interactive learning experiences. This enables us to provide learners with real-world simulations, virtual practice scenarios, and personalized feedback, making learning more engaging, practical, and effective.

Thirdly, we believe in the importance of continuous learning and development. We strive to promote a culture of lifelong learning among our clients, encouraging them to embrace a growth mindset and invest in ongoing training for their employees. We provide a range of professional development programs and certifications that help individuals acquire new skills, stay relevant in a rapidly changing business landscape, and drive organizational success.

Lastly, we aim to be thought leaders in the corporate training industry by conducting research, staying updated with industry trends, and sharing our knowledge and insights with the wider community. We actively participate in forums, conferences, and industry events, and contribute to discussions on the future of corporate education.

In summary, the role of Knowles Training Institute in shaping the future of corporate education is one of leadership, innovation, customization, and continuous learning. We strive to set new standards in the industry by delivering cutting-edge training programs, leveraging technology, promoting lifelong learning, and contributing to industry discussions and thought leadership.

“At Knowles Training Institute, we believe that the future of corporate education is not about following trends, but rather, creating them. We are committed to leading the way in innovation, customization, and continuous learning, and empowering organizations to drive their own success through effective and engaging training programs.”

What challenges did you face while pioneering change in the corporate training industry, and how did you overcome them?

Pioneering change in the corporate training industry has not been without its challenges. One of the main challenges we faced was resistance to change from traditional approaches to corporate education. Many organizations were accustomed to traditional classroom-style training, and embracing new innovative approaches required a mindset shift. To overcome this challenge, we focused on building awareness about the benefits of our customized, technology-enabled, and learner-centric approach. We conducted workshops, seminars, and presentations to showcase the value of our approach and how it can drive better outcomes for organizations.

Another challenge was the rapid pace of technological advancements. As technology continues to evolve at an unprecedented rate, it can be challenging to keep up with the latest trends and incorporate them into our training programs. To address this, we invested in research and development, collaborated with technology partners, and constantly upgraded our training offerings to ensure that they remain relevant and up-to-date.

We also faced the challenge of scalability while expanding our training programs to over 30 countries worldwide. Different countries have different cultural nuances, regulatory requirements, and business practices, which required us to adapt our training programs accordingly. We overcame this challenge by investing in local market research, partnering with local experts, and customizing our training programs to suit the specific needs of each country.

Finally, the COVID-19 pandemic posed unforeseen challenges to the corporate training industry. With restrictions on physical gatherings and travel limitations, we had to quickly adapt our training delivery methods to virtual and blended formats. This required us to rapidly develop new digital capabilities, upgrade our technological infrastructure, and provide additional support to learners to ensure a smooth transition. Despite these challenges, we were able to successfully pivot and continue delivering high-quality training programs to our clients.

In summary, pioneering change in the corporate training industry presented challenges such as resistance to change, rapid technological advancements, scalability, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We overcame these challenges through awareness-building, research and development, customization, and adaptability to changing circumstances.

Can you share some examples of how Knowles Training Institute has successfully implemented changes in its approach to corporate education?

As the CEO of Knowles Training Institute, I am proud to share some examples of how we have successfully implemented changes in our approach to corporate education. One significant example is our customized and learner-centric approach, which we have adopted under my leadership. We understand that every organization is unique, with its own set of challenges and goals. Therefore, we have shifted away from the traditional one-size-fits-all approach and have embraced customization to meet the specific needs and requirements of our clients. This approach ensures that our training programs are highly relevant and applicable to the learners’ real-world work situations, resulting in improved knowledge retention and application.

Furthermore, we have embraced technology-enabled learning as a means to disrupt the traditional corporate training landscape. We leverage cutting-edge tools and platforms to deliver our training programs in virtual, blended, and mobile formats, allowing our learners to access training materials anytime, anywhere, and on any device for flexible and convenient learning. Additionally, we use interactive digital tools, simulations, and gamification to create engaging and immersive learning experiences that enhance learner participation and involvement.

Overcoming challenges and driving change in the corporate training industry has not been without its hurdles. However, through continuous innovation and a forward-thinking mindset, we have successfully implemented changes in our approach to corporate education. We have remained agile and adaptable to changing market needs, technology advancements, and evolving learner expectations. Our commitment to innovation and our ability to navigate challenges have positioned us as a pioneering force in the corporate education space.

In conclusion, Knowles Training Institute has been at the forefront of driving change in corporate education through our customized and learner-centric approach, our embrace of technology-enabled learning, and our commitment to continuous innovation. As the CEO, I am proud of the successful implementation of these changes, and we will continue to push the boundaries of traditional corporate training to shape the future of corporate education in a dynamic and ever-evolving business landscape.

“At Knowles Training Institute, we believe that innovation is not just a buzzword, but a driving force that helps us adapt, evolve, and lead in the ever-changing landscape of corporate education.”

Sancy Suraj, as an entrepreneur and CEO, has been a driving force in pioneering change in corporate education. His leadership style is marked by a relentless focus on innovation and staying ahead of the curve. He believes in constantly adapting to the evolving needs of clients and learners to ensure that Knowles Training Institute remains at the forefront of the industry. By leveraging the latest technology and delivery formats, such as virtual, blended, and mobile learning, Sancy has successfully disrupted the traditional corporate training landscape and transformed the way organizations approach employee development.

Knowles Training Institute’s innovative approaches under Sancy’s leadership have included customizing training programs to the specific needs of each organization, providing personalized learning experiences, and integrating real-world scenarios to make the training content practical and relevant. Sancy has also emphasized the importance of engaging and interactive learning experiences to enhance knowledge retention and application in the workplace. By continuously evaluating and updating their training programs, Sancy has ensured that Knowles Training Institute’s offerings remain current, effective, and aligned with the ever-changing demands of the business world.

What are your future plans for Knowles Training Institute to continue leading the change in corporate education?

As the CEO of Knowles Training Institute, my future plans are centered around continuing to lead the change in corporate education. We will remain committed to innovation and stay ahead of the curve by constantly adapting to the evolving needs of our clients and learners. We will continue to invest in cutting-edge technology and leverage it to deliver even more flexible, convenient, and engaging learning experiences through virtual, blended, and mobile formats.

Additionally, we will continue to expand our global reach and strengthen our presence in different countries worldwide. We will focus on developing strategic partnerships and collaborations to broaden our offerings and bring our expertise to more organizations and learners around the world. We will also continue to conduct research and stay updated with the latest trends, insights, and best practices in corporate education to ensure that our training programs remain relevant, effective, and future-ready.

Furthermore, we will continue to invest in our people, our most valuable asset. We will provide continuous training and development opportunities to our trainers and staff to enhance their skills, knowledge, and capabilities. We will foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence, empowering our team to push the boundaries of traditional corporate training and bring fresh ideas to the table.

Overall, our future plans are focused on driving positive change in corporate education by constantly innovating, expanding our reach, staying updated with industry trends, and investing in our people. We are committed to maintaining our leadership position in the industry and continue to deliver high-quality and impactful training programs that empower organizations and individuals to thrive in today’s fast-paced business landscape.

“At Knowles Training Institute, our commitment to innovation, global expansion, and people development is the driving force behind our continued success in leading the change in corporate education.”

As the CEO of Knowles Training Institute, Sancy Suraj has been a trailblazer in the corporate training industry, pioneering change and driving innovation. Through his visionary leadership, Knowles Training Institute has disrupted the traditional corporate training landscape and shaped the future of corporate education. With a strong commitment to staying ahead of the curve, customizing training programs, and leveraging technology, Sancy has positioned Knowles Training Institute as a leading global provider of corporate training solutions. As the industry continues to evolve, Sancy’s future plans include further innovation, expansion, and investment in people to continue leading the change in corporate education and empowering organizations and individuals to thrive in today’s dynamic business environment.