British Education Group launches BSc in Data Science in partnership with Keele University

KATHMANDU: The British International College, a subsidiary of the British Education Group and sister concern of The British College (TBC), in collaboration with Keele University, UK, launched its BSc (Hons) Data Science programme at a grand ceremony in Kathmandu on Friday.

The event brought together leading figures from education, technology and business, senior government officials, corporate leaders, academics, aspiring professionals and members of the diplomatic corps, marking a milestone in Nepal’s academic and technological development.

The evening commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the panas by Upendra Kandel, chairman of the British Education Group, and Mahendra Raj Kandel, its executive director. The opening session featured an AI- and data-themed dance performance, followed by a welcome speech from Rose, TBC’s official AI robot, making her first public appearance.

Distinguished speakers shared insights on the transformative power of data science. Tim Gocher OBE DL, CEO of Dolma Fund Management, delivered an industry expert address; John B Park, former head of product management at Google, gave a keynote on AI and data science in a global context; Manish Jha presented on the evolving landscape of data science in Nepal; and Rob Fenn, British Ambassador to Nepal and chief guest at the ceremony, spoke on UK–Nepal educational partnerships.

Ambassador Fenn emphasised the strategic importance of collaboration, stating, ‘If we can build a bridge between Nepal and global capital markets, British investors will be the first across that bridge. This impressive programme particularly convinces us that education is the foundation — the basic infrastructure of the bridge — that will sustain this connection between Nepal and the UK.’

Rajen Kandel, CEO of the British Education Group, added, ‘This programme is not only a new addition to the academic portfolio, but it also stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when nations and institutes collaborate with a shared vision.’

Sajan Sharma, president of FinTech Alliance Nepal (FAN), highlighted the unique partnership between his organisation and TBC since its inception, thanked supporters and outlined plans for future collaboration.

A panel discussion on ‘Leveraging Data Analytics for Impact in Nepal’, hosted by FAN, examined practical strategies for implementing data-driven solutions in Nepal. Panellists included Kailash Badu, vice president of products at Genese Solution; Suresh Manandhar, CEO and co-founder of Wiseyak Inc; Sweta Karna, vice president of data at Cedar Gate Services; and Suresh Gautam, CEO and co-founder of eXtensoData. Anju Chhetri, research assistant at the Nepal Applied Mathematics and Informatics Institute for Research, acted as moderator.

The BSc (Hons) Data Science represents a significant advance for Nepal’s higher education sector, offering world-class training, research opportunities and global career pathways in one of today’s most sought-after fields. Admissions are open, with an introductory offer available to the first 50 students until September 2025.