Kathmandu, January 19, 2026 — Skill Week 2026 concluded on a high note with a grand closing ceremony held on Monday at The Plaza, Lalitpur, amid the presence of renowned entrepreneurs, diplomats, policymakers, educators, and over 100 aspiring youths. Organized by Glocal After School (GAS), an entity of Glocal Pvt. Ltd., the week-long initiative marked its seventh successful edition, celebrating innovation, creativity, and skill development in Nepal.
Skill Week is a flagship platform designed to collaborate with industry, academia, and government to promote emerging skills and expand youth engagement in practical learning opportunities. This year’s edition, held from January 11 to 16, featured an array of workshops, skill-based competitions, exhibitions, job and career fairs, learning hubs, panel discussions, and entertainment activities—making it a vibrant infotainment festival centered on skills.
The event highlighted four major skill pillars—Tourism and Hospitality, Art and Culture, Entrepreneurship, and Science and Technology—and honored five outstanding individuals with the prestigious Skill Hero Award 2026 for their exemplary contributions to skill advancement in their respective fields.
Skill Hero Award 2026 Recipients
Under the Tourism and Hospitality category, Mr. Rishab Agrawal was recognized for redefining Nepal’s premium food and hospitality landscape. Trained at professional kitchens in Mumbai and École Ducasse, Paris, Agrawal founded Silk Artisanal Creamery in Kathmandu, blending global culinary standards with local ingredients and innovative business insight.
In Art and Culture, veteran photographer Mr. Kishor Kayastha was honored for his enduring contribution to Nepal’s visual heritage. Founder of K2 Art Factory, Kayastha has played a pivotal role in mentoring young photographers. His acclaimed work “MUSTANG Nostalgia: A Two-Decade Odyssey” stands as a rare visual documentation of Mustang’s evolving culture and geography.
For Entrepreneurship, Ms. Anushka Shrestha, Miss Nepal World 2019, received the award for her skill-driven entrepreneurial journey. Through her luxury dessert brand Makkusé, she has successfully modernized traditional Nepali sweets while building a scalable and responsible business model that blends cultural preservation with innovation.
In the Science and Technology category, Mr. Samir Phuyal, founder of Bytecare Technology and winner of Glocal Teen Hero Nepal 2019, was recognized for his impactful digital solutions. His flagship product, the Karobar App, provides free accounting and inventory management tools for micro and small enterprises, supporting Nepal’s digital economic transition. His work has earned national and international recognition, including the NYEF Startup Award 2022.
Additionally, recognizing excellence in Apprenticeship, Ms. Sonam Nembang was honored for her commitment to digital skill development. An IT graduate, she completed extensive institutional and industry-based apprenticeship training, demonstrating how structured skill learning can directly enhance employability and professional growth.
Highlights of Skill Fest and CEO Unplugged
A major attraction of Skill Week was Skill Fest 2026, held on January 16 at Embark College, Pulchowk. Open to youths free of cost, the fest featured interactive skill stalls, workshops, exhibitions, job opportunities, and engaging activities designed to inspire and inform young participants.
Continuing its legacy, Glocal Pvt. Ltd. also successfully hosted the 11th edition of ‘CEO Unplugged’ under the theme “Today Meets Tomorrow.” The session brought together leading entrepreneurs, bureaucrats, and diplomats, with keynote discussions led by Mr. Saurabh Jyoti, Mr. Sanjay Golchha, and Ms. Aanchal Kunwar. Panel discussions explored leadership mindsets, digital economy challenges, and the critical role of skills and education in shaping sustainable business futures.
Strong Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration
Skill Week 2026 was organized by Glocal After School and empowered by Embark College, with strategic support from the European Union, Embassy of India, Australian Government, and Embassy of the UAE. The initiative was backed by a wide network of partners including Honda, WWF, WorldLink, Nepal SBI Bank, Nabil Bank, The Plaza, Yeti Airlines, The Kathmandu Post, Kantipur App, and several others. Supporters such as UNDP, British Council, and Berger further reinforced the collective commitment to bridging Nepal’s skills gap.
With its diverse programming and impactful collaborations, Skill Week 2026 once again reaffirmed its role as a national platform fostering skill development, innovation, and youth empowerment in Nepal.
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