BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:IEEE vTools.Events//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Asia/Colombo BEGIN:DAYLIGHT DTSTART:20380119T084407 TZOFFSETFROM:+0530 TZOFFSETTO:+0530 RRULE:FREQ=YEARLY;BYDAY=3TU;BYMONTH=1 TZNAME:+0530 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD DTSTART:20060415T000000 TZOFFSETFROM:+0600 TZOFFSETTO:+0530 RRULE:FREQ=YEARLY;BYDAY=3SA;BYMONTH=4 TZNAME:+0530 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260710T155547Z UID:DE3E0796-857E-4CCE-AA23-D2F6313EA265 DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Colombo:20260617T100000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Colombo:20260617T160000 DESCRIPTION:FORGE 2026 was a membership development and professional growth program organized by the IEEE Industry Applications Society (IAS) Student Branch Chapter of SLTC in collaboration with the IEEE IAS Sri Lanka Chapt er. Held on 17 June 2026 at the SLTC Main Campus\, Padukka\, the event aim ed to empower undergraduate students with practical knowledge\, industry e xposure\, and career-oriented guidance beyond traditional academic learnin g. The program brought together students\, professionals\, and industry ex perts to explore topics related to creativity\, personal branding\, freela ncing\, and professional development. The primary objective of FORGE 2026 was to bridge the gap between academic education and the professional worl d. While university curricula provide essential theoretical knowledge\, st udents often require additional exposure to industry practices\, emerging opportunities\, and practical skill development. The event was designed to help participants understand how their talents\, creativity\, and technic al skills can be transformed into meaningful career opportunities and inco me-generating ventures. The program began with participant registration\, followed by a welcome session that encouraged interaction and networking a mong attendees. A traditional oil lamp lighting ceremony symbolized the be ginning of the event and the pursuit of knowledge and growth. The welcome speech highlighted the importance of continuous learning\, innovation\, an d adaptability in today’s competitive environment. An introductory sessi on on IEEE IAS was conducted to familiarize participants with the mission\ , vision\, and opportunities available through IEEE and its Industry Appli cations Society. Students were introduced to the benefits of professional membership\, including networking opportunities\, leadership development\, technical resources\, and participation in local and international activi ties. The session emphasized the value of professional involvement in supp orting both personal and career development.\n\nOne of the major highlight s of the event was the session on Creative Thinking\, Content Writing\, an d Brand Building\, conducted by Mr. Chanuka Nadun Perera. The session focu sed on the importance of creativity in professional and entrepreneurial su ccess. Participants learned that creative thinking is a valuable skill app licable across engineering\, technology\, business\, and communication fie lds. Practical techniques for generating innovative ideas and solving prob lems creatively were also discussed. The content writing segment provided insights into creating engaging and impactful content for digital platform s. Students learned the fundamentals of effective communication\, audience engagement\, storytelling\, and content strategy. The session demonstrate d how strong communication skills can enhance professional credibility and create opportunities in digital marketing\, freelance writing\, and perso nal branding. Another key topic discussed was brand building. Participants were encouraged to develop a strong personal brand that reflects their sk ills\, values\, and aspirations. The speaker explained how platforms such as LinkedIn\, personal portfolios\, and social media can be used strategic ally to establish professional credibility and visibility. Real-world exam ples helped attendees understand the long-term benefits of investing in pe rsonal branding from an early stage in their careers. The session conclude d with an interactive question-and-answer segment\, allowing participants to engage directly with the speaker. Students sought guidance on content c reation\, career development\, digital presence\, and strategies for stand ing out in competitive industries.\n\naudience engagement\, storytelling\, and content strategy. The session demonstrated how strong communication s kills can enhance professional credibility and create opportunities in dig ital marketing\, freelance writing\, and personal branding. Another key to pic discussed was brand building. Participants were encouraged to develop a strong personal brand that reflects their skills\, values\, and aspirati ons. The speaker explained how platforms such as LinkedIn\, personal portf olios\, and social media can be used strategically to establish profession al credibility and visibility. Real-world examples helped attendees unders tand the long-term benefits of investing in personal branding from an earl y stage in their careers. The session concluded with an interactive questi on-and-answer segment\, allowing participants to engage directly with the speaker. Students sought guidance on content creation\, career development \, digital presence\, and strategies for standing out in competitive indus tries.\nThe importance of personal branding within the freelancing ecosyst em was also emphasized. Students learned how a strong professional identit y can attract clients\, build trust\, and create competitive advantages. P ractical advice was provided on creating effective portfolios\, maintainin g professional standards\, delivering quality work\, and building long-ter m client relationships. The use of real-world case studies made the sessio n highly engaging and relatable. Participants were encouraged to identify their unique talents and explore ways to monetize their skills through fre elance opportunities\, entrepreneurship\, and digital services. An interac tive Q&A session followed\, providing attendees with practical guidance on freelancing\, portfolio creation\, pricing strategies\, and career planni ng. Throughout the event\, participants actively engaged in discussions\, networking activities\, and knowledge-sharing opportunities. The program s uccessfully fostered an environment of collaboration\, learning\, and insp iration. Students from different academic backgrounds were able to exchang e ideas\, broaden their perspectives\, and connect with professionals who have successfully navigated modern career pathways.\n\nThe event concluded with a vote of thanks\, during which appreciation was extended to the gue st speakers\, organizing committee\, IEEE IAS Sri Lanka Chapter\, SLTC adm inistration\, volunteers\, and participants who contributed to the success of the program. A networking session and group photograph marked the offi cial closing of the event\, providing attendees with an opportunity to str engthen professional connections and celebrate the successful completion o f the program. FORGE 2026 successfully achieved its objectives by equippin g students with practical knowledge\, industry exposure\, and actionable s trategies for personal and professional growth. The program highlighted th e importance of creativity\, communication\, personal branding\, and freel ancing in today’s digital economy. More importantly\, it inspired partic ipants to recognize the value of their skills and explore innovative ways to transform their talents into meaningful opportunities. The success of F ORGE 2026 reflects the commitment of the IEEE IAS Student Branch Chapter o f SLTC to fostering student development beyond academic boundaries. By bri nging together industry experts and aspiring professionals\, the event cre ated a platform for learning\, inspiration\, and career advancement. The k nowledge and insights shared during the program are expected to have a las ting impact on participants as they continue their educational journeys an d prepare for future professional endeavors.\n\nSpeaker(s): Mr. Chanuka Na dun Perera\, Mr. Naveen Buddhika Nanayakkara\n\nAgenda: \n12:45 – 1:00 P M Registration & Welcome\n\n1:00 – 1:10 PM Oil Lamp Lighting Ceremony\n\ n1:10 – 1:20 PM Welcome Address\n\n1:20 – 1:30 PM Introduction to IEEE IAS\n\n1:30 – 2:25 PM Creative Thinking\, Content Writing & Brand Build ing (Mr. Chanuka Nadun Perera)\n\n2:25 – 2:35 PM Q&A Session\n\n2:35 – 2:40 PM Token of Appreciation\n\n2:40 – 2:45 PM Short Brake\n\n2:45 – 3:35 PM Design Freelancing & Personal Branding – (Mr. Naveen Buddhika N anayakkara)\n\n3:35 – 3:45 PM Q&A Session\n\n3:45 – 3:50 PM Token of A ppreciation\n\n3:50 – 3:55 PM Vote of Thanks\n\n3:55 – 4:00 PM Closing / Networking Session / Group Photo\n\nBldg: SAT GF 01 Hall\, Sri Lanka Te chnology Campus\, Padukka Road\, Meepe\, Sri Lanka\, Sri Lanka\, 10504 LOCATION:Bldg: SAT GF 01 Hall\, Sri Lanka Technology Campus\, Padukka Road\ , Meepe\, Sri Lanka\, Sri Lanka\, 10504 ORGANIZER:ieeeias@sltc.ac.lk SEQUENCE:76 SUMMARY:FORGE 2026 URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/567402 X-ALT-DESC:Description: <br /><p style="text-align: justify\;">FORGE 2026 w as a membership development and professional growth program organized by t he IEEE Industry Applications Society (IAS) Student Branch Chapter of SLTC in collaboration with the IEEE IAS Sri Lanka Chapter. Held on 17 June 202 6 at the SLTC Main Campus\, Padukka\, the event aimed to empower undergrad uate students with practical knowledge\, industry exposure\, and career-or iented guidance beyond traditional academic learning. The program brought together students\, professionals\, and industry experts to explore topics related to creativity\, personal branding\, freelancing\, and professiona l development. The primary objective of FORGE 2026 was to bridge the gap b etween academic education and the professional world. While university cur ricula provide essential theoretical knowledge\, students often require ad ditional exposure to industry practices\, emerging opportunities\, and pra ctical skill development. The event was designed to help participants unde rstand how their talents\, creativity\, and technical skills can be transf ormed into meaningful career opportunities and income-generating ventures. The program began with participant registration\, followed by a welcome s ession that encouraged interaction and networking among attendees. A tradi tional oil lamp lighting ceremony symbolized the beginning of the event an d the pursuit of knowledge and growth. The welcome speech highlighted the importance of continuous learning\, innovation\, and adaptability in today &rsquo\;s competitive environment. An introductory session on IEEE IAS was conducted to familiarize participants with the mission\, vision\, and opp ortunities available through IEEE and its Industry Applications Society. S tudents were introduced to the benefits of professional membership\, inclu ding networking opportunities\, leadership development\, technical resourc es\, and participation in local and international activities. The session emphasized the value of professional involvement in supporting both person al and career development.</p>\n<p style="text-align: justify\;"><br>One o f the major highlights of the event was the session on Creative Thinking\, Content Writing\, and Brand Building\, conducted by Mr. Chanuka Nadun Per era. The session focused on the importance of creativity in professional a nd entrepreneurial success. Participants learned that creative thinking is a valuable skill applicable across engineering\, technology\, business\, and communication fields. Practical techniques for generating innovative i deas and solving problems creatively were also discussed. The content writ ing segment provided insights into creating engaging and impactful content for digital platforms. Students learned the fundamentals of effective com munication\, audience engagement\, storytelling\, and content strategy. Th e session demonstrated how strong communication skills can enhance profess ional credibility and create opportunities in digital marketing\, freelanc e writing\, and personal branding. Another key topic discussed was brand b uilding. Participants were encouraged to develop a strong personal brand t hat reflects their skills\, values\, and aspirations. The speaker explaine d how platforms such as LinkedIn\, personal portfolios\, and social media can be used strategically to establish professional credibility and visibi lity. Real-world examples helped attendees understand the long-term benefi ts of investing in personal branding from an early stage in their careers. The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer segment\, a llowing participants to engage directly with the speaker. Students sought guidance on content creation\, career development\, digital presence\, and strategies for standing out in competitive industries.&nbsp\;</p>\n<p sty le="text-align: justify\;">audience engagement\, storytelling\, and conten t strategy. The session demonstrated how strong communication skills can e nhance professional credibility and create opportunities in digital market ing\, freelance writing\, and personal branding. Another key topic discuss ed was brand building. Participants were encouraged to develop a strong pe rsonal brand that reflects their skills\, values\, and aspirations. The sp eaker explained how platforms such as LinkedIn\, personal portfolios\, and social media can be used strategically to establish professional credibil ity and visibility. Real-world examples helped attendees understand the lo ng-term benefits of investing in personal branding from an early stage in their careers. The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answ er segment\, allowing participants to engage directly with the speaker. St udents sought guidance on content creation\, career development\, digital presence\, and strategies for standing out in competitive industries.<br>T he importance of personal branding within the freelancing ecosystem was al so emphasized. Students learned how a strong professional identity can att ract clients\, build trust\, and create competitive advantages. Practical advice was provided on creating effective portfolios\, maintaining profess ional standards\, delivering quality work\, and building long-term client relationships. The use of real-world case studies made the session highly engaging and relatable. Participants were encouraged to identify their uni que talents and explore ways to monetize their skills through freelance op portunities\, entrepreneurship\, and digital services. An interactive Q&am p\;A session followed\, providing attendees with practical guidance on fre elancing\, portfolio creation\, pricing strategies\, and career planning. Throughout the event\, participants actively engaged in discussions\, netw orking activities\, and knowledge-sharing opportunities. The program succe ssfully fostered an environment of collaboration\, learning\, and inspirat ion. Students from different academic backgrounds were able to exchange id eas\, broaden their perspectives\, and connect with professionals who have successfully navigated modern career pathways.</p>\n<p>The event conclude d with a vote of thanks\, during which appreciation was extended to the gu est speakers\, organizing committee\, IEEE IAS Sri Lanka Chapter\, SLTC ad ministration\, volunteers\, and participants who contributed to the succes s of the program. A networking session and group photograph marked the off icial closing of the event\, providing attendees with an opportunity to st rengthen professional connections and celebrate the successful completion of the program. FORGE 2026 successfully achieved its objectives by equippi ng students with practical knowledge\, industry exposure\, and actionable strategies for personal and professional growth. The program highlighted t he importance of creativity\, communication\, personal branding\, and free lancing in today&rsquo\;s digital economy. More importantly\, it inspired participants to recognize the value of their skills and explore innovative ways to transform their talents into meaningful opportunities. The succes s of FORGE 2026 reflects the commitment of the IEEE IAS Student Branch Cha pter of SLTC to fostering student development beyond academic boundaries. By bringing together industry experts and aspiring professionals\, the eve nt created a platform for learning\, inspiration\, and career advancement. The knowledge and insights shared during the program are expected to have a lasting impact on participants as they continue their educational journ eys and prepare for future professional endeavors.&nbsp\;<br><img style="d isplay: block\; margin-left: auto\; margin-right: auto\;" src="https://eve nts.vtools.ieee.org/vtools_ui/media/display/20c255a9-3746-4fb9-80e6-4caffc d5a321" width="804" height="536"></p><br /><br />Agenda: <br /><p>12:45 &n dash\; 1:00 PM Registration &amp\; Welcome&nbsp\;</p>\n<p>1:00 &ndash\; 1: 10 PM Oil Lamp Lighting Ceremony</p>\n<p>1:10 &ndash\; 1:20 PM Welcome Add ress</p>\n<p>1:20 &ndash\; 1:30 PM Introduction to IEEE IAS</p>\n<p>1:30 & ndash\; 2:25 PM Creative Thinking\, Content Writing &amp\; Brand Building (Mr. Chanuka Nadun Perera)</p>\n<p>2:25 &ndash\; 2:35 PM Q&amp\;A Session< /p>\n<p>2:35 &ndash\; 2:40 PM Token of Appreciation</p>\n<p>2:40 &ndash\; 2:45 PM Short Brake</p>\n<p>2:45 &ndash\; 3:35 PM Design Freelancing &amp\ ; Personal Branding &ndash\; (Mr. Naveen Buddhika Nanayakkara)</p>\n<p>3:3 5 &ndash\; 3:45 PM Q&amp\;A Session</p>\n<p>3:45 &ndash\; 3:50 PM Token of Appreciation</p>\n<p>3:50 &ndash\; 3:55 PM Vote of Thanks</p>\n<p>3:55 &n dash\; 4:00 PM Closing / Networking Session / Group Photo</p> END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR