Young Protégé 2025 – Introductory Session
The Young Protégé 2025 Introductory Session, organized by StudPro 8.0 under IEEE Young Professionals Sri Lanka, was successfully held on the 14th of June 2025 via Zoom. As Sri Lanka’s signature IEEE mentoring initiative, Young Protégé connects aspiring students and young professionals with leaders from industry and academia. This year’s program begins with the Introductory Session, setting the stage for months of guidance, learning, and networking.
The session introduced participants to the vision of Young Protégé, highlighted the benefits of mentorship, and provided an overview of the exciting journey ahead. Attendees gained valuable insights into professional growth, skill development, and building meaningful connections that can shape their careers.
The event featured Mr. Heshan Mallawarachchi, current Chair of IEEE YPSL and Young Protégé Chair 2023, who shared his vision for mentoring and leadership, inspiring participants on how mentorship bridges academia and industry. The second keynote was delivered by Mr. Chamika Sudusinghe , who explained the structure of the 2025 mentoring program, outlining the 1-to-1 mentor–mentee process, domains covered, and long-term benefits.
The session gave participants a clear roadmap of the journey ahead, fostering excitement, motivation, and readiness for meaningful engagement with mentors. Organized by StudPro 8.0, the Young Protégé 2025 program continues its mission to inspire, empower, and elevate the next generation of innovators and leaders in Sri Lanka’s IEEE community.
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- Starts 04 June 2025 06:30 PM UTC
- Ends 12 June 2025 06:29 PM UTC
- No Admission Charge
Speakers
Heshan of IEEE YPSL
Opening session of Sri Lanka’s premier IEEE mentoring program, connecting students and young professionals with leaders
Opening session of Sri Lanka’s premier IEEE mentoring program, connecting students and young professionals with leaders from industry and academia. Led by Mr. Heshan Mallwaarachchi, Project Lead of Young Protégé 2023 and Chair of IEEE Young Professionals Sri Lanka, the session will introduce the vision, benefits, and opportunities of the program while inspiring participants to embark on their mentorship journey.
Biography:
Mr. Heshan Mallawarachchi is a dynamic leader in the IEEE community and a recognized advocate for youth empowerment and mentorship. He is the current Chair of IEEE Young Professionals Sri Lanka and has been instrumental in driving impactful initiatives that bridge the gap between academia and industry.
As the Project Lead of Young Protégé 2023, Mr. Mallawarachchi successfully guided a nationwide mentorship program that connected undergraduate students and early-career professionals with seasoned mentors from both industry and academia. His leadership was pivotal in shaping the program into a flagship IEEE initiative that fosters professional growth, cultivates innovation, and builds collaborative networks across Sri Lanka.
Beyond his project leadership, he is passionate about career development, mentoring, and community engagement. His dedication has not only inspired hundreds of students and young professionals but also strengthened the reputation of IEEE YPSL as a platform for nurturing future leaders. With a strong background in technology and leadership, Mr. Mallawarachchi continues to inspire the next generation of innovators, helping them to realize their potential and contribute meaningfully to society.
Chamika of IEEE MGA SAC
Overview of the structure of the Young Protégé 2025 mentoring program
Overview of the structure of the Young Protégé 2025 mentoring program. Delivered by Mr. Chamika Sudusinghe, the session outlined the 1-to-1 mentor–mentee process, domains of expertise, and long-term benefits. His talk provided participants with a clear roadmap of the program, helping them understand how to maximize their mentoring journey and achieve meaningful professional growth.
Biography:
Mr. Chamika Sudusinghe is an enthusiastic advocate for mentorship and professional development, with a proven track record of supporting initiatives that prepare undergraduates and young professionals for industry success. At the Young Protégé 2025 Introductory Session, he played a central role in explaining the structure of this year’s mentoring program, providing a clear framework for the 1-to-1 mentor–mentee process, the domains of expertise available, and the long-term benefits for participants.
His guidance helped attendees understand the importance of structured mentoring, the opportunities for cross-domain learning, and the value of building strong professional networks early in their careers. By breaking down the program into clear phases and outcomes, Mr. Sudusinghe equipped participants with the knowledge and motivation to make the most of their mentoring journey.
With his practical insights and focus on career readiness and leadership growth, Mr. Sudusinghe has become a valuable contributor to IEEE YPSL’s mentoring ecosystem. His contribution ensures that Young Protégé 2025 will not only inspire but also deliver measurable impact for mentees across Sri Lanka’s IEEE community.