Young Protégé 2025 – Kick-Off Session
The Young Protégé 2025 Kick-Off Session, organized by StudPro 8.0 under IEEE Young Professionals Sri Lanka, was held on 1st July 2025 at IIT School of Computing and streamed online for global participants. The event introduced the vision, structure, and milestones of the program, formally onboarded mentors and mentees, and provided clarity on roles, responsibilities, and expectations. It also inspired participants through success stories from past initiatives, facilitated networking, and created a strong sense of belonging to the IEEE community. The session served as the official launch of Sri Lanka’s premier IEEE mentoring program, setting the foundation for months of structured guidance, collaboration, and professional growth
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- Informatics Institute of Technology (IIT) – School of Computing
- 57, Ramakrishna Road
- Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka
- Building: Informatics Institute of Technology (IIT) – School of Computing
- Click here for Map
- Starts 15 June 2025 12:30 PM UTC
- Ends 25 June 2025 06:29 PM UTC
- No Admission Charge
Speakers
Heshan of IEEE YPSL
Introduction to Young Protégé 2025
In his keynote, Mr. Heshan Mallawarachchi introduced the Young Protégé 2025 program, outlining its vision, structure, and expected outcomes. He emphasized the importance of mentorship as a bridge between academia and industry, sharing how this year’s program will provide participants with structured guidance, networking opportunities, and personal growth. His session set the tone for the program, inspiring both mentors and mentees to actively engage in the journey.
Biography:
Mr. Heshan Mallawarachchi, the current Chair of IEEE Young Professionals Sri Lanka and Project Lead of Young Protégé 2023, delivered the opening keynote at the Kick-Off Session. In his talk, he introduced the vision, structure, and expectations of Young Protégé 2025, providing participants with a clear roadmap of the journey ahead. Drawing on his leadership experience from last year’s program, he emphasized how structured mentorship bridges the gap between academia and industry, offering young professionals the chance to gain guidance, confidence, and industry exposure. His insights inspired mentees to embrace the mentoring journey with commitment, while also motivating mentors to actively engage in shaping the next generation of innovators and leaders.
Vismini of IEEE YPSL
Role of the Mentor–Mentee
Ms. Vismini Amarasinha focused on the dynamics of the mentor–mentee relationship, drawing from her own journey as a past Young Protégé mentee and her current role in IEEE leadership. She highlighted the mutual responsibilities of both mentors and mentees, explaining how trust, communication, and accountability can transform the mentoring experience. Her talk provided practical advice on maximizing the value of the partnership for career and personal development.
Biography:
Ms. Vismini Amarasinha, the Collaboration Chair of IEEE Young Professionals Sri Lanka, shared her perspectives on the value of mentor–mentee engagement. Having previously served as the Student Representative (SSR) of IEEE Sri Lanka Section Student Activities Committee and as a mentee in Young Protégé 2023, she brought a unique blend of organizational leadership and personal experience to the session. In her address, she highlighted the responsibilities, opportunities, and benefits of the mentoring relationship, reflecting on how mentees can maximize learning while mentors cultivate leadership through guidance. Her message emphasized trust, accountability, and collaboration as the cornerstones of a successful mentoring journey, encouraging participants to build long-lasting and impactful professional bonds.
Amirah of IEEE Elevate
Career Growth through Mentorship
In her segment, Ms. Amirah Rasmin spoke about how mentorship directly contributes to professional advancement and leadership development. She shared strategies for mentees to leverage mentoring opportunities to improve skills, build networks, and prepare for future roles. Her address highlighted how Young Protégé 2025 can act as a catalyst for long-term career growth while strengthening connections within the IEEE community.
Biography:
Ms. Amirah Rasmin, serving as the Program Coordinator of IEEE Elevate and the Vice Chair for Awards and Recognition at IEEE Sri Lanka Section Student Activities Committee, addressed the audience on the theme of career growth through mentorship. With her strong background in fostering leadership opportunities and recognizing student excellence, she shared how mentorship has played a pivotal role in shaping career readiness and personal development. She encouraged mentees to use Young Protégé 2025 as a platform to build networks, refine professional skills, and unlock pathways for growth. Her talk inspired participants to see mentorship not only as a supportive experience but also as a catalyst for achieving long-term career aspirations and contributing actively to the IEEE community.