1. What motivated you to shift from a business background to establishing a Robotics and IoT training institute?

Ans: My transition from business to STEM education was driven by both personal and national influences. My 9-year-old son’s curiosity about robotics and technology ignited my passion for STEM education. Watching him explore gadgets and ask how machines work made me realize the importance of nurturing young minds in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Additionally, His Majesty’s speech during the 112th National Day celebration, emphasizing the importance of modern technology, further inspired me to take this initiative.

2. How did your experience in finance and disaster response influence your approach to STEM education?

Ans: My experience in finance taught me the importance of strategic planning, resource management, and sustainability, which are crucial for running an educational institute. Working with the American Red Cross as a disaster responder also strengthened my commitment to community service and problem-solving. These experiences shaped my vision for the institute—not just as a business, but as a platform to equip young Bhutanese with critical skills for the future.

3. What challenges did you face in setting up the institute, and how did you overcome them?

Ans: The biggest challenges were funding, access to resources, and finding a suitable location. Acquiring the latest technology and equipment required significant financial investment. We also faced difficulties in producing STEM kits due to fluctuating student enrollment. To overcome these, we focused on collaboration, resource optimization, and gradual scaling of our operations.

4. Why do you believe STEM education, particularly Robotics and IoT, is crucial for Bhutan’s future?

Ans: Bhutan is in the early stages of technological advancement, but the potential is immense. Robotics and IoT are transforming industries worldwide, and if we prepare our youth today, we can build a workforce that leads in innovation rather than just consuming technology.

Our country needs problem solvers and innovators to drive progress in various fields, including agriculture, healthcare, and smart infrastructure.

5. How do you ensure that your curriculum remains relevant to the rapidly changing field of technology?

Ans: Our syllabus is designed to be dynamic, blending 30% theory with 70% hands-on training. We regularly update our modules to incorporate emerging technologies and tools. We also teach programming in Python and use simulation tools like TinkerCAD, Scratch, Wokwi, and Falstad to ensure students stay ahead of technological advancements.

6. What impact do you hope your institute will have on young learners in Bhutan?

Ans: I want to inspire the next generation to be creators and innovators, not just users of technology. By introducing robotics and IoT at an early age, students can develop problem-solving skills, creativity, and a deep understanding of modern technology. My hope is that these students will eventually contribute to Bhutan’s technological progress and global competitiveness.

7. What kind of support do you think is needed from the government or private sector to strengthen STEM education in Bhutan?

Ans: Government and private institutions should invest more in STEM infrastructure, research, and training. Providing grants, scholarships, and funding for educational technology will encourage more students to pursue STEM fields.

Additionally, partnerships with universities and industries can help bridge the gap between education and real-world applications.

8. What are your long-term plans for the institute? Do you plan to expand it beyond Thimphu?

Ans: Yes, expansion is definitely in our future plans. We aim to establish more centers across Bhutan, especially in rural areas where access to STEM education is limited. We also plan to introduce advanced robotics programs and collaborate with international institutions for knowledge exchange.

9. How do you balance theoretical learning with hands-on practical experience for students?

Ans: We prioritize experiential learning. Our syllabus is designed so that students spend more time working on real projects rather than just learning theories. They get hands-on experience with various sensors, programming, and IoT applications. This approach helps them build problem solving skills and apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios.

10. What advice would you give to young Bhutanese who want to explore careers in Robotics and IoT?

Ans: Be curious, explore new technologies, and never stop learning. The field of robotics is constantly evolving, so adaptability is key. Start small—experiment with online coding platforms, build simple projects, and gradually move to more complex innovations. Most importantly, believe in Bhutan’s potential in STEM and take the lead in shaping our future with technology