Chennai: Super-bike retailer DSK Motowheels is planning a new manufacturing facility near Pune.
The company has identified 100 acres at Shalgaon, 200 km from Pune. Construction of the Rs 300-350-crore project is expected to start in three to four months and the plant will start assembling bikes in 10 months, said Shirish Kulkarni, Managing Director, at the launch of the company’s 25 {+t} {+h} retail showroom in the country.
Pune-based DSK Motowheels, part of the diversified Rs 5,000-crore DSK group, holds the exclusive rights to assemble and distribute the Korean brand of super bikes (Hyosung) in India.
DSK acquired the super-bike business from Garware Motors in June last year. Since then, it has sold 1,200 bikes, clocking Rs 42 crore. DSK also acquired Garware’s assembling facility in Wai near Pune. This facility assembles around 250 bikes a month (10 bikes in a shift).
After the Shalgaon facility begins operations, DSK plans to convert the Wai facility into a warehouse. The new facility is expected to assemble 18 bikes a shift. Exports could be looked into in the future.
At present, most components are imported from South Korea, through S&T Motors, which owns the Hyosung brand. Over a period of time, DSK expects to get into full-fledged manufacturing and sourcing components locally.
Whether the Korean company S&T Motors will look at investing in the Indian venture, Kulkarni said this is unlikely to happen now.
The Hyosung range in India includes sports and cruiser bikes in the 250-700 cc range, priced Rs 2.8 -Rs 5.8 lakh. DSK is looking at introducing commuter bikes in the 125-150 cc range next year or in 2015.
Super-bikes are high-performance motorcycles used for adventure riding, not daily commuting. This segment is growing at 25 per cent year-on-year. The major players are Harley-Davidson, Honda and Yamaha.
Success in my Habit
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Luxembourg tool maker to make Bengal an export hub
Kolkata: Luxembourg-headquartered cutting tool maker CERATIZIT S.A. plans to make its second plant in Bengal an export hub for other Asian markets. It currently has a local arm – CERATIZIT India Pvt Ltd (a 95 per cent subsidiary), which operates its first plant in South Kolkata. The new plant is located at Uluberia, nearly 40 km west of Kolkata and will cost around Rs 100 crore. The company said that the unit would export 40 per cent of its products to China and other Asian countries.
“Once this unit becomes fully operational, we will export to our sister firms in China and other countries such as Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia. The plants in India and US could be export hubs for some of our products,” Thierry Wolter, Member of the Executive Board of CERATIZIT S.A., told reporters. The company’s products are primarily meant for the automotive, aerospace and transport sectors.
“Once this unit becomes fully operational, we will export to our sister firms in China and other countries such as Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia. The plants in India and US could be export hubs for some of our products,” Thierry Wolter, Member of the Executive Board of CERATIZIT S.A., told reporters. The company’s products are primarily meant for the automotive, aerospace and transport sectors.
India enhances bilateral traffic rights with Abu Dhabi
New Delhi: Brushing aside opposition from state-owned Air India, other domestic carriers and private airports, India today enhanced traffic rights for Abu Dhabi to 50,000 seats a week, against the current 13,000 seats. The expansion in bilaterals would virtually put Etihad Airways in the same league as Dubai-based Emirates, which is entitled to about 54,000 seats a week.
Today, the Naresh Goyal-promoted Jet Airways sealed a deal with Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways. Under the deal, Etihad would acquire a 24 per cent stake in Jet for Rs 2,054 crore ($379 million).
A press release issued by the civil aviation ministry today said, “After present negotiations, both sides have agreed to allocate an additional entitlement of 36,670 seats per week spread over a period of three years — 11,000 seats per week in 2013, 12,800 seats a week up to the winter schedule for 2014 and 12,870 seats a week up to the winter schedule for 2015.”
Opposition to enhanced bilateral traffic rights wasn’t restricted to aviation circles. In a meeting of an inter-ministerial group, the finance ministry had expressed reservations, saying such a move would take away Indian air traffic and harm not just airports, but also airlines, especially Air India. It added the move would also cannibalise the traffic share of Indian airlines by flying passengers to various parts of the world through its hub airport in Abu Dhabi, as was the case with Emirates.
Last week, at a meeting of the parliamentary standing committee on tourism, transport and culture, headed by Sitaram Yechury, Members of Parliament (MPs) from various political parties voiced concern over Abu Dhabi getting increased access to India through its proposed equity participation with Jet Airways. Trinamool Congress MP Dinesh Trivedi wrote a letter to the prime minister, seeking immediate intervention to suspend talks of increasing bilateral flying rights between India and Abu Dhabi.
Today, the Naresh Goyal-promoted Jet Airways sealed a deal with Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways. Under the deal, Etihad would acquire a 24 per cent stake in Jet for Rs 2,054 crore ($379 million).
A press release issued by the civil aviation ministry today said, “After present negotiations, both sides have agreed to allocate an additional entitlement of 36,670 seats per week spread over a period of three years — 11,000 seats per week in 2013, 12,800 seats a week up to the winter schedule for 2014 and 12,870 seats a week up to the winter schedule for 2015.”
Opposition to enhanced bilateral traffic rights wasn’t restricted to aviation circles. In a meeting of an inter-ministerial group, the finance ministry had expressed reservations, saying such a move would take away Indian air traffic and harm not just airports, but also airlines, especially Air India. It added the move would also cannibalise the traffic share of Indian airlines by flying passengers to various parts of the world through its hub airport in Abu Dhabi, as was the case with Emirates.
Last week, at a meeting of the parliamentary standing committee on tourism, transport and culture, headed by Sitaram Yechury, Members of Parliament (MPs) from various political parties voiced concern over Abu Dhabi getting increased access to India through its proposed equity participation with Jet Airways. Trinamool Congress MP Dinesh Trivedi wrote a letter to the prime minister, seeking immediate intervention to suspend talks of increasing bilateral flying rights between India and Abu Dhabi.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Reliance Jio inks pact with Bharti for cable network
New Delhi: Bharti Airtel will share part of its submarine cable network with Reliance Industries' telecom arm, a rare partnership between two firms not known for their camaraderie.
The country's largest telco will provide Reliance Jio Infocomm data capacity on its undersea cable that links India and Singapore, enabling the Mukesh Ambani-owned venture to connect its proposed 4G network to the Asia-Pacific region.
The old rivals also held out the intriguing possibility of greater cooperation in the future. "Bharti and Reliance Jio will continue to build on this strategic framework and consider other mutual areas of cooperation and development to leverage their respective assets towards offering their customers a much richer experience," said a statement issued by both the companies, without specifying what these areas could be.
Two executives aware of the development said Bharti and Reliance were in discussions for an optic fibre-sharing deal that could be similar to the recent agreement between Reliance Jio Infocomm and Anil Ambani's Reliance Communications. Both Bharti and RIL declined comment on this.
Tuesday's pact marks a break in a narrative of rivalry between the two companies dating back to the early 2000s.
Analytsts welcome connectivity agreement
In the early 2000s, Bharti and Reliance Industries fought a lengthy battle over allowing CDMA operators to offer full-fledged mobile services.
This was followed by a period of truce as the ownership of RIL's telecom business was transferred to Anil Ambani as part of the family settlement of 2005.
But RIL's ambitious re-entry into the telecom sector has reignited the old rivalry, with analysts anticipating a dramatic confrontation both within and outside the marketplace between the country's largest private company and the largest telecom company.
The two groups also compete against each other in retail. RIL's retail business crossed the Rs 10,000-crore revenue mark in 2012-13. While Bharti is a much smaller player in this business, the group is expected to grow it aggressively along with partner Walmart, now that the government has allowed foreign investments in the sector.
Analysts were quick to welcome the data connectivity agreement between the two. "Such deals are good from the industry point of view as they result in sharing of infrastructure, which is costly to build. It is a part of industry consolidation and could be a win-win for all, including the ultimate consumer," said Hemant Joshi, partner, Deloitte Haskins & Sells.
Executives close to Bharti said the company had a history of sharing infrastructure with competitors. They point out the company had taken the initiative to merge its towers with those of Vodafone and Idea to form Indus Towers.
The country's largest telco will provide Reliance Jio Infocomm data capacity on its undersea cable that links India and Singapore, enabling the Mukesh Ambani-owned venture to connect its proposed 4G network to the Asia-Pacific region.
The old rivals also held out the intriguing possibility of greater cooperation in the future. "Bharti and Reliance Jio will continue to build on this strategic framework and consider other mutual areas of cooperation and development to leverage their respective assets towards offering their customers a much richer experience," said a statement issued by both the companies, without specifying what these areas could be.
Two executives aware of the development said Bharti and Reliance were in discussions for an optic fibre-sharing deal that could be similar to the recent agreement between Reliance Jio Infocomm and Anil Ambani's Reliance Communications. Both Bharti and RIL declined comment on this.
Tuesday's pact marks a break in a narrative of rivalry between the two companies dating back to the early 2000s.
Analytsts welcome connectivity agreement
In the early 2000s, Bharti and Reliance Industries fought a lengthy battle over allowing CDMA operators to offer full-fledged mobile services.
This was followed by a period of truce as the ownership of RIL's telecom business was transferred to Anil Ambani as part of the family settlement of 2005.
But RIL's ambitious re-entry into the telecom sector has reignited the old rivalry, with analysts anticipating a dramatic confrontation both within and outside the marketplace between the country's largest private company and the largest telecom company.
The two groups also compete against each other in retail. RIL's retail business crossed the Rs 10,000-crore revenue mark in 2012-13. While Bharti is a much smaller player in this business, the group is expected to grow it aggressively along with partner Walmart, now that the government has allowed foreign investments in the sector.
Analysts were quick to welcome the data connectivity agreement between the two. "Such deals are good from the industry point of view as they result in sharing of infrastructure, which is costly to build. It is a part of industry consolidation and could be a win-win for all, including the ultimate consumer," said Hemant Joshi, partner, Deloitte Haskins & Sells.
Executives close to Bharti said the company had a history of sharing infrastructure with competitors. They point out the company had taken the initiative to merge its towers with those of Vodafone and Idea to form Indus Towers.
RBI eases norms for PSU investment in oil sector overseas
Mumbai: The Reserve Bank of India on Tuesday said Navratna Public Sector Undertakings — ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL) and Oil India Ltd (OIL) — will be allowed to make overseas investments in the incorporated Joint Ventures/Wholly Owned Subsidiaries in the oil sector.
These investments for exploration and drilling for oil and natural gas by the Navratna PSUs, duly approved by the Government of India, will be without any limits under the automatic route, the RBI said in a notification.
So far, OVL and OIL were allowed to invest in overseas unincorporated entities in oil sector (for exploration and drilling for oil and natural gas), which are duly approved by the Government of India, without any limits under the automatic route.
Separate legal entity
An incorporated organisation is a separate legal entity from the people owning it. The board members do not normally have personal financial responsibility for contracts and debts incurred.
In the case of an unincorporated organisation, the owners/partners are personally liable for any debts or claims against the organisation.
These investments for exploration and drilling for oil and natural gas by the Navratna PSUs, duly approved by the Government of India, will be without any limits under the automatic route, the RBI said in a notification.
So far, OVL and OIL were allowed to invest in overseas unincorporated entities in oil sector (for exploration and drilling for oil and natural gas), which are duly approved by the Government of India, without any limits under the automatic route.
Separate legal entity
An incorporated organisation is a separate legal entity from the people owning it. The board members do not normally have personal financial responsibility for contracts and debts incurred.
In the case of an unincorporated organisation, the owners/partners are personally liable for any debts or claims against the organisation.
Integrated textile parks to generate 10 lakh jobs
New Delhi: The 61 textile parks approved under the Scheme for Integrated Textile Parks (SITP) are expected to generate over 10 lakh jobs. These parks will have total estimated investment of Rs 27,562 crore.
Commerce, Industry and Textiles Minister Anand Sharma launched 21 new Textile Parks on Tuesday. With these the total number parks go up to 61.
This scheme has been instrumental in development of wide range of models for greenfield clusters, including 1,000-acre FDI driven integrated clusters, 100-acre powerloom clusters and 20-acre handloom clusters.
Of the 61 parks sanctioned – 40 projects were started in the 11th Plan and another 21 projects are to be implemented in the 12th Plan.
Out of the 40 parks sanctioned earlier, 25 are operational. The others are expected to be completed during this financial year.
State break-up
Out of 21 new parks, six are in Maharashtra, four in Rajasthan, two each in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu and one each in Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Tripura, Karnataka, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.
In this year’s Budget speech, the Finance Minister announced an additional amount of up to Rs 10 crore per park for setting up apparel manufacturing units for the projects under the SITP.
Commerce, Industry and Textiles Minister Anand Sharma launched 21 new Textile Parks on Tuesday. With these the total number parks go up to 61.
This scheme has been instrumental in development of wide range of models for greenfield clusters, including 1,000-acre FDI driven integrated clusters, 100-acre powerloom clusters and 20-acre handloom clusters.
Of the 61 parks sanctioned – 40 projects were started in the 11th Plan and another 21 projects are to be implemented in the 12th Plan.
Out of the 40 parks sanctioned earlier, 25 are operational. The others are expected to be completed during this financial year.
State break-up
Out of 21 new parks, six are in Maharashtra, four in Rajasthan, two each in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu and one each in Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Tripura, Karnataka, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.
In this year’s Budget speech, the Finance Minister announced an additional amount of up to Rs 10 crore per park for setting up apparel manufacturing units for the projects under the SITP.
Indian economy is expected to grow at 6.4 per cent during 2013-14: PMEAC
New Delhi: The improvement in performance of agriculture and manufacturing sectors is expected to boost the economic growth rate to 6.4 per cent in 2013-14 from 5 per cent during 2012-13, according to Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Panel.
"Economy will grow at higher rate from now. We projected growth rate of 6.4% in the current fiscal", said Mr C Rangarajan, Chairman, Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council (PMEAC), during the release the Economic Review for 2012-13.
The improvement in the growth rate in the current fiscal, will be on the back of better performance of agriculture, industry and services sectors, he added.
The agriculture sector is expected to grow at 3.5 per cent in 2013-14 as compared to 1.8 per cent during previous fiscal. The industry and services sectors are expected to grow at 4.9 per cent (3.1 per cent in 2012-13) and 7.7 per cent (6.6 per cent in 2012-13) respectively.
The policy and administrative actions such as the recently constituted Cabinet Committee on Investment can help overcome obstacles in the speedy execution of projects. The existing rates of investment should enable us to grow at 7.5 per cent to 8 per cent over the short term, a return to higher levels of savings and investment can take India back to the very high levels of growth, said Mr Rangarajan.
If India grows at 8 per cent-9 per cent per annum, "we will graduate to the level of a middle income country by 2025," he added.
The PMEAC has projected higher inbound foreign direct investment (FDI) at US$ 36 billion during 2013-14. The net FDI inflow in 2012-13 was US$ 18 billion (US$ 26 billion inbound and US$ 8 billion outbound). Outbound FDI is also expected to increase, resulting in net FDI inflow of US$ 24 billion in 2013-14, highlighted the PMEAC.
The action taken by the Government of India to speed up project clearances since September would be visible in the current fiscal, said Mr Rangarajan.
The Government of India will have to maintain an attractive return in financial assets for bringing down the demand of gold. The price and subsidy reforms in petroleum products is also needed to be completed to control oil import bill, he added.
"Non-food manufacturing inflation remains around the comfort zone. As inflation comes down, it will create more space for monetary policy to support growth," he said.
"Economy will grow at higher rate from now. We projected growth rate of 6.4% in the current fiscal", said Mr C Rangarajan, Chairman, Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council (PMEAC), during the release the Economic Review for 2012-13.
The improvement in the growth rate in the current fiscal, will be on the back of better performance of agriculture, industry and services sectors, he added.
The agriculture sector is expected to grow at 3.5 per cent in 2013-14 as compared to 1.8 per cent during previous fiscal. The industry and services sectors are expected to grow at 4.9 per cent (3.1 per cent in 2012-13) and 7.7 per cent (6.6 per cent in 2012-13) respectively.
The policy and administrative actions such as the recently constituted Cabinet Committee on Investment can help overcome obstacles in the speedy execution of projects. The existing rates of investment should enable us to grow at 7.5 per cent to 8 per cent over the short term, a return to higher levels of savings and investment can take India back to the very high levels of growth, said Mr Rangarajan.
If India grows at 8 per cent-9 per cent per annum, "we will graduate to the level of a middle income country by 2025," he added.
The PMEAC has projected higher inbound foreign direct investment (FDI) at US$ 36 billion during 2013-14. The net FDI inflow in 2012-13 was US$ 18 billion (US$ 26 billion inbound and US$ 8 billion outbound). Outbound FDI is also expected to increase, resulting in net FDI inflow of US$ 24 billion in 2013-14, highlighted the PMEAC.
The action taken by the Government of India to speed up project clearances since September would be visible in the current fiscal, said Mr Rangarajan.
The Government of India will have to maintain an attractive return in financial assets for bringing down the demand of gold. The price and subsidy reforms in petroleum products is also needed to be completed to control oil import bill, he added.
"Non-food manufacturing inflation remains around the comfort zone. As inflation comes down, it will create more space for monetary policy to support growth," he said.
India, Norway to set up think-tank on biodiversity
Chennai: The National Biodiversity Authority and Norway Government’s Division of Nature Management will set up a Centre for Biodiversity Policy and Law.
Addressing media persons after signing the agreement that provides for the Norwegian Government’s support to setting up the Centre here in Chennai, the Biodiversity Authority’s Chairman P. Balakrishna, said the Centre is a pioneering initiative in addressing biodiversity related policies and issues.
The Biodiversity Authority set up under a Central law, the Biological Diversity Act 2002, for conservation and management of the diverse forms of life and to act as a regulator to prevent over exploitation, will work with its Norwegian counterpart, the Division of Nature Management, to shape policies and laws to manage global biodiversity.
Biodiversity is key to life and livelihood, whether for healthcare, agriculture, food or any other industry the diverse life forms are a valuable resource.
A fungus was the source of the first antibiotic to be discovered, penicillin; high yielding, disease resistant crop varieties, wood for making paper, medicines from plants… all of these benefit humans thanks to the diverse life forms in nature.
India is in the process of revising its National Biodiversity Action Plan to make it more responsive to present day needs. The action plan is expected to be ready by the middle of next year.
The Centre will work towards bringing biodiversity issues to the mainstream of debate and informed decision making, Balakrishna said.
Addressing media persons after signing the agreement that provides for the Norwegian Government’s support to setting up the Centre here in Chennai, the Biodiversity Authority’s Chairman P. Balakrishna, said the Centre is a pioneering initiative in addressing biodiversity related policies and issues.
The Biodiversity Authority set up under a Central law, the Biological Diversity Act 2002, for conservation and management of the diverse forms of life and to act as a regulator to prevent over exploitation, will work with its Norwegian counterpart, the Division of Nature Management, to shape policies and laws to manage global biodiversity.
Biodiversity is key to life and livelihood, whether for healthcare, agriculture, food or any other industry the diverse life forms are a valuable resource.
A fungus was the source of the first antibiotic to be discovered, penicillin; high yielding, disease resistant crop varieties, wood for making paper, medicines from plants… all of these benefit humans thanks to the diverse life forms in nature.
India is in the process of revising its National Biodiversity Action Plan to make it more responsive to present day needs. The action plan is expected to be ready by the middle of next year.
The Centre will work towards bringing biodiversity issues to the mainstream of debate and informed decision making, Balakrishna said.
Monday, April 22, 2013
KidZania Mumbai gears up for soft launch
Mumbai: Mexican edutainment theme park brand KidZania is set to see the soft launch of its property here in June. Its Indian franchisee, ImagiNation Edutainment India, in which Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan owns 26 per cent stake, has entered into a partnership with Birla Sun Life Insurance for an employment centre at the park.
KidZania offers a variety of activities to suit multiple interests of children. The facility has various establishments with specific role-playing activities that kids can take up as jobs. Viraj Jit Singh, chief marketing officer of ImagiNation Edutainment told Business Standard the construction of the property, to come up in the R City Mall in Mumbai, was in the last stages. It would be soft-launched in mid-June. “We are in the final stage before the launch; recruitments are on and so are talks with advertisers for partnerships.”
Birla Sun Life Insurance is the company’s fourth partner. YES Bank, Central and Big Bazaar have already come on board. The Birla Sun Life Insurance employment centre establishment would provide career development guidance and assistance to kids looking for role-playing opportunities at KidZania. Supervisors would help children identify their aptitude and make their first résumé, based on their interests.
Ajay Kakar, chief marketing officer (financial services), Aditya Birla Group, said, “At Birla Sun Life Insurance, we recognise the fact that today, children have many career options to choose from and so, it becomes difficult for them to recognise their real passion. KidZania gives the children an opportunity to explore and experience many career options in a fun way. We support this platform because it helps children and parents recognise their real passion and talent.”
Singh said ImagiNation Edutainment was looking at 10-15 partners; this would rise to 40 in 12-15 months. “We have 60 establishments, which provide about 75 activities. Right now, we are looking at 10-15 partners and once the concept picks up, more would join,” he said.
Children would be handed a report card at the end of their experience at KidZania and this would mention the activities they were involved in. Through the résumé and the report card, the Birla Sun Life Insurance employment centre would act as a facilitator for parents to discover and support their children.
“As a brand, we are in a space to win hearts, and what better way to win hearts of parents than to bring a smile on their kid’s face,” said Kakar. Birla Sun Life Insurance also has a microsite designed to help those looking for information related to any career avenue across diverse fields of interest.
KidZania Mumbai, being built at a cost of Rs 100 crore, expects to recover 30-35 per cent of the cost from partners and 60-70 per cent from tickets.
KidZania offers a variety of activities to suit multiple interests of children. The facility has various establishments with specific role-playing activities that kids can take up as jobs. Viraj Jit Singh, chief marketing officer of ImagiNation Edutainment told Business Standard the construction of the property, to come up in the R City Mall in Mumbai, was in the last stages. It would be soft-launched in mid-June. “We are in the final stage before the launch; recruitments are on and so are talks with advertisers for partnerships.”
Birla Sun Life Insurance is the company’s fourth partner. YES Bank, Central and Big Bazaar have already come on board. The Birla Sun Life Insurance employment centre establishment would provide career development guidance and assistance to kids looking for role-playing opportunities at KidZania. Supervisors would help children identify their aptitude and make their first résumé, based on their interests.
Ajay Kakar, chief marketing officer (financial services), Aditya Birla Group, said, “At Birla Sun Life Insurance, we recognise the fact that today, children have many career options to choose from and so, it becomes difficult for them to recognise their real passion. KidZania gives the children an opportunity to explore and experience many career options in a fun way. We support this platform because it helps children and parents recognise their real passion and talent.”
Singh said ImagiNation Edutainment was looking at 10-15 partners; this would rise to 40 in 12-15 months. “We have 60 establishments, which provide about 75 activities. Right now, we are looking at 10-15 partners and once the concept picks up, more would join,” he said.
Children would be handed a report card at the end of their experience at KidZania and this would mention the activities they were involved in. Through the résumé and the report card, the Birla Sun Life Insurance employment centre would act as a facilitator for parents to discover and support their children.
“As a brand, we are in a space to win hearts, and what better way to win hearts of parents than to bring a smile on their kid’s face,” said Kakar. Birla Sun Life Insurance also has a microsite designed to help those looking for information related to any career avenue across diverse fields of interest.
KidZania Mumbai, being built at a cost of Rs 100 crore, expects to recover 30-35 per cent of the cost from partners and 60-70 per cent from tickets.
KidZania Mumbai gears up for soft launch
Mumbai: Mexican edutainment theme park brand KidZania is set to see the soft launch of its property here in June. Its Indian franchisee, ImagiNation Edutainment India, in which Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan owns 26 per cent stake, has entered into a partnership with Birla Sun Life Insurance for an employment centre at the park.
KidZania offers a variety of activities to suit multiple interests of children. The facility has various establishments with specific role-playing activities that kids can take up as jobs. Viraj Jit Singh, chief marketing officer of ImagiNation Edutainment told Business Standard the construction of the property, to come up in the R City Mall in Mumbai, was in the last stages. It would be soft-launched in mid-June. “We are in the final stage before the launch; recruitments are on and so are talks with advertisers for partnerships.”
Birla Sun Life Insurance is the company’s fourth partner. YES Bank, Central and Big Bazaar have already come on board. The Birla Sun Life Insurance employment centre establishment would provide career development guidance and assistance to kids looking for role-playing opportunities at KidZania. Supervisors would help children identify their aptitude and make their first résumé, based on their interests.
Ajay Kakar, chief marketing officer (financial services), Aditya Birla Group, said, “At Birla Sun Life Insurance, we recognise the fact that today, children have many career options to choose from and so, it becomes difficult for them to recognise their real passion. KidZania gives the children an opportunity to explore and experience many career options in a fun way. We support this platform because it helps children and parents recognise their real passion and talent.”
Singh said ImagiNation Edutainment was looking at 10-15 partners; this would rise to 40 in 12-15 months. “We have 60 establishments, which provide about 75 activities. Right now, we are looking at 10-15 partners and once the concept picks up, more would join,” he said.
Children would be handed a report card at the end of their experience at KidZania and this would mention the activities they were involved in. Through the résumé and the report card, the Birla Sun Life Insurance employment centre would act as a facilitator for parents to discover and support their children.
“As a brand, we are in a space to win hearts, and what better way to win hearts of parents than to bring a smile on their kid’s face,” said Kakar. Birla Sun Life Insurance also has a microsite designed to help those looking for information related to any career avenue across diverse fields of interest.
KidZania Mumbai, being built at a cost of Rs 100 crore, expects to recover 30-35 per cent of the cost from partners and 60-70 per cent from tickets.
KidZania offers a variety of activities to suit multiple interests of children. The facility has various establishments with specific role-playing activities that kids can take up as jobs. Viraj Jit Singh, chief marketing officer of ImagiNation Edutainment told Business Standard the construction of the property, to come up in the R City Mall in Mumbai, was in the last stages. It would be soft-launched in mid-June. “We are in the final stage before the launch; recruitments are on and so are talks with advertisers for partnerships.”
Birla Sun Life Insurance is the company’s fourth partner. YES Bank, Central and Big Bazaar have already come on board. The Birla Sun Life Insurance employment centre establishment would provide career development guidance and assistance to kids looking for role-playing opportunities at KidZania. Supervisors would help children identify their aptitude and make their first résumé, based on their interests.
Ajay Kakar, chief marketing officer (financial services), Aditya Birla Group, said, “At Birla Sun Life Insurance, we recognise the fact that today, children have many career options to choose from and so, it becomes difficult for them to recognise their real passion. KidZania gives the children an opportunity to explore and experience many career options in a fun way. We support this platform because it helps children and parents recognise their real passion and talent.”
Singh said ImagiNation Edutainment was looking at 10-15 partners; this would rise to 40 in 12-15 months. “We have 60 establishments, which provide about 75 activities. Right now, we are looking at 10-15 partners and once the concept picks up, more would join,” he said.
Children would be handed a report card at the end of their experience at KidZania and this would mention the activities they were involved in. Through the résumé and the report card, the Birla Sun Life Insurance employment centre would act as a facilitator for parents to discover and support their children.
“As a brand, we are in a space to win hearts, and what better way to win hearts of parents than to bring a smile on their kid’s face,” said Kakar. Birla Sun Life Insurance also has a microsite designed to help those looking for information related to any career avenue across diverse fields of interest.
KidZania Mumbai, being built at a cost of Rs 100 crore, expects to recover 30-35 per cent of the cost from partners and 60-70 per cent from tickets.
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