Young marketers unite in a global showdown

North South University's Marketing and International Business Club (MIBC) successfully wrapped up Turkish Airlines Presents MarXcellence 2025, powered by AMA Coffee and driven by Garibook recently. Team NSU MIBC organised the event with much care for society broadly; this event was launched to 'make a bridge between the real world and the academics,' as said by the organisers.

This flagship digital marketing business competition, overwhelmed with talented young marketers from across the country and beyond, provided them with a platform to make a bridge between real-world business challenges through strategic problem-solving and knowledge gained from books.

The year's edition of MarXcellence had an impressive outcome with over 600 teams participating from different regions and 70 of them being international, competing for the championship title. The competition not only featured multiple intense rounds but also offered participants a unique learning experience through hands-on workshops led by industry leaders. In Workshop-1, Mehmet Can Sahin from Turkish Airlines and Nafees Salim from Impact Academy shared their expertise, while Workshop-2 further enriched participant's knowledge with insights from MrEhfaz Nowman, faculty at NSU SBE, and Mr Shajidul Karim Dipu from Grey Advertising Bangladesh Limited.

Six teams were finalised for the competition and participated in the grandfinale on February 24 at The Westin in Gulshan 2, Dhaka. Each team portrayed their unique analytical skills and creativity on the grand stage. They all portrayed their ideas through OVCs (online video commercials), Business Model Canvas, and explaining 'how they'll gain profit' and 'how they'll serve society.' Innovative ideas were presented, e.g., 'Team Corponants' showed a WhatsApp AI chatbot that will help rural people get doctors' appointments and virtual consultation.

In a thrilling showdown, Team 'T' from 'Bangladesh University of Professionals' secured the championship title with their outstanding strategic approach, winning the grand prize of Tk 200,000. They've shown a digital platform "Prappo" which will inform the general people about different kinds of government funding and help them apply for those. In Bangladesh, when many people don't really get the opportunity they deserve only because of not having the correct information at the right time, this approach will make a more informed society around us. In addition, 'Prappo' will help people to apply for those lucrative fundings or donations; at first, they'll help people apply free of cost, and once the platform gets established, they'll charge a minimal fee (Tk 100) per application, as said by the team.

Team 'Burger Bacchis' from 'Dhaka University' and Team 'Sells Like Team Spirit' from 'Dhaka University IBA' were awarded Tk 150,000 and Tk 100,000 respectively as the first and second runners-up. Team 'Burger Bacchis' introduced 'Pritilata' through which people can order or sell handicrafts, foods, etc; this is the kind of initiative that turns 'women empowerment' into a reality rather than only talking about it. The other team, 'Sells Like Team Spirit' introduced a platform called 'Jogan' that will strive for financial inclusion in our society.

Mr Mahbubur Rahman, president of ICCB Bangladesh, was invited as the chief guest of the event. He is among the 150 high-impact leaders in business and social enterprise from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. He also brings vast experience from his leadership roles in FBCCI, DCCI & SAARC. At the grand finale, he delivered a wise and insightful speech, inspiring participants with his vast knowledge and experience in global business leadership.

As a token of appreciation, Mr Ahsanur Rahman, head of media & digital marketing, bKash Limited, Syed Gousul Alam, managing director, DotBirth, and Mr Zahiduzzaman, head of digital platform payment and partnership, Grameenphone Limited were honoured for their invaluable contributions as judges. The event's success was further amplified by the presence and support of faculty members from NSU's Marketing & International Business Department.

With Turkish Airlines Presents MarXcellence 2025, powered by AMA Coffee and driven by Garibook, NSU MIBC once again set new benchmarks for student-led business competitions, inspiring the next generation of marketing leaders. With such events for the youth in Bangladesh, we all hope that greater things are waiting for this country.

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