“Bridging the Corridor” is a flagship dialogue series exploring the emerging economic synergies between the resource-rich landscapes of Africa, the manufacturing excellence of Asia, and the luxury retail nerve centres of the Middle East. At afroasiannews.com , we believe a nation’s greatest resource is its people. This series maps the transition from traditional labor to Strategic Human Resource Development, highlighting the new job-oriented sectors—from sustainable luxury to di
gital craftsmanship—that will drive global growth in 2026 and beyond.
In this Interview with Renu Malhotra, Editor-in-Chief, Mr. Abhay Anand Tiwari, CEO / Head – FORE School of Jewellery Design (FSJD) speaks about “The Transnational Skilling & The Global Jewellery Ecosystem.”
Q: What prompted FSJD to adopt a globally-oriented pedagogy, specifically targeting emerging jewellery hubs across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa?
A: Jewellery has evolved into a borderless ecosystem. At FSJD, we recognized a powerful emerging corridor: Africa provides the raw materials, Asia leads in manufacturing excellence, and the Middle East serves as the premier global trading and luxury retail hub. Our pedagogy integrates these regional strengths, empowering students to navigate this global value chain while remaining rooted in India’s rich design heritage.
Q: The GCC market is a powerhouse for luxury retail. How is FSJD equipping students to thrive in this high-stakes environment?
A: The GCC demands a trifecta of professionalism: cultural sensitivity, technical precision, and an eye for luxury. We train students in international quality benchmarks and digital manufacturing tools used by leading Middle Eastern ateliers. Beyond the bench, we emphasize luxury retail dynamics and consumer behavior, ensuring graduates understand the “why” behind the purchase as much as the “how” behind the craft.
Q: Are there active collaborations with Middle Eastern or African industry players to support placements?
A: Absolutely. Collaboration is the cornerstone of our model. We are currently forging partnerships with major Middle Eastern retail groups and manufacturing powerhouses to create direct career pathways. Simultaneously, we are engaging with gemstone sourcing networks linked to Africa to provide students with live industry projects and international internships.
Q: How critical is it for modern designers to understand the Africa–Asia supply chain and ethical sourcing?
A: It is non-negotiable. Africa is the heartbeat of the world’s gemstone and precious metal supply. We believe a designer’s responsibility begins at the source. FSJD integrates value-chain transparency and ethical traceability into our curriculum, helping students align creativity with conscience—an expectation increasingly mandated by global markets.
Q: How does FSJD prepare students to meet rigorous global ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards?
A: Responsible luxury is no longer a choice; it is the foundation of brand credibility. We embed sustainability and regulatory awareness into our framework, challenging students to view compliance as a creative opportunity to design future-ready solutions for the conscious global consumer.
Q: How do digital tools and international benchmarks help Indian designers integrate into global studios?
A: Technology is the “universal syntax” of the modern industry. Proficiency in CAD/CAM, 3D printing, and digital prototyping allows a designer in India to collaborate in real-time with a studio anywhere in the world. We ensure our students’ work is “plug-and-play” ready for any global organization, minimizing the gap between classroom learning and international requirements.
Q: Aesthetics vary drastically across regions. How does FSJD build the “Cultural Intelligence” required for diverse markets?
A: Design is a language; we want our students to be multilingual. We move beyond generic patterns to explore regional histories, symbolic traditions, and distinct consumer preferences. Through targeted case studies and masterclasses with global experts, students learn to adapt their creative voice to respect local identities.
Q: What fundamental mindset shift is required for Indian designers to succeed in transnational ecosystems?
A: The shift must be from a “craft-centric” view to a holistic, globally aware perspective. Success requires a radical openness to collaboration and the agility to operate at the intersection of creativity, technology, ethics, and business.
Q: What is your final advice for students aspiring to build a globally mobile career?
A: Root yourself in your cultural strengths, but keep your eyes on the global horizon. Invest in continuous learning, embrace the tools of the future, and lead with professional integrity. If you combine technical mastery with a conscious heart, the world is your market.
“The future of jewellery careers lies across borders—at the strategic intersection where culture, commerce, and craftsmanship meet.”
This series is an evolving ecosystem. AFROASIANNEWS.COM is currently accepting proposals for Strategic Dialogue Partners and Sponsorships for our upcoming 2026 Roundtable Conventions. If your organization operates within the Africa-Asia-Middle East trade route, contact our partnership desk to explore how your brand can lead the next pillar of thought.
