The Entrepreneurial Mindset of Sancy Suraj: CEO of Knowles Training Institute


In today’s fast-paced business environment, corporate training has become a critical component for companies seeking to remain competitive and stay ahead of the curve. Leading this charge is Sancy Suraj, the CEO of Knowles Training Institute, a top-rated corporate training company based in Singapore. With over 400 custom training courses delivered to clients across 30 countries, Sancy has established himself as a visionary leader in the industry. In this article, we’ll delve into Sancy’s approach to creating custom training solutions, how he stays up-to-date with the latest trends, and the challenges he has encountered along the way.

How do you approach creating custom corporate training solutions for your clients?

As the CEO of Knowles Training Institute, I firmly believe in providing custom corporate training solutions to our clients. We understand that every company has unique challenges and requirements, and it’s essential to tailor our training courses to meet their specific needs. To approach this, we take a collaborative approach with our clients, involving them in every step of the process. Our training solutions are crafted after an in-depth consultation with our clients, where we discuss their training needs, goals, and objectives.

Our approach to custom corporate training solutions involves first understanding the organization’s business objectives and identifying the skill gaps that need to be addressed to achieve those objectives. We conduct a comprehensive training needs analysis to identify these gaps and develop customized training solutions that meet those needs. We also take into account the client’s industry, company culture, and the level of their employees, to ensure that the training is relevant and practical.

We also ensure that our training solutions are engaging, interactive, and practical. We use a variety of methods to deliver training, such as classroom-based training, e-learning, simulations, and experiential learning. We incorporate case studies, group discussions, and role plays to make the training more interactive and engaging for the learners. Additionally, we provide ongoing support to our clients even after the training is completed, to ensure that the newly acquired skills are being implemented in the workplace.

In summary, our approach to creating custom corporate training solutions is a collaborative process that involves a thorough understanding of our clients’ business objectives, identifying skill gaps, and developing engaging and interactive training solutions that meet their unique needs. We believe that this approach helps our clients achieve their goals and improve their overall performance.

What is your process for understanding the unique needs and challenges of each client?

As a leading corporate training provider, our success is driven by our ability to understand the unique needs and challenges of each client. Our process for understanding our client’s needs is a critical step in the development of our custom training solutions. We believe in taking a comprehensive and collaborative approach that involves working closely with our clients to ensure we deliver the best possible training solution.

The first step in our process is to conduct a detailed needs analysis. This involves gathering information from our clients on their business objectives, the specific challenges they are facing, and the skill gaps that need to be addressed. We use a variety of methods to gather this information, including surveys, interviews, and focus groups. This step helps us understand our client’s unique needs and challenges and helps us develop a tailored training solution that meets their requirements.

Once we have gathered the necessary information, we work closely with our clients to develop a training solution that is customized to their specific needs. This involves identifying the most appropriate training methods, developing content that is relevant and practical, and creating engaging and interactive learning experiences. We work with our clients to ensure that the training aligns with their corporate culture and is delivered in a way that is most effective for their employees.

Throughout the training delivery process, we maintain close communication with our clients to ensure that the training is meeting their expectations and addressing their unique needs. We also provide ongoing support to our clients to ensure that the training is effectively implemented and that their employees are applying the skills they have learned in the workplace.

In summary, our process for understanding the unique needs and challenges of each client involves conducting a comprehensive needs analysis, developing custom training solutions, and maintaining close communication throughout the delivery process. We believe that this collaborative approach helps us deliver the best possible training solutions and ensures our clients achieve their business objectives.

How do you ensure that your custom training solutions are effective and deliver the desired results?

As a leading corporate training provider, we have developed numerous successful custom training programs for our clients in the past. We pride ourselves on our ability to tailor our training solutions to meet our client’s unique needs and challenges. Here are a few examples of successful custom training programs we have developed for our clients:

One of our clients was a leading bank in Singapore that was looking to improve their customer service standards. We worked with the client to conduct a comprehensive needs analysis and identified several areas for improvement, including communication skills, conflict resolution, and complaint management. We developed a custom training program that included role-playing exercises, case studies, and interactive discussions. The program was delivered to over 1,000 employees, resulting in a significant improvement in the bank’s customer satisfaction scores.

Another client was a multinational manufacturing company that was looking to improve their leadership skills. We worked closely with the client to identify the specific leadership skills that were most important for their organization. We developed a custom leadership program that focused on developing skills such as strategic thinking, team building, and decision making. The program was delivered to over 200 leaders across the organization, resulting in a significant improvement in employee engagement and productivity.

Finally, we worked with a technology company that was looking to improve their digital marketing skills. We conducted a needs analysis and identified several areas for improvement, including social media marketing, search engine optimization, and content marketing. We developed a custom training program that included hands-on workshops, group discussions, and case studies. The program was delivered to over 300 employees, resulting in a significant increase in the company’s online presence and engagement.

In summary, these are just a few examples of the successful custom training programs we have developed for our clients. We believe that our ability to tailor our training solutions to meet our client’s unique needs and challenges is a critical factor in our success as a leading corporate training provider.

“Effective custom training programs are not just about delivering information, but rather understanding the unique needs and challenges of each organization and developing tailored solutions that drive real results.”

Can you share some examples of successful custom training programs you have developed for clients in the past?

As a leading corporate training provider, we have developed numerous successful custom training programs for our clients in the past. We pride ourselves on our ability to tailor our training solutions to meet our client’s unique needs and challenges. Here are a few examples of successful custom training programs we have developed for our clients:

One of our clients was a leading bank in Singapore that was looking to improve their customer service standards. We worked with the client to conduct a comprehensive needs analysis and identified several areas for improvement, including communication skills, conflict resolution, and complaint management. We developed a custom training program that included role-playing exercises, case studies, and interactive discussions. The program was delivered to over 1,000 employees, resulting in a significant improvement in the bank’s customer satisfaction scores.

Another client was a multinational manufacturing company that was looking to improve their leadership skills. We worked closely with the client to identify the specific leadership skills that were most important for their organization. We developed a custom leadership program that focused on developing skills such as strategic thinking, team building, and decision making. The program was delivered to over 200 leaders across the organization, resulting in a significant improvement in employee engagement and productivity.

Finally, we worked with a technology company that was looking to improve their digital marketing skills. We conducted a needs analysis and identified several areas for improvement, including social media marketing, search engine optimization, and content marketing. We developed a custom training program that included hands-on workshops, group discussions, and case studies. The program was delivered to over 300 employees, resulting in a significant increase in the company’s online presence and engagement.

In summary, these are just a few examples of the successful custom training programs we have developed for our clients. We believe that our ability to tailor our training solutions to meet our client’s unique needs and challenges is a critical factor in our success as a leading corporate training provider.

How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in corporate training to inform your custom solutions?

As a leading corporate training provider, it is essential for us to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in corporate training. This enables us to develop custom solutions that are relevant and effective for our clients. We use a variety of methods to stay informed of the latest trends and developments in corporate training.

Firstly, we have a team of experienced trainers and instructional designers who are dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in corporate training. They regularly attend conferences, workshops, and seminars to keep abreast of the latest developments in the industry. They also subscribe to industry publications and blogs and participate in online training communities to stay informed of the latest trends and developments.

Secondly, we use data analytics to monitor the effectiveness of our training programs and identify areas for improvement. This allows us to identify emerging trends and areas of focus and adjust our training solutions accordingly. We also conduct regular surveys and focus groups with our clients to gather feedback on our training solutions and identify areas for improvement.

Finally, we collaborate with industry experts and thought leaders to stay informed of the latest trends and developments in corporate training. We partner with leading universities and training institutes to stay informed of the latest research and best practices in the industry. We also collaborate with industry associations and participate in industry forums to stay informed of the latest developments in the industry.

In summary, staying up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in corporate training is critical to our success as a leading corporate training provider. We use a variety of methods to stay informed, including attending conferences and workshops, using data analytics, collaborating with industry experts, and gathering feedback from our clients. We believe that this approach helps us develop custom solutions that are relevant and effective for our clients.

“Staying ahead of the curve in corporate training requires a continuous commitment to learning and adaptation, incorporating the latest trends and developments to create custom solutions that drive real impact for our clients.”

In our interview with Sancy, he spoke about his process for understanding the unique needs and challenges of each client. According to Sancy, listening to clients and understanding their goals and objectives is essential to creating effective custom training solutions. He emphasized the importance of being flexible and adaptable, noting that the corporate training industry is constantly evolving and that staying agile is key to meeting the changing needs of clients. When asked about the role of technology in the creation and delivery of custom training programs, Sancy highlighted the importance of leveraging technology to deliver training in innovative and engaging ways. He discussed the use of e-learning, gamification, and other technology-based tools to enhance the learning experience for participants. Sancy also discussed his approach to working with his team of trainers to design and implement custom training solutions. He emphasized the importance of investing in his team’s professional development and ongoing training to ensure that they are equipped to deliver high-quality training.

What role does technology play in the creation and delivery of your custom corporate training programs?

Technology plays a significant role in the creation and delivery of our custom corporate training programs. We leverage technology to enhance the learning experience for our participants, increase engagement, and provide flexible delivery options.

Firstly, we use learning management systems (LMS) to manage our training programs. This technology allows us to create, store, and track training content, as well as provide participants with access to course materials and assessments. The LMS also enables us to track participant progress and performance and generate reports to assess the effectiveness of our training programs.

Secondly, we use a variety of digital tools to enhance the learning experience for our participants. These include interactive quizzes, gamification, and virtual reality simulations. These tools help to increase engagement and motivation and provide participants with a more immersive and interactive learning experience.

Thirdly, we use technology to provide flexible delivery options for our participants. We offer both synchronous and asynchronous training options, allowing participants to access training content at their own pace and convenience. We also offer live online training sessions, which enable participants to interact with trainers and other participants in real-time, regardless of their location.

Finally, we use technology to provide ongoing support and resources to our participants. We use chatbots and forums to provide participants with access to trainers and other participants, allowing them to ask questions and seek feedback. We also provide access to online resources, such as articles, videos, and podcasts, to support participants’ ongoing learning and development.

In summary, technology plays a critical role in the creation and delivery of our custom corporate training programs. We leverage technology to enhance the learning experience for our participants, increase engagement, provide flexible delivery options, and provide ongoing support and resources. We believe that this approach helps us deliver effective and impactful training solutions that meet the unique needs and challenges of our clients.

How do you work with your team of trainers to design and implement custom training solutions?

At Knowles Training Institute, we have a team of experienced trainers who work closely with me to design and implement custom training solutions for our clients. We believe that collaboration and communication are essential to delivering effective and impactful training solutions that meet the unique needs of our clients.

The first step in the process is to assess the client’s needs and challenges. Our trainers work with the client to identify the specific training needs and objectives and to gain a deep understanding of their organizational culture and context. This information helps us design training solutions that are relevant, practical, and aligned with the client’s goals.

Once we have a clear understanding of the client’s needs, our trainers work together to design the training program. We take a collaborative approach, drawing on each trainer’s expertise and experience to develop engaging and interactive training content that is tailored to the client’s specific needs. Our trainers also work together to ensure that the training program is comprehensive, covering all the necessary topics and skills.

During the implementation phase, our trainers work together to deliver the training program to the client. We use a variety of training delivery methods, including in-person training, virtual training, and self-paced online learning, depending on the client’s needs and preferences. Our trainers work closely with the participants to ensure that they understand the training content and can apply it to their work.

Finally, after the training program is complete, our trainers work together to evaluate its effectiveness. We use a variety of evaluation methods, including participant feedback, assessments, and performance data, to measure the impact of the training program and identify areas for improvement.

In summary, we believe that collaboration and communication are essential to designing and implementing effective custom training solutions. Our team of trainers work together to assess the client’s needs, design the training program, deliver the training, and evaluate its effectiveness. We believe that this approach helps us deliver training solutions that meet the unique needs and challenges of our clients and deliver measurable results.

How do you measure the success of your custom training programs and use feedback to continually improve your offerings?

At Knowles Training Institute, we believe that measuring the success of our custom training programs is essential to ensuring that we are delivering effective and impactful training solutions to our clients. We use a variety of methods to measure the success of our training programs, including participant feedback, assessments, and performance data.

One of the most important ways we measure the success of our training programs is by gathering feedback from participants. We use surveys and other feedback mechanisms to collect participants’ thoughts and opinions on the training content, delivery, and overall experience. This feedback helps us identify areas where we can improve the training program and make adjustments to better meet the needs of our clients.

In addition to participant feedback, we also use assessments and performance data to measure the success of our training programs. We use pre- and post-training assessments to measure the knowledge, skills, and behaviors of participants before and after the training program. This helps us understand the impact of the training program on participants’ performance and identify areas where additional training or support may be needed.

Finally, we also work closely with our clients to measure the success of our training programs. We use key performance indicators (KPIs) and other metrics to track the impact of our training programs on the client’s business outcomes. This helps us understand the broader impact of our training programs and identify areas where we can continue to improve our offerings.

Once we have gathered feedback and measured the success of our training programs, we use this information to continually improve our offerings. We analyze the feedback and data to identify areas where we can make changes to better meet the needs of our clients. We also work closely with our clients to understand their changing needs and adapt our training programs accordingly.

In summary, measuring the success of our training programs is essential to ensuring that we are delivering effective and impactful training solutions to our clients. We use a variety of methods to measure success, including participant feedback, assessments, and performance data. We use this feedback to continually improve our offerings and ensure that we are meeting the unique needs and challenges of our clients.

What challenges have you encountered while creating custom corporate training solutions, and how have you overcome them?

As with any business, creating custom corporate training solutions comes with its fair share of challenges. At Knowles Training Institute, we have encountered several challenges over the years, and we have learned how to overcome them through experience and innovation.

One of the biggest challenges we face is understanding the unique needs and challenges of each client. Some clients may have very specific training needs, while others may have more general requirements. To overcome this challenge, we work closely with our clients to understand their needs and develop custom training solutions that meet those needs. We also rely on our team of expert trainers to provide insights and recommendations based on their experience working with similar clients and industries.

Another challenge we have encountered is developing training programs that are engaging and effective for all participants. Each participant has different learning styles and preferences, so it can be challenging to create training programs that are universally effective. To overcome this challenge, we use a variety of teaching methods and techniques, including interactive activities, case studies, and real-life scenarios, to ensure that all participants are engaged and able to apply what they learn in their work.

We have also encountered challenges related to technology and infrastructure. With the growing trend towards online and remote training, it is essential to have the right technology and infrastructure in place to deliver training effectively. To overcome this challenge, we have invested in state-of-the-art technology and tools that enable us to deliver high-quality training programs online and in remote settings. We have also trained our team of trainers to use these tools effectively, ensuring that participants receive the same level of engagement and interaction in online training programs as they would in traditional classroom settings.

In summary, creating custom corporate training solutions comes with its challenges, but we have learned to overcome them through experience and innovation. We work closely with our clients to understand their needs, use a variety of teaching methods to engage all participants, and invest in the right technology and infrastructure to deliver training effectively. By staying agile and adapting to new challenges as they arise, we can continue to provide high-quality training solutions that meet the unique needs and challenges of our clients.

What advice do you have for other corporate training providers looking to create custom solutions for their clients?

As a leader in the corporate training industry, I have learned a great deal about what it takes to create successful custom solutions for clients. Here are some of the key pieces of advice I would give to other training providers looking to do the same:

  1. Listen to your clients: It’s essential to take the time to understand your clients’ unique needs and challenges. Listen carefully to their feedback and ask questions to gain a deeper understanding of their goals and objectives. This will help you to create custom solutions that are tailored to their specific needs.
  2. Be flexible and adaptable: The corporate training industry is constantly evolving, and it’s essential to stay agile and adaptable to meet the changing needs of your clients. Be open to new ideas and be willing to adjust your approach as needed to ensure that you’re providing the most effective solutions possible.
  3. Leverage technology: Technology can be a powerful tool for delivering training in innovative and engaging ways. Consider incorporating e-learning, gamification, or other technology-based tools into your custom solutions to enhance the learning experience.
  4. Measure success: It’s essential to have a clear understanding of what success looks like for your clients and to measure progress towards those goals. Collect feedback from participants and use data to evaluate the effectiveness of your custom solutions. This will help you to continually improve and refine your offerings.
  5. Invest in your team: Your trainers are the backbone of your training programs, so it’s important to invest in their professional development and ongoing training. This will not only improve the quality of your custom solutions but also help to build a strong team that is committed to delivering high-quality training.

By following these pieces of advice, corporate training providers can create custom solutions that are effective, engaging, and tailored to the unique needs and challenges of their clients.

“Creating successful custom training solutions requires a deep understanding of your clients’ needs, a willingness to adapt and innovate, and a commitment to continuous improvement – both for your solutions and your team of trainers.”

As the CEO of Knowles Training Institute, Sancy Suraj has demonstrated a deep commitment to creating effective, custom training solutions for his clients. He focusses on listening to clients, staying agile and adaptable, leveraging technology, investing in his team, and measuring success has enabled his to establish himself as a visionary leader in the industry. It is clear that Sancy’s passion for delivering high-quality training is the driving force behind the success of Knowles Training Institute.