Wittenborg Wraps Up Erasmus+ BusyBees Project at Globalisation Forum

https://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-wraps-erasmus-busybees-project-globalisation-forum.htm

Initiative Focused on Developing Students’ Digital and Green Competencies

On 3 November, during the second edition of Wittenborg’s Globalisation Forum, Associate Professor Vanessa Menezes delivered the concluding presentation for the Research Centre’s project BusyBees, sponsored by Erasmus+. The session was attended by approximately 250 students, as well as visitors from other higher education institutions. 

The consortium included partners from four other countries alongside Wittenborg: JAC Jobs Academy (Italy), iTStudy (Hungary), Institut Escola del Treball (Spain) and Solution Based Training & Consultancy (Türkiye). The initiative was designed to bridge the gap between higher education courses and market demands in topics such as digital and green marketing.   

The project sought to develop a ‘Business Game Methodology for Twin Transition in Higher Education’, where student teams competed to create a solution based on a challenge posed by a company in their specific study sector. Simultaneously, the students received training on skills related to the two areas of the Twin Transition – digital and green competencies – to develop a solution for the company’s problem.  

The BusyBees project ran for two years, starting in November 2023. In the Netherlands, the activities included partners such as Het Loo Palace, where Wittenborg student teams were tasked with increasing visitor engagement while reducing environmental impact. Meanwhile, Dadas Zeevis Groothandel B.V., a sustainable seafood wholesaler, invited students to design market expansion strategies that aligned with evolving regulatory standards and long-term sustainability goals. 

Reflecting on the project’s outcome, Menezes highlighted its importance in helping students develop technological and sustainability skills that are increasingly demanded by the market. “Collaborating within a consortium of institutions from various countries was a truly enriching experience. One of the most rewarding aspects was seeing the practical results delivered by students to SMEs in our region. They proposed simple, actionable ideas aligned with the Twin Transition, which companies can implement in the short term,” she said.

WUP 24/11/2025 
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press 

Tags
#Erasmus+
#Internationalisation
#Diversity
#research
#SDG9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
#SDG11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Wittenborg’s Globalisation Forum Promotes Relevant Debates and Knowledge Exchange

https://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborgs-globalisation-forum-promotes-relevant-debates-and-knowledge-exchange.htm

Event Gathers Over 300 Participants Including Students, Researchers and Professionals

Bringing together students, researchers and professionals to explore the impact of globalisation across disciplines, the second edition of Wittenborg’s Globalisation Forum took place from 3 to 6 November in Apeldoorn. The event’s programme featured thematic reviews, conceptual papers and innovative approaches to teaching and learning, as well as plenty of activities for students. 

With over 300 people attending, the forum opened at Apeldoorn’s prestigious Orpheus Theatre on 3 November with a keynote speech by Wittenborg’s president, Peter Birdsall, on ‘Education as the Nexus’. Following the opening, senior lecturer Marjon van Opijnen delivered the session ‘Environmental Challenges: Think Small, Act Big’. 

This was followed by a panel discussion on ‘International Education in the Context of Globalisation Challenges’, which featured Tamara Mechurchlishvili, Head of the International Relations Office at the Georgian American University, and Laura Rumbley, Director of Knowledge Development and Research at the European Association for International Education (EAIE). The session also included Wittenborg Head of School of Business Rauf Abdul and Stephen Orme, Head of Business Development and Operations at Wittenborg. 

According to Rumbley, the discussion on issues of equity and fairness as well as the positive and negative aspects of globalisation is really exciting and timely. “On top of that, it’s a really excellent example of co-creation where we’re in dialogue with students about a phenomenon that they’re directly involved in. The interaction of international experiences, voices and perspectives is so important to the quality of education, for the purpose of higher quality of experience and learning, which benefits everybody involved,” she said.

The day continued with presentations from the Erasmus Plus projects Green4ADU, delivered by Cha-Hsuan Liu, and BusyBees, presented by Vanessa de Oliveira Menezes, and concluded with debate training for bachelor’s and master’s students led by Tim Birdsall.  

On 4 November, the activities moved to the Spoorstraat Campus. The day began with a keynote speech by Roeland van der Rijst. He serves as Editor of the International Journal for Academic Development and Pedagogische Studiën and is an Editorial Board Member of Teaching in Higher Education and Future in Educational Research.  

Van der Rijst also joined a panel discussion on ‘Publishing in an Academic Journal’ alongside Wittenborg Rector Ronald Tuninga, Senior Associate Editor of the Journal of Global Marketing, and assistant professor Carlos Miguel Roos, Executive Editor of Empedocles: European Journal for the Philosophy of Communication.  

Roos pointed out that taking part in the panel was useful to compare the ways in which editorship works across different disciplines. “By its very nature, the field of business studies is multidisciplinary, which is why approaches ranging from the humanities to the social sciences were represented in our discussion. I took home a good impression of how academic output is assessed in branches of academia other than mine. Interestingly, I found more similarities than differences in our respective approaches.”

He added that the students’ questions were genuine matters of concern. “It’s a good idea to take these concerns seriously, to pay attention. It’s usually up the younger generations to spot the cracks in the prevalent world pictures and professional practices.” 

After a networking lunch, participants attended a Design Research Methodology workshop led by Wittenborg professor Ad Kil, followed by a research presentation for the Erasmus Plus COVE project ‘TourXperience’. Parallel paper presentations by Patience Orukpe, Cha-Hsuan Liu, Jian Liu and Carlos Roos concluded the academic programme, with closing drinks rounding off the day.

Student debates

The second edition of the Globalisation Forum was tied with this block’s project week. On 5 and 6 November, bachelor’s and master’s students were grouped in teams and participated in lively debate competitions. The results will be announced in the next few days. 

Wittenborg Quality and Compliance Coordinator Florian Oosterberg was responsible for moderating the debates. She said that she really enjoyed the opportunity to engage with the academic side of the institution in a way she hadn’t before as a member of the support staff. “It offered a fresh perspective on how our lecturers work, interact with students and provide feedback, insights that I found personally enriching.”

Oosterberg added that it was inspiring to witness the passion and dedication each team brought to the table during the debates. “The level of preparation was clearly high, and the students demonstrated genuine engagement with the topics at hand. What stood out to me was the diversity in approach among the teams. Some relied heavily on data and evidence to support their arguments, though their delivery could have been more confident and persuasive. Others impressed with their presence and rhetorical skill yet would have benefited from stronger factual backing. Striking the right balance between these elements is a challenge, but also an opportunity for growth.” 

According to her, the motions themselves were far from easy, yet both the proposition and opposition sides presented thoughtful and valid perspectives. “Most importantly, all teams maintained a respectful and professional tone throughout, contributing to a constructive and enjoyable debate environment.” 

Jasmine Shaw, a South African student pursuing a BBA in Marketing & Communications, highlighted that she really enjoyed attending the keynotes, panels and presentations as well as participating in the debates. “I had never taken part in a debate before and found it to be something I really enjoy. Backing up arguments using evidence felt like a constructive and useful skill one could use in practically any context. It’s incredibly useful for students to learn how to disagree and challenge one another in a professional and direct manner,” she said. 

Munich activities

Wittenborg’s Munich study location, the New European College (NEC), also held a Project Week connected to the Globalisation Forum, with students participating in a debating event on topics like globalisation, open borders, immigration and sustainability.  

NEC’s director, Sascha Liebhardt, said that the activity wasn’t just an academic exercise, but also a training ground for real-world thinking. “Students tackled complex topics with curiosity, courage and care. And that, to me, is exactly what education should do: prepare you not just to know the world, but to engage with it,” Liebhardt emphasised.   

Next editions

Wittenborg Research Centre manager Aydan Holtrigter, one of the event’s main organisers, pointed out that the institution plans to host the Globalisation Forum on an annual basis. “It is a great platform to bring young and seasoned researchers and students together, to exchange great ideas and provide students with new opportunities to explore. The next editions will not only be open to our own faculty and students, but also to all our external partner universities. We believe that at this pace, over the next few years, this event can grow into a recognised regional platform for exchange in applied research. We are already looking forward to the next edition,” she concluded.  

WUP 19/11/2025 
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press 

Tags
#SDG4: Quality Education
#SDG17: Partnerships to achieve the Goal
#Internationalisation
#Diversity
#highered
#research
#internationalstudent
#studyinholland

Wittenborg Students Attend Spooktacular Halloween Parties in Amsterdam and Apeldoorn

https://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-students-attend-spooktacular-halloween-parties-amsterdam-and-apeldoorn.htm

Students in Apeldoorn and Amsterdam Go All Out With Costumes

Wittenborg students in both Amsterdam and Apeldoorn embraced the spooky season in style at the school’s annual Halloween Parties — events that have become a highlight of the social calendar, bringing together students and staff for a night of creativity, laughter and festive fun.  

In Amsterdam, the celebration was organised by the Amsterdam Student Event Committee and took place on Friday, 31 October at Ganbei Karaoke Bar near Leidseplein. The event brought together more than 60 bachelor’s and master’s students for an evening of karaoke, music, snacks and drinks.  

Kejli Kadiu, Agent Relations Administrator, shared her impressions of the night:  

“The purpose of the Halloween night was to provide an opportunity for students to socialise, get to know each other better, and enjoy a fun experience outside of their studies. The event took place in a very vibrant area, and the atmosphere was fantastic. Everyone took turns performing their favourite songs, sometimes in their native language, which created a lively and exciting vibe.”  

She added, “Many students put a lot of effort into their costumes, and it was great to step away from the usual business school structure and enjoy a relaxed, fun evening.”  

Digital Marketing student Zakaria Id Bouhouch also reflected on the event, saying:  

“I was generally happy about it and satisfied. It was great to gather students to network, have fun and celebrate Halloween.”  

Meanwhile, in Apeldoorn, students enjoyed their own Halloween celebration at Teun, where creativity and community spirit took centre stage.  

Wittenborg student Sahana Mital shared her excitement about the night:  

“It was such an amazing night! I dressed up as a police officer, and everyone had such creative costumes. The energy was incredible, especially when the winner of the Halloween contest was being announced — the hype, cheers and excitement made it such a fun and unforgettable moment! I really loved how everyone got into the Halloween spirit. It was such a great way to relax, dance and just have fun together after classes.”  

Regional Admissions Manager Amin Nadervandi added:  

“It was wonderful to see our students come together in such a festive and creative way. The energy was fantastic and the costumes were impressive! It showed the vibrant community spirit at Wittenborg. It was a great opportunity to connect with students outside the academic setting and celebrate together.”  

From the Teletubbies and Mulan to witches, vampires, ghosts and masked vigilantes, the costumes at both locations reflected students’ imagination and enthusiasm, making this year’s Halloween celebrations truly spooktacular.

WUP 17/11/2025 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press

Tags
#SDG3: Good Health and Well-being
#Internationalisation
#internationalstudent
#Diversity
#apeldoorn

Wittenborg Student Bhuvanesh Vemulapalli Gains Sustainability Experience at IKEA

https://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-student-bhuvanesh-vemulapalli-gains-sustainability-experience-ikea.htm

Internship Supervised by Wittenborg Graduate Somayyeh Nowroozi Offers Valuable Opportunities

By pursuing an internship at IKEA, Wittenborg student Bhuvanesh Vemulapalli managed to develop a wide range of professional skills while contributing to the company’s sustainability and circular economy initiatives. 

Originally from India, Bhuvanesh is currently pursuing an MBM in Digital Marketing & Communication at Wittenborg. He began his internship at IKEA in March and completed it in October. Reflecting on how he secured this opportunity, he emphasised the value of networking, which opened the door to one of the world’s most recognised brands. 

As a Sustainability and Waste Management Intern, Bhuvanesh’s responsibilities were diverse. He worked on projects involving sustainability and circular economy principles, waste reduction, data analysis and reporting, community and social impact, as well as green initiatives coordination. “Every day brought something new. Everything was enjoyable because it was challenging. The biggest challenge was earning people’s trust, answering questions like why I was there and what I was doing. But once trust was built, the collaboration became incredibly rewarding,” Bhuvanesh said.  

During the internship, he developed practical expertise in areas such as recycling strategies, sustainability metrics, creative problem-solving, stakeholder engagement and policy implementation. “This experience has made my professional profile stronger and greatly improved my communication skills,” he shared. 

Bhuvanesh’s supervisor, Somayyeh Nowroozi, who completed an MBA in Education at Wittenborg and now works as Product Quality & Recovery Manager at IKEA, praised his performance. “Bhuvanesh has strong communication skills and an entrepreneurial mindset, which are assets to the company,” she commented. “He also thinks creatively, which allows him to develop innovative solutions. Moreover, his ethical and professional behaviour really stand out.” 

Having been a Wittenborg student herself, Somayyeh understands the academic and personal growth students seek through internships. “Networking works very well in the Netherlands, and I try to help interns build their relationship skills. My background at Wittenborg helps me support them in bridging theory and practice,” she noted. 

For Bhuvanesh, having a Wittenborg alumna as his supervisor made the experience even more meaningful. “One word for Somayyeh: everything,” he said. “She’s been a mentor, leader, friend and guide – always there, always inspiring.” 

As he looks ahead, Bhuvanesh plans to continue exploring roles that combine impact, strategy and growth with sustainability, innovation and leadership at their core. He encourages fellow students to embrace internship opportunities and be open to learning and challenges.

WUP 14/11/2025 
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press 

Tags
#SDG9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
#SDG11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
#Internationalisation
#Diversity
#highered
#internationalstudent

Master’s Thesis Explores Power of Visual Branding in Fashion Marketing

https://www.wittenborg.eu/masters-thesis-explores-power-visual-branding-fashion-marketing.htm

Sara Mirfakhraie’s research highlights imagery and colour as key tools for engaging Gen Z fashion consumers

Recent Wittenborg graduate Sara Mirfakhraie, originally from Iran, has completed her MBM (Master of Business Management) in Digital Marketing and Communications with a thesis examining how digital visual branding influences customer acquisition among Generation Z consumers in the Dutch fashion industry.  

Mirfakhraie’s interest in the topic stems from personal experience. “I've been curious about this topic personally for years,” she said. “I always remembered certain brands from certain colours they used or their photographic styles since a very young age, when I was about 8 years old.”  

That early interest continued through her undergraduate studies in photography and later informed her academic path in marketing. “This stuck with me for years until I studied photography for my bachelor’s and figured the impact of visuals on people. Later on, this was further reinforced with the knowledge I gained in digital marketing.”  

Her research focused on three visual elements – colour, logo and imagery – and used a structured online survey to gather responses from 150 Gen Z fashion consumers in the Netherlands. Statistical analysis, including multiple linear regression in SPSS, was used to evaluate the role of each element in driving customer acquisition, guided by the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM).  

Mirfakhraie found that imagery had the most significant influence on Gen Z consumers, with colour coming second. Logos played a supporting role. “Imagery had the biggest significance statistically in terms of customer acquisition,” she explained. “Logo was the least significant element, mostly performing as a complementary element.”  

Her findings also supported the idea that Gen Z consumers rely more on emotional and aesthetic signals than detailed product information when making purchase decisions. “Visual consistency boosts brand recognition and social media engagement,” she said.  

Reflecting on the research process, Mirfakhraie said she was glad the results aligned with her expectations. Now looking ahead, she is exploring career opportunities in marketing. “I am looking for various opportunities in digital marketing, preferably the more creative roles as that aligns perfectly with my background.”  

For students preparing their own thesis, she offered this practical tip: “My advice would be to start their thesis as soon as possible in order to minimise the pressure and have the peace of mind that comes from having enough time to complete their education on time – stress free.”

WUP 12/11/2025 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press 

Tags
#SDG4: Quality Education
#SDG9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
#Internationalisation
#Diversity
#internationalstudent
#research

Wittenborg Connects with Students at International University Fair in Valencia

https://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-connects-students-international-university-fair-valencia.htm

Over 100 Students Visit Wittenborg Stand in Valencia

In October 2025, Wittenborg took part in the International University Fair in Valencia, Spain, a major event connecting students with international higher education opportunities. The fair brought together private international high schools from the province of Valencia, as well as Alicante and Castellón, with schools offering fully English-taught and bilingual programmes.

Represented by Amin Nadervandi, Regional Admissions Manager, Wittenborg introduced Spanish students to its international learning environment in the Netherlands and discussed future academic and career opportunities. “The International University Fair, organised by Educoway, provides students with access to a wide range of international study options,” Nadervandi said. “For Wittenborg, it was a great opportunity to guide students through the admissions process and help them explore their future studies.”

The event offered a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere, with institutions from various countries creating a dynamic environment for cultural exchange and networking. Nadervandi noted that the enthusiasm and curiosity of students made the experience particularly rewarding, with more than a hundred students visiting the Wittenborg stand throughout the day.

The presence of multiple Dutch institutions highlighted the strengths of higher education in the Netherlands, while students explored practical learning, cultural diversity, and career opportunities abroad. Meaningful conversations reinforced the importance of clear communication, personalised guidance, and internationalisation in supporting students’ educational journeys.

“The energy and curiosity of the students made the event truly worthwhile,” Nadervandi reflected. “It was a pleasure to represent Wittenborg in such a dynamic setting. Experiences like this reaffirm the value of international outreach and the role it plays in shaping students’ academic paths.”

WUP 11/11/2025 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press 

Tags
#SDG4: Quality Education
#Internationalisation
#Diversity
#internationalstudent
#studyinholland

Wittenborg Organises Green4ADU Workshop to Promote Sustainability in Adult Learning

https://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-organises-green4adu-workshop-promote-sustainability-adult-learning.htm

Participants Explore Practical Ways to Apply Green Competences in Daily Work Practices  

On 25 October, Wittenborg organised a Green4ADU workshop in Harderwijk. The event gathered around 30 participants and focused on promoting awareness of work-oriented green competences and encouraging reflection on how sustainability can be integrated into everyday professional settings.  

Led by Wittenborg, Erasmus+ project Green4ADU aims to educate adults seeking to enhance their environmental skills and employability. The initiative includes the educational institutions Apostolina Tsaltampasi Kai Sia EE, SME (Greece), CEIPES ETS (Italy), Interchange Non-Profit gUG, NGO (Germany) and BB&R (Spain).    

Through interactive discussions and group activities, attendees explored real-life environmental challenges, such as waste management, global warming and sustainable production. They also identified practical actions to make their workplace, Dadas-Food, more sustainable. By the end of the session, participants shared insights and proposed small but meaningful actions aimed at embedding green practices into their daily work routines.  

Erasmus+ Project Administrator & Researcher Jian Liu commented that he was very satisfied with the results. “I’m very pleased with how smoothly the workshop went. The collaboration between Dr Cha-Hsuan Liu, Dr Ali Ozdemir and Aynur Deliveli worked perfectly in engaging participants,” he said.  

Liu added that he had the opportunity to have good exchanges with both trainers and participants about applying green competences in real workplaces. “It was great to hear how adult learners connected the discussions to their daily practices.”  

Research & Education Administrator Aynur Deliveli, who facilitated the session, also highlighted the participants’ enthusiasm. “What stood out most to me was seeing the group actively connect the content to their own work experiences. It really highlighted the practical impact of the session,” she noted.  

Deliveli underlined that the workshop’s hands-on approach was particularly effective. “I really enjoyed helping the team bring the content to life. Seeing participants actively engage and leave with practical takeaways made the whole experience very rewarding,” she said. 

WUP 10/11/2025 
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press 

Tags
#SDG4: Quality Education
#SDG12: Responsible Consumption and Production
#Internationalisation
#Diversity
#societalimpact
#Erasmus+
#ResearchCentre

Guest Lecture Explores Banking’s Vital Role in the Global Economy

https://www.wittenborg.eu/guest-lecture-explores-bankings-vital-role-global-economy.htm

Wittenborg Alumnus Aleksandre Meparidze on Money and Banking

Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences recently welcomed alumnus Aleksandre Meparidze for an engaging guest lecture on 'Money and Banking' for students following the BBA Pathway in International Business Administration (IBA). 

Meparidze, a finance professional with extensive experience in banking and investments, currently leads a division at Liberty Bank, Georgia’s third-largest financial institution, where he oversees financial analysis, profitability and strategic projects including mergers and acquisitions. As a CFA Charterholder, he brings a deep understanding of financial markets, banking operations and investment strategies.

Understanding Money and Banking

During his lecture, Meparidze explored a wide range of topics under the theme Money and Banking. “My lecture covered historical forms of banking and early financial systems, the role of banks in the economy, core banking functions, banking regulations, the role of central banks, and future trends and innovations,” he explained. The session also included an in-depth look at banking crises and collapses, with a particular focus on the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) failure.

Why Banking Matters

Speaking about the relevance of the topic, Meparidze noted, “Banks are at the core of every modern economy. Understanding how they emerged, how they operate and how they are regulated helps students grasp both the opportunities and the risks within financial systems.” He added that with recent crises such as the SVB collapse, “it is especially important to connect theory with real-world events, showing how banking impacts businesses, households and overall economic stability.”

Lessons from Financial Crises

A significant part of the lecture was devoted to examining the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, which was triggered by the US housing bubble and risky mortgage lending. Students learned how financial institutions packaged these risky loans into securities that were sold globally, leading to widespread losses and recession.

“The key message I wanted to convey,” said Meparidze, “is that banking is not just about moving money, it is a cornerstone of economic stability and growth, but also a sector vulnerable to risk and disruption. By understanding both its foundations and its future challenges, students can better appreciate the importance of strong regulation, innovation and critical thinking in finance.”

The Silicon Valley Bank Case

Students then engaged with a case study on Silicon Valley Bank, analysing its balance sheet and depositor structure to understand how concentrated client bases and rising interest rates contributed to its collapse. They participated in group discussions, taking on the roles of startup CFOs, bank managers and regulators to explore the dilemmas faced during a financial crisis.

“The interaction was engaging and dynamic,” Meparidze reflected. “Students asked thoughtful questions throughout the lecture, especially around banking crises and the SVB case study. I encouraged discussion and critical thinking, which led to an active exchange of ideas rather than a one-way presentation.”

One particularly insightful question came from a student who asked about the connection between central bank policy rates and their influence on inflation and currency depreciation or appreciation. “This led to a thoughtful discussion on how monetary policy decisions ripple through the broader economy,” he said.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Banking

In the final part of the session, Meparidze explored key forces shaping the future of banking, including digital transformation, artificial intelligence, blockchain and the rise of fintech and neobanks. He highlighted opportunities such as financial inclusion, embedded finance and green investment, alongside challenges like social media–driven bank runs and cyber risks.

When asked what advice he would offer to students aspiring to work in finance, he said, “Stay curious and build a strong foundation in both economic theory and practical financial skills. Follow real-world events closely, such as banking crises or innovations like fintech and digital currencies, because they bring textbook concepts to life. Finally, develop critical thinking and adaptability, since the financial sector is constantly evolving and rewards those who can connect theory with practice.”

WUP 07/11/2025
by Erene Roux
©WUAS Press

Wittenborg Spotlights Entrepreneurship at the 2025 Apeldoorn Business Awards

https://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-spotlights-entrepreneurship-2025-apeldoorn-business-awards.htm

Wittenborg Celebrates Local Excellence at Orpheus Theatre

The Apeldoorn Business Awards 2025 took place on 16 October at Theatre Orpheus, bringing together the city’s most inspiring entrepreneurs and organisations. Wittenborg took part in this prestigious evening celebrating innovation, entrepreneurship and local excellence.  

Wittenborg was well represented at the event, with Rector Ron Tuninga and a delegation including Sinem Dosdogru, Sophia Faraji, Kriszta Kaspers, Fjorentina Muco, Ava Mehrani, Maulik Barot, Mykhailo Huba, Nicoleta Salaru, Eunice Cheung, Patience Orukpe, Amal Abi Orm and Allegra Zazzaro attending.  

As one of the event’s sponsors, Wittenborg featured in a special video presentation highlighting the Starters Award category. Tuninga and CEO Maggie Feng appeared in the video to share why supporting entrepreneurship in the region is so vital. The category celebrates promising new businesses that serve as role models for Wittenborg’s students and the wider Apeldoorn community.  

Reflecting on the evening, Sophia Faraji, External Relations & Events Manager at Wittenborg, said the event encapsulated what makes Apeldoorn’s business ecosystem so dynamic. “It was an inspiring evening that brought together the heart of our region’s entrepreneurial community. For us, the highlight was seeing how innovation, sustainability and people power converge through local companies making a real difference. Being part of the start-up category sponsorship, and witnessing emerging talent alongside established businesses, makes us even more committed to equipping our international students and alumni to contribute right here in Apeldoorn and beyond.”  

During the ceremony, Tuninga was also invited on stage to speak about the importance of nurturing emerging talent in the business world. He highlighted Wittenborg's diverse and international community and encouraged the Apeldoorn business community to embrace international talent.  

“We have more than 100 nationalities at Wittenborg,” he said. “We need international talent in the region. The Starters Award is especially inspiring, as business students can play a valuable role in driving innovation within the city. It’s also about visibility — or ‘zichtbaarheid’ — showing how new entrepreneurs make their mark and contribute to Apeldoorn’s growing reputation as a hub for creativity and enterprise.”  

The Apeldoorn Business Awards selection process is known for its rigour. Each year, an independent nomination committee and jury assess companies across categories such as Retail, Industry and Technology, Tourism and Hospitality, Wholesale and Services, Starters, Social Organisations and Students. Criteria include innovation, sustainability, collaboration and contribution to Apeldoorn.  

This year’s winners are:  

Wittenborg Starters: Bardo
Social Organisations (Rabobank Award): Stichting Present Apeldoorn
Industry and Technology: Preco
Wholesale and Services: Knives and Tools
Student Encouragement Award: Nydo Eyewear
Retail: Van Hell Juweliers / Breitling Boutique
Tourism and Hospitality: Hotel Gastronomique de Echoput
Audience Award: Gigant

WUP 05/11/2025 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press

Tags
#SDG8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
#SDG9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
#Internationalisation
#societalimpact
#apeldoorn