By Textile Focus Correspondent
As Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) industry continues to navigate a rapidly evolving global landscape, a virtual knowledge-sharing session titled “NextGen RMG Skills: ESG • DPP • ERP • AI” brought together more than 300 students, industry professionals, academicians and aspiring leaders to explore the technologies and sustainability practices shaping the future of apparel manufacturing.
The webinar was jointly organised by Textile And Garments Merchandising and Bunon Bee, with Textile Focus, Textile Today, and Fashion Business Journal serving as Media Partners. ecoeen, a Bangladeshi sustainable lifestyle brand, joined the programme as the Gift Partner.
The event focused on four strategic pillars that are transforming the global textile and apparel industry Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), Digital Product Passport (DPP), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) highlighting their growing significance in enhancing competitiveness, transparency and sustainability.
The webinar featured an accomplished panel of speakers representing academia, manufacturing, sustainability, fashion, and digital innovation.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Dr. Engr. Ayub Nabi Khan, Vice-Chancellor of BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology (BUFT), stressed the importance of preparing future professionals through industry-relevant education, innovation and continuous learning. He noted that Bangladesh’s long-term competitiveness will depend on developing skilled human capital capable of adapting to technological and market transformations.
Speaking on sustainability, ABM Faqrul Alam, Head of Sustainability at Urmi Group, discussed how ESG has evolved from a compliance requirement into a strategic business imperative. He highlighted the role of responsible manufacturing in strengthening buyer confidence, improving operational resilience and creating long-term value across the supply chain.
Shahana Akter Kiron, Regional Lead at TextileGenesis, explored the role of Digital Product Passport (DPP) in enabling supply chain transparency and traceability. She explained how digital identity and verified product information are expected to become standard requirements for brands and retailers operating in international markets.
From a global fashion perspective, Tanvir Mahidy, Menswear Fashion Designer at Native Youth (Manchester, UK) and London Fashion Week Designer, encouraged emerging designers and professionals to embrace creativity, innovation and sustainability as complementary drivers of future success within the fashion industry.
Addressing the regulatory landscape, Nazrul Islam, DPP & EU ESPR Researcher and Founder of DPPlive.com, provided an overview of the European Union’s Digital Product Passport initiative and the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). He emphasised the need for Bangladeshi manufacturers to prepare proactively for upcoming compliance requirements to maintain access to international markets.
The session was hosted by Md. Salauddin, Advisor to Textile And Garments Merchandising and Bunon Bee, and former Director of Reaz Garments Ltd. In his remarks, he highlighted the importance of industry-academia collaboration and continuous upskilling to equip the next generation with the competencies required in an increasingly digital and sustainability-driven apparel sector.
The webinar concluded with an interactive discussion, where participants engaged directly with the speakers on ESG implementation, digital traceability, ERP adoption, artificial intelligence, and emerging career opportunities in the global textile and apparel industry.
With participation exceeding 300 attendees, the organisers described the programme as a reflection of the growing demand for future-focused learning platforms that connect students, professionals and industry leaders. They reaffirmed their commitment to organising similar initiatives to support innovation, knowledge exchange and sustainable growth within Bangladesh’s textile and apparel ecosystem.
