On September 23, 2024, Kathmandu University (KU) and NMB Bank entered into a entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate to provide scholarships for students of the Kathmandu University School of Management (KUSOM) and its affiliated colleges. This initiative, known as the NMB NextGen Banking Leaders Scholarship, was facilitated by the Academia-Industry Cooperation, KU (AICKU). On behalf of KU, the agreement was signed by Prof. Dr. Achyut Wagle, Registrar of KU, and Dr. Ram Lama, Coordinator of AICKU. On behalf of NMB Bank, the agreement was signed by Mr. Sunil K.C., CEO of NMB Bank and Mrs. Pranisha Shrestha, Head of Branding and Marketing of NMB Bank.

Under the agreement, a total of seven full scholarships will be awarded to students enrolled in undergraduate programs at KUSOM and its affiliated colleges from each of Nepal’s seven provinces. The scholarships, falling outside the university’s designated quota, will empower students to contribute to the financial sector and beyond, creating future leaders, bankers, and CEOs in Nepal. The scholarships will cover the entirety of tuition fees for the complete four-year program, with NMB Bank funding two-thirds of the cost and KU covering the remaining third. Currently, five female students from five different provinces (Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, Karnali) have already been awarded the scholarship. The selection process is ongoing, and KU and NMB Bank are actively working to identify two more deserving candidates from the remaining provinces.

The partnership aims to empower future bankers and CEOs each province of Nepal, with a strong emphasis on supporting women and marginalized communities. Both KU and NMB Bank are committed to nurturing future women leaders in the banking industry, ensuring greater representation and leadership opportunities for women in the financial sector.