BANGKOK, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bhutan's Gross National Happiness (GNH) has captured global attention as a unique development philosophy, emphasizing holistic well-being over mere economic metrics. Yet, as Mr. Namgay Tshering, Former Finance Minister of Bhutan and alumnus of Chulalongkorn University's Master of Public Health program, points out, the concept often raises questions: "People tend to ask whether every Bhutanese is happy. GNH is not about individual happiness alone—it's about collective wellbeing, sustainability, and inclusivity."
When Happiness Meets Real-World Pressures
"People tend to ask whether every Bhutanese is happy."
Bhutan faces modern pressures that test the resilience of its happiness-centric model. The country remains largely import-driven, leaving it vulnerable to global economic shocks and inflationary pressures. Tourism, once a cornerstone of the economy, is still recovering from the pandemic, and over-reliance on any single sector proved risky. Technological advancements, while offering opportunities, also pose societal challenges. As Tshering notes, youth may struggle to make rational decisions in the digital age, requiring careful oversight and education.
Turning Vision into Sustainable Action
To address these challenges, Bhutan has embraced sustainable policies and diversified its economy. During his tenure as Finance Minister, Tshering developed public financial management and debt policies as well as enacted taxation laws—all evaluated through the GNH framework to ensure meaningful, sustainable growth. Beyond governance, Bhutan has launched visionary projects such as the Gelephu Mindfulness City, championed by His Majesty the Fifth King. The city integrates nature conservation, spirituality, economic growth, and good governance, serving as a global model of mindful urban development.
Moreover, Bhutan invests heavily in youth development programs to ensure that young citizens grow to be healthy, sensible, and responsible individuals, capable of embracing technology while preserving cultural values. Tshering continues to mentor the next generation, guiding them toward balanced, impactful lives.
Redefining Leadership for a Changing World
Reflecting on leadership, Tshering emphasizes a holistic approach: academic excellence alone does not make a leader. "Embrace a wholesome education—go beyond the curriculum, explore different perspectives, and understand global dynamics," he advises.
His career exemplifies this philosophy, blending national service with international experience at the World Health Organization, World Bank, and Global Fund.
Shaping Perspectives and Inspiring Action
After his undergraduate studies in Bhutan, Tshering pursued a Master of Public Health at Chulalongkorn University, Thailand's oldest and most prestigious institution. He credits Chula for providing not just academic knowledge, but a global perspective: "I could discuss policies, meet colleagues from different countries, and hear about their experiences. It has been a driving force behind my success."
Through his work, Tshering demonstrates how Chula alumni contribute to society on both national and international stages, applying knowledge with purpose, compassion, and a commitment to sustainable development
Read the full article at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/260992/
Watch the video for this story: https://youtu.be/a10uzeJb27g
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About Chulalongkorn University
Chulalongkorn University has made the world's top 50 university list for employment outcomes, which reflects both the high employment rate and work ability of Chula graduates. The university is also listed as the best in Thailand for the 15th Consecutive Year (since 2009), according to the newly released QS World University Rankings 2024, putting Chula at 211th in the world, up from 244th last year.
Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChulalongkornUniversity
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/chulauniversity
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/school/15101896/
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Challenges Impacting Bhutan's Gross National Happiness in the 21st Century
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NAIROBI, Kenya and NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Open University of Kenya (OUK) and MindHYVE.ai, Inc., a U.S.-based artificial intelligence company, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing a strategic collaboration focused on advancing AI-powered learning enablement and academic innovation.
The collaboration explores the integration of ArthurAI™, MindHYVE.ai's proprietary agentic artificial intelligence system, into selected areas of OUK's digital learning ecosystem. The initiative is designed to support personalized learning, faculty enablement, data-driven curriculum innovation and workforce-aligned upskilling, positioning OUK as a leader in next-generation digital education across Africa.
Under the MoU, the parties will jointly explore implementation of ArthurAI as a virtual academic enabler, supporting learners and educators through adaptive, real-time learning assistance. The collaboration also includes curriculum co-design, impact evaluation, localization aligned with Kenya's education policy and adherence to the Kenya Data Protection Act (2019).
"This collaboration reflects the Open University of Kenya's commitment to innovation, access and academic excellence," said Professor Elijah Omwenga, Vice-Chancellor of the Open University of Kenya. "By exploring responsible AI-powered learning systems, we aim to enhance student success, empower faculty and strengthen Kenya's position as a digital education leader."
"OUK represents a bold and forward-looking model for higher education in the digital age," said Bill Faruki, Founder and CEO at MindHYVE.ai™. "This collaboration allows us to responsibly explore how agentic AI can support learning, teaching and workforce readiness—while maintaining transparency, ethics and local relevance."
This collaboration reflects a shared vision to advance responsible AI in education, expand access to high-quality digital learning and support Kenya's broader goals for workforce development and innovation.
About The Open University of Kenya
The Open University of Kenya (OUK), established by Charter in August 2023, is Kenya's first fully online specialised public University. OUK is mandated to expand access to affordable, flexible, self-paced, inclusive and high-quality higher education through digital and open learning innovation. It offers Professional Development Courses, Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programmes designed to meet the needs of learners across Kenya and beyond.
Website: https://ouk.ac.ke/ ∕ Email: info@ouk.ac.ke ∕ Contact: +254 703 211 211
Media Contact:
Brendah Kabindio
Email: bkabindio@ouk.ac.ke
About MindHYVE.ai™
MindHYVE.ai™ is redefining the boundaries of intelligence by engineering autonomous systems and deploying domain-specific AGI agents across real-world sectors. Powered by the Ava-Fusion™ large reasoning model and architected for agent coordination, swarm intelligence, and adaptive autonomy, MindHYVE's technology stack is revolutionizing law, medicine, finance, education, and governance.
With operations in North America, Asia, and Africa, MindHYVE.ai™ is on a mission to democratize access to transformative intelligence and architect the infrastructure for post-scarcity economies. Backed by HYVE Labs, the company continues to shape the future of agentic systems on a global scale.
Website: www.mindhyve.ai | Email: hello@mindhyve.io | Contact: +1 (949) 200-8668
Media Contact:
Marc Ortiz
Email: marc.ortiz@mindhyve.io
NAIROBI, Kenya and NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Open University of Kenya (OUK) and MindHYVE.ai, Inc., a U.S.-based artificial intelligence company, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing a strategic collaboration focused on advancing AI-powered learning enablement and academic innovation.
The collaboration explores the integration of ArthurAI™, MindHYVE.ai's proprietary agentic artificial intelligence system, into selected areas of OUK's digital learning ecosystem. The initiative is designed to support personalized learning, faculty enablement, data-driven curriculum innovation and workforce-aligned upskilling, positioning OUK as a leader in next-generation digital education across Africa.
Under the MoU, the parties will jointly explore implementation of ArthurAI as a virtual academic enabler, supporting learners and educators through adaptive, real-time learning assistance. The collaboration also includes curriculum co-design, impact evaluation, localization aligned with Kenya's education policy and adherence to the Kenya Data Protection Act (2019).
"This collaboration reflects the Open University of Kenya's commitment to innovation, access and academic excellence," said Professor Elijah Omwenga, Vice-Chancellor of the Open University of Kenya. "By exploring responsible AI-powered learning systems, we aim to enhance student success, empower faculty and strengthen Kenya's position as a digital education leader."
"OUK represents a bold and forward-looking model for higher education in the digital age," said Bill Faruki, Founder and CEO at MindHYVE.ai™. "This collaboration allows us to responsibly explore how agentic AI can support learning, teaching and workforce readiness—while maintaining transparency, ethics and local relevance."
This collaboration reflects a shared vision to advance responsible AI in education, expand access to high-quality digital learning and support Kenya's broader goals for workforce development and innovation.
About The Open University of Kenya
The Open University of Kenya (OUK), established by Charter in August 2023, is Kenya's first fully online specialised public University. OUK is mandated to expand access to affordable, flexible, self-paced, inclusive and high-quality higher education through digital and open learning innovation. It offers Professional Development Courses, Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programmes designed to meet the needs of learners across Kenya and beyond.
Website: https://ouk.ac.ke/ ∕ Email: info@ouk.ac.ke ∕ Contact: +254 703 211 211
Media Contact:
Brendah Kabindio
Email: bkabindio@ouk.ac.ke
About MindHYVE.ai™
MindHYVE.ai™ is redefining the boundaries of intelligence by engineering autonomous systems and deploying domain-specific AGI agents across real-world sectors. Powered by the Ava-Fusion™ large reasoning model and architected for agent coordination, swarm intelligence, and adaptive autonomy, MindHYVE's technology stack is revolutionizing law, medicine, finance, education, and governance.
With operations in North America, Asia, and Africa, MindHYVE.ai™ is on a mission to democratize access to transformative intelligence and architect the infrastructure for post-scarcity economies. Backed by HYVE Labs, the company continues to shape the future of agentic systems on a global scale.
Website: www.mindhyve.ai | Email: hello@mindhyve.io | Contact: +1 (949) 200-8668
Media Contact:
Marc Ortiz
Email: marc.ortiz@mindhyve.io
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
MindHYVE.ai™ and The Open University of Kenya Announce Strategic Collaboration on AI-Powered Learning and Academic Innovation
