Kenrick — A Conversation with Kenrick Mark Coleman Features Hero Balani
The Kenrick Mark Coleman Foundation
Kenrick — A Conversation with Kenrick Mark Coleman Features Hero Balani
1. Tell us a little about yourself.
Describing oneself is no easy task since every story continues to be written as we walk through the journey called life. However, if someone was to ask who is ‘Hero Ranjit Balani’, I would describe myself as a highly motivated, professional and passionate leader who aspires towards developing world class solutions for everyday development challenges both in Belize and globally.
Born in Surabaya, Indonesia in 1991, my Indian father and Indonesian mother migrated to Belize since I was 1 year old and thereafter, I have been fortunate to be raised in Belize. Today, I am a proud Belizean working towards the sustainable economic development of our beautiful jewel by the Caribbean Sea.
Professionally, I serve as the Manager of Investment Generation at BelizeINVEST, a unit of the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) under the Ministry of Economic Development, Petroleum, Investment, Trade and Commerce. Here, I work with both foreign and local investors promoting development within the key priority sectors in Belize including Tourism, Agribusiness, Offshore Outsourcing Services, Renewable Energy as well as Light Manufacturing and Logistics to name a few.
Academically, I hail from St. Johns College Junior College in Belize City with an Associates in Management Information Systems (MIS) after which I was able to pursue my Bachelors of Science in International Business through a generous Jesuit Scholarship Program at Rockhurst University in Kansas City. Currently, I am on study leave pursuing an MSc in International Development: Globalisation, Trade and Industry at the University of Manchester (UOM). I was able to pursue this degree after being awarded a prestigious Chevening Scholarship. Upon completing my degree and formally graduating in December 2019, it is my hope to continue to leverage my newly attained capacities and knowledge to further contribute to Belize’s ongoing sustainable development. Additionally, I also maintain key professional interests in business development, trade and investment policy, project management, technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, sustainability and leadership.
Personally, I am also fascinated by world cultures learning as much as I can by meeting new people from various walks of life throughout my travels. For me, my journey of learning more about myself and who I am has not yet concluded as I believe this is a lifelong process. Who knows, I may yet need to discover the true purpose of better living up to the name my parents gave me — ‘Hero’.
2. You are currently enrolled at the University of Manchester pursuing a Master’s Degree in International Development: Globalisation, Trade and Industry. What do you believe is important in this your role?
Commencing in September 2018, I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to pursue a 1-year MSc. in International Development focusing on Globalisation, Trade and Industry at the University of Manchester (UOM) thanks to the Chevening Scholarship. Without this opportunity, I would not have been able to pursue my Master’s at such a globally renown University. According to QS World University Rankings 2020, UOM currently ranks 27th globally and 6th in the UK. Specifically, in Development Studies, the University ranks 10th globally and 6th in the UK.
Personally, I believe that the International Development programs offered at the Global Development Institute at UOM sets itself apart from many other higher educational institutions due to its immersive approach to research and learning. Here, the University did not only leverage historical publications, books and journals, but also the experiences from expert academics in the field of development, as well as experiential learning through field trips and other networking events. For my cohort, we were able to travel to Uganda as a core component of our program to further learn about development challenges and how globalization, trade and industry could better mitigate against such challenges. This approach to learning helps to keep students well engaged in the focus-area covering various relevant themes critical for the world’s future development.
As such, I believe that studying International Development and its relationship with globalization, trade and industry is of particular importance as the world enters an era of much economic confusion and uncertainty about the future. This is due to various resources that continue to be depleted with demands from both consumers and corporations leading to a strain on the global economy and greater concerns around sustainability. While it may seem that larger developing countries are facing greater impacts, this is not always the case as small island developing states (SIDS), like Belize, are also gravely affected by these patterns facing multiple vulnerabilities including climate change, environmental degradation, social challenges, as well as economic dependencies. For this reason, the more knowledgeable we are about globalization, trade and industry, the better we will be able to position Belize internationally in ensuring sustainable development and ultimately sustained economic growth in the long term.
3. Tell us more about your academic life at this University? How did you receive the scholarship? Why did you commence studies? What subject areas are you focused on? What’s your relationship like with your fellow students?
I must say that studying in the UK has always been a dream of mine as I have long recognized the high caliber and global recognition of educational institutions present there. I received the scholarship to study at the University of Manchester (UOM) by applying for the Chevening Scholarship in late 2017 and later advancing to the interview round in early 2018. I was truly grateful to learn of my selection for the scholarship in June 2018 at the first attempt. I was also the only male from my Cohort alongside 8 brilliant Belizean women pursuing graduate studies across the UK in various fields. I had first heard of the scholarship some years ago from my General Manager who is also a Chevening alumni. Through my network established under BELTRAIDE, I had also observed that several prominent Belizean leaders and personal role models of mine were past Chevening scholars. Progressing in my career at BELTRAIDE under the Ministry responsible for Investment Trade and Commerce, I realized that there was much more that I could learn and do for Belize in further supporting sustainable economic development, however, the real question was how? As I began to ponder this thought thinking about the future of Belize, my motivation to study Development further increased thereby pushing me to apply for the Chevening Scholarship for which I remain ever grateful.
The MSc. program that I pursued at UOM in International Development: Globalisation, Trade and Industry entailed a wide array of subject areas that remain critically relevant to Belize’s continued sustainable growth and development. Some of the core modules I undertook included: Trade and Development; Industrial Competitiveness; Poverty and Development; Environment, Climate Change and Development; Development Project Management; Understanding Development Research; Development Fundamentals and Development Fieldwork. As a part of the program, all International Development students across various pathways undertook development fieldwork in Uganda studying various areas for 2 weeks during the Spring Term. For my pathway, we analyzed Uganda’s Cotton Value Chain which was definitely an eye-opening experience for me.
All of this of course concluded with our final Dissertations of 12,000 to 15,000 words on a topic of choice. Here, I focused on studying how small island developing states (SIDS) were addressing economic vulnerabilities focusing my research on Singapore and Mauritius to see what Belize could apply therein. My findings led to personally learning about some practical ways in which both economies have been responding to economic vulnerability and perhaps some that can be applicable to Belize.
Overall, I would comment that outside learning, the relationship and network that I have built with students across the globe has been the most phenomenal educational experience apart from all lectures and modules covered during my immersive year. Hearing of their experiences in Development from their home countries made me realize that Belize is not alone in many of the challenges that we face. I also believe that these shared perspectives can help us to continue to learn from each other. This to me is one of the most phenomenal aspects of studying in the UK being exposed to meeting many people from different backgrounds.
4. Describe your transformation process from little Belize to Manchester, England?
I would definitely say that I had been warned about what to expect by many past Chevening alumni; however, I took most of the warnings received with a grain of salt. This is because I had previously been awarded a Jesuit Scholarship to pursue my undergraduate studies in International Business at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri in 2011. Living in the U.S. and successfully completing my Bachelor’s of Science, I thought that living in the UK would have been very similar. I was clearly wrong. Going from being in Belize for 5 years (since my undergraduate studies) to England definitely took its fair share of adjustments. First off, most would cite the dreary rainy weather of Manchester at first mention of the City apart from its globally renown football teams. While I did see some sunny days, these were rare and I quickly realized that the pattern of gloomy weather remained the norm which definitely took a toll on my energy levels and overall mood. Thanks to vitamin D and new friendships, I was able to surpass the gloomy rainy days. Second, transitioning from little Belize to Manchester, England I also experienced many culture shocks upon arrival. For example, while in Belize we are accustomed to shoving each other to get onto a bus, I quickly learned that in the UK, this was seen as rude and impolite despite being in a rush. One would have to remain in a queue and wait one’s turn.
Apart from this, I quite appreciated the many technological advances and efficiencies that Manchester and the UK in general had to offer from contactless debit card payments in most places, to an efficient public transportation bus and train system, and of course let’s not forget the many perks and discounts offered to students almost everywhere.
5. What are the challenges you face as a student at University? Opportunities?
In my opinion, two of the major challenges studying as a Belizean student in the UK include: (1) being taken seriously by colleagues and professors as a student from the Caribbean, and (2) trying to adapt to the cultural and systematic differences under a British educational system. First, attending university in England as a student from a small island developing state (SIDS), like Belize, brings with it some challenges in ensuring that professors and students alike take us seriously in relation to our inputs and capacities. Especially in the field of Development, there is sometimes a bias in acknowledging inputs from students who hail from larger developing countries or more developed countries. This is often due to greater levels of research, publications and case studies available on such countries. However, I quickly realized that many of the very challenges faced by larger developing countries cited in classes also face Belize to a greater extent. Hence, I stood firmly in my opinions and inputs during lectures which helped me to gain the respect of my professors and colleagues while helping to overcome any such stereotypes or biases. Second, in Belize, we often toggle between using US and British English and with my background studying in the US, I was more accustomed to writing in US English. This presented some challenges in terms of writing for my assignments where most readings were published in British English. However, I was able to attain approval to write and conduct research in US English.
Another challenge I experienced was adapting to the British education system in general which required much more independent research, reading and learning. Nevertheless, after a few weeks of observation, inputs from kind colleagues and continued persistence, I was quickly able to adapt and overcome these challenges.
In terms of opportunities, I would primarily cite these to remain within the immense networking that was possible through attending UOM where I was able to meet, interact and build friendships with a diverse group of students across all continents. This provided a phenomenal platform to exchange ideas and inputs in regards to development, creating an ideal and enriched learning experience. Apart from networking, I would also commend UOM’s Global Development Institute itself for the many world renowned speakers and authors that visited the University for weekly seminars on critical issues and pertinent topics in Development Studies. These provided excellent opportunities for additional learning and networking outside the classroom setting. Finally, UOM also provided many additional opportunities for both personal and professional growth through the various societies and clubs.
Additionally, I focused my time and energy on working two part time jobs while completing my MSc. I was lucky enough to attain both part time jobs with the University’s Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DDAR) to further supplement my expenses while in the UK while simultaneously experiencing British working environments. The first part time job entailed working with the student fundraising team maintaining contact with UOM alumni across the globe. The second entailed developing fundraising packages for the University under various causes where I focused on Medical Research. Ultimately, both experiences were phenomenal in further exercising my time management and professional skills while building my network in the UK.
6. Why is your major important to Belize’s National Progressive and Sustainable Development?
In my opinion, my major is important to Belize’s national progressive and sustainable development due to five (5) core reasons:
1. First, International Development is a field that has growing importance when it comes to both learning from historical developments in other countries as well as better understanding the international environment that developing countries are faced with today. In this manner, Belize can better be able to tap into global development partnership opportunities and linkages through and beyond its diplomatic offices.
2. Second, Belize’s resources like the world remain finite and as such, studying globalization, trade and industry can better determine how the country can use its natural, human and other resources in the most efficient and effective way possible. Here, global demands, trade trends and industrial innovations can be analyzed to better understand market resource needs deploying these sustainably.
3. Third, there remains immense potential for Belize to progress along global value chains in multiple areas developing value added products and services for increased exports in new sectors. Hence, studying globalization, trade and industry remains pertinent to understand which gaps Belize can potentially fill and realistically diversify into in the near future.
4. Fourth, the field of International Development crosses multiple facets of what is often called the triple-bottom-line of sustainable development including economic, social and environmental factors. For this reason, it is critical that Belize balances interventions and projects among these areas giving due attention to each. While a harmonious balance may seem impossible, understanding that each remain interconnected is itself a first step towards sustainable development remaining cognizant of additional factors including political and technological factors where necessary. Additionally, climate change and other environmental factors present even greater challenges for Belize’s future development that could hinder bread-winning industries including Tourism and Agribusiness to name a few.
5. Fifth and most critically in my opinion is the opportunities that can be leveraged through globalization, trade and industry in Belize to curtail many of the additional social challenges that we face. This was my primary motive for studying this field to look at areas in which we can better leverage economic growth towards increased social gains including poverty reduction, unemployment reduction amongst others. Hence, there remains a significant role that globalization, trade and industry plays in the development of any given economy and when leveraged sustainably, a country even as small as Belize can definitely serve as a model for the world in the field of International Development.
Ultimately, it will take efforts from various stakeholders to ensure that these opportunities are maximized while minimizing challenges towards realizing the 2015 sustainable development goals (SDGs) by 2030. There is still much work to be done in catapulting Belize to its next phase of sustainable international development and riding the wave of globalization, trade and industry can surely support this process in my opinion.
7. Apart from your studies, do you participate in activities with other Belizeans there? How do you uphold Belize’s namesake? What is your perspective on discrimination in Belize (across the board)?
Unfortunately, during my time in Manchester, I did not meet any other Belizeans there. However, at every opportunity, I maintained Belize’s namesake both in and outside of the classroom. For example, within lectures I would often answer questions by citing examples of development challenges and solutions that have been implemented in Belize which helped to ensure that my colleagues learned more about where I was from and even where Belize was located. Apart from this, I also joined the International Society on campus where international students were able to network and attend social events throughout the year in sharing experiences, food, culture and other aspects of their home countries. I often participated in such events sharing more information about Belize in upholding our namesake.
In relation to discrimination, my perspective is that it still remains a problem both in Belize and globally. While in the UK, I had met many international students from various racial backgrounds, ethnicities, classes, religion and even genders. However, I quickly realized that at times, some groups still maintained friendship with those most similar to them perhaps feeling discriminated by others around. Despite this, I must commend the University of Manchester (UOM) for its efforts in embracing diversity as I do recall learning of Muslim students whose circumstances were acknowledged due to fasting for Eid or other religious observances. Nevertheless, there is still a long way for the world to go when it comes to equality and non-discriminatory practices within education, the workplace and society at large. In Belize more specifically, I do not believe that discrimination is a major issue as I do experience and observe many people from different races, classes and ethnicities co-mingling and getting along well in society. However, there remain some issues around social inequality and senses of entitlement. For example, much still needs to be done for equal and fair treatment amongst men and women in Belize within employment and education. Despite this, Belize remains the Caribbean and Central American ‘melting pot’ of races after all and in my opinion, that peaceful demeanor is still maintained with different cultures, genders, races and backgrounds living together in harmony within one nation.
8. In one of my recent articles, I stated: “It is important to realize that majority of Belize’s younger populations continue to be very mediocre as it relates to becoming holistically educated and cultured, personally and professionally.” What’s your perspective on this?
I do believe that this statement is somewhat true; however, it depends on which lens is mediocrity being measured and defined by. While someone in Belize may not be holistically educated and cultured, personally and professionally, there may still be other ways in which mediocrity is overcome. For example, there are many innovative entrepreneurs that have come up with several creatively homegrown products and services in Belize that we cannot forget. Many of these entrepreneurs perhaps did not get a higher level of education; however, one thing is certain that they remain persistent in their goals and dreams of starting a business. Some refer to this as ‘creative agency’ where the true power of an individual lies in their creativity.
Despite this, I do believe that more can be done, and perhaps being more holistically educated and cultured both personally and professionally is one way of stimulating greater creativity in Belizean society. It is definitely true that being more educated and cultured can open doors of opportunity for Belizeans; however, it is not only education and culture that can do this. In my opinion, one’s attitude and work ethics can also go a long way in determining success. In the words of Charles Swindoll I do agree that “attitude is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than what people say or do.” Hence, I believe that Belizeans are by no means mediocre in education or culture. Rather, I personally believe that having the right attitude, perseverance and ethics can further enhance one’s chances at a higher education. Yet, it is by no means the only variable of mediocrity as a lot has to do with cultural norms and societal pressures.
Ultimately, I still believe that there is hope for Belize’s younger population with the right doses of persistence, creative agency, innovation, education and positive attitudes.
9. Tell us more about the Chevening Scholarship Program? Why should Belizeans apply? In your perspective, what made you stand out to win this award? What can Belize expect from Hero Balani in let’s say, the next 5 years?
Based on my experience, I find the Chevening Scholarship program to be one that plays a significant role in shaping the future leaders of Belize and the world. From the 1,800 scholars awarded from all parts of the globe, I could definitely observe high energies and passions for each individual’s career and life goals. In my opinion, Belizeans should definitely consider applying for a Chevening Scholarship as it presents an excellent opportunity to learn and expand one’s network globally. Apart from this, earning a higher education degree from a world renown University in the UK is an opportunity that can definitely open future doors for many Belizeans. I would also add that financially, the Scholarship provides enough for scholars to be able to live and study while in the UK.
In my perspective, I believe that I stood out for this award due to my continued achievements, merits and persistence both academically and professionally at the time of the award. However, I would also add that apart from these, my future goals perhaps also helped me to stand out. Here, I would comment that professionally, I have set the goal of catapulting Belize’s development through my role in investment generation by attracting even greater sustainable investments across various sectors that can support economic diversification and growth. In addition to this, I also seek to support the development of Belize’s trade and investment policies in stimulating greater business confidence, innovation and entrepreneurial growth.
In the next 5 years, I have also set the goal of starting my own entrepreneurial venture. However, in the interim, I also seek to do more in my community by volunteering through various channels as I now have a greater sense of what can be achieved when we put our heads, hands and hearts together. I still believe there are subtle ways in which young people in Belize can support poverty reduction and I have set the short-term goal to work with others in professionally developing ways in which this can be achieved and further supported.
10. What words do you have to say to young Belizeans?
I close with sharing a personal experience of mine from this past year. While being away studying in the UK, I never thought that such an event could occur back home. In early May 2019, I received the sad news of the untimely passing of my mother from cardiac arrest. I was devastated, I missed an exam, I thought that I would need to drop out of the University and not complete my degree as I felt that I could not go any further losing one of my primary champions in life. Despite this hardship and difficult time, I returned to Manchester promptly at the end of May, 2019 with the encouragement and support of my dear friends and family in Belize and England to complete the degree. I went back, completed my 15,000 + word Dissertation and also re-sat the exam that I missed. While this was much harder in the final three months of my program than I had initially anticipated, I told myself that I needed to finish to make my mother proud. If we set our minds to achieving our goals and dreams, we can do it despite all odds. So, I leave you with this, while life may be filled with dull moments and unexpected adversities, focus on the brighter moments and try to ensure that you stay course. Many things may happen that knock you down where you feel that you cannot move ahead, or get up, and while these may take time to heal from, the key to achieving any goal or dream is to keep going no matter what as best as you can. I end by leaving young Belizeans and anyone who reads this with this personal quote:
“Dream Big, Set Goals and Maintain Persistence Towards Success Despite Adversities”
