Medhavi Skills University (MSU) and Nexus Select Trust have come together to launch India’s first full-scale educational programmes in Mall Management. The two organisations signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to design and deliver specialised programmes that meet the needs of India’s fast-growing retail real estate sector.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Mr. Dalip Sehgal, CEO of Nexus Select Malls; Mr. Rohan Vaswani, Chief Human Resources Officer, Nexus Select Malls; Mr. Pravesh Dudani, Founder and Chancellor of MSU; and Mr. Devender K. Saini, Group Chief Strategy Officer of MSU, along with senior officials from both sides.
Industry-Aligned Education for a Growing Market
India’s organised retail industry is expanding at a rapid pace. As a result, malls now serve as large urban consumption hubs that need skilled professionals across operations, leasing, marketing, security, and facility management.
To meet this demand, MSU and Nexus Select Trust will offer a complete suite of programmes, including:
- Certificate in Mall Management (12 months)
- Diploma in Vocational Education (DVoc) in Mall Management
- Bachelor of Vocational Education (BVoc) in Mall Management
These will be offered through MSU’s Work-Integrated Skill Education (WISE) framework. This means students can earn while they learn, gaining real-time experience at Nexus Select Malls across 15 cities.
Moreover, the programmes include deep specialisation in areas such as operations, leasing, brand partnerships, marketing, customer experience, facility management and integrated mall technologies.
Leaders Speak
Mr. Dalip Sehgal, CEO of Nexus Select Trust, said:
“Aarunya is a unique initiative that reflects our commitment to inclusive growth. Many frontline colleagues did not have access to formal education. This programme gives them that chance, while helping them build professional skills in mall management — a first in India. When we empower people through education, we help them grow and build a stronger India.”
Mr. Pravesh Dudani, Founder and Chancellor of MSU, said:
“We are proud to launch India’s first specialised and industry-linked degree programmes in Mall Management. These programmes combine academic learning with real industry exposure. Our aim is to develop professionals who can manage and lead India’s modern retail ecosystems.”
Mr. Rohan Vaswani, CHRO, Nexus Select Trust, said:
“This collaboration will create a strong talent pipeline for India’s rapidly expanding mall management sector. The programmes prepare learners for real-world challenges in operations, brand engagement and sustainability.”
Mr. Devender K. Saini, Group Chief Strategy Officer, MSU, added:
“This MoU brings together the strengths of academia and industry. By co-designing future-ready curricula, we are developing talent capable of managing complex retail environments and delivering great customer experiences.”
Why This Collaboration Matters
India’s retail real estate sector is on a strong growth path. According to the Knight Frank 2025 report, the market is expected to grow at over 25% CAGR in the next five years. Malls are playing a key role by creating large employment opportunities in operations, facility management, marketing and logistics.
This partnership between MSU and Nexus Select Trust is not just about offering degrees. Instead, it focuses on building a skilled workforce that can support India’s retail expansion and contribute to long-term economic growth.
About Nexus Select Trust
Nexus Select Trust is India’s first publicly listed Retail REIT. It manages one of the country’s largest portfolios of retail destinations, operating 20 Grade-A urban consumption centres across 15 cities. It is known for its focus on customer experience, operational excellence, and sustainability.
About Medhavi Skills University
Medhavi Skills University (MSU), Sikkim, is India’s first university built on a skills-first, industry-led model, fully aligned with NEP 2020. Recognised by the UGC in 2022, MSU integrates skills with higher education through its WISE model.
