From Rural Nepal to Humak: Shamsher Tamang Builds New Skills and Big Dreams in Event Management

When Shamsher Tamang left rural Nepal at the age of eight and moved to Kathmandu, he did not imagine that his path would one day lead to Finland. But a lifelong journey through sports education, community development, and leadership eventually brought him to Humak’s Postgraduate Diploma in Event Management, a programme he says is helping him refine his skills and pursue a long-term dream.

A journey shaped by resilience, sports, and community work

During Shamsher’s Bachelor’s studies in Business, Nepal was struck by a devastating earthquake. While it was a difficult and emotional time, it also pushed Shamsher toward meaningful work.

With guidance from supportive mentors, Shamsher joined community projects and later trained in sports for development, a field that uses sport to educate, empower, and connect children in rural areas. He went on to design sports-related curricula for youth in Nepal and participated in several international training programs, including Sports for Social Impact with Coaches Across Continents. In 2017, he was recognised as a Community Role Model.

While working with Street Child United in Qatar ahead of the 2022 World Cup, Shamsher gained practical exposure to large-scale, international event management. Gradually, the power of sports to transform communities became central to his professional identity.

As his career developed, however, Shamsher realised he needed a different kind of education.

“I enrolled in a master’s program in Nepal, but it was too theoretical,” he explains.

Encouraged by a trusted supervisor who pushed him to take on new challenges, Shamsher began searching for programs abroad. Finland quickly stood out, and Humak’s Postgraduate Diploma in Event Management seemed a good fit for his future goals.

Shamsher arrived in Finland on October 3rd, shortly after Nepal’s Dashain festival. His first days were challenging: a delayed flight, missing luggage, and cold weather. Yet the warmth and support of the local Nepali community quickly made a difference.

Outdoors, Shamsher found beauty in the last green leaves of the season. He and his wife lived near a lake in Espoo, where they went walking every day until early November. “Then it got too dark!” he laughs.

Humak teaches through practice and real-world examples

For Shamsher, studying at Humak means learning in a practical, collaborative environment.

“In Nepal, education is mainly theoretical. Here, students have real-world opportunities,” he says, adding that group work plays a key role in deepening learning.

Shamsher has particularly enjoyed the programme’s study visits to professional venues such as Messukeskus and the Ateneum Museum. Additionally, the coursework has helped him structure his work more systematically.

“I already had experience, but now it’s organised and effective,” he explains.

Future goals: building Nepal’s first multi‑sports hall

Shamsher carries a big dream with him: to build a multi‑sports hall in Nepal, adaptable for different sports simply by changing the playing surface.

“Parents want to invest in their children,” and a multi-sports facility could help provide various athletic and wellbeing opportunities.

He has already identified investors who see the value in multi-sports facilities, especially in Nepal’s most densely populated areas.

Shamsher’s advice to students: “Follow your own path”

Shamsher acknowledges that relocating to Finland in his early thirties was not easy.

“I had invested so much of my life in Nepal. I had a successful business. Many people asked me to stay. But sometimes you must start from zero.”

His advice for international students?

“Follow your own path. Don’t give up when you fail, you have to try again and again.”

He also encourages future students to research their goals, talk to experts, and prepare well before embarking on an adventure abroad.

“Humak might be the best place” for students

Reflecting on his experience, Shamsher speaks warmly about Humak.

“If someone wants to study in Finland, I think Humak might be the best place. The teachers are very supportive and use different methods that help you learn.”

His gratitude— and his determination— are clear.

“Finland has given me new skills. Now I want to use them to make something meaningful back home.”

Author:

Emma Arnell