Sonica, CEO of MBD Group, is a dynamic leader spearheading the group’s expansion into diverse sectors like hospitality, real estate, retail, and mall development. As a passionate entrepreneur, she is deeply involved in every aspect of key projects, from their inception and planning to their successful launch and post-opening management for hotels and malls. Sonica’s meticulous strategic direction has been instrumental in shaping the group’s growth, including branding, positioning, and expanding MBD Group’s footprint.
Around 12 years ago, under Sonica’s guidance, MBD Group ventured into the hospitality industry through a franchise agreement with Radisson Hotels & Resorts, culminating in the launch of their inaugural project, The Radisson Blu MBD Hotel in Noida. The success of this endeavor was replicated in Ludhiana with the Radisson Blu Hotel MBD, marking the city’s first five-star hotel.
She introduced premium and luxury brands in Punjab with MBD Neopolis in Ludhiana and Jalandhar – multifaceted developments encompassing a five-star hotel, upscale and luxury retail malls, and multiplexes. The upcoming mixed-use development, MBD Zephyr, in Whitefield, Bangalore, further extends this legacy, offering luxury hotels and service apartments. This project exemplifies timeless beauty and perfection, redefining luxury to its truest sense.
Under her visionary leadership, Sonica continues to drive MBD Group towards unparalleled success and excellence in multiple industries. We understand her vision for the future.
Question 1: How is MBD Group integrating technology across their different segments?
At MBD Group, we are committed to seamlessly integrating technology across our diverse educational offerings. Our flagship product, AASOKA, merges school and learning management, utilizing AI-driven adaptive tests, multimedia modules, and real-time performance tracking. We specialize in custom content development, digital publishing, and mobile apps to enhance interactive learning. Our teacher training programs empower educators to effectively integrate technology. Through these initiatives, we aim to modernize education, making it more engaging and accessible. Our vision is to partner with 20,000 schools in the next three years, underlining our dedication to advancing technology-driven education across India.
At the Group, we are committed to leveraging technology to enhance education comprehensively. Our flagship product, AASOKA, is a prime example. It seamlessly combines school management and learning management, harnessing AI for adaptive testing and real-time student performance tracking. This innovation empowers students, educators, and administrators.
Furthermore, we are at the forefront of custom content development, creating tailored materials that align with modern pedagogy. Our digital publishing solutions bring e-books and digital textbooks to students, reducing environmental impact and increasing accessibility. Our suite of educational apps fosters interactive and immersive learning experiences. We also prioritize teacher training programs, equipping educators with technology-enhanced teaching skills.
Question 2: How is the group planning to cater to the demand of urban India?
The Group’s strategy for catering to urban India aligns with the educational reforms outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023. In line with NEP 2020’s emphasis on digital education and technology integration, MBD Group’s AASOKA platform provides urban schools with the digital infrastructure needed to modernize education delivery. Our blended learning solution AASOKA combines traditional teaching with digital resources. The platform offers streamlined digital processes for urban schools, such as online admissions and real-time notifications. We provide extensive e-books and digital content to cater to the digital preferences of urban learners. Our mobile app engages tech-savvy urban students in interactive learning.
To empower urban educators, we offer specialized teacher training programs to enhance their technology integration skills. Our tailored content development aligns with the dynamic needs of urban schools. By adapting our educational offerings to the urban landscape, MBD Group aims to provide urban India with state-of-the-art tools and resources for a modern and effective learning experience.
MBD Group’s approach to catering to the demands of urban India aligns with the goals set out in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023. These policy frameworks emphasize the importance of technology integration and quality education delivery, which MBD Group actively supports.
Through AASOKA, their school management and learning platform, MBD Group provides a digital infrastructure that urban schools require for efficient administration and quality education delivery. This platform offers features like multimedia modules, AI-driven adaptive tests, and real-time performance tracking, aligning with the evolving needs of urban students and parents.
Additionally, MBD Group’s provision of schoolbooks, ebooks, and teacher training programs supports the modernization of urban educational institutions. The group’s diversified services, including digital publishing solutions, augmented reality apps, and educational apps, further enhance the learning experience in urban settings. By expanding its reach and partnerships with schools in urban areas, MBD Group is well-positioned to contribute to the educational advancement of urban India.
Question 3: How the leading FnB & Hospitality players planning double up their profits by exploring opportunities in Tier 2 & 3 cities?
We want MBD to be making its footprint with atleast 20 hotels in coming decade. We already have signed a joint venture with Steigenberger hotels which is the most important step towards expansion for us. With MBD Express the approach will be even more aggressive were we plan to open 20 hotels across tier two, three cities in the coming 5 years. We want to bring our patisserie, The Chocolate box as a high street brand in addition to Noida and Ludhiana. Made In India , which is MBD’s award winning signature Fine dining Indian restaurant to different parts of the world in luxury hotels. We are looking at CAGR of 15-18% approx. as an overall growth.
Question 4: How eat-out and nightlife growing trends helping the industry?
With the growing trends in nightlife and the sporadic rise of eat out joints have proved to be catering to the ever evolving palates of food enthusiasts. There is a wide range of dining options available these days for the urban population with diverse dining experience that attracts them to try out new cuisines every now and then. Plus there has been rise in the café culture giving cosy spaces which is appealing to people who are on the look out for socializing. Post covid, specially which has given birth to a number of job roles which can be conducted sitting at remote locations. To those, cafes are an appealing place to be. Delhi NCR has always have an active Nightlife and over the years it has become quite vibrant. We see Live events and performances have also bolstered the industry with good opportunities. The contributions of influencers have also added up to the revenue of the industry.
Question 5: How MBD Zephyr’ revolutionizing the Luxury hotel segment?
MBD Zephyr will be an uber luxury launch in our hospitality vertical. It is strategically situated at the business suburb of Whitefield in Bangalore which will redefine luxury. State of the art infrastructure , luxe spa and extravagant food and beverage outlets will surely make a statement in the fraternity.
