Tapping into Nepali Talent Around the Globe

The Nepali diaspora is not just a migration story — it's a dynamic force of innovation and expertise. With tens of thousands of Nepalis leaving the country each year for employment and education opportunities abroad, the diaspora represents an underutilized opportunity for cybersecurity leaders looking to close the talent gap.

SecurityPal is excited to announce our partnership with The Great Nepali Diaspora to advance our mission of making cybersecurity accessible to talented individuals from all backgrounds. This collaboration not only opens doors for Nepali professionals but also enriches the global cybersecurity landscape with fresh perspectives and expertise.

What is the Nepali diaspora?

The Nepali diaspora, spanning across continents, represents a fascinating tapestry of migration, culture, and resilience. From the foothills of the Himalayas to bustling urban centers worldwide, Nepali communities have flourished, carrying with them the rich heritage and traditions of their homeland.

According to data from the Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE) in Nepal, which tracks outbound labor migration, tens of thousands of Nepalis leave the country annually for employment opportunities abroad. According to the 2021/2022 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange, the number of Nepali students studying in the United States has increased by 5.6 percent over the prior year, totaling 11,779. Nepal is the 12th leading place of origin for international students coming to the United States.

There are several ways in which the diaspora has positively impacted Nepal:

• Skills Transfer and Knowledge Exchange: Nepali migrants who gain experience and expertise overseas often bring back valuable skills and knowledge to Nepal. This transfer of skills can benefit various sectors of the economy, including technology, healthcare, hospitality, education, and infrastructure development.
• Remittances: One of the most significant positive impacts of the Nepali diaspora is the influx of remittances. Nepali migrants working abroad send money back home to support their families and invest in various sectors of the economy. Remittances play a vital role in improving living standards, and boosting consumption and investment in Nepal.
• Investment and Entrepreneurship: Members of the Nepali diaspora often invest in business ventures in Nepal, contributing to economic growth and job creation. Diaspora members returning to Nepal to start their own businesses also bringing back skills, expertise, and networks acquired abroad.

Entrepreneurs of the Nepali diaspora

From small businesses to tech startups, entrepreneurs in the Nepali diaspora play a significant role in driving innovation, economic development, and cross-border collaborations. The following are among the many examples of entrepreneurs from the Nepali diaspora who have made notable contributions:

• Binay Bohra is the owner and Managing Director of Vianet Communications, a leading internet service provider (ISP) offering high-speed internet to residential and business customers in Nepal.
• Shesh Ghale is the CEO of the Melbourne Institute of Technology (MIT) and was the former president of Non-Resident Nepali Association - which aims to unite people of Nepali origin across its 71 global chapters.
• Biswas Dhakal is the founder of F1Soft International and has been at the forefront of innovation and digital transformation in Nepal’s financial industry. F1Soft has developed cutting-edge solutions, including mobile banking, payment gateways, and remittance services, revolutionizing the way financial services are delivered in Nepal.
• Bibhusan Bista is the founder and CEO of YoungInnovations, a technology company that specializes in developing software solutions for social impact. YoungInnovations has implemented numerous projects in Nepal and other countries, focusing on areas such as health, education, and governance. Bista partners with universities and research institutions to offer training, internships, development projects, and mentorship programs for students pursuing a career in entrepreneurship and technology.

Closing the cybersecurity talent gap

The cybersecurity talent gap continues to grow globally with approximately 660,000 job openings in the U.S. alone in 2023. Furthermore, 71% of firms (up from 57% the previous year) have reported that the cybersecurity skills shortage has impacted them.

Hiring Nepali workers into cybersecurity roles is a great way to tap into the abundant Nepali talent around the world, fill the cybersecurity talent gap with skilled employees, and reinvest in Nepal’s growth. Because the Nepali diaspora is full of entrepreneurs and skilled workers in tech and beyond, hiring Nepali workers allows security leaders to tap into networking, hiring, and knowledge sharing from the rich community of the diaspora.

SecurityPal x The Great Nepali Diaspora Partnership

At SecurityPal, we are dedicated to democratizing access to opportunities for global talent. Our strategic partnership with The Great Nepali Diaspora (TGND) aims to create new pathways for Nepali professionals in the field of cybersecurity while fostering innovation and excellence.

TGND is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that facilitates meaningful ways for Nepali Diasporas to invest their time, talent, and resources in communities throughout Nepal and the world. They do this by providing training, resources, mentorship, and connections through various professional programs.

Our partnership will encompass various initiatives, including mentorship programs, skill-building workshops, networking opportunities, and career development support to facilitate knowledge transfer, foster innovation, and promote cybersecurity awareness in Nepal and beyond.

Follow SecurityPal and TGND on LinkedIn for updates on the partnership.

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