Nepalese entrepreneurs on twin track to success

Identical twins from Nepal, who have journeyed through India, Germany, and the United States before arriving in Scotland, have just celebrated earning their Masters degrees in International Business from the University of St Andrews.

Bidhit and Bibhas Raj Pandey, raised in Kathmandu, were both accepted into a prestigious leadership program at a leading multinational investment firm, Berkshire Hathaway, and are now forging a shared path toward global success.

Last year, the twins had to postpone their graduation ceremony due to their work commitments, which prevented their family from traveling to Scotland. But this week, they finally got the chance to mark the occasion in person, in a town they fondly describe as having “air-conditioned weather on full blast,” but where “the people are much warmer.”

Reflecting on his time at St Andrews, Bidhit (28) said: “We thought we had a good grasp on life, learning, and ambitions; then we came to Scotland. What made our time in St Andrews unforgettable wasn’t just the place, it was the people. Our classmates came from all over the world, each bringing bold ideas, diverse perspectives, and a level of brilliance that constantly inspired us. They weren’t just sharp – they were generous with their knowledge, and that made all the difference.”

Commenting on the decision to choose St Andrews over other top UK universities they were accepted to, Bibhas said: “It was instinctively clear that St Andrews – with its serene countryside, rich heritage and intimate academic environment – offered the ideal setting to step back and deepen our personal and professional clarity. “

Highlights of their time at St Andrews include Bidhit winning the 2024 BUCS Hockey Cup as a goalkeeper, road-tripping across Scotland, and celebrating an array of global festivals with friends.

The twins said: “We celebrated everything from Thanksgiving and Chinese New Year to Diwali, Halloween, Christmas, Raisin Weekend, May Dip, and of course, St Andrew’s Day. No matter where you came from, you always felt like you belonged.”

Their time at St Andrews also became a springboard for entrepreneurial ambition. Speaking about the opportunities St Andrews gave them to shape their renewable waste business, Bidhit added: “St Andrews also helped shape our future. We finished third in the Santander Start-Up Challenge, which gave our project a massive boost. The idea of turning waste into renewable energy is something Bibhas and I are deeply passionate about. The experiences at St Andrews also inspired us to expand our business into real estate and artificial intelligence. And the support we received here showed us that we’re not alone in wanting to make a real, lasting change.”

When asked about their future, the twins shared that they have taken on leadership roles as directors in their family business, Doorway International, with Bidhit leading the company’s business development and green energy ventures, and Bibhas focusing on infrastructure and operations. These positions were earned through prior industry experience, and notable professional accomplishments.

Bibhas explains: “Doorway International, is a Nepal based company committed to shaping a modern and connected future. By fostering international partnerships and attracting foreign investment, we aim to transform the country’s urban landscape through thoughtfully designed high-rise commercial developments.

“Our portfolio spans key sectors including telecommunications and banking, where we focus on delivering accessible, growth-oriented solutions. We’ve expanded into clean energy, through our subsidiary, Venture Waste to Energy – a nationally recognised company, that was named the third-best Public-Private Partnership project globally by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) in 2023. Ultimately, we are committed to forging partnerships that deliver value for all stakeholders – strategically, operationally, and financially.”