AUS Connect Spring 2015

ISSUE 13

SPRING 2015

THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI AFFAIRS

His Highness Celebrates the 10,000 Alumni Milestone

His Highness greeting the alumni in attendance at the Alumni Reunion Dinner, along with AUS Trustees Hamid D. Jafar and Riad T. Sadek, in the presence of His Excellency Salah Al Shamsi, as well as AUS Chancellor Björn Kjerfve

“American University of Sharjah (AUS) has taken great steps since its inception and is committed to becoming a leading university of the world,” said His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi, Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah and President of American University of Sharjah (AUS), at the Eighth Annual Alumni Reunion Dinner held on January 29, 2015 on the AUS campus.

The Sharjah Ruler expressed his satisfaction at the university’s pace of development and said that starting this year AUS will be investing over AED 300 million towards the expansion of its College of Engineering and other colleges

and school. This investment will help AUS augment its focus on scientific research and development as it moves into the next phase of its growth, he added.

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan welcomed the alumni back to campus. “Welcome to AUS, your university and second home,” he said addressing the alumni. “After your graduation, you have all embarked on different paths.

But you return every year to your alma mater where your names are engraved on the walls of this university. Always remember your university as it will always remember you,” he added.

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His Highness with AUS Trustees Jafar, Sadek, Nerguizian, along with Mr. Sultan Abu Sultan, Chancellor Kjerfve, Interim Provost Kevin Mitchell, Mr. Ali Shuhaimy and AUSAA President Samer El Jamal

He said that throughout the years, AUS had benefitted from the experience of numerous chancellors and faculty members who played an important role in the university’s development. Remembering former chancellor Dr. Peter Heath who passed away in November 2014, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan said that Dr. Heath’s memory will live on with us. He said that the university will continue to build on his good work. “We are pleased to have the new chancellor Dr. Björn Kjerfve bring his experience and expertise to AUS and to lead this university to greater heights,” he stated.

The alumni reunion is one of the highlights of the AUS calendar, as it allows alumni from all over the world to convene at the university and share with their former professors and peers the direction their lives had taken.

AUS Chancellor Björn Kjerfve then welcomed the graduates back “home” to their alma mater. “Your presence here means a great deal to us. The doors of this university-your university-will always be open for you. You play an integral part in our effort to make this great institution even greater,” he said.

AUS Alumni at the Eighth Alumni Reunion Dinner

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“It gives me pleasure to inform you that with the Fall 2014 commencement ceremony, our university has exceeded the milestone figure of 10,000 alumni, who are now part of the AUS family! Members of this great, diverse and multinational group of former students are spread throughout the world. Many of you have come from near and far tonight to be with us. And this is indeed why the Alumni Reunion Dinner holds such a special place in the university’s annual calendar,” added Dr. Kjerfve.

The Chancellor also shared with returning alumni the plans to introduce PhD programs at AUS in the future.

Prior to the main event, each AUS college and school held its own reception to welcome back its alumni. These events allowed each graduate to reconnect with old classmates and appreciate the changes and advancements at AUS. Samer El Gamal, President of the AUS Alumni Association (AUSAA), congratulated His Highness on the occasion of the 10,000 alumni mark. He then shared with fellow alumni plans for the establishment of the AUS Alumni Annual Fund, an opportunity for the university alumni to give

AUS Alumni at the Eighth Alumni Reunion Dinner

AUSAA President Samer El Jamal presents a plaque to His Highness commemorating the establishment of an Award for Outstanding Performance by an AUS Student, in the presence of AUS Trustee Jafar, Chancellor Kjerfve, and Director of Institutional Advancement Abdullah El Shazly

back to the university. The fund will be used to support worthy initiatives on campus and will help ensure that AUS continues to be the region’s leading institution for higher education.

El Gamal also asked his fellow alumni to stay actively involved with their alma mater. “I would like to ask you to become one of the people that AUS students can be grateful to, not only today, but in the years to come. My fellow Alumni Association Board members and I would love to hear from each of you about how we can work together,” he said.

“Better yet, nominate yourself for a position on the AUS Alumni Association Council.”

The reunion also honored the new inductees to the Alumni Wall of Fame, which recognizes those who contributed to making a difference during their time as students and have achieved success in their careers. These alumni were Imran K. Malik, Aisha Abdulla Miran and Reem Abdelrahim Binkaram from the Class of 2002; Dr. Akram Bin Sediq from the Class of 2005; and Sarah Al Aidy from the Class of 2012.

A winner of the 2015 model Hyundai Sonata with Chancellor Kjerfve

Chancellor Kjerfve with alumna Reem Bin Karam, one of the Wall of Fame awardees, along with AUSAA President El Jamal

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AUS Alumni at the Eighth Alumni Reunion Dinner

New this year was an Instagram competition in which alumni were asked to post pictures showing their pride as graduates of AUS, with the hashtag #10kAUSalumni. Anete Thomas (CAS Fall 2013), Sara Al Sayegh (SBA Fall 2013), Anam Tariq (SBA Fall 2013), Fasehuddin Ahmed (CEN Spring 2009) and Muhannad Nabulsi (CEN Fall 2013) were declared the winners of the competition.

The dinner was also attended by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdullah Al Thani, Chairman of Department of Statistics and Social Development; Sheikh Salem Bin Abdul Rehman Al Qassimi, Chairman of the Ruler’s Office; Salem Yousuf Al Qaseer, Chairman of the Academic Office; members of the AUS Board of Trustees, as well as senior government and university officials.

The event was sponsored by Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Bee’ah, Crescent Petroleum, EGA, Fast Building Contracting Company, Shurooq, Henkel Gulf, JETEX, The Kanoo Group, Petrofac, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Al Habtoor Leighton Group, Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club, Hyundai Juma Al Majid, Unilever Gulf, and Construction Products Holding Company (CPC).

Light show on the AUS Main Building

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An Arabic folkloric performance by Chehade Brothers

Former US President Jimmy Carter visits AUS

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi with former US President Jimmy Carter during his visit to campus. Also seen are Chancellor Björn Kjerfve, Interim Provost Kevin Mitchell, and Chief Operating Officer Cleve McDaniel

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi, Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah and President of American University of Sharjah (AUS), met with former US president Jimmy Carter at his office in the AUS Main Building on March 23.

During the meeting they exchanged views on means to develop and enhance the educational process, as well as plans and strategies related to the academic system and scientific research. The Sharjah Ruler briefed President Carter on the vision behind AUS and University City, the programs offered as well as the future plans of the university.

Following the meeting, His Highness accompanied President Carter on a tour of the university, which included the AUS

Main Building and Library. President Carter expressed his admiration for the academic level that AUS has achieved due to the support and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi.

“I have never seen such a beautiful university as this,” said President Carter, praising the university’s architecture and design.

The meeting was also attended by Mohammed Obaid Al Zaabi, Head of the Hospitality and Protocol Department; Salem Al Qaseer, Head of the Academic Office of Sharjah; and Dr. Björn Kjerfve, AUS Chancellor; as well as other senior university officials.

His Highness with President Carter and other university officials

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Know Your AUS Chancellor Björn Kjerfve What were your first impressions when you first came to Sharjah and AUS? My first trip to University City was in 2008, when I visited this amazing collection of gorgeous buildings and green lawns sitting out in the desert. I didn’t quite understand the full concept. When I’d been hired a year ago as the Chancellor, I came to Sharjah and began to appreciate the infrastructure, the splendid University City, and the fantastic campus of AUS, which is unmatched anywhere in the world. So, my first impression as the Chancellor went from amazement to great appreciation.

Can you tell us a little about your career and the years of experience you bring to the University?

I was born in Sweden, and as a teenager, after high school, I received a Rotary Scholarship which brought me to Georgia in the United States. I thought I would stay for one year, but because I played tennis well at that time, I got a scholarship. One year became three years and a mathematics degree. Then I wanted to try graduate school, so I moved to Seattle to study oceanography at University of Washington. After receiving my MS degree, I moved to Louisiana State University, where I obtained a PhD degree in physical oceanography, and followed by a career as a professor and researcher at the University of South Carolina in coastal physical oceanography.

I thought that would be my career until at some point I thought my department was being administered poorly. In response, I was elected as be the Director of the Marine Science Program while on a research expedition to Brazil. Four years later, I was named as Professor and Dean of the College of Geosciences at Texas A&M University, and together with my family built in College Station, TX, the house we still have as our home. I remained at Texas A&M for 5 years until I was named President of the World Maritime University, a UN post-graduate university, and was able to return to my native Sweden. After having served as president for five years, I responded to the advertisement for the Chancellor’s position at American University of Sharjah. I believed this could be a perfect match for me me in terms of my international and multicultural experience.

I should probably mention that as a researcher at the University of South Carolina and Texas A&M, I had an ongoing program for a carrying out research projects in both Malaysia and in Thailand for more than a decade. I lived and did research at the University of Sydney, Australia, during my first sabbatical leave, and at Universidade Federal Fluminense, in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during my second and third sabbaticals. For 25 years I spent a lot of research time on coastal ocean projects in Brazil and throughout the Caribbean (Jamiaca, Belize, Mexico, Colombia). I should PAGE 6 ISSUE 13

also say that I have taught more than 6,000 students in courses in oceanography, environmental geology, man and the environment, and other similar subject matters. I certainly appreciate teaching and what one needs to do in terms of mentoring and interacting with students.

I have also supervised 14 PhD and 26 master’s students on oceanography projects dealing with issues in oceanography, hydrology, and climate change. Most of those students are still my active contacts, friends, and sometimes collaborators on coastal and ocean projects around the world. Many of my graduate students came from abroad, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Thailand, the Philippines, and so on. I therefore have an appreciation for both teaching and research in a university environment, likewise having had the opportunity to serve as an academic administrator for more than a decade before coming to AUS. I am hoping to apply successfully my experience in university teaching, research, service, and administration in my duties as Chancellor of AUS. AUS recently announced it would be setting up PhD programs. How will these affect the university?

We are initially planning for two PhD degree programs, and ultimately for several more. The first two will be in Engineering Management Systems and Business Administration. The proposals have already been brought to the Board of Trustees, which approved

them in principle, but pending some additional work and submission to the CAA of the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research for approval and accreditation. Hopefully, sometimes in 2016, these first two programs will start accepting students. It should be noted that offering Ph.D. programs is very expensive and we still need to develop an alternate revenue stream to support the programs and the research which is required.

We will work on that during this next semester.

What is so special about a Ph.D.? Well, to be a toprated university, such as AUS, and ranked as the 390th best university in the world by QS, the UK-based rating agency, offering Ph.D. programs is an important reputational tool, something which faculty and student seek. Of course, having a high-quality Ph.D. will be most important. Since we are also developing a Research Technology and Innovation Park adjacent to AUS, the Ph.D. programs and the associated research represent the future trajectory of AUS. We will make sure our Ph.D. programs are excellent and use this fact in our future marketing. However, we still need to find funding mechanisms to be able to afford the Ph.D. programs.

Which of the University’s many initiatives most excite you as you look forward to your tenure as AUS Chancellor?

The most important thing is to continue a quality education for all the students at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and to challenge the faculty to be the best they can be in teaching and research. That is a continuous challenge, which is absolutely most important.

Since coming to Sharjah, I am experiencing a new challenge to develop piece of land, 175 ha, just west of the University into a Research, Technology and Innovation Park (RTI). The land was a generous gift

by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi, Ruler of Sharjah, Member of the Supreme Council of UAE, and President of AUS to the university in in 2005. Initially, nobody did much about it. However, last fall after discussions with the BOT, AUS engaged a German firm, Fraunhofer IPK, based at the Technical University in Berlin, to be our consultants to develop a conceptual plan for the park, along with options for business models. Fraunhofer delivered its report to us in early May and that report will now go to the Board of Trustees for its consideration.

Have you enjoyed getting to know our alumni? What message would you like to give them?

I have enjoyed meeting our students, and of course, alumni are former students. I meet them ad hoc, here and there in the UAE and elsewhere, and I have always had very positive interactions. More lately, I’ve also been able to meet alumni as groups, first at the Alumni Reunion Dinner in January. That we now have more than 10,000 alumni is really great to know. With the help of the Office of Development and Alumni Affairs, I have also had the chance to meet with smaller groups of alumni in Abu Dhabi and Dubai and to listen to what their suggestions and concerns are, and learn how they propose to help and strengthen AUS. I will continue these meetings with alumni regularly, and I have great expectations that we will develop a program whereby the alumni will help strengthen the excellence of AUS in the future.

How deeply involved should our alumni be with their alma mater?

Of course, we would like to involve alumni as much as feasible. We want for alumni to “come home” for special events, to be our cheerleaders, and to help us recruit the best students. It is not reasonable to think that the alumni are going to be teaching courses or helping us administer the University, but clearly, as our alumni body matures, become wealthier and more experienced, we look forward to them giving back to the University, in terms of support for endowed professorships and endowed student scholarships. They are certainly all ambassadors for AUS to the rest of the world, and I am looking forward to working with them.

How do you spend your spare time?

What do you mean, spare time! Well, I am joking, but clearly, I do not have much spare time, because the things that I do at the university take from 7:30 in the morning until typically 8:00 at night. Many evenings and weekends, on top of that, I have engagements on behalf of the university, both locally and internationally.

I have a family - a wife and two daughters - and whatever spare time I have, they say I owe them, so it is family time. Although now and then I find an hour to play tennis.

Obviously, this is just the beginning of a fantastic development, something which will take 12 years to build into fruition. When finished, the RTI park will be the home to 5,000 R&D PhDs, engineers, researchers, and technicians, who will be working there when fully built up. This initiative is unique, and it is a great opportunity to be part of such an exciting initiative.

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AUS holds First AUS Corporate Soccer Tournament

American University of Sharjah (AUS) held its First Corporate Soccer Tournament on November 29, 2014. The one-day event, organized by the Office of Development and Alumni Affairs, included teams representing employers of alumni and the university’s corporate partners.

Among the tournament’s participants were teams from the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), The Kanoo Group, Bee’ah, Gulftainer, Henkel and Al Rajhi Construction; an AUS alumni team; and two teams of graduating senior students.

The AUS alumni team placed first in the tournament, and was awarded a trophy and gold medals. One of the teams of graduating seniors placed second, while Bee’ah ranked third.

The First AUS Corporate Soccer Tournament was sponsored

by Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), Bee’ah, Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), Gulftainer, Habtoor Leighton Group, Jetex Flight Support, The Kanoo Group, Petrofac, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), and Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club.

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AUS News His Highness Gives Preliminary Approval to Two Doctoral Programs at AUS His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi, Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah and President of American University of Sharjah (AUS), expressed his satisfaction at the progress of the university and granted preliminary approval for the university to commence work on two doctoral programs as part of its ambitious plans to become a leading research institution in the region. His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan delivered these remarks during the university’s Board of Trustees meeting held on March 9, in Panama.

As Chairman of the AUS Board of Trustees, the Sharjah Ruler reviewed and approved plans and fiscal parameters related to the 2015-2016 budget, chief among them the preliminary sanctioning of two proposals for PhD offerings in business administration and engineering, which would be the first PhD programs offered by AUS, and a master’s degree in finance. The Sharjah Ruler said

that the addition of new graduate programs would be in synch with the direction and course envisaged for the university since its inception with more emphasis on research. He added that AUS was committed to upholding standards of excellence at every level of education that it provided.

Dr. Björn Kjerfve, Chancellor of AUS, thanked the Ruler of Sharjah for his continued great support of AUS and further expressed his commitment to leading AUS into its next phase. “By enriching the academic offerings to include new specialties and doctoral programs, we envisage encouraging research that will contribute to the UAE and the regional economic development,” said Dr. Kjerfve. “With Sheikh Dr. Sultan’s wisdom and support and the insight of a world-class board of trustees, AUS could well be on its way to becoming a leading research institution in the MENA region and beyond,” he added.

Pioneering AUS Researchers Developing Targeted Chemotherapy Treatment Media continues to highlight the team of AUS faculty and student researchers who are currently developing a way to combat the harsh side effects of chemotherapy by using a more targeted treatment activated by ultrasound.

Once the nanoparticle reaches the desired location, ultrasound is applied to release the chemotherapy drug directly to the cancer site, thus avoiding any interaction with the healthy cells in the body. This way, the adverse side effects of chemotherapy are minimized.

An extensively used treatment to fight cancer, chemotherapy, is plagued with several negative side effects, including hair loss, leukopenia (a decrease in white blood cells that compromises the immune system), and gastrointestinal problems (including nausea) in addition to others. This is primarily because of the nonspecific nature of the treatment as the drug can kill normal and cancerous cells alike. To combat these side effects, Dr. Ghaleb A. Husseini, Professor of Chemical Engineering at AUS, established the “Ultrasound in Cancer Research Group” with a team of AUS students, faculty and visiting professors.

“We are all familiar with the adverse side effects of conventional chemotherapy. The high toxicity of potent chemotherapeutic drugs limits the therapeutic window in which they can be applied. This window can be expanded by controlling the drug delivery in both space and time such that non-targeted tissues are not adversely affected,” said Dr. Husseini.

The team of researchers, working at the recently established Drug Delivery Laboratory at AUS using an internal Faculty Research Grant, is investigating the use of nanocapsules that will encapsulate the chemotherapeutic agent and prevent its interactions with healthy cells.

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“Our group is using ultrasound to control the release of anti-neoplastic agents from nanocarriers in both time and space. These nano-vehicles include ligand-targeted polymeric micelles and liposomes. The potential benefits of such controlled chemotherapy compel a thorough investigation of the role of ultrasound and the mechanisms by which ultrasound accomplishes drug release and/or enhances drug potency, which is the focus of our drug delivery group,” he added.

AUS Chancellor Attends WEF in Jordan

“I am pleased to welcome you to this special event being held as part of the Chancellor’s Distinguished Lecture Series, in cooperation with the AUS college of Engineering,” said Dr. Björn Kjerfve, Chancellor of AUS, in his opening remarks. The chancellor welcomed Dr. Al Leem, and said that the speaker was “widely considered a visionary and a thought leader in business, socioeconomic, academic and cultural endeavors.”

Dr. Al Leem served as the Director General of the Sharjah Department of Seaports and Customs and the Sharjah Free Zones Authorities and was the driving force in transforming them into strategic commercial hubs that have empowered thousands of businesses in the region.

Dr. Björn Kjerfve, Chancellor of American University of Sharjah (AUS), attended the World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa held in Jordan recently, as part of a group comprising senior leaders from Sharjah’s public and private sectors. The theme of the event was ‘Creating a Regional Framework for Prosperity and Peace through Public-Private Cooperation.’

“AUS has always placed great emphasis on playing its part in the progress and development of the region,” said Dr. Kjerfve. “International events such as this help in highlighting areas of regional significance and gather thought leaders from around the region to focus on important issues that cut across national as well as disciplinary boundaries,” he added.

The Sharjah delegation was represented by senior officials from the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Sharjah Media Corporation, Crescent Petroleum and Dana Gas. More than 800 key leaders from government, business and civil society convened at the forum to engage in dialogue and initiatives to support a comprehensive and forward-looking vision for prosperity and peace.

The event, which saw His Majesty Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, deliver the opening address, placed a special focus on the advancement of youth in the region.

SEWA Chairman Urges AUS Students to Turn Knowledge into Sustainable Action True sustainable development can only be achieved when economic, social, environmental, religious and cultural objectives are aligned, said Dr. Rashid Al Leem, Chairman of the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA), during a lecture delivered at American University of Sharjah (AUS) on May 27.

During the lecture, entitled “Sustainability: Fiction or Fact,” Dr. Al Leem said that development is sustainable only when the needs of the present do not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. He said that “sustainability” is one of the most misunderstood terms today as people only believe it to be a balance between economic and social aspects, while in reality sustainable development can only occur when economic, social, environmental, religious and cultural objectives are met.

Elaborating the concept further, he described the various objectives involved. He stated that the economic objective is about actions that affect how people and businesses meet their economic needs; the social aspect involves actions and conditions that affect all members of society; the environmental objective revolves around actions and conditions that affect the earth’s ecology and climate; culture is about actions through which communities manifest their identity and cultivate traditions from generation to generation; and finally the religion/faith objective encompasses timeless participles, values and belief systems.

He urged the students present in the audience to imbibe knowledge but also to ensure that that knowledge is turned into action for the betterment of society. He also listed a number of principles which they could focus on to help them achieve this aim. Dr. Al Leem shared the work being done by the Alleem Foundation, which helps individuals and innovative organizations to improve social, economic and environmental living conditions worldwide thereby helping to improve the quality of life for hundreds of millions who have not yet seen the benefits of sustainable development.

Dr. Al Leem is the recipient of numerous national and international awards. Some of these include the Achievement Award given by the League of Arab States; a Gold Medal from the Mayor of Cannes for environmental efforts; an Excellence in Leadership Award from The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASSOCHAM) in India; and being declared the ‘Celebrity of the Year’ by Khaleej Times. He has also been recognized as ‘Maritime Personality for 2009’ by Marine Biz TV and received the Middle East Business Leaders Award 2012 as a tribute to his acumen in training and human capital development. Dr. Al Leem has authored many books and articles in journals and magazines in both Arabic and English, including his recent book My Leadership Secrets.

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Artrepreneur Noor Shamma’s Postcard Initiative for a Cause Curiosity, emotion and desire drive the work of AUS alumna Noor Shamma. Noor consciously remains ‘unclassifiable’ as an artist so that she can express herself through many different mediums. Noor’s current work explores the relationship between art, identity and emotion through a plethora of imagery, texture and expressive styles. As the originator of the popular and ongoing ‘Postcard Initiative’ sweeping through the nation (and beyond), Noor also finds time to teach children art in her spare time. Noor is Head of Communications and Public Affairs at the Paris-Sorbonne University in Abu Dhabi. She holds a BSc in Design Management from the American University of Sharjah.

This year, I decided to send out one random postcard every week of 2015 to family, friends and complete strangers.

During the third week of January, I made the announcement and asked that people send me their postal addresses to receive a postcard. I sent out my first postcard using the classic red postbox, and it all started developing from there. The number of addresses increased drastically, that by mid-February I had a total of 70 addresses. I then started sending a couple of postcards a week instead of one, to ensure everyone got one this 2015.

As an Emirati, born and raised in the UAE, I was lucky to grow up in a very multicultural environment, around many nationalities, ethnicities, and religions. This had shaped us to generally be more tolerant and accepting of everyone around us; so we are relatively open minded yet traditional.

This initiative was triggered after all the horrible things happening around the world. Today, there is so much sadness, blood and tears that the world is turning into an ugly and inhumane place. Also, the digital world is taking over the real world. People are losing the essence of physical communication and interaction with one another.

So I’ve decided to send a simple postcard, the most basic way of communication, to family, friends and strangers.

So far I’ve sent out 47 postcards, and I currently have over 250 addresses from 40 countries and 102 cities; and counting… The reactions I have been getting from people receiving those postcards are priceless, the gratitude and joy these postcards are triggering: the desperation to connect, communicate…

I decided to further develop the idea and make something more tangible out of it; find a cause and give it more meaning. So I approached local and international artists (including photographers, doll makers, visual artists, jewelry designers, fashion designers, painters, cake designers, graphic designers, architects, pottery artists, PAGE 12 ISSUE 13

illustrators, floral designers, musicians, wedding designer and planner, etc) to produce their work onto postcards for just AED500. The artists send a high-resolution image of their submission and I design, produce and market the postcards while crediting the work of the artists and send these postcards out to different cities around the world – while 20% of the 500dhs goes to my charity of choice, Noor Dubai Foundation.

The World Health Organization (WHO) releases regular statistics about blindness and eye diseases at a global scale. According to this data, every year, the number of affected people rises at an alarming rate. In fact, one person in the world goes blind every 5 seconds.

Noor Dubai Foundation, a non-governmental, nonfor-profit organization, aims to eliminate all forms of preventable blindness globally by delivering preventive eye care services to individuals suffering from blindness and impairment in the world in addition to it providing therapeutic, preventative and educational programs to treat and prevent blindness and visual impairment in developing countries on a regional and international scale.

I am very passionate about this cause; the gift of sight.

Our senses are things we take for granted. But being an artist allows me to highly depend on my senses to create and execute art. And yes, sight is a gift. Eyes are the mirror of the soul and they’re also our windows to the world around us.

Today, I have a total of 42 submissions from 30 artists of 18 different professions and 14 nationalities for Collection 1 to be launched in Ramadan.

These artist talents and submissions are so diverse yet they all share one thing in common: The Art of Giving. I am truly privileged to be working with these artists whilst exposing their amazing work, all for a good cause. These postcards are dedicated to restoring the gift of sight.

I have always been ‘unclassifiable’ as an artist expressing myself through many different mediums exploring the relationship between art, identity and emotion through a plethora of imagery, texture and expressive styles.

However, this whole journey of creating and developing the idea of my “Postcard Initiative” and linking it to art exposed me to my real passion of artrepreneurship; thinking beyond the idea and beyond the art.

Furthermore, I have received many requests from nonartists who wish to take part in the project and support the initiative; so I’m taking this a step further and have decided to sell the postcards subject to artist’s consent.

Noor Dubai Foundation will receive 20% of the selling price and the artist is also entitled to receive a percentage of the selling price.

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AUS Entrepreneurship Day Enhances Cooperation between Academia and Business

AUS Chancellor Björn Kjerfve addressing the participants

Keynote speaker His Excellency Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry

American University of Sharjah (AUS) successfully held the AUS Entrepreneurship Day 2014 in collaboration with the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) on December 15, 2014. The day-long event aimed to serve as a mentorship forum between professionals from academia and community leaders and connected them with AUS graduating students and alumni. It also offered hands-on learning and professional development opportunities with executives, who enhanced the education of the young future leaders in attendance, and helped prepare them for roles as actively engaged entrepreneurs.

success stories from the business sector. “As a university, we are proud not only of the high quality of our educational offerings, but also of the values we inculcate in our student body, including the importance of hard work, integrity, leadership, setting high targets for yourself, and making a difference in the community you are in. In other words, AUS is aiming for nothing less than to produce the Gulf’s next generation of entrepreneurs,” he stated.

The forum was attended by SCCI Chairman His Excellency Abdullah Sultan Al Owais and AUS Chancellor Dr. Björn Kjerfve. In his introductory address, His Excellency Abdullah Sultan Al Owais emphasized that Entrepreneurship Day showed the need to extend and strengthen bridges of cooperation and communication between academic institutions and businesses in order to promote the successful growth of society in various sectors.

“AUS Entrepreneurship Day aims to invest in human potential, energy, scientific thought and civilization founded on innovation and creativity in building a sophisticated knowledge-based economy. It improves our ability to meet challenges and keep up with developmental changes, both regionally and internationally, to achieve the Millennium Development Goals of the Emirate of Sharjah as a successful model on the way to a bright and prosperous future for the United Arab Emirates,” said His Excellency.

Chancellor Kjerfve said that the forum was a powerful platform to display examples of practical experiences and

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Chancellor Kjerfve also thanked the platinum sponsors of the event: Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), Bee’ah, Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), Gulftainer, Habtoor Leighton Group, Jetex Flight Support, Kanoo Group, Petrofac, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), and Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club. Support for the event was also received from ADMA, Ahmed Seddiqi and Sons, Air Arabia, Al Buhaira Insurance, ALSTOM, Al Habtoor Motors, Al Maskari Holding, American Business Council, AXA Insurance, Bank of Sharjah, Chalhoub Group, CMC, CPC, Darwish Engineering, DOW Chemicals, EMB Creative, Invest Group Overseas, Kalimati, MAF, MAG, Magnet Mediam NEB, Pepsico, Shell, Technip, Terrazzo and Viablue.

The event included two keynote panel discussions. The first highlighted both the challenges and opportunities in the UAE entrepreneurial scene. Dr. Robert Grosse, Dean of the School of Business Administration, chaired the panel, while the second keynote panel, entitled “Entrepreneurship and Investment Prospects in the UAE,” was chaired by Hussain Mohammed Al Mahmoudi, Director General the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI).

Participants at the event

H.E. Abdullah Sultan Al Owais and Chancellor Kjerfve along with Mr. Badr Al-Olama, and other officials

Sponsors at the event

Sponsors at the event

Sponsors at the event

Sponsors at the event

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Mr. Badr Buhannad, His Excellency Marwan Al Serkal, Mr. Ramsey Jurdi, and Dr. Ali Beba, during the “Entrepreneurship and Investment Prospects in the UAE” panel, chaired by Dr. Robert Grosse

Mr. Adel Ali, Mr. Badr Al Olama, and Mr. Hussain Al Mahmoudi, during the “Entrepreneurship in the GCC: Challenges and Opportunities” panel, chaired by Dr. Robert Grosse

Alumna May Barber and alumnus Omar Afana in a discussion during the “Entrepreneurship for Young Leaders” panel, moderated by alumnus Bishr Challah

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Spotlight on a Designer: Alumna Linda Elshami heavy if you are not organized or you take on more than you can deliver. Maintaining an idea of how much you can do, as one person, over a given timeline can be very challenging. That said, working for yourself can be very rewarding. As you begin to schedule in more time for your own work, you get to an inspiring phase that is play. To play is to be less serious about the work, and a state where you begin to enjoy the work and the process. I would say it is in this state where one can produce the most original and creative work.

Tell us about your personal artistic style along with the key projects in which you were involved.

I would probably disagree with labeling designers based on a style. The work is different and should always be different.

The style should respond to a question or a problem, which is always changing from one project to another. I don’t see a designer adhering to one style. If this happens then, in my opinion, the design process is poor or dishonest.

The key project that I have been working on most recently was my two-year investigation of the Israeli occupation of the West Bank, part of my thesis at OCAD University. The work was an amalgamation of different studio methods to showcase design as a process, and not as an outcome.

You have pursued a Masters in Fine Arts at OCAD University, Toronto. Could you please tell us more about the program?

Would you please introduce yourself in a few lines?

My name is Linda Elshami. I am an art and design practitioner.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in Visual Communications from the American University of Sharjah and I have just finished my Master of Fine Arts in the Interdisciplinary Art Media & Design (IAMD) program at OCAD University in Toronto.

Since you graduated in 2004 from the AUS College of Architecture, Arts and Design with a major in Visual Communications, how did your career develop?

After graduating, I started my career in advertising as a junior art director. I was offered a job at the company at which I had interned. After two years I realized, this was not what I wanted to do and moved on to branding. Identity design and creative strategy became my passion and I have continued to work in this field as a freelancer.

You made a transition from a corporate designer to an independent design practitioner. What are some of the challenges that you faced as an emerging artist?

Being an independent design practitioner allowed me to cater to my own clients as a freelancer. Being ‘independent’ also allowed me to manage my own time and therefore schedule time for my own work - two things happening at the same time, each with different challenges. The freelance role requires one person to function as a fully staffed company - you are the finance department, the servicing department, the strategy department, the management department, and the creative department. This can weigh

The Interdisciplinary Art Media & Design program at OCAD University is a two-year program where you apply based on an interest in two disciplines. In my case, these were graphic design and architecture. OCAD University is one of the best art & design schools in Canada. I appreciated had the opportunity to work with my advisor, Professor Roderick Grant, and benefit from his approach to critical graphic design practice.

The program also allows graduate students to access a range of art and design studios at the undergraduate level.

In my case, as a graphic designer, I was able to work with material performativity such as plaster and concrete - a skill that I honed in the IAMD program.

What are your future projects?

I am taking some time off after two years in graduate school to figure out my next steps. They will definitely be towards a critical art and design practice. I am always keen to comment on the social, cultural, and political scene, more so in the Middle East where I come from, even now that I view them as an outsider living in North America.

What special advice would you give a person entering your field of study?

Be skeptical. Always.

Would you like to share with us some of your hobbies?

As I embrace North American culture, hiking is becoming a joy.

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AUS Holds Annual Business Forum

His Excellency Sheikh Salem bin Abdul Rahman Al Qasimi, inaugurates the AUS Business Forum in the presence of AUS Chancellor Björn Kjerfve, Interim Provost Kevin Mitchell, and other university officials

The American University of Sharjah (AUS) annual Business Forum was inaugurated on March 16, by Sheikh Salem bin Abdul Rahman Al Qasimi, Director of the Office of the Ruler of Sharjah. Senior officials from the government and the private sector, industry leaders and academics attended the opening ceremony. Both the AUS Business Forum and Career Fair, which will be held tomorrow, provide an opportunity for policy makers, scholars and business leaders to share dynamic experiences, professional advice and trade opportunities with tomorrow’s regional and global leaders.

This year, a number of alumni also shared their own success stories.

in all societies,” said the Chancellor. “In order to keep in step with dynamic and constant change, organizations must invest in interdisciplinary resources that help them innovate to deal successfully with the challenges they face.”

The Sixth AUS Business Forum, entitled “The Global Economy: Prospects, Risks, and the Impact on the MENA Region,” had panel discussions that examined what the state of the business environment means for our daily lives and what changes we can expect in the years to come. The forum was an excellent venue for business development by virtue of its networking opportunities.

To further this point, Chancellor Kjerfve spoke of how AUS is now taking this collaboration between higher education and industry and technology to the next level, by setting up a Research, Technology and Innovation (RTI) Park close to campus. “In the next several years, we envisage this project to be established as a dynamic center of research and innovation populated by leading global technology companies. These companies will work in collaboration with AUS and other local academic institutions and the highly qualified human capital provided, and develop a vibrant environment for research, technology and innovation, and with incubators and high-tech products and services that suit Sharjah and the regional demands. The RTI Park will also serve as a base for non-profit organizations and appropriate local companies in a tax-free zone and will

Welcoming the delegates on the occasion, Dr. Björn Kjerfve, AUS Chancellor, spoke on the topic “Education, Research and the Importance of Human Capital.” “Economies across the globe are bound together in partnerships that are constantly evolving. The dynamic exchange and transfer of information has reduced distances and made national borders porous. Factors such as innovation, entrepreneurship and new technology have assumed enormous importance PAGE 18 ISSUE 13

Dr. Kjerfve reiterated His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan’s vision that AUS become “organically linked with the economic, cultural and industrial sectors of society in productive cooperation” as well as become “a center of research for solving problems faced by society.” Since AUS opened its doors to students in 1997, it has been committed to following that path.

Dr. Nabil Aouad, Dr. Sami Kamel, Dr. Ilker Kaya, and Dr. Ashraf Shehata, in the panel entitled “Fueling Tomorrow’s Economy,” moderated by Dean Robert Grosse

serve as a place for research and development and where technological start-ups are nurtured,” said Dr. Kjerfve.

Dr. Kjerfve then introduced Adel Ali, the keynote speaker and Board Member and Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia, who gave an address entitled “Growth and Investment Amid Changing Circumstances.”

“Learn your business from the bottom. Don’t be a chief but be a leader,” Ali advised the delegates. “The days of sitting behind a desk as a chief and the days of telling people what to do are gone. Today is a day of leadership. If you want a successful business, you have to demonstrate to people that you are willing to lead.”

The AUS Business Forum allowed the sharing of bold, creative ideas on business development and growth in the region, and bridges industry and higher education to promote economic development.

Mr. Ziad Makhzoumi

It also provides students the chance to engage leaders from a broad range of industries and public agencies as they address critical contemporary issues. Together, they attempt to analyze key challenges and arrive at solutions uniquely tailored to the Gulf. The forum is a platform for leading business figures across the spectrum to address ways to resolve these pressing issues.

The various sessions of the forum discussed how the business environment in the MENA region affects our daily lives and the most important challenges and opportunities facing the economy today. The forum also debated whether economic reforms, technological advancements and a changing energy landscape catalyzed future growth. AUS alumni also shared their success stories and life lessons.

Concluding the Business Forum were Dr. Sami Kamel, Marketing Executive and General Manager, GE Energy, and Dr. Khaled T. Assaleh, Interim Vice Provost of Research and Graduate Studies, AUS, as they discussed “Why Research and Development Matters.”

Mr. Hussein Al Mahmoudi

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H.E. Sheikh Salem bin Abdul Rahman Al Qasimi at the AUS Business Forum along with Chancellor Kjerfve, Mr. Ziad Makhzoumi, and Mr. Ramsey Jurdi

Among other participants were Dr. Khalid Ahmed, Chief Strategy Officer, Jafza and Economic Zones World; Bashar Kilani, Middle East Territory Manager, IBM Middle East; Hussein Al Mahmoudi, Director-General, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Ziad Makhzoumi, Chief Executive Officer, Fakih IVF; Ramsey B. Jurdi, President, The American Business Council International; Yousef Al Bastaki, Vice President Projects, Emirates Global Aluminium; Dr. Nabil Aouad, COO, Technip Middle East; Dr. Ilker Kaya, Assistant Professor of Economics, School of Business Administration, AUS; Ashraf Shehata, Regional Director of Quality and Food Safety, Mars Dr. Robert Grosse, Dean of the School of Business Administration; and AUS alumni Haneen Al Hassan, Managing Director and Co-Founder, Magnet Media; Abdulla Al Shamsi, Founder, SHAPE Architect; Hisham Dirbas, Founder, Equinox Coaching and Leadership Development; and Raha Moharrak, an adventurer.

AUS alumna Haneen Al Hassan and a guest

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AUS alumnus Hisham Dirbas

Keynote speaker Mr. Adel Ali

AUS alumnus Abdulla Al Shamsi

Dr. Sami Kamel in the insight panel entitled “Why Research and Development Matters” moderated by Dr. Khaled T Assaleh

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A Successful Career Fair Follows the Business Forum

AUS Chancellor Björn Kjerfve at the inauguration of the Career Fair

American University of Sharjah (AUS) held its annual Career Fair on March 17. Held exclusively for AUS students and alumni, the event allows prospective employers to seek out the best young talent in the region.

As one of the most high-profile events held on campus, Career Fair provides AUS seniors and alumni the opportunity to meet representatives from the private and public sectors interested in recruiting AUS students and graduates as either full-time employees or interns. This year, almost 70 local and multinational companies participated in the fair, which also included local, regional and international private, semi-government and government agencies. The fair was inaugurated by Dr. Björn Kjerfve, AUS Chancellor.

Several AUS alumni who are now working for multinational firms could be seen back at AUS, recruiting fellow alumni.

Luma Zohlof, an alumna from the AUS Class of 2002, was one such recruiter. Co-founder of Trending 5000, an online marketing platform for small businesses and startups in the Middle East, Zohlof said, “The AUS Career Fair is a great platform to recruit talented students. AUS gave me all the tools to build my career, and I feel that coming here today is like giving back to AUS by providing its students and alumni assistance in setting up their careers.”

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According to a junior marketing student Rihab Shakeeb, “The Career Fair is a good opportunity for AUS students to become familiar with the different companies that they may find an interest in. My goal today is to find a good opportunity as an intern and eventually find a full-time job.

Career Fair will help me with that.”

Princia Vas, a third-year student with a major in management and minor in management information systems, said Career Fair allowed her to gain insight about the world outside the classroom.

Derya Ersin, Head of Human Resources GCC at Henkel, found the fair to be a good opportunity to meet with AUS students and alumni and tell them about the Graduate Development Program and other job opportunities at Henkel.

Through the Career Fair, AUS students and alumni have the opportunity to interact with several companies all in one location. It provides a real-life interface between AUS as a university and the participating companies, and allows students and alumni to put their classroom acquired knowledge to good use.

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A Love Affair with Altitudes: Alumna Raha Moharrak the doors to eight more summits, but still my love affair with altitude was insatiable, and my curiosity as to where my limits were grew fierce. Just when I thought I had reached those limits, I set eyes on Everest, and the dream that turned me into an accidental role model was born, on May 18, 2013. A year after seeing the legendary mountain, I made history by being the first Saudi woman to summit Everest, forever proving we could attempt the impossible and maybe even achieve it, no matter where we are from.

I am living proof that if children are raised confident and curious, and are unapologetic about who they are, then they are capable of anything, including a Saudi woman standing on top of the world.

How and when did you get interested in mountain climbing, and what made you decide to climb Mount Everest in particular?

At a time when I had left my job and was getting ready to go back to Saudi Arabia, I was nervous about the change, and I wanted to do something different and adventurous.

I heard about Kilimanjaro and it triggered my curiosity. I wanted to know more about it. I faced a lot of resistance from society and the people around me, which further pushed me towards taking the decision to actually climb the mountain. I felt like this was something that I really wanted to do and it would give me a completely new and different outlook on life in general.

What has been the hardest part of your Everest experience?

How did your parents feel about your lust for adventure?

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m a graphic designer by trade and an art director by passion. I was always a curious child, and for as long as I can remember, I have dreamed of challenging adventures, seeing the world and perhaps even challenging it.

From a young age my eccentricity was obvious. I was blessed with parents who never asked me to change, who taught me to dream big and live even bigger, and raised me with the belief that life is what I make of it and my dreams are only a reflection of the endlessness of my capabilities.

I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Visual Communications from the American University of Sharjah, and then started my career at a leading advertising agency.

My life changed the day I summited Kilimanjaro and challenged myself, my society, and my culture. It was there, between the clouds, standing on Africa’s roof, where my spirit could no longer be silenced, and nothing could hold me back from my love of adventure. Kilimanjaro opened PAGE 24 ISSUE 13

Convincing my family to let me climb Everest was by far the hardest part, because just like with any family, it is normal for them to have worries and reservations about such a challenge, considering the nature of the climb and how dangerous it is. In addition, the fact that I come from a very traditional and conservative culture added to the difficulty of my family accepting my goal. But eventually their love for me overruled their worries, and they gave me the chance to pursue my dream of living adventures and accomplishing something that I knew I would be proud of for the rest of my life.

How did you feel when you reached the summit?

It was an amazing feeling, I couldn’t believe I was standing on top of the world, but honestly my mind was in a million places. I was hungry, stinky, and very anxious to get down.

My satellite phone didn’t work on the summit, so all I could think about was hearing my father’s voice after I told him we did it, and then a long shower, followed by a few burgers and some pasta.

What is the view like from the top of the world?

How can I describe what I saw on top of the world? It was mesmerizing. I could see miles and miles of endless mountain peaks, and the stunning curvature of the earth.

It was one of those moments that I’ll carry with me forever.

Was there any point when you felt that you might not make it and might have to give up?

Never! I came very close but giving up was never an option, and it was not because I was brave or powerful. I never wanted to give up because my parents had already lived in fear for two months on account of my dream. Once I got a chance to live a life most people only dream of, there was no way I would give up just because I was cold, hungry, and tired. I never gave up because they gave me a chance to live my dream.

As the first Saudi woman to climb Mt. Everest, a lot of women in the Arab world look up to you. What do you have to say to those women?

Although I never set out to be that person from the beginning, I take it as a huge responsibility. I feel like it’s my duty to clearly relay the message of being brave enough to follow your dreams, and if I inspire just one person, it would mean the world to me.

What does “the journey” mean to you?

A journey is a collection of experiences; a teacher, wrong turns, and random encounters, all of which move you, no matter how big or small.

A journey seldom merely connects A and B. Instead, it is what happens in between that shapes and changes you.

You are only as rich in spirit as you are well-journeyed. Be curious enough to discover; get lost enough to be found, and be brave enough to take the first step.

What is the next adventure you have planned?

I have always dreamed of going to the stars and I still have this dream, I hope that one day I get to live it. It’s very difficult for me to predict where I will be, considering a year ago I never thought I would be where I am now. All I know is that I wanted to be content and happy with what I ended up doing. If I can continue to inspire a few people along the way, that would be a perfect legacy.

Curiosity is such a powerful trait. We should always feed it, follow our gut instincts and find the courage to follow our dreams. Be curious and be open to exploring new challenges. Never limit yourself or set any restrictions. Live and believe in your dream, go out there, and pursue it.

AUS Alumnus Ammar Kalo wins at the A’ Design Award and Competition A faculty member at the AUS College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD) and a 2008 AUS graduate received an international design award recently for his work Stratum at the A’ Design Award and Competition, the world’s largest design awards.

Ammar Kalo, Assistant Professor in Architecture and Director of the CAAD Labs, created the Stratum Chair, which was awarded the Silver A’ Design Award in the category of Furniture, Decorative Items and Homeware Design by a grand jury panel. The A’ Design Awards are presented each year in Italy and consist of internationally influential press members, established designers, leading academics and prominent entrepreneurs.

The chair was born out of Kalo’s desire to create a piece of furniture that expresses its function and the material it uses in a very organic fashion. The unique formal and visual qualities of the chair are derived from the ways in which the plywood strata layers are carved to highlight the product’s utilitarian features. Its termination at the ground with three legs also accentuates the design’s edginess and gives it a sense of delicate balance.

are carved from a single piece of wood and consist of two interlocking parts. The swiveling action of the furnishing also helps reduce its original volume by half, making it easier for shipping.”

The main components are composed of laminated sheets of Baltic Birch plywood. Most of the chair’s features, such as its sharp edges, the flowing form of its back and seat, as well as the central connection, were planned to leverage the extra axis of freedom that a 5-axis CNC milling machine offers. Multiple iterations of these concepts were produced to properly calibrate the fabrication process while maintaining a strong design language. “The project took about one month for concept design, then a month and a half for production. In addition to being the first prototype, it took a bit longer than expected because I was learning to use new tools, both digital and physical, to complete the project,” said Kalo.

“The most difficult part of the work was figuring out the interlocking connection detail. This involved multiple studies in terms of design, but also from fabrication point of view,” he concluded.

“For this project, there were a number of sources that helped inspire its formal qualities- from the sinuous shapes of a human body, to the works of Hector Guimard, to rock formations carved by natural forces,” explained Kalo.

“The joint came from studying religious book stands that

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Alumna Hessa Tahlak Selected to Preside Over a Swedish Network Coordinator at the Department of Civil Aviation, I moved to become the Quality Executive at the Dubai Quality Group, where I was managing the Emirates Business Women Award and became a jury member for the same award two years in a row. Nakheel was the third station in my career, where I was the Senior Executive of Marketing and Quality. Moving to the Dubai Women Establishment was the result of combining all of my past experience and having this serve Emirati professional women in the workforce through my current position. I truly think that the mix of expertise I gained, along with the style of education I received, was behind being in this field.

What are some of the areas that you give the greatest attention to in your current position as the Director of Corporate Development, Research and Projects at the Dubai Women Establishment?

Continuing the development of Emirati women in the work force and increasing their contribution to the economy is my main goal. I want Emirati women to represent the UAE internationally, to reflect their strength, and to change perspectives about women’s roles in this part of the world. In addition, research and policies take a lot of my attention when it comes to international reports and rankings related to women in the workforce and in leadership positions.

What part of this job do you find most satisfying? And most challenging?

Would you please introduce yourself in a few lines?

I am a proud an AUS alumna, one of the first batch of students who joined the university in 1997, with student ID number 123!

I am the Director of Corporate Development, Research and Projects at Dubai Women Establishment; the Chair of the Women 4 Sustainable Growth Network based in Sweden; and a mother of two, Haya and Khalid.

You obtained a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Management from AUS. How did you get into your field?

Marketing and management was my first achievement while getting myself into professional life, where I had to manage myself and the tasks I was given at the beginning of my career, and market my ideas to the people I worked with and reported to. From being a Marketing

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When it comes to changing people’s lives, development, affecting productivity, and learning about perspectives provide great satisfaction. Gender policy and research are always simultaneously satisfying and challenging because of the work that has to be done prior to conducting the research and also the impact the work has.

You have been elected recently as the Chairperson of the Board Women for Sustainable Growth. What is the aim of this initiative?

W4SG is a unique initiative which aims to build professional networks between the Scandinavia and the Gulf region. The connections that came out from this network include business, educational, personal development, research, and diplomatic relations.

If “self-sustainability” for women is to be ensured, there should be more active participation of women in the economic, political and social arena of the country. What are the activities underway to achieve these aims?

If we are talking about the UAE, we should be proud of where women have reached today, and they are still continuing to aim for more. And this shows the clear

support from the government to sustain and increase women’s participation in society. Having organizations like Dubai Women Establishment to monitor global reports and come up with benchmarks related to women’s development and recent policies provides great support to women. In addition, the UAE is doing a great deal through the involvement of women in different sectors, including the legislature and decision-making positions.

This is a great enabling factor.

What do you see as the advantages and disadvantages of being a female top executive in the Gulf?

Being part of this fast-developing and young nation is a great advantage, especially given how the government and the leadership of this country are supporting women in different fields. It is the combination of education, opportunities, motivation, and leadership that has made so much possible. I personally do not see any disadvantages; I’d rather to call them challenges. We are part of a region which has been unstable for some time due to different reasons, and the challenge here is to change the negative perspective that many people around the world have about the region and about the women in it. Plus, we are proudly conservative, though modern citizens, and as women we have social commitments towards our own families, in-laws, and extended families. And although this is a great side of our character and culture, it is also challenging to manage all these roles at once and deliver the best outcomes in our professional lives.

What accomplishment in your career to date are you most proud of?

I am proud of all what I have achieved so far, as I see clearly that any outcome that changed something or added value is counted.

You represent the “new” Gulf woman and one of a growing number of educated and ambitious young women who refuse to accept that any obstacle can stand between them and success. From your experience, what are the top qualities of success that you would advise the alumnae and women students of AUS to cultivate?

Number one is ‘Love what you do.’ When you enjoy what you do, you will always give as much as possible and manage all that surrounds you to achieve your goals.

Second, never accept less than the best outcome. Utilize all your knowledge, expertise, and capabilities for that outcome. Keep learning, as every day has new things to add to what you know, and every person you meet has something to teach you. And always be yourself, that’s what makes you unique.

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Alumna Siham El Najmi’s Compassionate Care Abroad and crime, and later regional correspondent based in Lebanon. Later on, I became a communication specialist in emergencies and conflict zones. With communication you see the invisible link that brings various aspects of a project or intervention together. Without it, you cannot see the bigger picture.

How well did your mass communications degree at AUS prepare you for your first job as a reporter and writer at Gulf News?

Very well! I actually started my career with Gulf News when I was still a student in my third year at AUS. One of my journalism professors encouraged me to start writing for their education supplement. The degree helped me gain skills. I learned to be detail-oriented, diversify my resources, how to conduct interviews, and how to write articles and in-depth analysis. I don’t think I would have kicked off successfully with my career without the rigorous techniques used by the professors in editing our articles. Writing is not an easy skill and it remains a challenge to me. Knowing I have the basics and proper foundation of this skill, it empowers me in various ways, for instance, when it comes to submitting job applications, making presentations, writing proposals, research papers, and journalistic articles.

What were the highlights of your time covering big events as a journalist?

Could you please introduce yourself in a few lines?

I am a Palestinian who was born and raised in Dubai. I grew up in a modest household whereby my mother, as a single parent (may Allah rest her soul in peace), worked three jobs a day to help raise my two brothers and me.

My motto in life is, ‘Feel the fear, and do it anyway.’ I am ambitious, adventurous, and known to be a risk-taker, but deep inside, I always second-guess my decisions in life. I don’t believe in future plans because the best things that happened to me are the ones that were unplanned.

What do you most communications?

enjoy

about

working

in

Communications is a cross-cutting theme in all aspects of life and work. Understanding the essence of communication is like possessing the fuel that moves an engine. It’s very empowering as it involves a cycle of observing, collecting information, spreading it, and reacting to its impact or lack thereof. During the process you try to understand what tools make the impact you desire. Further, you use an engagement process, which I personally enjoy. What I like the most is how communications took me to various careers and options in life as a reporter in education, health,

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Working as a crime and accident reporter was the best!

It was very mentally challenging and at times, I have to admit, emotionally or psychologically. It’s also a highly competitive beat to cover. Moreover, when I started covering crime I was confronted with tough stories such as the murder of Susan Tamim, the killing of Sulim Yamadayev, and more importantly the assassination of Mahmoud Al Mabhouh. Add to this, I learned so much about drug trafficking and smuggling - the different routes, kinds and types of drugs, and the different ways it is hidden by criminals – very creative I must say! The most disheartening, though, was covering human trafficking and interviewing the victims, or interviewing families who had just lost a family member in a horrific car accident or drug overdose. It’s an eye-opener to realities you don’t usually encounter in your daily life, especially in a place as luxurious and posh as Dubai. I remember interviewing a girl who was sold by her parents, who fled a conflict – they essentially bargained her price for marriage. But she was sold to a human trafficking gang who sold her to different gangs in various countries until she reached Dubai, where the gang was arrested.

Imagine hearing the stories of rape from a 14-year-old, who was sold when she was only 12 years old. And many more stories similar to this.

You later worked in Lebanon for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, which supports Palestinian refugees. Would you encourage other AUS graduates to work for organizations that help others?

I would encourage everyone and anyone to be in a field or a hobby that helps others. You don’t need to be in an organization to help others; however, if that is a passion that you have, then you have to realize the challenges of being in this field – it’s very tough! It lacks a lot of the discipline, professionalism, and organization that you find in the corporate world. It has its frustrations, but if you don’t let them get to you and focus on your main goal, then it’s a very rewarding career. Why? Because you help yourself before helping others. You learn not to take things for granted, like safety, drinking water, a decent Internet connection, electricity, food, shelter, etc. The other challenge is balancing your personal and work life. I don’t mean in terms of work demands, but sometimes risking your own life in conflict zones. It’s a constant internal battle. This career takes you out of your comfort zone, in every sense of the term! You get a little glimpse of what you read and hear in the news. I would encourage students to try it at least once in their lives for a short period – the experience will have an impact on you for the rest of your live. It’s learning how to put yourself in other people’s shoes and then daring yourself to still have the audacity to pass a judgment about people›s lives and choices. For me life is a big puzzle that I am trying to put together to make sense of all the chaos around me, and being in the humanitarian field makes you patch these puzzles in a very interesting way. Again it’s a perspective.

Your next job was in the Kurdish region of Iraq. How easy was it to adjust to new working environments?

Not easy at all! The language barrier is a difficulty. Also, the long history of tension between Arabs and Kurds is still felt in the K[urdish] R[egion of] I[raq]. It’s a very beautiful country with some amazing nature, but with the historical tensions and the large influx of Syrian Kurdish refugees and later internally displaced people, it makes for a very challenging task to work on social cohesion – from where you start! This region was isolated for a very long time – I personally did not know there was a Kurdish region in Iraq, so coming from a diverse and multicultural society like Dubai, it was very challenging for me to adjust. To be honest, I wanted to leave after my third week here. But then you remember your main goal, and day by day you start seeing everything around you differently. It’s a state of mind, if you ask me!

You are currently pursuing graduate studies at the University of Leicester. What can you tell us about your studies, and why did you choose to enroll there?

The University of Leicester offers an excellent distancelearning degree, which works very well with my work.

It also has in-class study schools, which are great, as you feel you are part of an actual existing class of students.

I chose it because it’s in line with my field of work and it gives a structural backbone to my work experience. I learned so much from other students working in Congo, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Egypt, Libya, etc. My advice to students is to gain some work experience before doing your graduate studies. My research paper is related to my area of work and experience. Sometimes, you feel you are adding to the degree with your own work experience.

What would you like to do next?

I have no idea! I didn’t even when I was a high school student, or when I was at university. I take opportunities as they come – I weigh the pros and cons, and take a risk. Maybe go to Nepal. I would like to have my own consultancy one day! But who knows? I learned to enjoy the present. The future will happen anyway!

What advice would you give fresh graduates thinking about moving into your line of work?

Good luck! Trust me, you will need it. Be patient and observant in this line of work – if you enjoy it, you will become addicted to it. Don’t be scared of trying new things in life. My humanitarian work started with an urge to try a new thing in a new country – I tend to get bored easily. This field is about learning more about yourself, and what really matters to you in life. Try it at least once in your life, even if on a volunteer basis. This work will take you to many places, to many realities, to many contradictions, to many frustrations, to witnessing human success stories. The most important advice is not to allow the difficult stories and miseries you encounter to negatively affect your life and perception of life.

Basically, don’t let it get to you. Personally, it amazes me how people could survive on very basic items and still maintain a smile, or stand up after encountering horrific incidents and losing family members, etc. Again, it has its frustrations – to me, sometimes, it is people’s ignorance about what is going on, or a lack of human rights – but then you try your best to be part of a change. Even if it doesn’t work, at least you tried.

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AUSAA Wall of Fame Inductees Like the previous year, during the Eighth Alumni Reunion Dinner, the AUS Alumni Association invited alumni to nominate fellow alumni candidates from all previous classes to be featured on the Alumni Wall of Fame, recognizing the legacies of those who had contributed to making a difference during their time at AUS as students as well as achieving great success in their careers.

The following were the alumni declared winners.

AISHA MIRAN Aisha Miran has the daunting task of setting the strategic agenda for the Executive Council in Dubai, and assisting with its decision-making. Her time in public service has seen her lead the team updating the strategic plan for 2021, and introduce the integrated smart decision support system ‘Qarar,’ spanning the entire government allowing information to flow up from government entities, all the way through the Executive Council to the Ruler. She is currently coordinating government-wide efforts to make Dubai accessible to people with disabilities.

REEM BIN KARAM For nearly ten years, Reem Bin Karam has been an active member of the Sharjah Tatweer Forum, a nonprofit organization headed by His Highness which empowers youth, promotes entrepreneurship, and fosters community outreach. Since 2010, she has also been a board member, and headed the Forum’s finance and budget activities. The events she organized are too numerous to list today, but included the Pink Caravan Breast Cancer Awareness program, Startup Weekend Sharjah, and Global MENA Retreat. Last year, Sheikha Jawaher appointed her to be Acting Head of the Department of Children’s Centers in Sharjah. In between all of this, she and her sister started the Thaya Floral and Gourmet Boutique, a successful business whose services include marketing strategies and public imaging.

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SARAH AL AIDY Sarah Al Aidy has the distinction of being nominated by no fewer than five different alumnae. By day, she is a civil engineer at a consultancy firm, and contributes to the UAE’s development. Hungry to achieve more, she started Hejabi Couture, a line of clothing that allows women to dress modestly but stylishly, and is already being sold in shops overseas. It’s no wonder she has tens of thousands of followers on Facebook and Instagram less than three years after graduating!

AKRAM BIN SEDIQ Akram Bin Sediq won the President’s Cup here at AUS for graduating with a perfect GPA, and continued to score a perfect GPA at Carleton University in Canada while studying for his master’s degree. He eventually received a PhD, numerous awards for his teaching, academic performance and professional achievements, while mentoring other students towards success. Moreover, he has filed no fewer than six patents, while publishing numerous papers in peer-reviewed journals. Today, he works with Ericsson Canada as a software designer.

IMRAN MALIK Last but not least, Imran Malik serves as a member of the PMI Global Executive Council and as Senior Director for Program Management at du. He has a number of professional certifications in project, program, and process management, and has won three global awards from the International Project Management Association.

Many years earlier, when he applied to join Petrofac, AUS received a letter describing his job application as being the best that the company’s Director for Engineering had received in 25 years. He has been invited to speak at numerous events across four continents and published a paper about managing people in diverse organizations.

AUS Alumni Visit Italy, Land of Art and History

The AUS Alumni Association Events Chapter organized an alumni trip to Italy last October, visiting Rome, Florence, and Venice. Thirty-six alumni took part in this trip, which was organized in view of the Alumni Association’s strategic vision of enhancing and renewing the bonds of friendship among alumni and by creating powerful shared experiences.

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Alumnus Karim Eid Earns a Master’s Degree from the University of Ulm, Germany

My name is Karim Eid, and I am an Egyptian national and an electrical engineering graduate from the AUS Class of 2012. I recently received my master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Ulm in Germany. I can describe myself in a few words by saying I am a someone who accepts all kinds of people and mentalities, who loves social variety, and appreciates the beauty of human differences.

I enjoy mingling with different social and cultural groups to enrich my own cultural perceptive, but never lose touch with my roots.

As I was growing up, my parents found out about my love and eagerness to learn math and understand several physical phenomena, and hence decided to foster my passion and encourage me to further pursue my dreams. During my final year at high school, my mind was clearly set on pursuing a degree in engineering, but I wasn’t yet sure which discipline was for me. I started off my university journey by majoring in chemical engineering, and then a year later, and after the completion of the common engineering courses during my freshman year, I decided to switch to electrical engineering because I have been always fascinated by technology and its rapid advancement.

AUS has played a major role in my choice of pursuing a graduate degree overseas. Our professors and lecturers at AUS are highly educated individuals from the finest academic and research institutes around the world, and my eagerness to develop a rich industrial and research profile, as many of them had done, pushed me to start a masters degree immediately after I graduated from AUS. In my opinion, a well-rounded engineer is someone who has a proper understanding of the state-of-the-art research as well as hands-on industrial experience. I therefore decided to pursue my masters degree in Germany, where I got the chance to not only conduct my own institutional research, but also to work for an automotive giant, Continental.

At my graduate university, I enrolled in the international masters of science program in telecommunications. During the course of the program, I studied telecommunications, coding theory, pattern recognition and classification, as especially signals processing and wireless communications.

My focus was on the processing of radars signals for the automotive industry, and I managed to add a novel contribution in the form of a publication to the research in that field.

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While studying, I worked as an intern at Continental in the Advanced Driving Assistant Systems (ADAS) department.

My tasks were mainly related to assessing and updating classifiers for road sign signals, applying different pattern recognition and signals processing concepts to process images taken from automotive camera sensors, and writing and developing different test scripts using the programming languages DXL and Python. My industrial experience in the automotive field affected my research orientation and inspired me to publish a thesis entitled, “Beam forming for interference mitigation for automotive radar sensors.”

The main challenge I faced when I first came to Germany was the language. My program was run in English, but in order to converse with people on the street, knowledge of the German language is a must. This motivated me to learn the language and struggle to understand until I reached an advanced level. I can now communicate in German without difficulty. During my coursework, I didn’t struggle much with the engineering concepts, since I had a strong foundation at AUS in communications and signals processing. However, the European system was a bit tricky, and required hard work and persistence throughout the semester, as it there were no midterms or graded coursework assignments except for one final exam per course at the end of the semester.

I graduated as one of the top students in my class. My friends from the class of 2012 in other parts of Europe and North America who took the same path as me are acting as research ambassadors of AUS where they are studying, and have also managed to make it to the top positions in their universities.

Currently, I am about to start a career in R&D with an automotive company in Germany. Later on and after I gain the industrial experience that can form the basis of a research career, I will pursue a PhD in signals processing and telecommunications so that I can teach at an academic institute and continue my research there.

AUS was not only a unique academic experience, but also a social and a cultural one that helped shape me into the person I am now.

Meet Your Chancellor Series On May 13 and 25, ODAA organized its first ‘Meet Your Chancellor’ events in Abu Dhabi and Dubai respectively.

Alumni were invited to meet the Chancellor and Interim Provost in order to share their ideas for AUS, air any concerns they had, and describe the progress they had made with their lives and careers since graduating.

Each event sparked off a lively discussion, with the topics raised including developments on campus, accreditation, the future of the Research, Technology, and Innovation Park, and much else besides. Alumni also used the gatherings to network and socialize with one another.

AUS Chancellor Björn Kjerfve and Interim Provost Kevin Mitchell

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“Trending5000.com can trend your business” says Alumna Luma Zohlof

Would you please introduce yourself in a few lines?

I am a 2004 computer engineering graduate, a fulltime working mother to three wonderful kids, an entrepreneur at heart, hard-working and goal-oriented.

Since the days when I was a student at AUS, I never took “no” for an answer, and that’s why I had a successful career in the corporate world. My persistence is what defines me.

How was the innovative idea of Trending5000.com born and what is the concept behind it?

Trending5000.com was born when I wanted to look for a small business in Dubai. I know I am following hundreds of them on social media, but it took me hours to search for what I was looking for on my different profiles. Be it a small service provider, a specific jewelry maker, or a local fashion designer, it just got more difficult over time. As I was searching, I was sad to see so many great small enterprises end up out of business due to a lack

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of proper marketing, or by getting lost in social media and not focusing on what’s important - attracting more customers.

So my husband and I came up with a simple idea. Why not create an online marketing platform for small businesses and startups in the Middle East to flourish?

The whole concept behind Trending5000.com is to support home-grown brands in the Middle East and connect them with their stakeholders, whether they are customers, partners, or investors. Trending5000. com services are unique and aim at getting the business discovered, making it famous, and finding business leads.

People can search these small businesses and startups using keywords, categories, and locations. It’s as simple as typing in a search box: “gluten free cupcakes.”

Not only will we offer a search engine for our ‘nonbusiness’ customers, but we will also offer them a place

to share a ’project’ that they are looking to get done.

So if someone is looking for company that does mobile apps, he or she can post that as a project, and have related companies reply to them directly with offers.

Trending5000.com is not only a B2C, but also a B2B platform where small businesses can identify potential partners and form alliances.

In a nutshell, Trending5000.com is the place for small businesses and startups to flourish!

How did you come up with the name Trending5000. com?

Entrepreneurship is a trending concept today, and what a better way to be than to be on the trending list? Why 5000? Well, because in 12 month from the official launch of Trending5000, we shall have a list of 5000 trending businesses: small businesses, startups, apps, and brand iInfluencers, all categorized and ready to publish! The list will be the discovery of the Middle East’s Next Big Business.

What are the challenges that you face as an emerging entrepreneur in the UAE and what makes you stand out?

The challenges are many. They go from with formalizing the idea and pinning down the correct action plan to transforming it from some thoughts on a piece of paper to a fully fledged working business. Financial challenges are always present as my husband and I had to quit our jobs to dedicate all our time and effort towards our startup. One of the most difficult challenges is getting people around you to feel as excited about the idea as you are.

How did your AUS education help you start your own business?

AUS helped us to think outside the box, to challenge ourselves, and to overcome the challenges we faced.

AUS helped us form our personalities and sharpened our way of thinking, so that we were not like robots after graduating, but could be creative and stand out in a crowd. If it wasn’t for AUS, I wouldn’t have succeeded in the world of business.

Where do you see Trending5000.com in five years?

My dream is to transform Trending5000.com into THE online marketing platform of choice for any small business and startup in the Middle East. Facebook started in a university dorm room and Twitter started with 3 people in their team. There is no boundary for where Trending5000.com can reach!

Describe your work in a sentence.

Ideas are easy, implementation is hard, but loving what you do will make your ideas rewarding and the implementation fun!

What is your advice for your fellow alumni interested in starting their own businesses?

Follow your heart and mind. Weigh your decisions and do what you love and makes you happy. It’s not easy letting your 9-6 corporate job and steady income go, but we have found that it’s far more rewarding and satisfying when you are your own boss - success tastes much sweeter. Have faith in yourself and take a leap of faith. And once you do that, contact Trending5000.com to trend your business.

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Tahmina Mehdi at the World Bank My name is Tahmina, but everyone calls me Tammy.

I graduated from the American University of Sharjah with a bachelor’s degree in mass communication in 2009. In 2013, I received a master’s degree in International Relations and Public Relations as part of the Public Diplomacy program at Syracuse University, New York. I have interned at the White House, the US Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, and the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, at the US State Department in Washington, DC. I also spent six months with the Federal Government Services team at Edelman in Washington, DC, before leaving to join the Communications doctoral program at American University. Since then, I have taken a leave of absence to pursue a short-term Communications Consultant position with the Global Partnership for Social Accountability (GPSA) at the World Bank in Washington, DC. My duties so far have entailed updating and maintaining the GPSA website and social media platforms, supporting the production of outreach materials, editing and publishing stories, and supporting the GPSA with the organization of public events. I currently also serve as an Adjunct Instructor at American University for an online summer course on public relations.

AUS Connect Editor-in-Charge, Rola Habr

We Want You To Stay In Touch!

The AUS Office of Development and Alumni Affairs is keen to stay in touch with all of our alumni. We hope that you will take the opportunity to tell us about what is happening in your lives. Had a promotion at work?

The joy of a new addition to your family? A major move across the globe, or a minor move around the corner?

We want to know and share your news with your AUS friends and colleagues.

AUS Connect is a wonderful way to stay in touch with your fellow alums, teachers and mentors. It is also a great way to show our friends in the community how proud our wonderful alumni are making us.

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Send us an email. Our address is ODAA@aus.edu We look forward to hearing from each and every one of you.

Office of Development and Alumni Affairs American University of Sharjah PO Box 26666, Sharjah, UAE Tel +971 6 515 2547 Fax +971 6 515 2297 www.aus.edu