We are excited to welcome our readers from around the world with a marvellous tale of American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB). Our editorial team had a delightful conversation with Dr. Carmen Z. Lamagna, the first female Vice-Chancellor of not just American International University-Bangladesh AIUB but Bangladesh currently serving as an esteemed member of the University’s Board of Trustees. The pioneering Vice-Chancellor of this prestigious institute shared some insightful information and amazing facts about the institute and herself with us that we are delighted to share with our readers. And it is our sincere hope and goal that this story will greatly inspire and drive the aspirants.
American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) is a government-authorized leading private university located in Dhaka – Bangladesh’s capital. It was founded in 1994 by Dr. Anwarul Abedin with the strategic goal of developing the country’s human resources by fostering innovation, research, and teamwork, as well as by offering top-notch education.
As a student-focused university, American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) is at the vanguard of nurturing and producing highly skilled professionals who possess a strong ethical sense and are prepared to participate in the competitive fields of business, science, technology, social science, and the arts. Functioning as an independent entity with its Board of Trustees, AIUB obtained its initial approval for establishment and operation on November 6, 1995. A significant achievement was made on October 25, 2023, when the institution received the Certificate of Permanent Establishment and Operation from the People’s Republic of Bangladesh’s Ministry of Education, a distinction achieved by only a few private universities in Bangladesh.
American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) is celebrating 30 incredible years of achievement, a journey ignited by the founder, Dr. Anwarul Abedin, and subsequently spearheaded by Dr. Carmen Z. Lamagna. Their enduring guidance and support have forged a familial bond and propelled the organization to excellence. These stalwarts’ continuous commitment has been pivotal in shaping AIUB’s triumphant trajectory.
Dr. Carmen Z. Lamagna was directly involved in the founding of the institution; from 1994 to 1996, she oversaw AIUB as project director. She became the first female vice-chancellor in a Bangladeshi institution when she took up the office in 1997. Seeing the university expand daily has been rewarding.
Technological Diversity
Keeping pace with the newest technological breakthrough is essential for all educational institutions because it provides room for growth and progress. AIUB continually strives to keep up with the most recent developments in a range of fields. Since the inception of AIUB, there has been a steadfast emphasis on a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education-based curriculum. The university’s four faculties-the Faculty of Engineering (FE), the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), the Faculty of Business Administration (FBA), and the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS)-offer a wide variety of degrees. In each department, information technology (IT) and outcome-based education (OBE) strategies are employed in the teaching and learning processes. The curriculum undergoes continuous development, incorporating feedback from industry and employers, aligning with sustainable development goals (SDGs), and staying abreast of recent trends in the respective fields.
AIUB showed its adaptability in the face of the COVID-19 outbreak by being the first university in Bangladesh to switch to virtual classes using the Microsoft Teams online platform in no time. AIUB’s continuously upgraded engineering and computer laboratories attest to its commitment to delivering cutting-edge facilities. The university consistently revises its curriculum and enhances its laboratories to equip students for the demands of the future. Furthermore, AIUB actively organizes conferences, training sessions, and workshops to foster the development of its students.
Assuring Innovation in its Approach, Curriculum, and Tech Integration
AIUB operates under the governance of the Board of Trustees, Syndicate, and Academic Council. In addition, the Institutional Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) and department-level committees play a critical role in ensuring that stakeholders receive high-quality education and learning. Continuous updates to the educational approach, curriculum, and technology integration are made based on feedback from industry/employers, teachers, and administration.
The university has signed several Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with internationally recognized organizations, enabling it to host a variety of events on its campus, including webinars, workshops, training sessions, and lecture series. These collaborative efforts enable AIUB to remain innovative.
Introducing Innovative Ideas into the Education Field
The Dr. Anwarul Abedin Institute of Innovation (D2AI2), which AIUB established in 2022, is one of several programs aimed at promoting innovation in education. The Center for Sustainable Energy Research (CSER), the Center for VLSI and Embedded Systems (CVES), the Center for Nanotechnology Research (CNR), and the Center for Biomedical Research (CBR) are the four research centres that have been established under the D2AI2 architecture. These research institutes actively support creative initiatives that are in line with different Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The institute is heavily involved in research and development projects. Some of the projects include developing a smart tourism curriculum and learning management system (LMS), investigating advancements in climate-resilient technologies, and developing a Television Rating Point (TRP) system for Bangladeshi TV channels.
AIUB’s dedication to remaining at the forefront of innovation can be seen in the regular conduct of national and international conferences. In addition, every academic department at the university organizes an annual global conference and keeps state-of-the-art research facilities to support innovation in teaching. AIUB has also forged alliances with top tech giants like Oracle, Cisco, and Microsoft. Through these partnerships, industry-relevant training, certifications, and access to cutting-edge technologies are provided, guaranteeing that students are adequately equipped to meet the ever-changing demands of the workplace.
AIUB’s Remarkable Role in Shaping the Future of Education in Bangladesh
There are two broad pathways through which AIUB is contributing to shaping the future of education in Bangladesh and beyond.
First, AIUB’s undergraduate and graduate programs draw on its extraordinary faculty to work with students to become all-rounded professionals and leaders in their respective fields. These programs produce graduates of global standards responsive to the needs of the real world. To help its students shape the future of education, the institution also provides a variety of training sessions and workshops, internship possibilities, and exchange programs with other universities and industrial entities.
Second, AIUB’s faculties of different disciplines are the nuclei of its research and innovation activities. The state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities of the university and active patronization by the leadership inspire the young and mature researchers of AIUB to think creatively, design and manage projects, innovate, make groundbreaking discoveries, and collaborate as a team member to investigate old and new ideas. AIUB works hard to prepare its graduates to contribute directly to the economy and industry by using efficient teaching-learning techniques and the development of soft skills.
Painting the Future Canvas of AIUB
AIUB has formulated a ten-year academic strategic plan (2023-2033) to guide its future growth and development, placing primary emphasis on “academic leadership,” “sustainable development,” “internationalization,” and “research and innovation.” The goal is to promote active cooperation with all stakeholders to create and revitalize the university’s vision and action plans. The focus is on excellence in research, and academic and professional programs, aiming to equip the students and faculty members to excel in a competitive and dynamic global landscape. Additionally, by generating competent graduates, AIUB hopes to further strengthen its profile as a trendsetter in supporting Bangladesh’s growth in the ICT sector, the knowledge-based economy, digital governance, and technology-assisted social innovations.
Thus, looking into the future I only see the hard work ahead of us, for which we are prepared, committed and inspired. AIUB aspires to become a nationally and internationally renowned institution that offers top-notch higher education. We believe that the sustenance and expansion of Bangladesh’s remarkable progress in different sectors hinge on creating the next generation of scientists, engineers, professionals, and life-long learners – a task that AIUB is committed to pursuing with passion and without an iota of failure.
Parting Words for New and Existing Learners
A university can only be as good as its students and faculty. The continued emphasis on student-centric teaching and learning process and a renewed focus on research and innovation, as outline in the academic strategic plan, makes AIUB an excellent place for prospective students seeking to acquire academic knowledge and cultivate a diverse set of skills. Current students are encouraged to embrace technologies and improve their knowledge, abilities, and attitudes through a combination of classroom instruction, lab work, and participation in extracurricular activities, providing them with a solid foundation for their future endeavors after graduation. AIUB’s program development, delivery, and assessments are planned to achieve specific, measurable, result-focused, and time-bound objectives and outcomes – making the student life experience of every AIUBians a rewarding and fulfilling one. The quest is to transform our new and existing learners into all-rounded professionals and good citizens by instilling knowledge, creativity and skills as well as human values, patriotism and discipline.
“Looking into the future I only see the hard work ahead of us, for which we are prepared, committed and inspired…We believe that the sustenance and expansion of Bangladesh’s remarkable progress in different sectors hinge on creating the next generation of scientists, engineers, professionals, and life-long learners – a task that AIUB is committed to pursuing with passion and without an iota of failure.”
