A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the Commercial Bank of Kuwait (CBK) and the American University of Beirut, at the university’s Suliman S. Olayan School of Business Executive Education unit, with the aim of developing collaboration on executive education programs, degree programs, and professional services.
The memorandum includes implementation protocols with the goal of implementing specific projects between CBK and the American University of Beirut in executive education programs, undergraduate and graduate degree programs for CBK employees, and providing opportunities for webinars and development and release of case studies. The first implementation protocol is for a 6-day leadership development program, which is planned to be launched in November, and intended for the bank’s senior executives.
The MoU was signed by Sadeq Abdullah, CBK’s general manager for human resources; Dr. Imad Baalbaki, senior vice president for advancement and business development at the American University of Beirut; and Dr. Yusuf Sidani, dean of the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business.
“The Commercial Bank of Kuwait shows great interest in training and developing future leaders through such initiatives in cooperation with international universities of great reputation and distinguished achievements,” Abdullah stated. “As the Human Resources division seeks to train and develop these talents and release capabilities to meet challenges and enable them to actively contribute to business growth by preparing them for leadership positions in the future.”
Dr. Baalbaki said, “For more than 155 years, the American University of Beirut has been a beacon of knowledge and development of human capital in the region. We remain committed to this mission. Our relationship with Kuwait goes back to more than a century with hundreds of prominent Kuwaiti nationals having passed through the American University of Beirut and claim it as their alma mater.” He added, “We also take pride with the consulting, executive education, and training initiatives the American University of Beirut has conducted across many sectors in Kuwait. This MoU with Commercial Bank of Kuwait is another milestone in this long-standing relationship.”
Dr. Yusuf Sidani noted that “this memorandum of understanding reinforces the commitment of the Suliman S. Olayan’s School of Business at the American University of Beirut to facilitate knowledge creation and knowledge transfer. Our knowledge of the region and business behavior within it, positions us very well to the development of the next cadre of effective and successful leaders. We value our partnership with the Commercial Bank of Kuwait (CBK), and we are looking forward to work together in developing leaders who are impactful, not only in their organizations, but also in the communities in which they operate.”
About AUB
Founded in 1866, the American University of Beirut bases its educational philosophy, standards, and practices on the American liberal arts model of higher education. A teaching-centered research university, AUB has more than 800 full-time faculty members and a student body of over 8000 students. AUB currently offers more than 120 programs leading to bachelor’s, master’s, MD, and PhD degrees. It provides medical education and training to students from throughout the region at its Medical Center that includes a full-service 365-bed hospital.