University of Dubai to train Singapore's top executives on business practices and culture in the Middle East

Launched in 2001, the Asian Business Fellowship Program has initiated Executive Management Programs whereby senior management are sent to attend short-term executive courses in top training institutions such as Tsinghua University and Fudan University in China, and the Tata Management Training Centre in India.

The government agency promoting the overseas growth of Singapore-based enterprises and international trade has partnered with the Center for Management & Professional Development, the community outreach arm of the University of Dubai to design and deliver this program.

A total of 30 senior executives from Singapore's private and public sectors are currently attending a one week program which will be held in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Participants include prominent Singapore private sector players such as Keppel Corporation Ltd, Neptune Orient Lines, Nanyang Polytechnic, Certis CISCO etc.; as well as public sector participants from the Ministry of Education, Economic Development Board, Singapore Tourism Board, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, Ministry of Manpower etc.

The Program has been designed to provide participants with a comprehensive overview of the Middle East's business systems, and equip them with an awareness of business practices and emerging business opportunities in the Middle East. The Program covers a comprehensive range of topics including business and political scenarios of the Middle East, cultural and social issues, Islamic finance, and emerging opportunities in various industries, amongst others. Site visits to JAFZA, Zones Corp etc. form an integral part of the Program.

The objective of this 6-day Executive Management Program is two-fold. Firstly, it aims to expose senior decision makers in the private and public sectors to the intricacies of doing business in the Middle East and to appreciate its local culture. More importantly, this highly participative program is designed to provide a rare networking opportunity for Singapore companies and organizations to establish important connections with government officials, professionals and businessmen in the U.A.E.

Usha Kaul Saraf, Manager, CMPD, University of Dubai said, "We have made great efforts in putting together a pool of top academicians, consultants and business experts who they will share their expertise with the participants in an interactive meaner and in turn provide a plethora of information under one roof."

Said Mr. Ted Tan, Deputy CEO of IE Singapore, "This Executive Management Program was developed in response to the keen interest shown by Singapore companies in the Middle East. Through on-the-ground training, Singapore companies can gain insight into the Middle Eastern business and social culture, which will subsequently help them build a successful venture in the region."

Singapore companies have been involved in a growing number of key projects in the Middle East in recent years. Some of the more notable ones include Sembcorp Utilities who has a joint venture with the Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA) to acquire the Fujairah-based independent Water and Power Plant (IWPP), DP Architects who is working on the Dubai Mall, Changi Airport International who recently secured a management contract with Abu Dhabi International Airport as well as Sembcorp Engineers & Constructors who is one of the key contractors to develop residential properties in the Jumeirah Islands.

Areas that Singapore companies are held in high regard internationally include environmental and water management, industrial park/real estate development and management, offshore and marine, aviation and hospitality. Singapore's public service sector has also won international recognition with its excellent transportation, education and health care systems. The wide implementation of e-government also makes Singapore's government service one of the most efficient in the world.

The University of Dubai's Centre for Management and Professional Development has worked with International Enterprise Singapore to jointly design our Program is highly experienced in delivering professional short courses, seminars and conferences to the public and business community in Dubai and to overseas participants. The University of Dubai maintains its strong links with the business community through the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Business Advisory Council. These links with industry practitioners and representatives from various business groups are very important for the purpose of keeping its courses relevant and updated.