AUS and HKU Business School strengthen ties to expand executive education and academic exchange

Two globally respected institutions—American University of Sharjah (AUS) and the University of Hong Kong’s Faculty of Business and Economics (HKU Business School)—are joining forces to reimagine the future of executive education and academic collaboration. Through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the partnership charts an ambitious course for innovation in leadership development, research and cross-regional academic exchange. 

This collaborative relationship between the two internationally leading higher education institutions was initiated during HKU Business School’s inaugural delegation to the Middle East in October 2024, led by its Dean, Professor Hongbin Cai. The MoU was later signed following a meeting held at the AUS campus, where institutional leaders explored key avenues for collaboration. Representing AUS were Dr. Mohamed El-Tarhuni, Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost; Alanood Aldhaher, Director of the Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing; and Nouf Al Khalifa, Executive Director of Executive and Continuing Education. The HKU Business School delegation included Sachin Tipnis, Senior Executive Director, and Alice Hui, Head of Development and Alumni.

“In today’s rapidly changing academic and business landscape, meaningful global partnerships are essential. Our agreement with HKU Business School reflects a shared commitment to advancing cutting-edge research, executive education and a globally oriented academic experience,” said Dr. El-Tarhuni.

“At HKU Business School, we aim to become a leading global institution with a strong presence in the region, connecting Asia and the Middle East. Partnering with AUS, an institution known for its regional influence and academic strength, helps us move closer to this goal. We look forward to working with AUS and partnering with them on various opportunities and initiatives,” said Sachin Tipnis, Senior Executive Director of HKU Business School.

The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration across a wide range of initiatives, including the co-development of open and customized executive education programs tailored to regional and international market needs. It promotes the exchange of faculty and researchers, supports inbound and outbound learning modules, and facilitates greater mobility for students through structured academic exchange opportunities. At the graduate level, the partnership encourages joint supervision of master’s and doctoral students and enables shared applications for research grants, while paving the way for dual degrees and short-term academic offerings that respond to emerging global demands.

In addition to academic programming and research, the two institutions will work together on curriculum development, training and consultancy initiatives. Plans are also in place to co-host international conferences, workshops and seminars that bring together thought leaders from across sectors. The collaboration will include efforts to facilitate access to library resources, subject to licensing and copyright protocols and to jointly promote major initiatives and events through integrated social and digital media platforms.

With this partnership, AUS continues to expand its international academic network, aligning with institutions that share its vision for impactful learning, research excellence and globally connected education. To learn more about AUS partnerships, visit www.aus.edu.