Policy makers, business leaders and scholars spoke on the theme "Developing Human Capital for Sustainable Economic Growth" as part of the American University of Sharjah (AUS) Career Forum held on campus, today, March 16, 2016. The event featured panel discussions that highlighted the need to continue building a post-oil economy that can succeed among the unstable commodity prices and potential shifts in the regional environment.

Through the panel discussions, the participants shared their experiences and professional advice with AUS students, speaking about both the challenges and opportunities facing the region today. High-profile AUS faculty members also moderated the panels and AUS alumni participated by sharing their success stories and life lessons.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Björn Kjerfve, AUS Chancellor, said, "A good university is not just a place where students attend classes and turn in assignments, but a venue where we can give people space to be creative, to discuss and research concepts before they spread and take root, and to assemble groups of innovators and doers who will implement brave new ideas."

"Today is a chance for the young minds in the audience to develop an even more sophisticated understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the region's businesses. Panel discussions held today will lead to productive exchanges not only between the experts on stage, but also with the students and alumni in the audience," added Chancellor Kjerfve.

The panel discussions at the Career Forum allowed the sharing of bold, creative ideas on business development and capital growth in the region, and bridged industry and higher education to promote economic development. The discussions also provided the students the chance to engage with leaders from a broad range of industries and public agencies as they address critical contemporary issues.

The keynote panel was entitled "Current Economic Downturn: Challenges, Opportunities and Its Impact on the Jobs Market." Panelists included Salem Al Noaimi, CEO & MD, Waha Capital; Amal zeyad, Director of corporate services at Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq); Samer Choucair, VP, Crescent Enterprises Ventures; Alexander Collins, Head of Strategy Advisory Services for MENA, EY. The panel was moderated by Dr. Jörg Bley, Acting Dean of the AUS School of Business Administration.

On the panel "Internet of Things and Industrial Internet of Things: The Challenge Ahead" were Dr. Naguib Attia, CTO and VP, IBM Middle East; Thani Alzaffin, Director General and Board Member, emaratech; Noel Aoun, Director of Strategy and Business Development, Schneider Electric; Rabih Dabboussi, Managing Director, Cisco UAE. The panel was moderated by Dr. Leland Blank, Dean of the AUS College of Engineering.

On the panel "Digital Media Advertising and Social Media Ethics: Where Should You Draw the Line?" were Khaled Akbik, Head of Social Media, Omnicom Media Group; Noah Khan, Head of Digital Arts Network, TBWA\RAAD; Izzeddeen Khalifeh, Founder and CEO, Comms Compass. The panel was moderated by Dr. Mohammed Ayish, Professor and Head of the AUS Department of Mass Communication.

AUS alumni provided valuable insights to AUS students on the panel "Learning from Experience." Panel members included Sarah Amiri, Deputy Project Manager and Science Lead of Emirates Mars Mission, MBRSC, and Head of the Council of UAE Scientists; Mohammed Khaiata, Head of Business Transformation Program, Al Ghurair Investment; Anwaar Al Shemmari, Director of Design, Ministry of Infrastructure Development.