January 19th, 2016: Canadian University Dubai (CUD) and Bank of China (Dubai) Branch (BOC) have joined forces to support a series of education, research and professional development initiatives for students and employees in Dubai’s banking sector. The collaboration was sealed with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at a ceremony presided over by Her Excellency Lingbing Li, Consul General of China, and Chancellor of CUD, Mr. Buti Saeed Al Ghandi.
The agreement will provide undergraduate students with exposure to the banking industry through job search support and internship opportunities, while sharing business research and intelligence through BOC guest lectures on campus at CUD. The partnership will also facilitate higher learning amongst BOC employees and promote Chinese cultural events across the university community.
China is one of the UAE’s largest trade partners and CUD has welcomed a growing Chinese student population in recent years. During her address at the MoU ceremony, Her Excellency Mrs Li said, “The implementation of this agreement not only combines the strengths of both entities, but also tightens the relationship of both countries.”
She continued, “Dubai was not a conventional, preferred destination for overseas student in the past. However, with the maturity of the academic environment, the booming demand for talent, and job opportunities generated by EXPO 2020, it attracts an increasing number of overseas students, specially the group from China. I trust that the 100 Chinese students currently studying in CUD are just the beginning of a new stage for both countries and their people to tighten friendship and civilian intercourse.”
In his remarks, Mr. Al Ghandi referred to the strengthening ties between China and the UAE, demonstrated through the recent visit to the country by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
Of the agreement, Mr. Al Ghandi said, “On behalf of CUD, I would like to express how proud we are to be part of the portfolio of such a prestigious organization as Bank of China and we look forward to a long and successful collaboration.”
Established over a century ago, BOC is China’s most internationalized and diversified bank, having extended its operation across more than 40 countries and regions around the world. Representing the Bank to sign the MoU was Mr. Chunyan Cai, General Manager of Bank of China (Dubai Branch) and Regional Head (MENA).
Mr. Cai said, “Bank of China is delighted to be able to assist graduates by sharing information and making use of our extensive research capabilities. We are also excited about offering internships within our organisation where all-important experience and crucial knowledge of the Banking world is gained.
“This partnership allows Bank of China to understand more easily the youth of other cultures, and how cultural diversification in the region actually forms the bedrock of its success. I would like to thank CUD for giving the Bank of China Dubai access to the future treasure of our region – young, intelligent people from all cultures.”
Signing the MoU on behalf of CUD was President, Dr. Karim Chelli, who said that the University recognizes the value and significance of collaboration with China and its institutions, and this agreement will open the door to a range of unique opportunities.
The ceremony concluded with a special performance of Chinese calligraphy by Mr. Yuan Yongjia.
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