Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations 2013 in Dubai

Alhamdulillah, All Praises to Allah.. It was really an unforgettable moment in my life.. It was the first time for me to visit Dubai.. Although the weather was very hot around 40 degrees C, but I was glad to meet amazing people, to feel the beautiful beach, to touch the building, and every step reminds me the miracle in the world.

Oke, let’s check this out my activities in Havard Project for Asian and International Relations 2013. 

DAY 1: Thursday, 22^nd August 2013

● Pre-Conference Tour

The Pre-Conference Tour provided international delegates with a chance to explored the metropolitan city of Dubai prior to the formal start of the conference. It gave the delegates a chance to understand the true essence of the Dubai culture and life style. This year, delegates had the opportunity to visit the Burj Khalifa, the Gold Souk, an indoor ski  park, and also learn about the heritage of the Arab culture.

Ski Dubai

The delegates visited the Middle East's first indoor ski park and enjoyed the ski slope's winter wonderland amidst the hot desert. Played in the snow, enjoyed rolling in the Giant Ball, and experienced the tube slides in this beautiful snow park. Enjoy the view as the chairlift takes us to the top, then ski or snowboard down the fluffy slopes.

At the Top : Burj Khalifa

Experience Dubai from new heights a top the Burj Khalifa: the world's tallest building. Our journey began at the reception where we learnt about Dubai's history, and how the Burj Khalifa was constructed to become the world's tallest building. After a brief history introduction, the true Burj Khalifa experience began: a high speed elevator launched us to the 124th floor, then the doors opened to face glass walls with a 360 degree unparalleled view of Dubai. At the Top gives me a breathtaking view of the Dubai's beautiful landscape of sea and desert. Spend an hour atop the tallest building in the world, and soak in the beauty and grandeur of the city. 

Dubai City Tour

Experience the vibrant city of Dubai and visit the top tourist attractions during the Dubai City Tour: a perfect blend between the Dubai's urban center and the historical sites and mosques. We accompanied by a friendly and informative tour guide who introduced us to Dubai's history as well as Dubai's hottest new attractions. Expose ourself to the Dubai's superlative man-made and natural wonders.

Bastakia  

Bastakiya is one of the oldest heritage sites in Dubai. Journey through time as we walked through the narrow lanes of the district, lined with sophisticated houses and wind towers on the walls. Walk around the historical district with a tour guide who provided us with historical and cultural information about Bastakiya, and accompany us to the Al Fahidi mosque. The Bastakiya tour reveals a glimpse of old Dubai, and highlights Dubai's cultural heritage.

I have chosen The Burj Khalifa as my pre-conference tour because it is the highest and famous building in the world. There is some highly entrance which focuses people’s eyes on. The Burj Khalifa Tower is Located in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. It has 160 floors, 828 meters high. Burj Dubai is even higher than the Taipei 101 Building, 320 meters.

At Top of Burj Khalifa with Some Delegates from Singapore, Germany,

Japan, and Indonesia.

In pre conference tour we learnt about Khalifa Tower history too. The Khalifa Tower was designed by the Chicago company’s American architect Adrian Smith, and Samsung is responsible for the construction of The Burj Dubai.On September 21, 2004 start of construction., and on January 4, 2010 it was completed.

It is mainly for business, it used as a trading economy (dependent on the oil trade) in addition to the services and tourism. Dubai government also desire the tower to become a landmark in the middle east.

We also learnt about the evolution of Burj Khalifa. Burj Khalifa’s design evolved as changes were brought to the building’s programme and height then after wind-tunnel testing studies. As the building grew taller, it became both more slender and more stable. The three-petalled plan, its associated buttressed core structure, and the spiraling setbacks were constant to all schemes.

Learning from Burj Khalifa Building and History

● Opening Ceremony

This imperative ceremony marks the commencement of the eminent HPAIR  conference. This event was attended by various eminent international and local figures. After the commencement, attendees was attended a reception which also provides an opportunity to met other delegates attending the conference.

The opening ceremony was attended by some speakers. They are Dr. Lance E. Masi as President of The American University in Dubai, H.E. Abdul Baset Al Janahi as Chief Executive Officer, Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for SME Development, Tan Sri Dr. Munir Majid as Chairman of Malaysia Airlines, Chairman of Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad, Adrian Hossa as Executive Director and Head of Legal and Compliance for Goldman Sachs in MENA Region General Counsel for DB and the Dubai International Financial Exchange.

Opening Ceremony in Meydan Imax Theatre

DAY 2: Friday, 23^nd August 2013

● Business Plenary

There were 4 topics and speakers in business plenary. The topics are Reflection on business in Asia by Aamir Rehman as managing Director at Fajr Capital; Evolution of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) by Ahmad Jalal as ED Goldman Sachs, Director at The Abraaj Group; The Leading investor in Growth Markets by Abbas Ali Mirza as Partner, Delitte and Touche (ME). Chairman, Auditors Group, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI); and The Good Decision to be Entrepreneur rather than Employee by Akbar Jafari as CEO, JAFCON for Productivity Improvement, Kingdom of Bahrain. The moderator of business plenary is Steven Herman. He is Bereau Chief, Voice of America.

One of great sentence by Mr. Aamir Rehman is “Life is not about business  but everything in life affects business”. The important thing is about ASEAN “MIST”-4 powerhouse economies namely Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. Align talent competencies with business acumen and leadership is a key priority: agile thinking, communication skills, and regional or global operating mindset. Then how to build good coordination? The first is improve coordination between industry and higher education. The second is establish an industrial curriculum committee representing industry and higher learning institutions by developing consensus on the education and training needs of the industry.

The Speakers and Moderator on Business Plenary

at Emirates Ballroom level 6 (JW Marriot)

Anggun Sugiarti with Mr Syabil Jamil as Analyst of Fajr Capital Advisors Limited in Dubai International Finance Centre

● Panel Session

The topic in Business Leadership Panel Session is The 21^st Century Cold War: Growing Economic Competitiveness Throughout The Asian Continent. The delegates played an active role in expressing the opinion, refute, and also asked about the issue. Dr. Hoosahang Amirahmadi as Iranian Presidential Candidate 2013, President of Caspian Associates, Inc., Founder of the Center for Iranian Research and Analysis, Founder of the Iranian American Council talked about The Burgeoning Importance of Infrastructure Development and Public- Private Partnerships (PPP). He said three important things about integrated approach, namely working-age adults are prepared for employment; place enable people to connect to available opportunities; More jobs are created for residents.

Panel Session 1 of Business Leadership

● Seminar 1

The theme in seminar 1 is Educational Technological Trends and Its Effects on Traditional Educational Modal by Mr. Brad Moody as Associate Professor of Digital Media, American University in Dubai. The interest one in that seminar is Question and Answer Session. What was it that turned you off in your undergraduate experiences? The answer is my problem was I could get on the internet and learn most of the stuff that I needed to learn. What I wanted from academia was coaching, was excitement, was projects. And the undergraduate programs I attended didn’t have that. They were trying to teach me stuff, instead of coaching me along my path. And that’s the kind of people that the Media Lab attracts.

Seminar 1 by Mr. Brad Moody

● Panel Session 2

Mr. Michael Lahyani as Founder and CEO of Property.com was explained about The Challenges and Advantages of SMES Vs Global Corporations: An Asian Perspective. China is one of the business country, they can develop their product to attract the costumer in the world.

Panel Session 2

DAY 3: Saturday, 24^th August 2013

● University Day

This allowed delegates to have a firsthand view of the American University in Dubai (AUD). The day begins with a campus tour followed by the welcoming ceremony by the senior administration (Dr. Lance E. De Masi as President of AUD and Elias N. Bou Saab as Executive Vice President AUD). Furthermore, the delegates attended the career fair, workshop, and seminar on campus.

Campuss Tour of American University in Dubai (AUD)

Welcoming Ceremony in AUD Auditorium

● Career Fair

The Career Fair was designed to facilitate communication between delegates and representatives of recognized corporations of both regional and international corporations. This valuable opportunity allowed organizations to share their contacts, future outlook, and available positions for employment.

In a world of globalization, where the ties between East and West have become essential to every aspects of progress, Dubai stands proud as an example of what unique geographical location and visionary leaders are capable of achieving. From enthusiastic starts-ups to multinational corporations, organizations from around the world have recognized the trade phenomenon that is Dubai, and have converged to create a robust business environment. Today, several corporations that represent the ambitious, striving nature of employment in the United Arab Emirates have come together to impart information first-hand to an extraordinarily diverse and promisingly bright group of student delegates. With both of these entities congregating at AUD, which thrives on knowledge, HPAIR extended the warmest of greetings to the student delegates and company representatives.

The career fair participants are AMIDEAST, Bayt, Bon Avenue, Boundless Consulting, Capella Club, Careem, Carian Collage Advisors, Dubai Airport Freezone, Education Zone, Email Citi FZ LLC, Fitch 7city Learning, Friesland Campina Middle East, HSBC Bank Middle East, ICAEW, Intelligent Partners, Intelligent Partners, Interiors R Us, Ir Design, LCC International, Inc, NAGA Architects, Designers and Planners, Navaida Solutions, PAE, People Pearl, Qordoba Digital Publishing FZ LLC, Restrata, Sungard Systems Middle East, TAGRecruit, Thuraya Telecommuniaction, and Transgulf Readymix Concrete.

Career Fair in American University in Dubai

● Networking Session

In this session I met with some delegates and I introduced myself in front of the class. We shared our experience and we played the brain game. We also discussed about youth. How would we like to invest in the most crucial part of life: your 20’s? There are 2 choices for us. The parts one are travelling our amazing planet, gaining real life knowledge, making friends from all over the world, boosting your self-confidence, building a network of contacts, designing your future, and reading practical and inspirational books. The other parts are memorizing collage facts, forgetting these textbook facts a few days after the exams, and be afraid and worried about your future. It’s depends on the person how our 20’s will affect the rest of your life!

Networking Session with the delegates from China, Hongkong, and Indonesia

● Seminar 2

In seminar 2, we talked about The Role of Youth in the Sustainable Development Agenda with Kehkashan Basu as Global Coordinator for Children and Youth, UNEP Major Groups Facilitating Committee. The important thing in that seminar is about education. It is the key of driver. We build agenda setting then policy making, finally implementation. We all have great potential and if given the right opportunity, we can use it in the best way.

The young Speaker presentation and Seminar 2 with the delegates from China, Korea, Japan, and Indonesia

● International Night Booth Display

This event was held in American University in Dubai. It was incredible moment, because we showed about our culture. Indonesia delegates brought some merchandise and tourism books. We have collaborated with the Ministry of Tourism to promote Indonesia in the international scene. The delegates from other countries interested in Indonesian culture. They were very enthusiastic to visit our booth. I also brought KRIUCIH (Kripik Turi Camilan Sehat) snacks that made from turi flower. It is my product with my team which funded by Educational Department (DIKTI).

 

Indonesia Booth, KRIUCIH Promotion

● International Night Performance

The university came to an end with a fun filled event that celebrates all the cultures around the world. Delegates presented the true essence of their countries via international booths before the international night. The night was an opportunity for the delegates to brought out their musical, artistic, oratorical, and other creative talents of their respective cultures. This event acted as a medium for all delegates to celebrated the beauty of their exotic cultures.

As Indonesia delegates, we performed poco-poco dance from Minahasa North Sulawesi. Poco-poco dance have been being popular through the military and community dances are also executed as different variation in health workshops. Inserted in aerobic exercises, with movements that are more dynamic because the accompanying music is regular. It looks so ordinary. But however easy and simple it looks, when it is performed relaxed in uniform, then it looks good. In international night event, we invited other delegates to dance together in the stage too. It was the best moment in HPAIR 2013.

International Night Performance by Indonesia Delegates

DAY 4: Sunday, 25^th August 2013

● Field Trip

The business leadership panel visited Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE). It was established in 1996 as a pioneer organizer of world class events and festivals that aims at attracting tourists and families from across the world, whilst promoting the various attractions and tourist destinations that the city of Dubai has to offer to all, making it an undisputed leading family destination. Currently working as an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Government of Dubai, DFRE is responsible for developing the events and retail sectors to help promote Dubai as a year-round family tourism, leisure, shopping and events destination, based on the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai.

DFRE gives some services for costumer. The first is provide investment advise for set up. It is including setup logistics support (eg. Licensing and legal compliance) and investment placement (FreeZone and mainland Dubai). The second is regulatory compliance. It means the DFRE give attention about assessment of compliance and needed approvals. The last is market orientation, such as networking and partnership identification.

The DFRE Presentation

The Brands of DFRE are Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), and DSS apprenticeship program, such as Modhesh World, Eid in Dubai, and Ramadhan in Dubai. We got the chance to visited Modhesh World. Modhesh World is the biggest destination for Summer Fun. Kids all ages (and their parents) can have a great time at the region’s favourite indoor edutainment destination. Modhesh-the Ambassador of smiles, brings many new games, attractions, rides, and shows to keep entertained all summer long.

      

Fun here, fun there, fun everywhere in Modhesh World

We got traditional dance performance by the Dubai People. They invited the man delegates to dance together. The children also gave performance and week activity in Modhesh Class, like learn Arabic Koran. For woman delegates, we got henna painting in that event too.

Traditional Dance in Dubai

Modhesh Class and Henna Painting

DAY 5: Monday, 26^th August 2013

● Academic Plenary

The content in academic plenary are productive economy dependence on oil, demographic dynamics, and International relations. It was presented by the great speakers (Omar Al-Shehabi as Director, Gulf Centre for Policy Studies, Abdulkhaleq Abdulla as Professor of Political Science, UAE University, Herizal Hazri as Deputy Country Representative for Malaysia at The Asia Foundation

 

The Presentation by Keynote Speaker (Mr. Hooshang Amirahmadi

as Professor, Rutgers University,

Me and my friend (Firmansyah from University of Malaya) with Mr. Herizal Hazri

● Case Study

In this session, we discussed about adaptive leadership. The point discussing in leadership are motivating, inspiring, leading, responsibility, reach the goal, and take action. We described that adaptive leadership is the practice of mobilizing people to tackle tough challenges and thrive. We will got aspiration from the progress and thrive then balanced it with the reality.

There are five leadership assumptions. They are leadership activity, independent of position, opportunity to exercise leadership come to us every day, tied to purpose and leadership can be learned. It is needed leading effectively. How to apply it? We should doing 7 things, like get on the balcony, seek confidants, distinguish role from self, listen, manage our hungers, anchor our self, and purposes beyond measure.

The case study by Miss Sadaffe Abid (Co-Founder and CEO at Buksh Foundation, Chief Executive Officer at Kashf Foundation). Me and my friends (Mutiara Alam from University of Indonesia and the delegates from India) with Miss Sadaffe Abid.

● Panel Session 3

The topic in panel session 3 is The Disparities of Conducting Business Throughout Asia. It was presented by Morra Aarons-Male as Founder of Woman Online and The Mission List, Eddie Leong as Advisory Board Member and Chief Compliance Officer for Grace Century, Simona Marinescu as UNDP Iraq Economist and Programme Director for the multi-agency Private Sector Development Programme, and Ishita Dhamani as Assignment Manager, Deutsh Post DHL Consulting.

 

The Speakers in Panel Session 3 and Certificate Awarding  

● Gala Dinner

This session is a closing ceremony of Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations 2013. It was held in Dubai Ballroom, JW Marriot. We got utterance from His Excellency Rob Waller as the United States Consul General to Dubai, His Excellency Dr. Ashraf Ghani, Rajeev Kakar as Managing Director and CEO of the World, and Badr Al-Olama as Chief Executive Officer of Strata.

Gala Dinner and Photo Session with Some Delegates of HPAIR

The annual Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations (HPAIR) conferences is an extraordinary opportunity for outstanding students from around the world interested in Asia to exchange views and build networks of relations for the future. For over twenty years, HPAIR conferences have served to inform, enlighten and develop delegates, participants and the public at large; and the joint efforts of student organizers from Harvard and AUD have focused on making this year’s both worthy of its illustrious heritages and ground-breaking with the hope of inspiring future emulation. But whether reflective of the past or perspective for the future, HPAIR 2013 will stay true to its essence as a forum for presentation, dialogue, and debate.

Through the integrated contributions of participants from the spheres of academics, public service and business, this year’s conference shed light on the question of Asia’s destiny and its relationship to destiny of the world. At least, that’s content supporting the theme “Extending Horizons: Charting Asia’s Challenging Future”. The magic of HPAIR, however, resides in the journey- the intellectual rigor, sincerity of expression and respect for controversy- that helps to shape leadership in though and action.

After we attended and discussed in this forum we can understand the challenges and opportunies faced by Asia in the present time and how we can addressed them to pave the path towards Asia’s successful future. It was provided me with the opportunity to connect with both current and future leaders from around the world and contribute the changing shape of Asia.

                         ------ to be continued with my stories after conference ^^ ------