Curtin University Dubai launches executive roundtable to build industry-academia conversations

Curtin University Dubai hosted the Executive Roundtable Series, an initiative aimed at deepening the connection between the academic and corporate worlds.

Themed “The Future of Work, Workforce and Workplace”, the inaugural event convened some of the region’s leading minds to decode how emerging technologies, hybrid cultures, and human adaptability are shaping the future.

Moderated by Professor Ammar Kaka, Pro-Vice Chancellor and President of Curtin University Dubai, the roundtable featured powerful perspectives from:

• Dr. Jassim Al Awadhi, Senior Director – Digital Transformation Principal, Du

• Maria Semykoz, People Strategy Consultant, Al Futtaim Group

• Komal Badar, Regional Talent Development Manager, Savills Middle East

• Nitin Bansal, Senior Learning Partner, Emirates NBD

• Akbar Khan, Head of Learning and Employee Experience, Al Tayer Motors

Participants included C-suite executives, Directors, Entrepreneurs, and experts across technology, finance, consulting, and education sectors. Students from the Schools of Business, Science & Engineering, Psychology, IT, and Design, were also nominated and invited to attend.

Professor Ammar Kaka: “Conversations like these build bridges between academia and industry that can be highly impactful for the community as a whole. Such collaborations can help shape the leaders of tomorrow and inspire meaningful change today.”

Dr Bilal Siddiqi, Director – Learning & Teaching, and Strategy at Curtin Dubai presented the vote of thanks – “In times of great innovation and transformation, it is imperative that industry and academia maintain a dialogue to better understand the opportunities and challenges the future will present. We are thankful to have been part of this exchange and plan to host more such forums in the future.”