As higher education becomes increasingly global, universities in Bangladesh are working to enhance their academic standing through strategic international engagement. The University of Asia Pacific (UAP) stands out as a dynamic institution actively fostering international linkages that broaden student exposure, strengthen research output, and elevate graduate employability.

At UAP, international collaboration is an integral part of our academic vision. Through the Office of International Affairs (OIA), we have established partnerships with several leading universities worldwide. Different academic departments are actively engaged with OTH Amberg-Weiden in Germany, Universiti Teknologi MARA in Malaysia, the University of Western Sydney in Australia, Siam University in Thailand, Kanazawa University in Japan, SIAS International University in China, and Washington University of Science and Technology in the United States, among others. These collaborations have paved the way for student exchanges, joint research, and international academic seminars that enrich our academic environment.

For instance, the Department of Civil Engineering has developed a long-term collaboration with Japan’s Port and Airport Research Institute (PARI), allowing students and faculty to engage in advanced research on infrastructure and materials. A recent research delegation from UAP visited Japan to strengthen these ties and explore new interdisciplinary opportunities. Similarly, the School of Pharmacy maintains partnerships with foreign universities to facilitate workshops, seminars, and international training programmes that expose students to global pharmaceutical standards. We recently completed a five-year joint research project with Kanazawa University.

Under the leadership of Dr Abu Sayeed M. Ahmed, President of the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB), former President of ARCASIA, and Head of UAP’s Department of Architecture, our School of Architecture has enhanced its global presence. His international recognition has opened new avenues for academic and professional collaboration, giving our students access to design forums and international learning environments.

One of our most distinguished achievements is the UNESCO Madanjeet Singh South Asian Institute of Advanced Legal and Human Rights Studies (UMSAILS) hosted at UAP. This institute provides a regional platform for postgraduate students across South Asia to pursue an LL.M. in Human Rights, fostering regional academic cooperation and cross-cultural understanding among aspiring legal professionals.

Our international partnerships significantly enhance the academic quality and employability of UAP graduates. Collaborative teaching, joint supervision of research, and faculty exchanges align our curriculum with global benchmarks. For example, our collaborations in Pharmacy with universities in Indonesia and Malaysia—highlighted during the International Conference on Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences 2024—have given our students direct exposure to cutting-edge research and pharmaceutical innovation. The School of Business also hosted the International Conference on Business and Technology in the 21st Century (2025) in collaboration with the University of Dhaka and OTH Amberg-Weiden, Germany. Moreover, hosting the ICPC World Finals in 2022 was a milestone that brought international recognition to both UAP and Bangladesh’s higher education sector.

These initiatives help our students develop critical thinking, leadership, and adaptability—skills that make them competitive both at home and abroad. However, forming and maintaining active MoUs with international universities is not without challenges. Limited financial resources, academic calendar differences, and maintaining consistent engagement beyond formal agreements often pose obstacles. Cultural readiness and language barriers also add layers of complexity.

To address these issues, UAP’s Office of International Affairs acts as a central hub for managing partnerships. The OIA ensures that every MoU leads to tangible outcomes, including student exchanges, joint research, and faculty development. It also organises cultural orientation sessions for students preparing for international programmes. We emphasise purpose-driven collaborations, such as our partnership with Ajeenkya DY Patil University in India, which focuses on student internships, faculty development, and applied research—ensuring that every partnership has a measurable academic and professional impact.

These collaborations also play a crucial role in strengthening UAP’s research and innovation culture. Joint research initiatives with OTH Amberg-Weiden Business School and the University of Dhaka have expanded our scholarly networks. The Department of Civil Engineering, in collaboration with JICA, has conducted significant studies on structural integrity and seismic resilience. Under Dr Abu Sayeed M. Ahmed’s academic leadership, our architecture faculty regularly contribute to international design conferences and publications through ARCASIA, further elevating UAP’s academic profile.

Beyond academics, international exposure nurtures essential soft skills such as communication, global awareness, and professional adaptability. Through exchange programmes, internships, and joint workshops, our students experience different work cultures and gain hands-on exposure to international standards and ethics. For example, our Law students participate in prestigious international moot court competitions, including the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court (USA) and the Justice P.N. Bhagwati International Moot Court (India), which sharpen their advocacy and critical thinking skills.

Looking ahead, UAP aims to deepen its collaborations with universities in East Asia—particularly China, Japan, and South Korea—renowned for their innovation and technological advancement. We also plan to strengthen partnerships within South and Southeast Asia, building on our success with Malaysian and Indonesian institutions. At the same time, we are developing relationships with North American and European universities to further advance research and academic exchange.

These global affiliations are not only preparing students for international careers but are also shaping them into assets for Bangladesh’s own industries. By bringing back best practices, innovative ideas, and professional discipline, our graduates contribute to key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, ICT, construction, and design.

At UAP, we take pride in bridging academia and industry through regular career fairs, industrial visits, and employer dialogues. Each department maintains strong relationships with leading companies to align education with real-world demands. Through internships, consultancy projects, and applied research, we ensure that our students are not only globally competent but also locally impactful—ready to lead Bangladesh’s journey towards innovation and sustainable development.