UNIVERSAL

NEWSLETTER
DECEMBER 2024

UCB LAUNCHES NEW UK BUSINESS DEGREE

On November 17th 2024 UCB launched a new leaving home. UCLan believes in eliminating borders
Business & Marketing degree from the University of and barriers for students, and enabling them to get
Central Lancashire (UCLan). Students will be able to top paying jobs.”.
complete all three years of this prestigious UK
Bachelor of Science, with Honours degree in Dhaka, or Mr. Abhishek Chakravarty, UCLan Programme
choose to study for part of their degree in the UK. Coordinator at UCB, provided an in-depth overview of
Professor Hew Gill, President & Provost of UCB said, the new degree, explaining the cutting edge
“We are delighted to offer this amazing UK Business curriculum, and the skills students will develop,
degree in Bangladesh. Students from across preparing them for successful careers in various fields.
Bangladesh can join the programme, including HSC Mr. Shafik Waes, Deputy Registrar, led a crucial
students from Bangla medium. There will be another session on attendance and academic integrity policies.
intake in January 2025 and we shall also be launching Ms. Marzia Al-Hakeem, Psychosocial Counsellor, and
new BSc degrees in Cyber Security and Software Ms. Sushama Mahmuda Ananna, Lecturer in
Engineering.”. Psychology, introduced Student Services, including
the numerous student clubs and organisations that
The first batch of UCLan Business & Marketing promote engagement and community building on
students was welcomed to their orientation by campus.
Professor Muhammad Ismail Hossain, UCB Dean of
Academic Affairs who said “This Business & Marketing The programme at UCB follows UCLan’s
degree teaches the international skills that will make internationally renowned curriculum for a full three-
students successful in their careers. UCB students will year Bachelor of Science Honours degree. The
receive degree certificates awarded by UCLan, which programme is highly rated, with 5 QS Stars (Excellent)
are exactly the same as the certificates awarded in the for internationalisation and inclusiveness. The Centre
UK. Students who complete any UCLan degree at for World University Rankings places UCLan in the top
UCB can pursue Masters programmes at highly 7% of universities worldwide. Admission is open to
reputed global universities overseas.”. students from HSC Science, Commerce and Arts
divisions, IB, A2 Levels, or international foundation
Shabaz Ali Mahmood, Lecturer in Digital Marketing, programmes. For more details and admission
School of Business at UCLan, said, “The UCLan enquiries visit UCB’s https://ucbbd.org/ or call
programme offers Bangladeshi students a great 01886-333222
opportunity to earn a prestigious UK degree without
UNIVERSAL
NEWSLETTER

JUNIOR ENGINEERS AT UCB VISIT A LEADING NATIONAL INDUSTRY

Science is better explored through its diverse, real-life At the beginning of the visit the team bumped into a
applications, especially for the engineers who are to friendly elephant on the road, an event which made
revolutionize technologies for the existing and the trip even more memorable. Or could it be a
forthcoming generations. Monash College Diploma serendipity indicating the growth and excellence
(MCD) Engineering students studying at UCB attended a that we are looking forward to from our engineering
very successful industrial tour recently on 6th students at UCB! This was exactly reflected by the
November 2024. Right after finishing their classes for the GM’s again- “We were impressed with the UCB
day a team of MCD Engineering students, under the students’ enthusiasm, their thoughtful questions,
supervision of their unit leader Dr Sadia Afreen, Assistant and their keen interest in learning about the
Professor, held a trip to Zaber & Zubair Fabrics Ltd, one technical and environmental aspects of effluent
of the leading manufacturing industries in Bangladesh. treatment. It was evident that they had a genuine
desire to understand the complexities of
The purpose of this trip was to visit their wastewater sustainable practices in industrial operations, and
treatment plant (WWTP) to learn about the physical, we were pleased to facilitate their learning
chemical, and biological processes involved in effluent experience.”.
treatment. As junior engineers, the MCD students
showed commendable enthusiasm and participated in
discussions with the plant engineers to understand the
design aspects and challenges of maintaining a WWTP.
This visit was part of their MCD Engineering study
program for the Monash Engineering Design unit where
students are required to design water treatment plants
suitable for Australia’s remote regions, combining
innovative solutions to improve the quality of water that
is used for drinking and disposal into the environment.
The Chairman of the industry, plant engineers, and media
journalists who interviewed the UCB Rngineering
students were present during this event.

At the end of the program, students with Dr Sadia had a

meeting with the General Manager (GM) of Human
Resource Department of the plant to discuss the
potential of UCB students for industrial internship and job
opportunities. The GM said, “We highly value such
academic engagements and believe they play an
important role in bridging the gap between industry and
academic knowledge. We are confident that this visit has
contributed positively to the students’ academic
development.”.
UNIVERSAL
NEWSLETTER

UCB VISITS SYLHET

Universal College Bangladesh organized an event for the Professor Hew took a special session with the
students of Sylhet entitled “Explore the best of UK students on “Careers of the Future”, in which he
Education in Bangladesh with UCB”. The event was held explained how students can get better jobs with
at the famous Grand Palace Sylhet Hotel, on 9th skills from international education. He also shared
November 2024. with the students that UCB could help SSC, HSC,
and O/A Level students pursue international
Prof. Hew Gill, President & Provost of UCB was present education options right here in Bangladesh at the
along with Mr. Kingshuk Gupta, Chief Operating Officer, UCB campus in Dhaka. Students were particularly
Mr Tanzil, Marketing Manager, and Miss Tahmina and interested in the next intake in January 2025 for the
Miss Jesmin, Senior Enrolment Counselors from UCB. Business & Marketing, Cyber Security, and
It was a very busy day with students from various Software Engineering degrees from the University
schools all over Sylhet coming with their parents and of Central Lancashire.
teachers for personalised advice on their higher
education options and how to make their university
dreams come true.

UCB SCIENCE CLUB CELEBRATES WORLD INNOVATION DAY

The event commenced with an introductory

speech by the senior lecturer Mr Dewan Yazdani
on the importance of science, technology, and
innovation. The event was held at the UCB Library
& Resource Centre in the presence of students and
academic from across the Science & Engineering,
Business & Maketing Faculties. Students formed
four groups to participate in a competition to build
a durable structure that could support a mobile
phone for 30 seconds with simply spaghetti and
marshmallows! The best structure prize was won
by a team from the newest MCD Engineering
students who built a tower that could even hold a
heavy book. The competition was rigorous and fun
at the same time. The event was judged by Ms.
Marzia, Student Support Head, Mr Dewan Yazdani,
Senior Lecturer, and Prof Hew, President & Provost
of UCB . All groups of students who participated
Once again! UCB Science Club (USC) celebrated World received accolades and participation prizes at the
Innovation Day for the year 2024 on Monday 11th end. Ms Ananna, Executive Coordinator to the
November. As we know UCB holds both educational and President of UCB coordinated the game session
recreational events on campus to mark the important and provided logistic support for the event. Special
days of the year, so the celebration of World Science and thanks go to the science club student members
Innovation Day was an obvious choice for UCB who volunteered to support this event: Adeena,
communities of students and staff. Sayeed, Tasnim, and Gregory.
UNIVERSAL
NEWSLETTER

BANGLADESH YOUTH LEADERSHIP CENTRE

VISIT AND AWARD EVENT

BYLC is one of the pioneer leadership development

institutions in the country. On November 6th, 2024,
Professor Hew, President & Provost of UCB, was invited
to attend the closing ceremony of the Empowered Youth
Labour Force (EYLF) Project hosted by BYLC at
Lakeshore Hotel. The EYLF Project aimed to integrate a
tailored Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
(SRHR) curriculum into existing youth training programs,
helping young people gain vital knowledge alongside
leadership skills.

During the event, Professor Hew engaged in meaningful

conversations with key leaders, including Tahsina
Ahmed, Executive Director of BYLC, Professor Sabina
Faiz Rashid, Mushtaque Chowdhury Chair in Health &
Poverty and Director of the Centre for Gender & SRHR at
BRAC University, Susan Vize, Head of Office and
UNESCO Representative to Bangladesh, and Mushfiqa
Zaman Satiar, Senior Policy Adviser for SRHR. The
insightful discussions highlighted the importance of school, college, and university students across the
youth empowerment and leadership development in country. The conversation opened doors to promising
Bangladesh. opportunities for collaboration, with a focus on
empowering youth through integrated education and
A week later, BYLC invited UCB to discuss potential leadership initiatives.
collaborations. Tahsina Ahmed, the Executive Director,
along with the Communication team, module The discussion was indeed fruitful, and it showcased a
developers, and impact assessment officers, joined for a lot of potential areas for future collaboration between
productive meeting. They shared details of the UCB and BYLC, fostering leadership development and
leadership and career programs they are offering to holistic education for students nationwide.

MCD T3 2024 FEEDBACK

The feedback session was hosted by the MCD

coordinators Ms Sumaiya Binte Kabir and Dr Sadia
Afreen. Apart from the online survey, students shared
their points of view on MCD units and campus facilities
including the Library and Cafeteria with the
coordinators in the face-to-face discussion. The
coordinators also provided some guidelines to the
The MCD feedback session for the intake T3 2024 was students regarding the importance of attendance and
held on Sunday 10th November 2024 with the the Student Code of Conduct reflecting a message
participation of students from both Business and that students have an important role in making a
Engineering streams. The feedback session included sustainable academic and learning environment for the
an online survey and a face-to-face discussion with the students at UCB. Following the feedback session, UCB
students. Students shared their valuable remarks and is committed to improving all areas of the campus
suggestions in the online study and then further shared environment including campus facilities and teaching
their experiences in the face-to-face discussion. In the methods. Students’ constructive feedback in this
anonymous survey the students expressed 100% attempt has always been a driving force for UCB
satisfaction with their overall learning experience. toward its improvement and excellence.
UNIVERSAL
NEWSLETTER

UCB VISITS HERITAGE SCHOOL IN NARAYANGANJ

Universal College Bangladesh organized an event for

the students of Narayanganj entitled “Explore the Best
of UK Education in Bangladesh with UCB”. The event
was held at the famous Heritage School in
Narayanganj on 16th November 2024.

Prof. Hew Gill, President & Provost of UCB was

present along with Mr. Dewan Muhammad Nur-A
Yazdani, Senior Lecturer, Mr. Tanzil, Marketing
Manager, and Miss Tahmina and Miss Jesmin, Senior
Enrolment Counselors from UCB. On behalf of
Heritage School, Mr. Pratik Tarafder (Principal), Mr.
Mohammad Salim Miah (Director), Ms. Shaila Akter
Barna (Vice Principal) & Ms. Sanjida Yasmin (Deputy
Principal) were present too.

Prof Hew and Mr Pratik Tarafder had a very productive

discussion about the many international education
pathways UCB can offer Heritage School students.
Professor Hew also took a special session with the
senior students of Heritage School on “Careers of the
Future”. He also shared with the students that UCB
could help them pursue international education
options right here in Bangladesh at the UCB campus
in Dhaka.

UCB BUSINESS ALUMNI TAKES THE HELM AT MONASH

The Monash University Clayton Campus recently is memorable for all enrolled students at Monash.
hosted a student election. It was an election that
involved the Monash Student Association (MSA). The Moreover, they also aimed for 2025 to ensure that
election featured six campaign tickets. The UCB there will be freer parking for students, 24/7
Business Alumni Rafiad Ruhi Jewel contested in the accessible study spaces, particularly in the Sir Louis
election and the name of his ticket was Change. Matheson Library, permanent biweekly food banks,
and an increase in paid placements for all international
After the ballots were counted, Monash students students.
elected our UCB alumnus as a Residential Community
Office Bearer in 2025. There was a total of 60,000 Mr Rafiad has actively advocated for student rights and
students taking part in the election, with 350 students the significance of taking a political stance. As a
nominated for positions; only 80 students got elected, Bangladeshi and a Business Alumni, he represented
and Rafiad Ruhi was one of them. The total number of Bangladesh and stood with students at Monash. UCB
votes cast was 5821, and he alone got 3235 votes. wishes him every success in his goals for the student
The aim of Rafiad Ruhi and his team is to build a union in the upcoming years and hopes that he is able
student union that advocates for student rights, fights to fulfill his dream to represent Bangladesh in such a
for their voices, and ensures a student experience that high profile role.
UNIVERSAL
NEWSLETTER

ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY SESSION FOR MASTER'S

STUDENTS AT DHAKA UNIVERSITY

On November 14th, 2024, Ms. Ananna, Executive

Coordinator to the President and Lecturer in Psychology,
conducted an engaging session with Master’s students of
Industrial and Organizational Psychology at the
University of Dhaka. The topic was “Mindfulness Practice
at the Workplace.” Drawing from her experience as an
Industrial and Organizational Psychologist, Ms. Ananna
guided the students on incorporating mindfulness
practices to enhance employee well-being and help
them achieve their highest potential.

The session was attended by 32 master's students and

featured various mindfulness exercises, including
Breathing Mindfulness, Body Scan Mindfulness, 5 sense
Mindfulness Meditation, and Mindfulness for Self-
Development. Discussions covered the common
attitudes that mindful individuals strive for, such as The session highlighted the importance of
composed, non-judgment, self-reliant, self- mindfulness in fostering a healthier, more
compassionate, and so on. The students were actively productive work culture, and equipped the Master’s
involved in exploring these practices and learning how students with the skills needed to incorporate
they could be used to improve workplace environments. mindfulness into their practice.

LIFE SKILLS CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION

UCB organized a certificate giving ceremony for students

who attended and completed the Life Skills course in their
Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY) and UCB
International Foundation Year (UIFY) programs. The Life
Skills module is an integral part of UCB foundation
programs because it includes all the essential practical and
soft skills that students will need when transferring to
university-level degree programs. Ms Marzia, Student
Support Head and Lecturer in Psychology, conducts the
Life Skills classes in the first semester of each foundation
program.

On 20th November, the MUFY 2A 2024 batch and the UIFY

01 2024 batch were presented with their certificates for
maintaining high and consistent attendance at all the Life
Skills classes. Professor Hew Gills the President & Provost
of UCB gave an opening speech in which he highlighted
the significance of Life Skills in university life and its
lifelong benefits. Ms. Marzia shared her experience and
observations regarding the students’ performance
throughout the semester. Students shared their experience
and feelings regarding this course. One student expressed
that this course helped him understand the
comprehensiveness of Life Skills.

The MUFY 2B 2024 batch will receive their Attendance

Certificates early in the January 2025 semester.
UNIVERSAL
NEWSLETTER

UCB VISITS RISE-ROYAL INSTITUTE OF SMART EDUCATION

IN SYLHET

Prof. Hew Gill, President & Provost of UCB, visited the

RISE-Royal Institute of Smart Education school on
10th November 2024. During his visit Prof Hew met
with the Principal of RISE, Ms. Farzana Karim, for a
discussion about the international qualifications
offered by UCB and how best to help RISE students
on their educational journey.

Professor Hew also took a special session with the

senior students about the inner workings of their
brains, and showed them some exciting
demonstrations of their thinking. He briefly shared
with the students that UCB could help them pursue
international education options right here in
Bangladesh at the UCB campus in Dhaka. Students
were particularly interested in the possibilities of
taking the new degrees in Cyber Security and
Software Engineering from the University of Central
Lancashire.

CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S DAY-

BRING OUT YOUR INNER CHILD WITH JOY AND PLAYFULNESS!

Children’s Day reminds us to cherish our playful side— Next, students raced in the Balancing Game, where
to laugh more, imagine wildly, and find beauty in the they balanced a marble in a spoon while running
simplest of things, just like a child would. On towards the finish line. The blend of teamwork,
November 21st, 2024 UCB celebrated International competitiveness, and laughter truly brought out the
Children’s Day with joy and enthusiasm at the cafeteria child in everyone. The event concluded with the Girls'
premises. The theme of the day was to “Bring Out Your Musical Chair competition, followed by a prize-giving
Inner Child,” and the students took this theme to heart, ceremony for the winners of each game. The presence
organizing an array of fun games under the supervision of Professor Hew, President & Provost of UCB, added a
of Ms. Ananna. special touch to the day, making the celebration even
more memorable.
The event kicked off with the Boys' Musical Chair
competition, filling the room with laughter, excitement, The entire day was filled with fun, laughter, and the joy
and the beat of lively music. The energy was infectious, of reconnecting with our inner child—a perfect
drawing everyone’s attention to the playful reminder of the simple pleasures that make life
competition. Following that, the “Throw the Ball” game beautiful.
showcased the participants’ focus and skill, with
everyone gathered around cheering on their friends.
The sight of the crowd rooting for each throw was
heartwarming.
UNIVERSAL
NEWSLETTER

MONASH UNIVERSITY APPLICATION DAY – A SEAMLESS

PATHWAY FOR UCB GRADUATES

On 23rd November 2024, UCB hosted a dedicated

Monash Application Day designed to support students
who have recently completed their Monash University
Foundation Year and Monash Continuing Degree
programs in their journey to Monash University. The
event offered a unique opportunity for UCB students to
receive expert guidance and assistance with the Monash
application process, ensuring a smooth transition to one
of the world’s top universities.

The event attracted many students from UCB, all eager

to explore their options at Monash. Attendees had the
chance to meet with a team of expert advisors, who were
on hand to walk them through the various steps involved
in applying to Monash University. This included
everything from visa applications and completing
university forms, to finding accommodation and booking
travel. Monash University through its foundation and
associate degree programs. These pathways enable
A special highlight of the day was the presence of Ms. UCB students to seamlessly transition into full degree
Azra Karim, the Monash University Representative in programs at Monash, ensuring that they can continue
Bangladesh, who shared her valuable insights with their academic journey at one of the most prestigious
students. Alongside Ms. Karim, representatives from institutions globally.
Eduko Bangladesh were also present, further enhancing
the support available to students. We are excited to continue providing UCB students
with the opportunities and support they need to
UCB is proud to offer guaranteed pathway programs to succeed at Monash University and beyond!

THE AGA KHAN ACADEMY DHAKA ATTENDS HARVARD

SESSION AT UCB

Students from The Aga Khan Academy Dhaka international teaching experience and the excellent
attended an amazing, certified course session on Harvard materials, Mr Yazdani showed the students
Presentation Skills Development, curated by Harvard some very valuable techniques that they can use in
Business Publishing Education, at Universal College their own presenations. At the end of the session ll the
Bangladesh on 9th November 2024. students were delighted to receive their certificates
The session was conducted by Mr. Dewan Muhammad from Mr. Yazdani. Special thanks to the Senior School
Nur-A Yazdani, Senior Lecturer in the Business & Team of The Aga Khan Academy Dhaka.
Marketing Faculty at UCB. Drawing on his own
UNIVERSAL
NEWSLETTER

INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR ELIMINATION OF VIOLENCE

AGAINST WOMEN

25th November is the International Day for Elimination of Ms Marzia also mentioned what women and girls
Violence Against Women. This year’s theme was “Every can do to deal with different types of abuse and she
10 minutes, a woman is killed. #NoExcuse”. Ms. Sushama stressed using the national helpline: 109, that is
Mahmuda Ananna, the Executive Co-Ordinator to the currently functional in Bangladesh. If anybody faces
President and Lecturer in Psychology, arranged a any kind of violence, they can reach out to this
seminar for the students and staff of UCB as part of helpline to ask for help. There were several live
observing this important day in the calendar. online quizze questions which asked the audience
questions like what are the barriers to eliminate
The session included a presentation by Ms Marzia Al- VAW. The participants gave feedback that they
Hakeem, the Student Support Head and Lecturer in enjoyed this kind of interaction.
Psychology, and some quizzes to make the session
interactive. Professor Hew Gill gave a speech on UCB regularly arranges this kind of session to raise
highlighting the necessity of eliminating violence against awareness among the students with the aim of
all people. In her presentation, Ms Marzia pointed out developing them as responsible citizens. There will
why this international day to eliminate violence against be similar sessions to mark significant international
women (VAW) was announced, and gave an overview of days and important issues in future.
the data on different types of violence happening around
the world and in Bangladesh. The audience shared their
views and opinions regarding violence against women.
UNIVERSAL
NEWSLETTER

Events in December
As usual, the UCB Student Club and campus will be very
busy with lots of events in December.

Launch of Cyber Security and

Software Engineering degrees
from University of Central
Lancashire

Learn Your Name in Morse Code

Day

MUFY Intake

UIFY Intake

UCLan Business & Marketing

degree intake

Australia Day

Visit by University of Central

Lancashire Link Tutor

International Day of Education