Dr. Kiran Bedi, Kabir Khan, and Global HR Leaders Converge at Symbiosis Dubai’s ‘Power of People’ HR Conclave

Symbiosis International University Dubai proudly hosted its inaugural HR Conclave, The Power of People – a dynamic celebration of innovation, collaboration, and the enduring strength of human connection. This landmark event underscored Symbiosis’ steadfast commitment to fostering education-industry linkages and deepening ties between India and the UAE, contributing meaningfully to the E33 Agenda of the UAE leadership -a visionary roadmap for building a diversified, future-ready economy.

Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar, Pro-Chancellor of Symbiosis International University, opened the conclave with an inspiring address, stating, “Symbiosis Dubai is incredibly proud to be among the top five Indian institutions selected under the India-UAE bilateral education agreement, and the first fully CAA-accredited Indian university to be established under the UAE Ministry of Education in Dubai.” She emphasized the vital role of education in bridging nations and nurturing globally competent citizens.

The conclave was graced by eminent personalities, including Chief Guest Dr. Kiran Bedi, India’s first woman to join the Indian Police Service and an enduring symbol of leadership and courage; our Guest of Honor and celebrated filmmaker Kabir Khan; and Mr. Satish Sivan, Consul General of India to Dubai and the Northern Emirates. Their presence elevated the event’s significance, highlighting the profound potential of people-centric progress.

Launch of pioneering Initiatives

In alignment with Symbiosis’ ethos of fostering dialogue on future-shaping topics, two landmark centers were launched:

• Symbiosis Centre for Applied Artificial Intelligence (SCAAI) – Dubai Chapter:
  Building on the exceptional work of the Faculty of Engineering at Symbiosis India, and the department of Computer Science at Symbiosis Dubai, the Dubai Chapter of SCAAI is committed to driving joint research initiatives, industry collaborations, real-world AI innovations, specialized workshops, and professional certifications
• Centre for Professional Studies:
  Designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry, this Centre will focus on corporate and teacher training, consulting, management development programs, and bespoke interventions to meet the evolving needs of the global professional ecosystem.

Strategic collaborations

The conclave also marked the signing of several transformative MoUs:

• IDS: For collaborative research in AI and blockchain technologies, including the establishment of a cutting-edge Metaverse Innovation Hub
• Ednex: To set up an Innovation & Maker Hub on campus, empowering student-led ideation, research, and entrepreneurship
• Cisco: To integrate the globally recognized Cisco Networking Academy Program into the academic ecosystem, offering world-class training in computer networking and emerging technologies
• National HRD Network (NHRDN) – Dubai Chapter: Reflecting a shared vision to bridge academia and industry, and to create future-ready talent.

Celebrating voices of change

A highlight of the event was the riveting conversation between Dr. Kiran Bedi and Dr. Anita Patankar, Executive Director of Symbiosis Dubai – a dialogue that celebrated resilience, courage, and the transformative power of people-centric leadership.

The conclave featured an impressive assembly of Symbiosis alumni, thought leaders, and industry experts, including Amit Puri, Group CEO of BNW Developments; Ashutosh Sinha, Managing Partner and CPO of Sentiv Solutions; Ranjit Jose, Chief People Officer at Sobha Realty; Sriram Iyer, President of the National HRD Network – Dubai Chapter; Rajeev Singh, Partner, Strategy at EY; Sujeth Nair, Head of Talent Acquisition at Wipro; Sanjiv Navangul, CEO of Bharat Serums and Vaccines; Prof. Gurpreet Singh Jagpal, Chief Commercial Officer at Aston University, UK; Manish Misra, Group Head HR at ENOC; and P.M. Srinivas, Vice President and Head of HR, P&G India Sub-continent. The event concluded with a dynamic fireside chat between Kabir Khan and Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar, where Kabir Khan reflected on the power of storytelling to shape perceptions and inspire people-driven change via cinema.

Academic offerings

Symbiosis Dubai offers a wide portfolio of programs designed for the global marketplace. Undergraduate offerings include the Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Computer Engineering with concentrations in Computational Intelligence, Emerging Technologies, Gaming Design and Development, and Intelligent Systems; the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Psychology (Honors and General) with focuses on Organizational and Counselling Psychology; the Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) with specializations in AI and Machine Learning, Cloud Computing, and Data Science & Analytics; the Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) with B.Com Honors + ACCA Prep and B.Com + ACCA Prep tracks; the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with concentrations in Accounting and Finance and General BBA, as well as a dual degree option with Aston University, Birmingham, UK; and the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Media & Communication with concentrations in Digital Marketing and Advertising, and Public Relations & Corporate Communications. At the postgraduate level, the Master of Business Administration (MBA) is offered with concentrations in International Business, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Strategic Management and Leadership, Marketing, Finance, Operations and Data Analytics.

A legacy carried forward

Dr. Anita Patankar, Executive Director, Symbiosis Dubai concluded, “For over five decades, Symbiosis has championed education that transcends borders and nurtures leadership for a globalized world. Now, with its expansion into Dubai, Symbiosis is set to replicate and elevate this proud legacy – acting as a bridge between two thriving economies, India and the UAE. Through initiatives like The Power of People Conclave, Symbiosis continues to be a catalyst for dialogue, innovation, and socio-economic progress, proudly upholding its motto: The world is one family. Symbiosis Dubai – Truly Global.”