DUBAI, 24th August 2013 (WAM)-- The Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations (HPAIR), jointly hosted by the American University in Dubai (AUD) and Harvard University for the first time in the Middle East, opened Thursday in a ceremony with prominent speakers shedding light on the question of Asia?s increasing impact on the world, supporting the theme "Extending Horizons: Charting Asia?s Challenging Future".
The keynote speakers for the 21st edition of the ongoing 5-day student-run conference, HPAIR 2013, were Dr. Lance de Masi, President of AUD; Abdul Basit Al Janahi, CEO of Dubai SME, the agency of Dubai?s Department of Economic Development mandated to develop the small and medium enterprise sector; and Tan Sri Dr. Munir Majid, Former Chairman of Malaysia Airlines, Chairman of Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad. Dr. Lance de Masi, President of AUD, said: "The magic of HPAIR 2013 resides in the journey ? the intellectual rigor, sincerity of expression and respect for controversy ? that helps to shape leadership in thought and action.""At Dubai SME we try to ensure youth participation in economic and social development through entrepreneurship promotion. We are particularly delighted to be part of HPAIR 2013 since it is being held in a region where a sizeable youth population is redefining growth strategies," said Abdul Basit Al Janahi, keynote speaker at the conference and CEO of Dubai SME, the agency of Dubai?s Department of Economic Development mandated to develop the small and medium enterprise sector.Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2013.
