Inaugural Asia Pacific Conference Highlights DKV's Key Role in Human Capital Development

Dubai-UAE: 20 November, 2011 - Today's globalized landscape has spawned the birth of borderless human resource management. Organisations have and will continue to spread their wings worldwide, demanding a globally competitive workplace environment. However, this international reach and growth is accompanied by an inevitable set of challenges that must be tackled in as efficient a manner as possible, according to Dr. Ayoub Kazim, Managing Director, TECOM Investments' Education Cluster.

Dr. Kazim's comments came during Dubai Knowledge Village's (DKV) participation at the inaugural Asia Pacific Conference (ASAP) 2011. Organized jointly by the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) and the Singapore Training and Development Association (STADA), the conference was held between 16-18 November at Marina Bay Sands - Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Singapore.

Themed 'Real World Human Capital Development Solutions for the New Asia Pacific Economy', the event brought together thought leaders, strategists and innovators from across the world to shed light on a spectrum of subjects, share best practices and provide insight on the challenges and solutions that affect the advancement of individuals and the institutions they represent.

DKV's participation at ASTD-STADA comes on the back of the just released UN Human Development Report that ranks the UAE in the 30th place globally as well as the top Arab country in the list of 187 countries.

Highlighting DKV's role as key drivers of human capital development in the Middle East region, Dr. Kazim outlined its status as the only free zone in the world dedicated to human resource management. He also elaborated on the benefits of operating within the free zone and the opportunities it extends to international businesses looking to operate out of Dubai.

Dr. Kazim said: "In line with the UAE's vision to create a knowledge-based economy, Dubai Knowledge Village aims to develop the region's talent pool through setting up training and development institutions that focus on human resource management, consultancy and personal development. As part of our larger vision for the region in human capital development, we leveraged the conference to network with industry leaders and bring them up to speed on Dubai's unique business landscape."

Fons Trompenaars, renowned consultant and author in the field of intercultural management, delivered the keynote speech at the conference titled 'Leveraging Diversity for Competitive Advantage'. Tony Bingham, President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD), Liz Wiseman, President of the Wiseman Group, and Dr. Allison Rossett, Professor of Educational Technology at San Diego State University, were the other speakers who offered their perspectives on training and development at the three-day conference.

Panel discussions on 'Leveraging Human Capital to Drive Growth in Asia Pacific', 'Thinking Types and Innovation Stripes', 'Training for SMEs', 'Techniques for Adult Learning', and 'Public and Private Sector Training' additionally headlined the event.

A member of TECOM Investments' Education Cluster, Dubai Knowledge Village currently houses over 450 business partners, offering a host of benefits including tax-free operations, 100 per cent foreign ownership and full reparation of profits. Additionally, the cluster-based concept allows partners to leverage events such as the DKV Breakfast Club, DKV Training Open Week and SME Builder to provide the opportunity to network, as well as exchange ideas and expertise.

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About Dubai Knowledge Village
Dubai Knowledge Village (DKV) is the world's only Free Zone area dedicated to Human Resource Management and learning excellence.  Established in 2003 as part of TECOM Investments, DKV aims to develop the region's talent pool and establish the UAE as a knowledge-based economy.

DKV is a unique hub that offers the best selection of Human Resource Management, Consultancy, Training and Personal Development programmes on a picturesque 1km long campus in the heart of Dubai.

With over 450 business partners, including Gallup, Towers Watson, Hays, Hewitt and Innovative HR Solutions, DKV aims to establish itself as both a trusted business partner and a centre of excellence for professional development. 

For further information on TECOM Education Cluster, please call:
Zeba Ahmad
APCO Worldwide (JiWin Public Relations)
Tel: +9714 361 3590 (direct)
+9714 361 3333 (switchboard)
Fax: +9714 388 8001
E-mail: zahmad@apcoworldwide.com

Tara Basrur
APCO Worldwide (JiWin Public Relations)
Tel: +9714 361 3596 (direct)
+9714 361 3333 (switchboard)
Fax: +9714 388 8001
E-mail: tbasrur@apcoworldwide.com

© Press Release 2011