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East West University Merit Scholarship

East West University (EWU) has awarded 219 students the Merit Scholarship Award for their outstanding academic performance, with most being female students. Ceremony took place on January 12, 2025 at the EWU Manzur Elahi Auditorium in Dhaka.

Chief guest was an EWU Board of Trustees member Farooque B. Chaudhury, while vice chancellor Shams Rahman presided over the ceremony as the program chair. Chaudhury congratulated the scholarship recipients and emphasized the importance of academic excellence. Rahman emphasized EWU’s commitment to a supportive academic environment and emphasized the hard work and perseverance of the students, particularly the female recipients. Event was attended by several dignitaries, including East West University pro vice chancellor Ashik Mosaddik.

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East West University Department of Information Studies Chairperson Was Invited to Strasbourg University, France

Dilara Begum chairperson of East West University department of Information Studies spoke at 18th International Conference on Webometrics, Informetrics and Scientometrics (WIS) in Strasbourg University, France. She discussed the implications of Gen AI particularly from Bangladesh – in developing countries and proposed a holistic approach to adopting AI in academic areas. Dr. Begum’s talk aimed to provide insights into the uses and abuses of AI in academic settings.

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North South University Orientation

North South University (NSU) has held its 2025 spring semester orientation program, aimed at familiarizing freshers with the university’s culture and academic approach. 69 students were awarded scholarships, including 100 percent merit scholarships for 21 students who performed exceptionally in the Bachelor’s (Honors) admission test.

Session was chaired by Vice-Chancellor Abdul Hannan Choudhury, who emphasized the NSU’s commitment to transforming students into successful graduates. Deans of the schools introduced their respective schools and VC emphasized the North South University’s mission to produce graduates who excel academically, care deeply about national issues and contribute meaningfully to society.

Orientation program concluded with a cultural performance by North South University Shangskritik Shangathan (NSUSS) members.

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A NSU Graduate Wins Miss North America World 2024-2025 Award

North South University (NSU) has crowned Zarin Mahmood as the first Bangladeshi Canadian and NSU graduate to win the prestigious Miss North America World 2024-2025 award. The pageant organized by Mrs. Canada Inc. to celebrates diversity, empowerment and advocacy for women globally. Zarin’s victory reflects her commitment to addressing social issues, particularly women’s empowerment, diversity and inclusion.

Currently residing in Vancouver, Canada Zarin works in the IT sector for a Canadian government organization. She credits her transformative experiences at NSU with shaping her path from the classroom to the global stage. Zarin’s academic journey began at Viqarunnisa Noon School and College in Dhaka, Bangladesh and she pursued her undergraduate studies in business administration at NSU, where she honed her leadership, critical thinking, and innovative skills.

Zarin expressed her gratitude to NSU for its rigorous academic curriculum, diverse campus environment, and numerous extracurricular opportunities for building her confidence, leadership abilities, and passion for advocacy. She hopes her pageant journey will inspire current students to embrace their potential and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

North South University extends its heartfelt congratulations to Zarin Mahmood for her outstanding achievement and celebrates her as a global ambassador of the NSU’s legacy.

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Independent University, Bangladesh Wins Double Championships at East West University

Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) has won the championship trophies in both men’s and women’s doubles categories in the SMC+ East West Winter Smash Badminton Competition. The IUB team competed against over 40 universities, securing final spots in four out of six events. Tipu Sultan and Ashfak Bin Ferdous won the Men’s Doubles title with a 2-0 margin against Hazi Misir Ali College in the final. They defeated teams from Brac University and Southeast University in straight sets. In the Women’s Doubles category, Tasnim Noor and Kazi Kayanat Soha defeated Team East West University 3 in the final with a 2-0 margin. Ashfak finished as the runner-up in Men’s Singles after a closely contested 2-1 match against Daffodil International University in the final. He advanced through the group stage with straight-set victories over European University and Team North South University 1. In Mixed Doubles, Tipu Sultan and Tasnim finished as runners-up after a 2-0 loss to Daffodil International University in the final.

Competition was organized by East West University in collaboration with the Bangladesh Badminton Federation and supported by the Division of Student Activities (DoSA) of Independent University, Bangladesh.

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Oklahoma City University Business School Adds 3 New STEM Programs

Oklahoma City University (OCU) has launched three new STEM-designated graduate degree programs – focusing on areas of the technology sector expected to see rapid employment growth over the next decade. Programs include Master of Science degrees in management information systems, applied artificial intelligence and machine learning, and an MBA in management information systems. First cohort for all three programs will start in August 2025.

Oklahoma City University’s Meinders School of Business is expanding its STEM-designated degree offerings – following a $3 million donation from Herman Meinders. OCU Business Dean Sri Beldona cited strong workforce demand in these fields as one reason for the additional offerings. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment in computer and information technology occupations will grow faster than average through 2033, with job demand for computer and information systems managers expected to grow by 17%.

For more information or to apply, visit https://okcu.edu/business.

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Brac University Department of Architecture 150th Angan Lecture Series

Brac University Department of Architecture recently hosted Yasmeen Lari Pakistan’s trailblazing female architect and a champion of humanitarian architecture for the 150th installment of its Angan Lecture Series at the Merul Badda campus.

Lari delivered a compelling lecture titled “Save the Planet, Save Humanity: Decarbonize, Decolonize, Democratize Architecture,” where she highlighted the transformative power of architecture in addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change, social inequity, and community resilience. Emphasizing a purpose-driven approach, she stated, “Architecture is not just about structures; it’s about solutions that heal the planet and empower communities.”

The session also featured an engaging discussion led by Department Chairperson Zainab Faruqui Ali delving into Lari’s extensive body of work, which spans brutalist villas, heritage conservation and humanitarian relief initiatives. The dialogue explored how her philosophies and practices resonate with and could inspire Bangladesh’s architectural landscape.

As part of her visit Lari conducted a winter school where students constructed a zero-carbon bamboo building, exemplifying disaster-resilient and sustainable design principles. Additionally, a multi-disciplinary session provided deeper insights into her Barefoot Social Architecture philosophy which champions zero-carbon housing and uplifts marginalized communities through participatory and resource-conscious methods.

Lari’s groundbreaking contributions to architecture have earned her prestigious accolades including the Royal Gold Medal from the Royal Institute of British Architects (2023) and the Jane Drew Prize (2020). Her visit to Brac University not only celebrated her achievements but also inspired a new generation of architects to envision a sustainable and equitable future.

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Wellesley College, USA Assistant Professor Lectures at Independent University, Bangladesh

Assistant Professor Dr. Lamiya Ashraf Mowla from Wellesley College, USA presented groundbreaking research at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) during the 2nd Colloquium organized by the Center for Astronomy, Space Science, and Astrophysics (CASSA) on December 19, 2024. The research published in Nature magazine revealed the discovery of a 13.2-billion-year-old galaxy through images and spectra captured by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). This marks a significant milestone for IUB as it is the first scientific paper authored by a CASSA-affiliated member, bringing added recognition to the institution.

Dr. Mowla discussed the Cosmic Calendar – explaining how studying galaxies through light offers a glimpse into the past and the importance of high-resolution telescopes like JWST in observing distant galaxies to uncover their formation processes. She also revisited her 2022 discovery of the Galaxy “Sparkler,” 9 billion light-years away which revealed “sparkles” nearby, some forming just 700 million years after the Big Bang.

Dr. Mowla also discussed the “Firefly Sparkle,” discovered as part of the Canadian NIRISS Unbiased Cluster Survey (CANUCS), found at just 600 million years post-Big Bang. Through Webb’s advanced instruments, she analyzed the galaxies’ spectra, identifying chemical elements and calculating redshift values, indicating their distances. The team’s analysis of the Initial Mass Function (IMF) also offered new perspectives, suggesting steeper slopes than established models.

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Brac University School of Architecture and Design Collaboration with the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh

On December 12, 2024, two students from the School of Architecture and Design at Brac University Raima Rahman and Raisa Rahman proudly represented their institution at the prestigious Bengal Stream event held at Bengal Shilpalay.

Organized by the Bengal Institute for Architecture, Landscapes, and Settlements in collaboration with the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh the transnational event brought together architecture enthusiasts and professionals from across the globe.

The event showcased ‘The Vibrant Architecture Scene of Bangladesh’ an ongoing exhibition curated by the renowned Swiss architect Niklaus Graber. Alongside the exhibition a book of the same title was launched, celebrating Bangladesh’s dynamic architectural landscape and marking a milestone for architectural professionals and enthusiasts alike.

A major highlight was the on-stage panel discussion featuring distinguished panelists, including Ar. Saif Ul Haque, Niklaus Graber—co-founder of Graber & Steiger Architects—and student representatives from four leading universities in Bangladesh. Representing Brac University, Raima Rahman and Raisa Rahman joined the discussion, which delved into topics such as the importance of reading in architecture, architectural education, design philosophies, and cross-cultural perspectives.

The dialogue fostered insightful exchanges between seasoned professionals and emerging voices, creating an atmosphere of inspiration, learning, and collaboration.

This participation by Brac University students at such a landmark event underscores the institution’s commitment to nurturing future architects and promoting their engagement with the global architectural community.

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North South University and STEMX365 Collaborate on Space Education

North South University (NSU) and STEMX365 have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on space education and research. MoU was signed by North South University vice chancellor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury and STEMX365 founder Mizanul Chowdhury. STEMX365 founded by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) space scientist Mizanul Chowdhury is a non-profit organization that provides free space science and technology education for Bangladeshi youth through an agreement with Japan’s JAXA.

STEMX365 works in collaboration with MIT’s Zero Robotics Lab, allowing talented young people to learn programming, space, robot building and participate in international competitions. In 2021, Bangladesh won second place in the international Kibo Robotics Programming Competition under STEMX365’s supervision. MoU aims to support NSU students in space education and research.