Abu Dhabi’s future government leaders in Singapore
for unique Masters programme at leading international
business school INSEAD
Senior managers from various Abu Dhabi government departments last week completed a two-week module at the INSEAD Asia Campus in Singapore as part of a unique degree programme developed specifically for Abu Dhabi Government.
The Master in Entrepreneurial Leadership Programme, designed to reflect the overall strategy and objectives of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, is being offered to senior Abu Dhabi Government officials who have successfully met INSEAD selection criteria based on their abilities, performance and potential.
The programme was launched last October with a first module delivered at INSEAD’s Centre for Executive Education and Research in Abu Dhabi. This second module was recently completed at the school’s Asia Campus (Singapore) and focused on financial analysis and value innovation.
The integrated curriculum is multi-faceted and is linked to the participants’ work in specific departments, agencies or entities. The students are encouraged to look at old problems in new ways and to introduce innovative thinking as part of their business strategy.
The participants are drawn from a range of departments including Municipal Affairs, Finance, Planning & Economy, Transport, Abu Dhabi Educational Council (ADEC), Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, Abu Dhabi Systems & Information Committee (ADSIC), Abu Dhabi Police, Executive Affairs Authority (EAA), Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), Western Region Municipality and Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region Court. Among them is Hasan Al Dhaheri, Manager, DCS Project Management Office (PMO).
“I think the professional development benefits so far have been significant not only in terms of learning about global business skills, but also in terms of the local relevance in applying those skills. This provides us with more confidence to apply the knowledge in our day to day work. Being in Singapore, and interacting with MBA students on and off campus, has also given us an opportunity to learn more about the global issues affecting Asia during these turbulent financial times,” he said.
Programme Director Philip Anderson confirmed that this first intake is characterised by the same mix of dynamic, international high achievers as the school’s other degree programmes, equipping them with a world-class masters qualification that fosters technical skills, as well as leadership capabilities.
He said: “For those of us involved with designing and implementing programmes at INSEAD, our partnership with the Department of Civil Service clearly demonstrates that the programme is not only contributing to the government of Abu Dhabi’s goal to become a world class administration, but also greatly enriching the school’s curriculum by enhancing our understanding of the business dynamics in the region.”
The remaining modular work scheduled to be completed within the next 12 months will take place at the INSEAD Europe Campus in Fontainebleau France and at INSEAD Abu Dhabi Centre during the summer.
