The APU Campus is a multicultural mecca, with students from 81 countries and regions*, and the local community has embraced this diverse student body. In this issue, APU President, Monte CASSIM talks with APU Advisory Committee Member and the People's Republic of Bangladesh Ambassador in Japan His Excellency Mr. Ashraf-ud-DOULA.
*As of May 1, 2008

 

 


"Leaders must have both a domestic and an international platform." (Ambassador)

  CASSIM : Your Excellency, thank you for agreeing to give us your time today. May I begin this interview by asking you to briefly describe what characterizes your nation and its people?
  Ambassador : Bangladesh as a country is still very young-having gained independence from Pakistan in 1971-but our heritage is rich. We have six distinct seasons, and our people have learned to live in harmony with nature. Sometimes we have terrible floods, but after the floods, we have bumper crops. We are the only Muslim country that does not share a common border with another Muslim country. In this way, geography shapes the culture, philosophy, outlook, lifestyle and conduct of the people. Our ethos of life is also shaped by the fact that Bangladesh is the only country in South Asia that was not subjugated to feudalism. We value our independence, and through this we have protected our cultural identity. Bangladeshis are a freedom-minded and peace-loving people. Meanwhile, Bangladesh has, over the years, made laudable achievements in the social, economic and political, sectors, notable among them are empowerment of women, education and health. In the economic sector, Bangladesh has also made considerable progress enabling it to secure a place as one of the "Next 11 Countries," defined by Goldman Sachs as the next group of countries after BRICs (Brazil, Russia, India and China) expected to grow rapidly. While the nation is striving to strengthen its democracy and democratic institutions, our endeavor to maintain the internal peace and social harmony has also been recognized by the international community as manifested in the recent Global Peace Index (GPI) survey by the Economist magazine. Bangladesh's contribution to the UN Peace Keeping Operations (PKO) has also been appreciated by the world.
  CASSIM : The Bengali culture has given birth to three Nobel Laureates--Rabindranath Tagore, Amartya Sen and Muhammad Yunus. I first visited Bangladesh in 1979 and was very impressed by the industriousness of your people. I believe this is indicative of the potential for leadership arising from the culture of your people. May I ask you what you believe will define the leaders of the future?
  Ambassador : Leaders must have both a domestic and an international platform. The world is becoming increasingly borderless with the movement of people, capital, services, technology and information. The idea of sovereignty is changing, and the issues are complex. If leaders are not exposed to and do not fully understand the situation, they cannot lead. This issue of leadership is an important topic for all educational institutions to explore, including APU.


Learning does not only happen in the classroom, and this is why we strive to cultivate compassionate students and build strong relationships with local communities both in Japan as well as overseas." (CASSIM)

  Ambassador : I am very impressed with APU because it has students from more than 80 countries and regions. It is good that APU's programs cater to the needs of industry, but it is equally important to cultivate responsible students who can contribute to society. It is my desire for APU to produce such leaders. The world needs competent people, but it also needs compassionate people. In industrial and developing nations alike, social concern must be at the core of education.
  CASSIM : I agree. Students need both skills and compassion. Students from all over the world bring with them to APU strong identities and diverse cultural backgrounds. When they meet, this creates a unique synergy. They learn as much in the classroom as they do through their interactions with each other on campus. The other day I saw a Japanese student collecting donations for cyclone relief. She was showing photos of the disaster, urging her fellow students to help, while tears rolled down her cheeks. This sense of compassion, being able to grieve for others, is important in shaping the lives of students on our campus.
  Ambassador : APU students, coming from different parts of the world interact with each other and learn from their different cultures. This changes their worldview and makes them different people. I commend APU for its global perspective in addressing human development.
  CASSIM : A good friend of mine once told me that true independence comes from unreserved dependence. I think this interdependence is a trait you can still see in rural areas of Japan. For this reason I am glad that APU is located in Kyushu, where a strong sense of community still exists. Learning does not only happen in the classroom, and this is why we strive to cultivate compassionate students and build strong relationships with local communities both in Japan as well as overseas.
  Ambassador : Much of the woes in today's world emanate from a gross lack of knowledge of other religions particularly of Islam, which is deliberately vilified and misinterpreted by a vested group. With a wide understanding of religious and cultural issues, students can learn to understand one another and serve as bridges between cultures. I think APU's leadership-building Crossover Advanced Programs have the potential to raise student awareness of these issues.
  CASSIM : APU now serves as a venue for second-track diplomacy. As a powerless neutral entity with no vested interests, the university interestingly becomes a powerful instrument for generating ideas to resolve intractable issues.
  Ambassador : While career success and prosperity are very important, I urge APU to produce citizens of the world. This is the most valuable contribution that the university can make to live up to its mission.
  CASSIM : We will do our very best. Thank you very much, your Excellency.




Talks with the President of APU
His Excellency Mr.Ashraf-ud-DOULA Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentary Embassy of the People's Republic of Bangladesh in Japan
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