School of Apparel in Bangladesh to be launched by HSBC & Asian University for Women

The Asian University for Women (AUW) and Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) announced the commencement of the one-year Master of Science in Apparel and Retail Management program at the HSBC-AUW School of Apparel and Retail Management.

A global Academic Committee, Dr. Dipak Jain, former dean of Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management will be leading the program.

The young female professionals will be provided with skills and knowledge in the management of supply chains, brand management, fashion, merchandising, and occupational health and safety issues. This program aims to attract more female talent in management roles to assist Bangladesh's expanding apparel sector.

Vice Chancellor of the Asian University for Women, Dr. Rubana Huq, stated, "Today, Bangladesh's apparel industry needs domestic talents which will fulfill the needs. To develop cohorts to remove the problem of employability in Bangladesh, the AUW is pleased to announce the launch of the School of Apparel with HSBC Bangladesh."

Head of Commercial Banking, South and Southeast Asia, Amanda Murphy, at HSBC stated, "The global apparel sector is evolving rapidly along with innovative technology, changing consumption patterns, and an increasing focus on sustainability. We are pleased to have a partnership with the Asian University for Women to introduce the HSBC-AUW School of Apparel and the Master's program, providing future talent with the expertise to drive continued innovation in the largest export industry of Bangladesh. Importantly, this program will aim at the improvement of access to opportunities through inclusivity and supporting long-term growth with professional and leadership development of women for Bangladesh and its communities."

The goal of this program is to develop a pool of trained female management graduates who can run businesses in the apparel sector. This program will also encourage female empowerment while ensuring international standard education, enduring skill formation, and building local management talent. The program will also feature academic excellence, industry relevance, and social significance which will give students practical knowledge of collaborating with their global counterparts, acting as a link between academia and the industry. In the inaugural year, 50 students will be enrolled providing them with 13 courses. Furthermore, HSBC will establish 50 design (Mac) labs, which will be a great support for curriculum and faculty, IT and class infrastructure, and education materials.