AIUB at the Global AIFOD Summit: Strengthening Academic Collaboration and Defining the Future of AI

Following a highly impactful first day at the AI for Developing Countries Forum (AIFOD) Winter Summit at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand, the delegation from American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) continued to take center stage on the second day of the event.

Dr. Carmen Z. Lamagna (Member, Board of Trustees and Former Vice Chancellor) and Prof. Dr. Dip Nandi (Associate Dean, Faculty of Science and Technology) engaged in high-level strategic meetings and exclusive interviews, further cementing AIUB’s role as a leader in global AI discourse and academic excellence.

Strategic Meeting on Academic Collaboration

On the sidelines of the summit’s second day, Dr. Lamagna and Dr. Nandi held a formal meeting with the Founders of AIFOD. The discussion focused on establishing robust academic collaborations aimed at bridging the gap between theoretical AI research and practical application in developing nations.

The meeting explored potential partnerships in:

 * Joint research and program initiatives focusing on local AI capacity building.

 * Knowledge exchange programs for students and faculty.

 * The development of inclusive AI curricula that reflects the socio-economic realities of the Global South.

Both parties expressed a shared commitment in ensuring that AI education remains accessible and relevant, aligning with the summit’s theme: "The Future Will Be Written by Us, Not for Us."

Exclusive Interviews: Leadership and AI Innovation

In a series of insightful interviews conducted during Day 2, the AIUB delegation shared their expertise on institutional growth and the technological landscape.

Dr. Carmen Z. Lamagna: A Legacy of Growth -

Dr. Lamagna was interviewed regarding her transformative, long-term leadership role at AIUB. She shared the inspiring journey of taking the university from its humble beginnings of just 50 students to a premier educational institution serving over 15,000 students. She emphasized that this growth was built on a foundation of quality education, adaptability, and a vision to create "leaders" rather than just graduates. Her leadership remains a blueprint for institutional scaling within the region.

Prof. Dr. Dip Nandi: The Future of AI Research -

Prof. Dr. Dip Nandi, who moderated a key panel on Day 1, was interviewed about his perspectives on AI research and application. Prof. Nandi highlighted the critical need for "Contextual AI” systems that understand local languages and cultural nuances. He argued that AI to be a true tool for development, research must move beyond data consumption and toward building local infrastructure (Compute) and human talent (Competency).

AIUB’s participation in the AIFOD Summit underscores the university’s dedication to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Quality Education (SDG 4) and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17). By engaging with global founders and policymakers, AIUB continues to ensure that its students and the nation of Bangladesh remain at the forefront of the digital revolution.