The two-day Global Business Conference – 2023 by NRB World and Business America magazine concluded in Dubai with a commitment to creating a new generation of skilled professionals.
The ‘Global Business Conference-2023’ concluded in Dubai with a shared commitment to fostering a new generation of skilled professionals. The conference, a collaborative effort between NRB World, the largest organization of Bangladeshi expatriates globally, and the US-based magazine Business America took place from December 22 to 24 at the prestigious Millennium Plaza Hotel Downtown in Dubai.
The event featured distinguished guests, including the Honorable Ambassador of Bangladesh to the United Arab Emirates, Mohammed Abu Zafar, who graced the occasion as the chief guest. Kali Pradeep Chowdhury, Chief Advisor of NRB World and Chairman and Founder of KPC Group was present as the guest of honor. H.E. Dr. Juma Madani, Chairman and CEO of Al Matiya Group, also attended the conference. Special guests included Faisal Chowdhury, Scottish Member of Parliament and Shadow Minister of Culture, Sheikh Rahman from the Georgia State Senate, and BM Jamal Hossain, the Consulate General of Bangladesh in the UAE. The event drew participation from approximately 500 renowned business organizations, their leaders, and professionals from 25 countries, making it a truly international gathering.
In the event organized on the occasion of Global Business Conference-2023 Bangladesh, in recognition of the success of Bangladeshi entrepreneurs located in different countries of the world, more than a hundred organizations and entrepreneurial personalities were given the ‘International Business Excellence Award-2023’ in various categories. As a result, Bangladeshi businessmen scattered in different countries of the world get the opportunity to establish business relations with each other, and by doing this it will be possible to establish business connections with businessmen. This conference will also be able to play an important role in the development of the country’s economy. The collaboration of expatriates is crucial for propelling Bangladesh forward, as emphasized by the current president of NRB World, Md. Shahiduzzaman. He articulated that NRB World’s inception aimed at bridging the new generation with their ethnicity and roots.
The Global Business Conference 2023 commenced with a grand opening, signifying the significance of the event. The two-day conference concluded with the assurance that expatriates would soon be provided with NRB cards. The program was presented by Neel Hurejahan.
Juma Madani emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts for growth and development, stating that the UAE government supports Bangladeshi entrepreneurs and is dedicated to creating a conducive environment for business expansion. In the opening speech, renowned journalist of Voice of America, Advisor of NRB World, and Chief Editor of Business America Magazine, Rokeya Haider said, we have gathered here to communicate and establish relationships with each other. Bangladeshis first migrated for livelihood, but now the diaspora is leading in education and business. Every year many new generation students migrate abroad so this platform can be an important waypoint for them.
In his address, the President of NRB World expressed that the organization’s purpose is to link the next generation of the diaspora with their homeland. Emphasizing collective responsibility, he conveyed that while the organization has initiated efforts, it is the duty of all to contribute. Recognizing the country’s contributions, he urged individuals to give back by joining NRB World. He underscored the urgency for NRB cards, proposing immediate issuance by the government.
Senator Sheikh Rahman of the US state of Georgia emphasized the significance of December, the month of victory, noting that without the birth of Bangladesh, he wouldn’t be a US senator today. He stressed the importance of teaching Bengali to the new generation for unity. Scottish Parliamentarian Faisal Chowdhury highlighted the need to dream big, stating that ambitious goals are what propel us forward. He urged the diaspora to engage in politics where they reside, as local participation benefits both the individual and the host country, emphasizing unity over divisions from politics in their home country.
In his address, Coders Trust leader Aziz Ahmed stressed the collective responsibility of moving forward, affirming the onward progression of the organization, NRB World. The Secretary General of NRB World, Mohammad Ayub Ali, appealed to the government to eliminate obstacles and establish a secure channel for legal money transfers to the country.
Dr. Ismail Bellhouse, the special representative of the Dubai government, asserted that Dubai stands as the investment capital of the world. He highlighted the government’s support for businesses in Dubai, emphasizing the ease and affordability for anyone to initiate a business in the city.
The Global Business Conference showcased five panel discussions, each featuring distinguished personalities.
Dr. Rubaiyat Islam Sadat, Chairman of Nash Investment Group, led the opening panel on ‘Innovation.’ The panel featured notable figures including Bikarna Kumar Ghosh, CEO of FBCCI Innovation and Research Centre; Bashir Ahmed, Past President of the British Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BBCCI); Rajulur Russell, Operational Excellence Manager for Asia Pacific at Medtronic; Asad Mamun, CEO of Drone International Singapore; Rudmila Nausheen, Founder and CEO of ConfigVR and ConfigRobot in Silicon Valley; and Hasanur Rahman, Managing Director of Swadhin Lab.
Moderated by Ifty Islam, Chairman of Asian Tigers Capital Partners, the second panel focused on ‘Investment.’ Discussions within this panel encompassed financial strategies, market trends, and opportunities for optimal capital allocation. Key topics included risk management, diversification, and the impact of global economic factors. The panelists shared insights into prudent investment practices for businesses, addressing various aspects such as market dynamics and effective risk mitigation strategies.
The panelists included Ataul Ahmed, CEO of Teknaf; Sheikh Raihan Ahmed, CEO of Linkthree Technologies Limited; Rafiq Khan, President of AVS Group; Mohammad Chishti, President of Chishti CPAPC; and Farazy Ikram, Chairman and CEO of NEC Group.
Moderated by Dr. Sheikh Alimuzzaman, founder of Japan Bangladesh Hospital, the third panel delved into the theme of ‘Involvement.’ Panelists featured Abul Hyat Nurujjaman, Director General of British Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce Industry (BBCCI), Taj Accountants, and Cloud BPO; Barrister Monowar Hussain, specializing in UK and EU Immigration; Moinul Haque Siddiqui, Chairman of Fiber Home Limited; Abul Hossain, President and CEO of Fazila Group; Mahtab Mia, Director of British Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce Industry (BBCCI); and Md Ferdous Ur Rahman, CEO of JSS Services Limited.
Furthermore, Members of FOBANA organized a discussion focusing on the organization’s contributions to ‘Smart Bangladesh 2041.’ The participants included Mohammad Alamgir, Chairman of FOBANA; Duke Khan, Ex-Chairman; Rehan Reza, Ex chairman; M. Mowla (Dilu); Nahidul Khan, Convener of FOBANA; Kazi Nahid, Co-Convener; Mahbubur Rahman Bhuiyan, Member Secretary; and Golam Faruque Bhuiyan, FOBANA Advisor.
The conference included a panel on ‘Skills Development,’ led by Liton Baul, the founder of Digital Intel. The discussion on skills development focused on strategies for acquiring practical skills and adapting to dynamic professional milestones.
Panelists in this session comprised Sabur Khan, Chairman of Daffodil International University; Abu Hanip, Chancellor and Chairman of Washington University of Science and Technology; L.N.M.K. Bashar, Founder and Chairman of BSB-Cambrian Education Group; Md Abu Shahadat Sarkar, Chairman and Founder of HBD Group Pty Ltd; Hemi Hossain, CEO of Digital Entrepreneur Hub; Mahin Abedin, Managing Director of Innerwest Properties; Md Masudur Rahman, Founder and Director of Study Pty Ltd; and Mohammad Kazi Abdul Quader, Owner and Managing Director of ESI Global Services Pty Ltd.
Taking a remarkable initiative and recognizing entrepreneurial excellence worldwide has set an unprecedented example, serving as a powerful source of inspiration for both Bangladeshi entrepreneurs abroad and those within the country.
The recipients of the prestigious award are:
Lifetime Achievement Award- Dr. Kali Pradip Chaudhuri, Chairman & Founder, KPC GROUP, Best International Business Leader of the Year-Iqbal Ahmed OBE DBA, Chairman, UKBCCI, Chairman and Chief Executive, Seamark Group of Companies, Best Perfume Company of the Year- Mohammed Mahtabur Rahman (Nasir),Chairman & Managing Director, Al Haramain Perfumes Group of Companies, Chairman, NRB Bank Limited, Most Innovative Digital Skills Award of the Year- Aziz Ahmad, Co-Founder, Coders Trust, CEO, UTC Associates, Best Aviation Company of the Year- Mohd. Shahiduzzaman, Managing Director, Shahid Travel & Tours PTY Ltd., Best Fragrance Company of the Year- GFB Group of Industries, USA, Chairman, Golam Faroque Bhuiyan, Outstanding Educator of the Year- Engr. Abubokor Hanip, Washington University of Science and Technology (WUST), USA, Chancellor & Chairman, Most Impactful Company of the Year- DR M G Moula Miah, President, UK Bangladesh Catalysts of Commerce and Industry (UKBCCI), Most Influential University of the Year- Sabur Khan, Chairman, Daffodil International University, Bangladesh, Inspiring Woman Entrepreneur of the Year- Priti Chakraborty, Chairman, Universal Medical College & Hospital Ltd., OBOSOR. Sr. Citizen’s Medical Resort, Inspiring Global Business Leader of the Year- Syedur Rahman Ranu President, British Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Managing Director, MRK Developments Ltd., Outstanding Performance in Health Sector & Education, 2023- Sheikh Aleemuzzaman, Visiting Professor, Tohto College of Health Sciences, Japan, Chairman, Medicare Japan, Founder, Japan Bangladesh Hospital – JBH, Best Ceramic Manufacturer of the Year-S A K Ekramuzzaman, Managing Director,
RAK Ceramics Ltd., Best Real Estate Company of the Year-Dr. Md. Shadi-Uz-Zaman, Managing Director, Notundhora Assets Limited, Inspiring Woman Entrepreneur of the Year- Hasina Manwar (Neela), Managing Director, Athena’s Furniture & Home Décor, Eminent Philanthropic Activist of the Year- Alhaj Md. Arju Miah MBE, Vice chairman of the National Executive Committee, Greater Sylhet Development and Welfare Council UK,
Inspiring NRB Entrepreneur of the Year- M Murad Yousuf, President, Australia Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Managing Director, Mexim Australia Pty. Limited, Inspiring Entrepreneur of the Year- Badal Chaklader, Managing Director, Padma Co., Ltd., President, Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan, Inspiring Entrepreneur of the Year- Shah Nawaz MBA, President, NY Insurance Brokerage Inc., Golden Age Home Care Inc., Best Healthcare Company of the Year-Sam Rahat Muqtadir, CEO, TOWN-MD, Best Perfume Manufacturer of the Year-Capt. Tasbirul Ahmed Choudhury, Chairman & Managing Director, TAC Perfumes, Influential British Bangladeshi Politician of the Year-Foysol Choudhury MBE MSP, Member of the Scottish Parliament, Shadow Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development, Best Housing Provider of the Year- Md Belayet Hossain, President, Dhaka Home, Vice President – Liaison, Strategic Affairs, KPC Bangladesh Development, Best Hospitality Professional of the Year- Oli Khan, MBE, FRSA, PHF, President of BCA, Founder and President of MDC, Best Mortgage Broker of the Year- Mahbubur Rahman Bhuiyan, MBA,AA US Mortgage, CEO & Loan Originator, Inspiring Young Entrepreneur of the Year- Shahriar Jahan Rahat, Deputy Managing Director, KSRM Group, Outstanding Educator of the Year-Ln. M.K. Bashar PMJF, Founder & Chairman, BSB-Cambrian Education Group, Best Real Estate CEO of the Year-Mohammad Arifuzzaman, Managing Director & CEO, Real Capita Group of Companies, CEO, Afseen Group, Best Textile Company of the Year-Joynal Abedin Mollah, Managing Director, Knit Concern Group Best Innovative Company of the Year-Zahangir Alam, CEO, Teleaus, CEO & Co-Founder,Genofax, Best Real Estate Company of the Year-Rafiq Khan, Managing Director, AVS Real Estate, Inspiring IT Professional of the Year-Dr. Rubaiyat Islam Sadat, Chairman, Nash Investment Group, Managing Director, Mulytic Labs GmbH, Germany, Best Exporter of the Year-Md. S Islam (Nannu), N.K International, Japan, Chairman & CEO, Best Australian Real Estate Company of the Year- Mahin Abedin, Managing Director, Innerwest Property, Michelin Star Chef Award of the Year-Md. Khalilur Rahman, Chef & CEO, Khalil Biryani House, USA, Best Surveillance & Security Company of the Year- Zahed Azam Sayem, Managing Director,3s Group of Companies, Outstanding Educator of the Year-Engineer Dr. Faisal Quader, “PhD”, President, Technuf LLC., Honorable Cyber Security Specialist And Data Scientist, Internal Revenue Service (IRS), USA, Professor, University of Maryland, USA, Best Education Provider of the Year- Hemi Hossain, CEO, DGEN Academy,
CEO, Melbourne, Metropolitan College, Inspiring NRB Entrepreneur of the Year- Mohammed Ayub Ali, Senior Vice President, Bangladesh Business Council Dubai, UAE, Managing Director, Al SaaDa Engineering Steel Const. L.L.C., Influential Chartered Accountant of the Year-Mohammed Chishti, President, CHISHTI CPA PC, Inspiring Young Entrepreneur of the Year-Mohammad Kazi Abdul Kader,Owner & Managing Director, ESI Global Service Pty Ltd., Best Digital Nation Developer of the year- Moynul Haque Siddiqui,
Chairman, Fiber@Home Ltd., Influential Professional of the Year- Professor Saifur Rahman, PhD, Director, Virginia Tech, President, IEEE, Influential Professional of the Year-
Quazi Zaman, Founder, Cricket Point, Best Innovative Company of the Year- Rudmeela Nawsheen, Founder & CEO, ConfigVR & ConfigRbot, Silicon Valley, USA, Lifetime Achievement Award of the Year-Senator Sheikh Rahman, Georgia State Senate, Best Educator of the Year- MD Masudur Rahman, Founder & Director, STUDYIN Pty Ltd.,
TECH TO CLOUD Pty Ltd, Excellence in Education & Real Estate Business of the Year- MD. Abu Shahdat Sarkar, CEO, HBD GROUP PTY LTD & HBD SERVICES,
Best Hospitality management & Business Professional of the Year-Md. Shakawath Hossain, CEO, Unique Hotel & Resorts PLC, Bangladesh, Inspiring Entrepreneur of the Year- Nahidul Khan, President, Khan Management Inc, Food and Fuel Company LLC,
Khan Investment LLC, Bengal Partner Inc, Executive Secretary, FOBANA, Best Professional of the Year-Mohammad Mahdee-uz Zaman, Founder, Cloud Camp Bangladesh, Best Importer of the Year- Mohammed Mahabub Alam CIP, Chairman & Managing Director, Tokyo Sat Group of Companies, Inspiring Young Entrepreneur of the Year- Farazy Ikram CIP, Chairman & CEO, Nec Group, Inspiring Global Entrepreneur of the Year-Mr. Jagir Hossain Chowdhury, CIP, Managing Director, Backet Group of Companies
Member, NRB CIP Association, Best New Generation Islami Life Insurance Company of the Year-Protective Islami Life Insurance Limited, Best International Business Leader of the Year- Abul Hussain, President & CEO, Fazila Group, Inspiring Young Entrepreneur of the Year- Asaad Mamun, CEO, Drone International General Secretary, BDcham (Singapore), Inspiring Entrepreneur of the Year-Mohammed Mowla (Dilu), Senior Vice President, NRB World, Maximum one greater Atlanta Realtors, President, Atlanta Cultural Society, Inspiring Women Entrepreneur of the Year-Merryna Akhter, Deputy Managing Director, Notundhora Assets Limited, Socially Responsible Company of the Year-Tahmid Moin, Managing Director, JBBR Recruiting, Japan, Inspiring Entrepreneur of the Year- Rajulur Rasell, Operational Excellence Manager, Medtronic, Asia Pacific, Influential Contributor of Socio Economic Development of Bangladesh, Salauddin Chowdhury, Chairman, Stylish Garments Limited, Director, DBC News Channel, Inspiring Women Entrepreneur of the Year-Laila Jahan, CEO, Laila Jahan (Boutique Firm) Inspiring Business Entrepreneur of the Year- Md. Iqbal Hossain Chowdhury, Managing Director, JCX Developments Ltd, JCX Enterprise LTD., JCX Trading Ltd, Best Tourism & Hospitality Personality of the Year- Shaheen Afroz, Former GM ,Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, Bangladesh, Best Health & Wellness Company of the Year- Anusha Chowdhury, Co-Founder & President, Let’s Talk Mental Health, Inspiring Young Entrepreneur of the Year- Md. Ferdous Ur Rahman, CEO, JSS Services Ltd., Lifetime Achievement Award-Dr. Md. Zahir Uddin, President, Cross Continent Corporation, Best Professional of the Year-Moazzem H. Chowdhury,Chairman, LHCM Foundation, IMac USA, Taranga Productions & Nasir Nagar Agro Ltd., Best Investor of the Year-Arif Ahmed Ashraf, Vice President, Mun Trading Corporation, Best Healthcare Professional of The year- Barnali Hasan, Managing Director, Efficient Medical Care, Best financial service executive of the year- Mizan Rahman, MS, MBA, Financial Advisor, Blue Ocean Wealth Solutions, A MassMutual Firm, Best Women Entrepreneur of the Year- Samsun Nahar (PMJF), Co-founder, Knit Concern Group, Best Women Entrepreneur of the Year- Fatema Nanzin Pricila, Author, Filmmaker, Social Activist, US President Edu Award Winner, Best Women Entrepreneur of the Year- Maksuda Chowdhury Misha, Managing Director, Stylish Garments Limited, Best Women Entrepreneur of the Year -Rano Nawaz,
President, Perfect Coordination LLC, Best Women Entrepreneur of the Year- Tamanna Ahmed, President, Mun Trading Corporation, Best Women Entrepreneur of the Year- Parna R. Das (Himadrita), Renowned Singer, VP, Creative Media Vision (BD),Best Entrepreneur of the Year- Sir Dr. Abu Zafar Mahmood, CEO & President, Bangla CDPAP Services Inc., Allegra Home Care Inc., Abu Zafar Mahmud Foundation, Victory to Bangladesh Inc., Best Entrepreneur of the Year- Giash Ahmed, President & CEO, America-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry Corp. USA (ABCCI), Pioneer in Serverless Cloud and Gen-AI Software-Mohammad Hasanur Rahaman, Managing Director, Shadhin Lab LLC, Shadhin Technologies Ltd., Best Women Entrepreneur of the Year- Syeda Kamrun Ahmed Director, eGeneration, Best Young Entrepreneur of the Year-Jubar Chowdhury, CEO & President, JS Empire Pharmacies, JSI Empire Realty, Best It Company of the Year- Nasirul Huq, Founder & CEO, Accentuate Technology, Best Women Entrepreneur of the Year- Farhana Hanip, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Washington University of Science and Technology, USA, President PeopleNTech LLC, USA, Lifetime Achievement of the Year-
Roquia Haider, Advisor, NRB World, Media Personality, Best Hospitality Business Professional of the Year- Mr. Athair Khan, Owner, The Last days of the Raj restaurant, Property investor and Developer, Vice chairman, Dhaka Post foundation, Best NRB Professional of the Year- Barrister Monwar Hossain, Barrister – Specialised in UK & EU Immigration, Civil and Human Rights, Hossain Law Associates, Most Influential Cloud Accountant & Trainer of the Year- Abul Hyat Nurujjaman, Managing Director, Taj Accountants & Cloud BPO, Best Professional of the Year- Mahtab Miah Former Senior Vice President, Bangladesh Catering Association UK, Director, British Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Best Investment Advisory Services of the Year- Bashir Ahmed, Managing director, Prospect Gaze Limited, UK.
On the occasion, the guests unveiled the special commemorative issue of Business America magazine 2023 and launched the website of NRB World.
Best regards,
Enamul Haque Enam
Managing Editor