Students represent AUS at Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations

Two students from American University of Sharjah (AUS) attended the Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations (HPAIR) held January 15–19. Out of the 2,200 individuals attending the conference, AUS students Anam Fatima and Amaan Siddiqui were the only two undergraduate students from the UAE.

HPAIR is Harvard University’s largest student-run conference in Asia. The event seeks to provide university students with an opportunity to learn from current and future global leaders and understand how as individuals they can make a positive impact on the world. Attendance is competitive; only 24 percent of the 9,100 students applying to take part qualified. Participants were given the opportunity to interact with dignitaries and world leaders, including Kevin Sneader, McKinsey & Company CEO, and Abhisit Vejjajiva, former prime minister of Thailand.

Anam Fatima, who is a sophomore student at AUS currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in accounting, said of the experience: “It was indeed a proud moment for Amaan and me to represent AUS at a globally coveted platform. It goes without saying that the experience was highly insightful and rewarding and I aspire to bring in some impressive elements of the conference to AUS.” 

For Anam, the conference is just one of many opportunities offered to AUS students that provide a holistic and real-world education. She is currently involved in the Executive Board of the AUS Model Congress, AUS Debating Society, AUS Public Speaking Society, AUS Club for Effective Altruism and is a member of the Student Economics Association.

“AUS offers much exposure to help students develop, combining futuristic spheres with traditional values. There is immense scope for student innovation. I strongly recommend students to be an active member of the AUS community since it truly does take you places,” she said.