American International University-Bangladesh, along with eight partner universities in Romania, France, Italy, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Bangladesh, has effectively obtained a project grant called "SOHO" Smart, Optimized, High-quality, and On-demand Tourism Innovative Education for Sustainable and Green Development from the European Union. The primary objective of the SOHO project is to create and enhance a network of Knowledge and Competence Centers (KCC) dedicated to achieving excellence in higher education in three Southeast Asian nations: Vietnam, Malaysia, and Bangladesh.
This endeavour seeks to make a substantial contribution to regional development and innovation, in harmony with the smart specialization strategies of the participating regions. It also aims to encourage transnational and international cooperation strategies among these regions. In addition to creating Knowledge and Competence Centers (KCCs), the project collaborators will develop courses and a Learning Management System (LMS) focused on promoting Smart Transportation, Sustainable Accommodation, and the Integration of Renewable Energy Sources.
These courses aim to create fresh career prospects for students and entrepreneurs in the tourism sector. Prof. Abdur Rahman, Pro-Vice Chancellor at AIUB, is the designated contact person for the SOHO project, which is scheduled to span three years. AIUB, short for American International University-Bangladesh, is a private university located in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Established in 1994 in the capital city, it provides a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs across four faculties. The university operates independently and is governed by a board of trustees.
