UPLB staff from internationalization-focused units and student leaders gained first-hand insights into governance, leadership, and innovation in a rapidly developing nation by joining the Asian Youth Leaders Elite Program (AYLEP) 2025 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) on February 2-6, 2025.

UPLB’s participation is aligned with its commitment to fostering global leadership and intercultural competency.

The UPLB personnel who joined the program included Marcelina C. Miranda, Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and director of the Office of Student Activities; Maria Dominique C. Velasco; Denise Liane Angelie S. Collado; and Christian A. Dimapilis of the Office of International Linkages (OIL).

Velasco, who is also a student, was one of three student representatives in the program. The other student representatives were Gio Gabriel O. Rimas, officer of the Society of Exchange Students UP, and Mark Gio J. Olivar, former chair of the University Student Council.

AYLEP provides young leaders with international exposure to cultivate leadership, cross-cultural understanding, and innovative thinking.

Over the past 17 years, AYLEP has engaged 22,781 participants from 85 countries through partnerships with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the ASEAN University Network, and other global organizations whose mandate involves promoting youth leadership.

This year’s program focused on three core modules that explored how the UAE has thrived amid Middle Eastern complexities, national identity and heritage, higher education and innovation, space, culture, and knowledge.  

Through lectures, study tours, and interactive workshops, participants explored key sites that showcase the country’s historical, educational, and technological advancements.

The Union House showed insights into the UAE’s unification and nation-building, while the University of Dubai showcased the UAE’s higher education landscape.

A visit to the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center provided learnings on UAE’s advancements in space exploration and technology, and the Sustainability and Innovation Center offered the participants an opportunity to look into the UAE’s strategies for environmental sustainability and technological innovation

A mosque visit and dialogue with emiratis provided an understanding of Islam’s cultural and religious influence and its role in national identity and diplomacy in Dubai. The participants also visited the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority to examine Dubai’s cultural policies and community development initiatives.

Participants delved into Dubai’s transformation—from a historic trade hub to a global leader in economic development, diplomacy, and technology.

The UPLB participants and 27 other representatives from 12 universities examined the UAE’s balancing act between modernization and tradition, which is a key driver of its global success.

The 12 other universities are Seoul National University and Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology  (South Korea); Universiti Malaya (Malaysia); Kyoto University (Japan); University of Hong Kong, Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (Hong Kong); University of Macau (Macau); and Tsing Hua University, Shandong University, Wuhan University, and Beijing Institute of Technology (China)

Despite lacking oil resources, Dubai has flourished through strategic investments and financial backing from Abu Dhabi and international investors. This collaboration has enabled Dubai to spearhead technological advancements while Abu Dhabi provides economic stability.

Strategic initiatives—such as solar energy projects and the global perfume trade—demonstrate how Dubai attracts foreign investments and strengthens international ties.

The UAE’s leadership model reflects authoritarian modernization, leveraging economic power and diplomacy to maintain regional stability. While debates on democratization persist, its governance structure has prioritized social welfare, economic resilience, and technological progress.

The establishment of ministries such as the Ministry of Tolerance, Ministry of Happiness, and Ministry of Artificial Intelligence further underscores the country’s commitment to holistic development.

Education is central to Dubai’s vision, with policies that promote higher education, scholarships, and research-driven progress. The city actively encourages women’s participation in education, fostering inclusivity and equal opportunities.

Dubai’s emphasis on research and global collaboration ensures a thriving knowledge-based economy, offering valuable lessons for HEIs worldwide.

Dubai’s model of economic foresight, diplomatic engagement, and technological advancement serves as a reference for institutions aiming to drive internationalization and sustainable growth.

As UPLB continues to expand its global engagement, the lessons from Dubai’s leadership and innovation will contribute to shaping future strategies for internationalization, research, and cross-cultural collaboration. (Maria Dominique C. Velasco)