CQU alumnus Prof Sayem leads university in Bangladesh

By Greg Chapman

Not many CQUniversity alumni can say their studies led them to become Vice-Chancellor of their own university – but Professor Abu Sayem certainly has that claim to fame.

Prof Sayem, a 2019 CQU PhD graduate in Mechanical Engineering, recently commenced as Vice-Chancellor of the Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET) in Bangladesh – and he says the experiences of his time at CQU will serve him well on his new journey.

As CUET’s youngest ever Vice-Chancellor, Dr Sayem acknowledged the significant responsibility that comes with having the top job.

“It is both a great honor and a profound responsibility. I now have the duty of overseeing all aspects of the university,” Prof Sayem said.

“There is immense scope to develop and lead CUET for the greater benefit of society, and to establish it as a prestigious institution on the global stage.”

He said his experiences with CQU, including attending more than 15 international workshops – and the University’s broader international partnerships and collaborations – gave him a diversified and global mindset that he would use in his new V-C role.

Before becoming VC, Prof Sayem was CUET’s Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Head of the Department of Petroleum and Mining Engineering. 

“I have many years’ experience as a faculty member in Mechanical Engineering at CUET. During my PhD studies at CQU, I engaged in teaching at the School of Engineering and Technology (SET), where I conducted several courses from 2016,” he said.

“I was honored to receive the Student Voice Award three times. After completing my PhD, I became involved in supervising research higher degree students at CQU. To date, two of my students have successfully graduated, and one is currently on track to complete. 

“Moreover, I have collaborated with SET to support the Engineers Without Borders (EWB) program in partnership with CUET, and I am also working with SET and the University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh to strengthen international collaboration.”

He said he hoped to have a continued association with CQU.

“I plan to strengthen the relationship between CQU and CUET. I would be delighted to invite the CQU Vice-Chancellor Professor Nick Klomp, executives, and senior leaders to CUET for our graduation ceremonies or other events. I believe CQU will also be proud to see their alumni contributing significantly here at CUET.

“I am deeply proud to be an alumnus of CQU and would be honored to share my journey and the spirit of CQU at an upcoming graduation ceremony or similar event.”