ASU Bahrain’s Expert Advice and Government Engagement

Applied Science University (ASU) in Bahrain plays an active role in providing expert advice and partnership to government bodies at the local, national, and regional levels. The university’s faculty and leadership participate in formal committees, policy consultations, and collaborative agreements that support public policy, education strategy, economic planning, and social development initiatives. Below is a detailed documentation of ASU’s involvement, structured in alignment with THE Impact Rankings SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) criteria.

Participation in Government Committees and Policy Development

ASU academics contribute to formal government committees and national policy initiatives in Bahrain, especially in the higher education and public sector development domains:

– Higher Education Quality and Policy Committees

University representatives serve on national advisory bodies. For example, an ASU presidential advisor has been a steering committee member of Bahrain’s Network for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (BANQAHE) and has acted as an expert member on the National Qualifications Framework policy committees [1]. Through such roles, ASU staff help shape higher education standards and align academic programs with national development needs.

– National Strategy and Public Policy Collaboration

The university formalizes partnerships with government-affiliated policy institutes to share expertise. Notably, ASU signed an MoU with the Bahrain Institute for Political Development (BIPD) in 2020 to cooperate on training and capacity-building. This collaboration focuses on joint training programs, skill development, and knowledge exchange aimed at strengthening national institutions [2]. By working with BIPD, ASU contributes research and training support that informs public policy and governance practices in Bahrain.

(ASU also aligns its research agenda with national strategies like Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030, ensuring that academic output supports the country’s long-term development goals [3]. This alignment underscores the university’s role in national consultations, even as it pursues its own educational mission.)

Advisory Support to Ministries and Parliament

Through formal agreements and consultative initiatives, ASU provides expert guidance and specialized support to various Bahraini ministries and the legislature. Key examples include:

– House of Representatives (Parliament’s Lower House)

In July 2018, ASU signed a memorandum of understanding with Bahrain’s Council of Representatives (parliament). Under this MoU, the university committed to provide academic and research expertise to the Council, including conducting training programs for Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff, and offering expertise to enhance the Council’s legal, social, political, and economic research capacities [2]. This partnership also enables ASU to hold workshops and courses for parliamentarians, strengthening the legislative institution’s knowledge base while giving ASU students opportunities to learn about parliamentary work [2].

– Shura Council (Parliament’s Upper House)

Similarly, ASU signed an MoU with the Shura Council’s General Secretariat on December 29, 2020. This agreement provides for training programmes and workshops for Shura Council employees, alongside ongoing advisory engagements and joint knowledge initiatives between ASU and the Council [2]. Through this partnership, ASU experts help build the capacity of the Shura Council’s staff and contribute to improved legislative processes, reflecting the university’s commitment to supporting strong national institutions.

– Ministry of Works

In 2025, ASU and Bahrain’s Ministry of Works (MoW) signed an MoU to enhance cooperation in civil engineering and infrastructure development. The agreement centers on integrating academic expertise with public works projects, allowing ASU to offer student training placements on major government project sites (such as bridge construction, wastewater treatment plants, and other strategic infrastructure) [4]. In addition to hands-on training for students, the MoU calls for joint workshops, research collaboration, and consultancy input in areas of mutual interest, ensuring that the Ministry can draw on ASU’s technical expertise and advisory services in executing national infrastructure plans [4]. This partnership exemplifies how ASU contributes practical know-how to a key economic development sector.

– Ministry of Labour

ASU works closely with the Ministry of Labour to align education outcomes with labor market needs. For instance, the university’s annual Career Day is organized in cooperation with the Ministry. In May 2023, the Labour Minister Jameel Humaidan personally patronized ASU’s Career Day event, which introduced students to the Ministry’s employment and training programs as part of joint government–community efforts to prepare graduates for the job market [5]. The Ministry of Labour’s active participation (including setting up stands showcasing its initiatives and offering training opportunities) at ASU’s event demonstrates a two-way partnership: the university advises students on career preparedness while the ministry provides policy guidance on employment – together supporting national economic and social development goals.

– Ministry of Interior (Alternative Sentencing Program)

In September 2024, ASU signed an MoU with the Ministry of Interior’s Directorate of Verdict Enforcement and Alternative Sentencing to support Bahrain’s restorative justice initiatives. Under this agreement, ASU delivers specialized educational and training programmes for the Directorate’s staff and for individuals serving alternative (non-custodial) sentences [6]. The partnership – backed by the Minister of Interior – is designed to improve the rehabilitation and skills of offenders by providing them with formal education and training through ASU, thereby aiding their reintegration into society [6]. Both the Ministry and ASU emphasized the importance of this collaboration, which leverages the university’s expertise in education to strengthen the effectiveness of the justice system and social development efforts in Bahrain [6].

(In addition to the above, ASU maintains regular communication with the Ministry of Education and the Higher Education Council on matters of university governance and quality assurance. The university’s leadership frequently engages with education authorities – for example, through institutional quality reviews and strategy meetings – underscoring ASU’s role as a key stakeholder in national higher education policy [1]. These interactions ensure that ASU’s academic offerings and institutional practices align with national standards and contribute to broader educational objectives.)

Regional Policy and Advisory Engagements (GCC and MENA)

Beyond the national arena, ASU extends its expertise to regional policy forums and committees in the Gulf and broader Arab region, underscoring its commitment to partnerships for sustainable development:

– Arab League – Entrepreneurship Committee

An ASU representative has been actively involved in an Arab League committee focused on economic and enterprise policy. Prof. Saad Darwish, an advisor to the ASU President, serves as a member of the Arab Committee for Enterprises under the Arab League. In this capacity, he participated in high-level meetings (e.g. with Bahrain’s Undersecretary for International Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) to prepare for regional economic development forums [7]. Through Prof. Darwish’s membership on the Arab League committee, ASU contributes scholarly and practical insights to regional discussions on entrepreneurship and innovation, helping shape policies that span multiple countries in the MENA region.

– GCC and International Forums

ASU also engages with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) networks and conferences that influence policy and development across the region. The university’s leadership and faculty frequently take part in Gulf-wide higher education meetings and cooperative events. For example, ASU has been represented in regional initiatives on quality assurance and accreditation, and it collaborates with organizations like the GCC Commercial Arbitration Centre and others through academic visits and knowledge exchange programs (such as hosting law faculty visits to GCC legal institutions). By participating in these forums, ASU helps share best practices and supports capacity building beyond Bahrain’s borders, consistent with the spirit of SDG 17’s emphasis on cross-border partnerships. (Specific contributions include ASU’s strategic vision of preparing graduates to play “a vital role in the future of the GCC economy,” reinforcing the university’s alignment with regional development goals [8].)

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