Applied Science University (ASU) Bahrain – Outreach and Capacity-Building for Government (2021–2025)

Partnership with Legislative Bodies (Parliament)

ASU has actively collaborated with Bahrain’s legislative institutions to build capacity among policymakers and parliamentary staff. In late 2020, ASU signed a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Shura Council’s General Secretariat to organize training programs and workshops for council staff [1]. ASU’s President emphasized that this cooperation would provide the Shura Council with academic expertise via training and educational workshops for its members, while also letting ASU students learn from the Council’s legal and political research activities [1]. The Shura Council’s Secretary General likewise lauded the MoU as a way to enhance training, consultations, and capacity-building for the Council’s employees so they can better support legislators [1].

Following this agreement, ASU delivered on its commitments through a series of workshops and courses for parliamentary staff. Throughout 2021–2022, ASU professors conducted training sessions for employees of the Council of Representatives and the Shura Council on topics such as strategic planning, legislative drafting, analysis of legal texts, administrative decision-making, financial performance, and public policy analysis. These sessions were organized in cooperation with the parliamentary training centers of Bahrain’s National Assembly. For example, ASU faculty delivered a course on “Methods and Strategies for Designing Modern Organisational Structures” for the Council of Representatives’ Secretariat in May 2022 [2], and another on “Dynamics of Groups and Work Teams” for parliamentary employees later that month [2]. Such trainings provided practical skills in governance and administration to the civil servants who support Bahrain’s lawmakers. ASU’s engagement with the legislature is ongoing – in April 2023, the University’s Vice President met with the House of Representatives’ Secretariat to coordinate further training programs and exchange expertise, building on the success of the earlier MoU (as evidenced by continued joint meetings and ASU alumni now working as parliamentary training specialists) [2] [1].

Training and Workshops for Government Officials

Beyond the legislature, ASU has extended its educational outreach to various government agencies in recent years. The University’s Training, Development and Continuing Education Centre regularly partners with public-sector bodies to host workshops and public lectures for civil servants. In mid-2022, ASU delivered a dedicated training course titled “Strategic Planning” for employees of the Council of Representatives’ General Secretariat, led by an ASU Business Administration professor [2]. This was one of a series of capacity-building sessions in May–June 2022 that covered effective administration: from organizational design and communication skills to auditing and financial control in the public sector [2]. Similarly, ASU’s faculty provided a workshop on “Time Management and Prioritisation” for staff of the Shura Council (upper house of Parliament) in May 2022, in cooperation with that council’s training directorate [2]. These initiatives illustrate ASU’s role in upskilling government officials in areas of governance, public administration, and financial management.

ASU has also collaborated with ministries to support their training needs. For instance, the University worked with the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments to deliver specialized lectures for coordinators of Quran education programs. In one such outreach event (March 2022), ASU organized a workshop on “Developing Thinking and Communication Skills” for these ministry-affiliated program coordinators [2]. Another workshop in late 2022 on “Innovation Management” was provided to the Ministry’s personnel via ASU, focusing on creative problem-solving in program administration [2]. While targeted at a specific sector, these trainings in communication and innovation contribute to stronger institutional capacities within government-operated programs. Furthermore, ASU has engaged with the Ministry of Interior on public awareness education – for example, it hosted an on-campus lecture on the harms of drug abuse presented by a senior official from the National Police’s investigation directorate (Nov 2022), aimed at both students and the broader community [2]. Through such workshops and lectures, ASU addresses a range of governance-related subjects (law, administrative skills, social issues) and provides a forum for government experts to share knowledge.

Public Events and Policy Discourse Involvement

ASU contributes to policy discourse and public-sector development not only through closed trainings but also via open events and conferences that involve policymakers. Notably, ASU frequently invites government leaders to university events that bridge academia and national development goals. In May 2024, ASU organized its 11th annual Career Day fair – an event focused on employment and skills – which was inaugurated by Bahrain’s Minister of Labor, Jameel Humaidan [3]. The Minister praised this event, emphasizing the vital role of higher education institutions like ASU in supplying the labor market with qualified graduates and in keeping educational programs aligned with national economic needs [3]. The Career Day was attended by 52 organizations from both public and private sectors, offering students guidance on in-demand specialties and future job opportunities [3]. The patronage and presence of a senior government official at ASU’s event underscores the University’s engagement with policymakers on issues of economic development and workforce readiness – key aspects of public policy. It also highlights ASU’s commitment to supporting national initiatives (like reducing unemployment and enhancing youth skills) in partnership with government ministries.

ASU faculty members likewise participate in national and regional conferences that shape public policy discussions. For example, in March 2023 ASU scholars took part in a conference at University of Bahrain on the kingdom’s Economic Vision 2030, focusing on its impact in legal and economic fields [4]. The forum explored avenues of sustainable economic development, crisis management, financial markets, and support for private-sector growth [4] – subjects aligned with SDG 16’s promotion of strong institutions and economic stability. ASU’s involvement in such conferences – often alongside government representatives and experts – indicates its active role in the exchange of ideas on governance, economic policy, and sustainable development.

Additionally, ASU’s College of Law has forged links with key public institutions to enrich policy-oriented research and training. In July 2023, a delegation from the College of Law visited the Bahrain Institute for Political Development (BIPD) – a government-established institute dedicated to training and educating political practitioners. The meeting with BIPD leaders aimed to “consolidate cooperation” and explore joint initiatives to support government institutions with legal and political expertise [5]. During this visit, ASU and BIPD discussed steps such as accrediting BIPD as a training venue for ASU students, collaborating on research publications, and leveraging ASU’s constitutional law specialists for institute programs [5]. This outreach reflects how ASU provides its academic resources to assist in policy capacity-building for lawmakers and officials. By engaging with a body like BIPD, ASU helps bridge academia and government – offering training, research collaboration, and expert advisory support in areas of law, governance and public policy.

Collaboration through MoUs and Joint Initiatives

To institutionalize these outreach efforts, ASU has entered into multiple formal partnerships with government entities in recent years. Besides the aforementioned Shura Council MoU, ASU signed a new memorandum of understanding with Bahrain’s Ministry of Works in 2025 to strengthen collaboration on training and knowledge exchange [6]. This MoU focuses on providing ASU students with hands-on training at major infrastructure projects, but it also entails jointly hosting scientific events, conferences, and seminars on topics of mutual interest between the University and the Ministry [6]. Such collaboration not only benefits students but creates a platform where academic and government professionals jointly address practical challenges (e.g. in engineering, urban planning, sustainability of infrastructure). Similarly, ASU has an ongoing partnership with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce; for example, the University’s Business Incubation Centre previously hosted guest lectures by ministry officials to promote entrepreneurship and economic policy awareness among students and alumni [7]. Through these agreements and initiatives, ASU positions itself as a key contributor to Bahrain’s institutional development by sharing expertise, co-organizing events, and aligning its programs with national priorities.

In summary, Applied Science University in Bahrain actively supports SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by engaging with lawmakers, policymakers, and government agencies via outreach education and capacity-building programs. Over the past four years, ASU has organized targeted training workshops for parliamentary and ministerial staff (covering law, public administration, economics, and digital skills), hosted public lectures and events with high-ranking officials on issues of governance and development, and formalized partnerships to sustain these efforts. These activities – documented through official university news and cooperation agreements – demonstrate ASU’s comprehensive approach to strengthening institutions and fostering dialogue between academia and government [1] [3]. The university’s outreach not only enhances the skills and knowledge of current policymakers and civil servants, but also prepares future generations of public-sector leaders, thereby contributing to the stability and progress of Bahrain’s governance systems [1] [3].

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