It's official: Wittenborg and VNO-NCW Midden launch Expat Centre Central Netherlands
Expat Centre Central Netherlands Supports Employers and International Talent
On 15 February, Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences and VNO-NCW Midden officially launched the Expat Centre Central Netherlands during an event at Wittenborg's Brinklaan study location in Apeldoorn.
To mark the occasion, Mayor Ton Heerts of Apeldoorn and other stakeholders attended the launch, coinciding with an information session on EU and non-EU English-speaking talent. During the event, representatives from EURES, including Rosa Bouwman, Samira Belhadj and Erik Boon, addressed topics such as labour mobility. Meanwhile, representatives from Tentoo, including Daniël van den Oever and Sierk-Jan Ybema, shared insights into highly skilled migrants and related matters.
Hans Kornmann, CEO of Divitel in Apeldoorn, also shared his experience in hiring international graduates in the Netherlands.
For Wittenborg's Director of Corporate Governance, Karen Penninga, Kornmann's speech was particularly inspiring. He spoke about personal experiences, highlighting the importance of understanding the needs of international staff members.
"He pointed out that he sometimes attracts employees from other very large companies to the Netherlands because they prefer to work in somewhat smaller-sized organisations where they feel more at home," she explained. "So it is important to understand the needs of international talent and see where those can be met."
Guest Lecture Sheds Light on Practical Aspects of Human Resource Management
Lecture delivered by Maike Nuyken to group of IBA students
https://www.wittenborg.eu/guest-lecture-sheds-light-practical-aspects-human-resource-management.htm
A group of Wittenborg bachelor’s students had the opportunity to acquire a deeper understanding of the complexities of Human Resources on 16 January, when the school’s HR Manager Maike Nuyken delivered a guest lecture on this theme.
Titled ‘Practical Insights into Human Resource Management’, the activity focused on topics such as the responsibilities of an HR professional and what daily operations in this field are like. Additionally, Nuyken provided examples of how to handle HR challenges and discussed the differences between working in Human Resources for an SME and for a big corporation.
“Lectures and textbooks tend to focus on the aspects of HR concerned with Recruitment & Selection and Training & Development. On the other hand, it is not so common for students to learn about the day-to-day and perhaps less flashy aspects, such as compensation, health & safety and legal. So, I invited them to think about how different it is to work in HR in a big corporation, where your role is likely very specialised, compared to an SME, where you’ll probably be an all-rounder/generalist, covering all aspects of HR,” she commented.
MBA Guest Lecture: Exploring the Intricacies of Information Security and Risk Management
Cybersecurity Experts Explores Risk Management During Guest Lecture
Reza Khalesi, cybersecurity expert, and Donna Moens, cybersecurity consultant from BDO Nederland, recently delivered a captivating guest lecture at Wittenborg's Amsterdam study location, shedding light on the intricacies of Information Security Management and Risk Management.
During the guest lecture, the duo engaged with MBA (Master of Business Administration) students, using real-life examples and sharing insights on the core elements of Risk Management.
Dynamic Discussion on Geopolitical Developments and Global Trade at IBFA Lunch
Maggie Feng Attends IBFA Lunch in Amsterdam
On 14 February, Maggie Feng, CEO of Wittenborg, attended the International Business Foundation Amsterdam (IBFA) lunch meeting hosted at the Amsterdam Conference Centre Beurs van Berlage. The event gathered together over 60 senior executives from various industries, including representatives from IN Amsterdam, the Van Gogh Museum and others, for a discussion on the geopolitical challenges reshaping global trade.
Throughout the event, attendees had the privilege of hearing from Ed Kronenburg, a seasoned diplomat and expert in international relations, who provided expert analysis of the current geopolitical developments and their implications for global trade. Vincent Knoops, Chairman of IBFA, echoed Kronenburg's sentiments, emphasising the importance of adapting business strategies to thrive amidst geopolitical uncertainty.
Feng expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to engage in vibrant discussions and exchange ideas with fellow industry leaders. "The IBFA lunch is a tradition, a moment that promises inspiration, a table full of interspersed guests is assured, and a hardworking team behind the scenes is a must."
She congratulated Kronenburg, the former Dutch ambassador who lived in Paris and Beijing, on his work, stating further: "Let’s focus on what we have in common, let’s collaborate internationally to battle with challenges facing the entire human race: climate change is one among the challenges… Focusing on the common ground & mutual benefit can help us to gain peace, happiness, and prosperity."
Wittenborg Welcomes Shanghai Business School Students for Educational Exchange
Visiting Students’ Horizons Broadened by Lectures and Cultural Activities
To strengthen its partnership with Shanghai Business School and promote a valuable cultural exchange, Wittenborg offered a special one-week course for a group of students from the Chinese institution from 28 January to 3 February. In total, the activity involved 10 bachelor’s students from Shanghai, mainly studying Information and Communication Technology and Business Management, as well as lecturer Dr Yuangang Li.
During their time in the Netherlands, the students attended lectures on multiple themes including Dutch culture, intercultural management & business approach in Western culture, ethical leadership & communication and presentation skills & constructive feedback. These sessions were conducted by Frits Bartels, Fjorentina Muco, Maggie Feng, Peter Birdsall and Fahad Shakeel.
Moreover, they had the opportunity to visit Apeldoorn’s famous Paleis Het Loo, as part of an assignment which required them to promote the palace in the Chinese market, using different social media platforms to advertise it. The students presented their projects to a panel including Paleis Het Loo’s Manager of Marketing & Communication, Jacolien Van Wezep, who commended their work and expressed the institution’s willingness to go on collaborating with Wittenborg.
Arvin Gharib Outlines Vision for Wittenborg's New Student Representatives
New Student Representative Chairman opens up about plans for the year
https://www.wittenborg.eu/arvin-gharib-outlines-vision-wittenborgs-new-student-representatives.htm
Wittenborg is gearing up for an enriching academic year, with Arvin Gharib at the helm as the newly appointed chairman of the Student Representatives. In a new interview, Gharib outlined his ambitious plans and vision for the team, emphasising collaboration, inclusivity and proactive engagement.
At Wittenborg, ten newly appointed Student Representatives will assess programme content, teaching quality and the student experience. They will gather feedback from students on aspects like teaching, facilities, accommodation and extracurricular activities, continuing the role of their predecessors.
Gharib, an MBA (Master of Business Administration) student specialising in International Management and Education Quality Assistant (Intern) in Apeldoorn, highlighted the importance of collaboration within Wittenborg: "Collaboration is key. We want to work hand in hand with both students and faculty to address challenges and build a stronger, more vibrant academic community." Gharib envisions a united effort to bridge the gap between students and the administration, creating a culture of respect.
Gharib's plans include organising and facilitating events, activities, and initiatives that foster student engagement. Recognising the diversity at Wittenborg, he intends to promote collaboration between different nationalities and create initiatives to help students integrate into the community. Gharib is particularly enthusiastic about the introduction of clubs, starting with a cinema club, music club or business club to provide students with a platform for self-expression and connection.
Wittenborg Guest Lecture Series: Alumna Shares Experience of Ethical Decision-Making & Cultural Perspectives in Business
Ainaz Faraji Captivates Students with an Immersive Journey of Her experiences in the World of Business
On 17 January, as part of a Guest Lecture Series at Wittenborg, Ainaz Faraji, an accomplished Wittenborg alumna, captivated students with an immersive journey of her diverse experiences in the world of business. Through her impactful lecture, Pre-Master students were engaged in a dynamic session with her through active discussions and sharing of experiences.
Faraji, who is currently a Consultant with Capgemini, shared her insights ranging from HR to Project Management, and delved into the core of ethical considerations in organisational dynamics. She was invited by Wittenborg's Deputy Head of School of Business, Dr Dadi Chen, for his module 'Research Methods and Business Ethics'.
During the one-hour session, Faraji dived into the core of ethical considerations in organisational dynamics, and offered thought-provoking perspectives on the implications of ethical behaviour. She expertly navigated the challenges arising from cultural diversity within international companies, presenting her points with compelling real-life examples of ethical dilemmas.
Wittenborg Visits Azerbaijani Partner Universities to Discuss Quality Assurance
Maggie Feng and Rauf Abdul Representing the School in Activities Related to IQAinAR Project
To strengthen connections with partner universities that are working to improve their internal quality assurance systems, Wittenborg CEO Maggie Feng and Head of the School of Business, Rauf Abdul, were in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 15 to 19 January.
The activities were conducted as part of the Erasmus+ research project Internal Quality Assurance in Azerbaijan and Russia (IQAinAR), which is funded by the European Union. This initiative, led by Wittenborg, includes three Azerbaijani partner higher education institutions: Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University, Nakhchivan State University and Azerbaijan Technical University.
Additionally, it involves 456 International BV from the Netherlands, Fundación Universitaria San Antonio from Spain and the Education Quality Assurance Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Annual Globalisation Conference Calls for Reviewers
Reviewers Are Invited to Form Part of the Globalisation Conference
https://www.wittenborg.eu/annual-globalisation-conference-calls-reviewers.htm
In an effort to uphold the standards of academic discourse, the Annual Globalisation Conference has issued a call for reviewers to participate in the evaluation of submitted research.
Scheduled to take place from 14 to 16 August, the conference aims to convene leading scholars, researchers, and practitioners to explore globalisation under 10 key themes: 1) The Digital Revolution, 2) Global Trade and Economics, 3) Cultural Exchange in a Globalised World, 4) Migration Patterns, 5) Environmental Challenges, 6) Global Governance and Policy, 7) The Future of Work, 8) Ethics and Globalisation, 9) Global Health and Pandemics, and 10) Education in a Globalised Era. Reviewers are expected to be knowledgeable in one of these 10 themes.
While the committee is inviting researchers to submit original research papers, case studies, and innovative ideas that shed light on the broad theme of the conference within the 10 themes, reviewers will be tasked with providing constructive feedback and making fair assessments of submissions.
"We are seeking individuals who have excelled in their respective fields of research and possess practical experience to evaluate manuscripts," said Rosita Sayyar, Research Centre Assistant at Wittenborg. "Reviewers play a pivotal role in upholding the quality and relevance of the conference proceedings, and their contributions are invaluable in shaping the discourse on globalisation."
Wittenborg Welcomes More than 50 New Students for February Block
New Members of the Wittenborg Family to Be Based in Apeldoorn, Amsterdam and Munich
https://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-welcomes-more-50-new-students-february-block.htm
Despite the cold temperatures typical of this time of the year in the Netherlands and Germany, more than 50 new students were warmly welcomed by Wittenborg at the start of the school’s February block. The institution has six intakes per year, and the next ones will be in April, May, August, October and December.
The new members of the Wittenborg family will be based at the institution’s study locations in Apeldoorn, Amsterdam and Munich. In line with the school’s strong focus on internationalisation, they come from 20 countries located in different regions of the world: Kyrgyzstan, North Macedonia, Myanmar, Uzbekistan, Philippines, India, Bangladesh, Jordan, Iran, Türkiye, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Mozambique, Nigeria, Morocco, United States, Tunisia, Sri Lanka, Uganda and Russia.
From 5 to 9 February, the school conducted its traditional Introduction Week, including sessions on various topics such as Wittenborg’s infrastructure, facilities and online systems. The activities also addressed life and culture in the Netherlands and Germany (for those students who will be studying in Munich) and how to handle immigration procedures, as well as tips related to internships, careers and professional life.
It's official: Wittenborg and VNO-NCW Midden launch Expat Centre Central Netherlands
Expat Centre Central Netherlands Supports Employers and International Talent
On 15 February, Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences and VNO-NCW Midden officially launched the Expat Centre Central Netherlands during an event at Wittenborg's Brinklaan study location in Apeldoorn.
To mark the occasion, Mayor Ton Heerts of Apeldoorn and other stakeholders attended the launch, coinciding with an information session on EU and non-EU English-speaking talent. During the event, representatives from EURES, including Rosa Bouwman, Samira Belhadj and Erik Boon, addressed topics such as labour mobility. Meanwhile, representatives from Tentoo, including Daniël van den Oever and Sierk-Jan Ybema, shared insights into highly skilled migrants and related matters.
Hans Kornmann, CEO of Divitel in Apeldoorn, also shared his experience in hiring international graduates in the Netherlands.
For Wittenborg's Director of Corporate Governance, Karen Penninga, Kornmann's speech was particularly inspiring. He spoke about personal experiences, highlighting the importance of understanding the needs of international staff members.
"He pointed out that he sometimes attracts employees from other very large companies to the Netherlands because they prefer to work in somewhat smaller-sized organisations where they feel more at home," she explained. "So it is important to understand the needs of international talent and see where those can be met."
Guest Lecture Sheds Light on Practical Aspects of Human Resource Management
Lecture delivered by Maike Nuyken to group of IBA students
https://www.wittenborg.eu/guest-lecture-sheds-light-practical-aspects-human-resource-management.htm
A group of Wittenborg bachelor’s students had the opportunity to acquire a deeper understanding of the complexities of Human Resources on 16 January, when the school’s HR Manager Maike Nuyken delivered a guest lecture on this theme.
Titled ‘Practical Insights into Human Resource Management’, the activity focused on topics such as the responsibilities of an HR professional and what daily operations in this field are like. Additionally, Nuyken provided examples of how to handle HR challenges and discussed the differences between working in Human Resources for an SME and for a big corporation.
“Lectures and textbooks tend to focus on the aspects of HR concerned with Recruitment & Selection and Training & Development. On the other hand, it is not so common for students to learn about the day-to-day and perhaps less flashy aspects, such as compensation, health & safety and legal. So, I invited them to think about how different it is to work in HR in a big corporation, where your role is likely very specialised, compared to an SME, where you’ll probably be an all-rounder/generalist, covering all aspects of HR,” she commented.
MBA Guest Lecture: Exploring the Intricacies of Information Security and Risk Management
Cybersecurity Experts Explores Risk Management During Guest Lecture
Reza Khalesi, cybersecurity expert, and Donna Moens, cybersecurity consultant from BDO Nederland, recently delivered a captivating guest lecture at Wittenborg's Amsterdam study location, shedding light on the intricacies of Information Security Management and Risk Management.
During the guest lecture, the duo engaged with MBA (Master of Business Administration) students, using real-life examples and sharing insights on the core elements of Risk Management.
Dynamic Discussion on Geopolitical Developments and Global Trade at IBFA Lunch
Maggie Feng Attends IBFA Lunch in Amsterdam
On 14 February, Maggie Feng, CEO of Wittenborg, attended the International Business Foundation Amsterdam (IBFA) lunch meeting hosted at the Amsterdam Conference Centre Beurs van Berlage. The event gathered together over 60 senior executives from various industries, including representatives from IN Amsterdam, the Van Gogh Museum and others, for a discussion on the geopolitical challenges reshaping global trade.
Throughout the event, attendees had the privilege of hearing from Ed Kronenburg, a seasoned diplomat and expert in international relations, who provided expert analysis of the current geopolitical developments and their implications for global trade. Vincent Knoops, Chairman of IBFA, echoed Kronenburg's sentiments, emphasising the importance of adapting business strategies to thrive amidst geopolitical uncertainty.
Feng expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to engage in vibrant discussions and exchange ideas with fellow industry leaders. "The IBFA lunch is a tradition, a moment that promises inspiration, a table full of interspersed guests is assured, and a hardworking team behind the scenes is a must."
She congratulated Kronenburg, the former Dutch ambassador who lived in Paris and Beijing, on his work, stating further: "Let’s focus on what we have in common, let’s collaborate internationally to battle with challenges facing the entire human race: climate change is one among the challenges… Focusing on the common ground & mutual benefit can help us to gain peace, happiness, and prosperity."
Wittenborg Welcomes Shanghai Business School Students for Educational Exchange
Visiting Students’ Horizons Broadened by Lectures and Cultural Activities
To strengthen its partnership with Shanghai Business School and promote a valuable cultural exchange, Wittenborg offered a special one-week course for a group of students from the Chinese institution from 28 January to 3 February. In total, the activity involved 10 bachelor’s students from Shanghai, mainly studying Information and Communication Technology and Business Management, as well as lecturer Dr Yuangang Li.
During their time in the Netherlands, the students attended lectures on multiple themes including Dutch culture, intercultural management & business approach in Western culture, ethical leadership & communication and presentation skills & constructive feedback. These sessions were conducted by Frits Bartels, Fjorentina Muco, Maggie Feng, Peter Birdsall and Fahad Shakeel.
Moreover, they had the opportunity to visit Apeldoorn’s famous Paleis Het Loo, as part of an assignment which required them to promote the palace in the Chinese market, using different social media platforms to advertise it. The students presented their projects to a panel including Paleis Het Loo’s Manager of Marketing & Communication, Jacolien Van Wezep, who commended their work and expressed the institution’s willingness to go on collaborating with Wittenborg.
Arvin Gharib Outlines Vision for Wittenborg's New Student Representatives
New Student Representative Chairman opens up about plans for the year
https://www.wittenborg.eu/arvin-gharib-outlines-vision-wittenborgs-new-student-representatives.htm
Wittenborg is gearing up for an enriching academic year, with Arvin Gharib at the helm as the newly appointed chairman of the Student Representatives. In a new interview, Gharib outlined his ambitious plans and vision for the team, emphasising collaboration, inclusivity and proactive engagement.
At Wittenborg, ten newly appointed Student Representatives will assess programme content, teaching quality and the student experience. They will gather feedback from students on aspects like teaching, facilities, accommodation and extracurricular activities, continuing the role of their predecessors.
Gharib, an MBA (Master of Business Administration) student specialising in International Management and Education Quality Assistant (Intern) in Apeldoorn, highlighted the importance of collaboration within Wittenborg: "Collaboration is key. We want to work hand in hand with both students and faculty to address challenges and build a stronger, more vibrant academic community." Gharib envisions a united effort to bridge the gap between students and the administration, creating a culture of respect.
Gharib's plans include organising and facilitating events, activities, and initiatives that foster student engagement. Recognising the diversity at Wittenborg, he intends to promote collaboration between different nationalities and create initiatives to help students integrate into the community. Gharib is particularly enthusiastic about the introduction of clubs, starting with a cinema club, music club or business club to provide students with a platform for self-expression and connection.
Wittenborg Guest Lecture Series: Alumna Shares Experience of Ethical Decision-Making & Cultural Perspectives in Business
Ainaz Faraji Captivates Students with an Immersive Journey of Her experiences in the World of Business
On 17 January, as part of a Guest Lecture Series at Wittenborg, Ainaz Faraji, an accomplished Wittenborg alumna, captivated students with an immersive journey of her diverse experiences in the world of business. Through her impactful lecture, Pre-Master students were engaged in a dynamic session with her through active discussions and sharing of experiences.
Faraji, who is currently a Consultant with Capgemini, shared her insights ranging from HR to Project Management, and delved into the core of ethical considerations in organisational dynamics. She was invited by Wittenborg's Deputy Head of School of Business, Dr Dadi Chen, for his module 'Research Methods and Business Ethics'.
During the one-hour session, Faraji dived into the core of ethical considerations in organisational dynamics, and offered thought-provoking perspectives on the implications of ethical behaviour. She expertly navigated the challenges arising from cultural diversity within international companies, presenting her points with compelling real-life examples of ethical dilemmas.
Wittenborg Visits Azerbaijani Partner Universities to Discuss Quality Assurance
Maggie Feng and Rauf Abdul Representing the School in Activities Related to IQAinAR Project
To strengthen connections with partner universities that are working to improve their internal quality assurance systems, Wittenborg CEO Maggie Feng and Head of the School of Business, Rauf Abdul, were in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 15 to 19 January.
The activities were conducted as part of the Erasmus+ research project Internal Quality Assurance in Azerbaijan and Russia (IQAinAR), which is funded by the European Union. This initiative, led by Wittenborg, includes three Azerbaijani partner higher education institutions: Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University, Nakhchivan State University and Azerbaijan Technical University.
Additionally, it involves 456 International BV from the Netherlands, Fundación Universitaria San Antonio from Spain and the Education Quality Assurance Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Annual Globalisation Conference Calls for Reviewers
Reviewers Are Invited to Form Part of the Globalisation Conference
https://www.wittenborg.eu/annual-globalisation-conference-calls-reviewers.htm
In an effort to uphold the standards of academic discourse, the Annual Globalisation Conference has issued a call for reviewers to participate in the evaluation of submitted research.
Scheduled to take place from 14 to 16 August, the conference aims to convene leading scholars, researchers, and practitioners to explore globalisation under 10 key themes: 1) The Digital Revolution, 2) Global Trade and Economics, 3) Cultural Exchange in a Globalised World, 4) Migration Patterns, 5) Environmental Challenges, 6) Global Governance and Policy, 7) The Future of Work, 8) Ethics and Globalisation, 9) Global Health and Pandemics, and 10) Education in a Globalised Era. Reviewers are expected to be knowledgeable in one of these 10 themes.
While the committee is inviting researchers to submit original research papers, case studies, and innovative ideas that shed light on the broad theme of the conference within the 10 themes, reviewers will be tasked with providing constructive feedback and making fair assessments of submissions.
"We are seeking individuals who have excelled in their respective fields of research and possess practical experience to evaluate manuscripts," said Rosita Sayyar, Research Centre Assistant at Wittenborg. "Reviewers play a pivotal role in upholding the quality and relevance of the conference proceedings, and their contributions are invaluable in shaping the discourse on globalisation."
Wittenborg Welcomes More than 50 New Students for February Block
New Members of the Wittenborg Family to Be Based in Apeldoorn, Amsterdam and Munich
https://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-welcomes-more-50-new-students-february-block.htm
Despite the cold temperatures typical of this time of the year in the Netherlands and Germany, more than 50 new students were warmly welcomed by Wittenborg at the start of the school’s February block. The institution has six intakes per year, and the next ones will be in April, May, August, October and December.
The new members of the Wittenborg family will be based at the institution’s study locations in Apeldoorn, Amsterdam and Munich. In line with the school’s strong focus on internationalisation, they come from 20 countries located in different regions of the world: Kyrgyzstan, North Macedonia, Myanmar, Uzbekistan, Philippines, India, Bangladesh, Jordan, Iran, Türkiye, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Mozambique, Nigeria, Morocco, United States, Tunisia, Sri Lanka, Uganda and Russia.
From 5 to 9 February, the school conducted its traditional Introduction Week, including sessions on various topics such as Wittenborg’s infrastructure, facilities and online systems. The activities also addressed life and culture in the Netherlands and Germany (for those students who will be studying in Munich) and how to handle immigration procedures, as well as tips related to internships, careers and professional life.