Applied Sciences University hosted the introductory seminar for the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) in the Kingdom of Bahrain, where Prof. Ghassan Aouad, President of the University and former President of the Institute’s presented a workshop titled “The Art and Science of Leadership in Construction”, in which he explained about future innovations and development in the construction sector locally and globally.

Prof. Aouad addressed during his presentation with the presence of British Ambassador Mr. Simon Martin, Korean Ambassador Mr. Joon-HA Yu, Chairman of the Board of Trustees Prof. Waheeb Al Khaja, Director of the British Council Bahrain Richard   and a number of attendees from inside and outside the University a set of topics where he explained about ASU establishment since 2004, and the four colleges along with their 18 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. In additions to the 3050 existing students, and 3500 of its graduates. He also presented an overview picture of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), noticing that it is one of the world prime professional bodies in construction and leadership, where the Institute was founded in 1834, and its members work all over the globe in the development of the construction industry.

He also stressed about various leadership styles and the key differences between leadership and management, stating that leadership skills is the ability of the person making the difference and to influence the people around them and the ability to guide them to achieve the goals of the work successfully, pointing out that the leader must have certain qualities distinguish them from other staff such as faith in the work they are doing does, good planning, taking initiatives, firmness and confidence in the strategic decisions during the critical periods and other relevant qualities that must be within each leader.  Prof. Aouad mentioned that the right path for the successful leader is to think, plan, work then evaluate to ensure more improved outcome. Moreover, he referred to some examples of global, Arab and local leading figures that have made a difference in all aspects of life, whether in engineering, medicine, Political and other fields. He also pointed out that success lies in five key components: Leadership, Cooperation, Passion, Technical Competence and Quality stating that leaders are not born, but they are made according to the field of work and specialization.

Speaking about the future of construction, Prof. Aouad explained that green and smart buildings are currently the main trend in regional construction sectors. This trend will raise the ceiling for the use of modern technology and integrated ICT systems in the construction of high-rise structures that reflects the role of technology and its impact on our lives and the future of construction on the planet.