The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) and The Asian University for Women (AUW) together Saturday (January 21, 2023) announced the launch of the "HSBC-AUW School of Apparel and Retail Management," a one-year master of science in apparel and retail management programme. The programme will be guided by a global academic committee chaired by Dipak C Jain, former dean of the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. He also served as the dean of INSEAD in France. The HSBC-AUW School of Apparel and Retail Management will prepare young female professionals with expertise in fashion, merchandising, supply chain management, brand management, and occupational health and safety issues, said a media statement Saturday. Read: Diesel import from India via pipeline from June: Nasrul Hamid The programme was launched at the "HSBC-AUW School of Apparel: Leading the Future of Fashion" at Chattogram hotel. Education Minister Dipu Moni sent a video message to the event. Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi, Deputy Minister for Education Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury, AUW founder Kamal Ahmad, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association President Faruque Hassan, former Denmark prime minister Poul Nyrup Rasmussen, US state department senior official Katrina Fotovat, The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam, and HSBC Bangladesh CEO Md Mahbub ur Rahman, joined the programme. Read: 5th BMCCI LegalTalk seminar on tax law, foreign investment held AUW Vice-Chancellor Rubana Huq said: "Today, the apparel industry in Bangladesh needs a homegrown talent pool, which will serve the needs of the sector. So, to prepare cohorts ready to take on the challenge of employability in Bangladesh, AUW is happy to launch the School of Apparel with HSBC Bangladesh." Amanda Murphy, head of commercial banking (South and Southeast Asia) at HSBC said: "The global apparel industry is evolving rapidly alongside emerging technologies, changing consumption patterns and an increasing focus on sustainability." "We are proud to partner with the Asian University for Women to launch the HSBC-AUW School of Apparel and the Masters programme to equip future talent with the expertise to drive continued innovation in Bangladesh's largest export industry. Importantly, this programme supports the professional and leadership development of women, providing better access to opportunities through inclusion and fostering long-term growth for Bangladesh and its communities." Read More: In the era of RMG, showcasing the Majestic Silks of Bangladesh Academic excellence, industry relevance and social significance would be the defining features of the programme. The graduates would be technologically savvy, have superior communication skills and gain up-to-date, contemporary knowledge and skills needed for apparel and retail management. Under the programme, 13 courses will be offered to students of AUW. And 50 students will be enrolled in the inaugural year. HSBC will help set up the school by designing Mac labs and providing support for curriculum and faculty, IT and class infrastructure and education materials. Read More: Bangladesh to become 9th largest consumer market globally by 2030: HSBC

HSBC will launch the ‘Female Entrepreneur Fund (FEF)’ in Bangladesh on Thursday in acknowledgment of the challenges that female-owned businesses face. Female Entrepreneur Fund (FEF) will be launched as part of HSBC’s global commitment to supporting female entrepreneurs. The aim of the programme is to promote financial inclusivity for women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh through the FEF initiative by supporting: financial literacy, networking, and financing, said HSBC, one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations. Read HSBC Bangladesh gets 1st female head of retail banking Of HSBC’s clientele base - female led corporates, NGOs that help and promote female entrepreneurship, female led startups and some selected non-customer groups and individuals will be eligible to participate in the programme. Participants will benefit from access to HSBC’s extensive local and global networks, opportunity to learn and share knowledge among a cohort of female entrepreneurs, workshops and master classes designed for specific needs. Kevin Green, Country Head of Wholesale Banking, HSBC Bangladesh said finance has a pivotal role to play as a catalyst for change. Read HSBC, IBA award young talents of Bangladesh with future skills “Through programmes such as the Female Entrepreneur Fund, we are taking strides to bring financial independence and inclusivity to the communities that we operate in. This initiative will help us to connect our customers and communities with opportunities for growth”. After a successful launch in 11 markets, Bangladesh joins a number of markets in Asia to the coverage of the programme.

HSBC Bangladesh recently introduced the "HSBC Cash Flow Forecasting" tool, a fully integrated forecasting solution that allows businesses to generate a more accurate view of their future finances and liquidity positions. HSBC Cash Flow Forecasting is accessed via the bank's digital banking platform "HSBCnet," providing clients with a single point of access for all their cash management needs. Read HSBC, BEZA, Brac team up to make Mirsarai Economic Zone greener The tool automatically loads data from a client's account and can also work cohesively with the client's own systems. This allows details of pending invoices or future-dated events to be added automatically, reducing manual intervention and significantly cutting the time taken to prepare a forecast. Read: Bangladesh holds hidden gems for investors: HSBC Also, the tool reduces engagement of resources in manual spreadsheet administration, which is generally involved in cash flow forecasting to allow businesses to focus on higher-value generating activities. HSBC's Cash Flow Forecasting tool produces "sophisticated cash forecasts" covering a three-year horizon, said a media release Sunday. The modelling and scenario testing capability allow clients to create customised forecasts with ease. Read: BGMEA-HSBC teaming up to 'Export Culture of Bangladesh' Detailed variance analysis will highlight differences between forecasts and actual performances – meaning clients can spot cash surpluses or deficits and further refine the accuracy of their forecasts. "In an ever-changing dynamic market environment, it is more important than ever for treasurers to have accurate and timely forecasts of their liquidity positions, not just in the short term, but as far forward as possible. Our Cash Flow Forecasting tool can provide treasurers with the functionality they need to do just that," said Kevin Green, country head of wholesale banking at HSBC Bangladesh. Read HSBC named Bangladesh's best international retail bank

Md. Mahbub ur Rahman, CEO of HSBC Bangladesh, has been elected  Chairman of the British Business Group (BBG). The appointment follows the election of a new BBG Board who will guide the Group for the next three years. Rahman said he is honoured to have been elected Chairman of the BBG. Read: Bangladesh elected FAO Council member "I believe it is important that British businesses operating in Bangladesh are well represented in relevant strategic forums in the country. The BBG Board will continue its constructive engagement with stakeholders in Government and the wider business community in the private sector to promote members’ interests and be a partner in the progress and development of Bangladesh”.  Rahman was appointed as the CEO of HSBC Bangladesh in April 2020.  He joined HSBC in 2002 and was previously Deputy CEO as well as Head of Wholesale Banking in Bangladesh. Prior to this, he led HSBC’s Commercial Banking business in Malaysia.  An MBA from the Kellogg-HKUST joint programme, he takes a keen interest in the transformation of international trade and supply chains. Read: Bangladesh reelected ILO Deputy member He also serves as a member of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Bangladesh Standing Committee on Banking Techniques and Practices. HSBC are one of the many UK firms operating in Bangladesh. The new Board members of the BBG represent companies in the financial, retail, garment and consultancy sectors who are conducting business successfully in the Bangladesh market.       The British Business Group (BBG) was formed in 2005, originally it operated under the umbrella of the British High Commission (BHC).

BGMEA and HSBC on Monday signed an agreement on BGMEA’s pledge to export the culture of Bangladesh.