AAA’s Brain Gain Series celebrates collaboration and global vision

The American Alumni Association (AAA) hosted another standout edition of its Brain Gain Series on Monday, October 27, 2025, at the United Commercial Bank PLC (UCB) Head Office in Gulshan.

The featured speaker, Mr. Asif Saleh, Executive Director of BRAC and a Life Member of AAA, delivered a thought-provoking keynote on 'Social Development and Enterprises: A Global Perspective,' according to a media release. 

The event drew an impressive gathering of AAA members, business leaders, development professionals, and distinguished guests—all eager to explore how global experiences can meaningfully shape local innovation and inclusive growth.

In his engaging address, Mr. Saleh drew upon his multifaceted global career—from Goldman Sachs in New York and London to his impactful leadership at UNDP Bangladesh and now at BRAC, one of the world’s largest development organizations.

With his signature clarity and conviction, he emphasized that 'sustainable progress in Bangladesh depends on the collaboration of all sectors—public, private, and non-profit.'

He shared how innovative social enterprise models, when informed by global best practices, can transform local communities. His message resonated deeply with the audience of U.S.-educated professionals—many of whom see themselves as catalysts for this very transformation.

The session began with opening remarks from Mr. Sharif Zahir, President of AAA and Chairman of UCB, who highlighted AAA’s enduring mission to connect global expertise with national progress. The conversation was ably moderated by Ms. Nusrat Aman, Former President of AAA, whose thoughtful questions drew out inspiring reflections from Mr. Saleh.

Their discussion covered everything from the evolving role of social enterprises to the practical ways global graduates can contribute to Bangladesh’s development journey.

At its core, the evening reaffirmed AAA’s visionary Brain Gain Initiative, launched in 2011 to turn the long-standing challenge of `brain drain` into a powerful engine of `brain gain.` By connecting Bangladeshi professionals educated in the United States with national development efforts, AAA is nurturing a dynamic community of changemakers—returning home not just with degrees, but with a renewed sense of purpose.

Mr. Saleh’s participation exemplified this mission. As a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader (2013) and Asia 21 Fellow (2012), his journey embodies the spirit of global learning applied to local impact—a story that continues to inspire many within and beyond the AAA network, the release adds.