The award recognises work to connect with the city’s large Bangladeshi community, and promote Portsmouth globally
The University of Portsmouth has been awarded a silver award at the HEIST awards for its work connecting with the city’s large Bangladeshi community, and promoting Portsmouth globally.
Working with the local community, businesses and the City Council, the programme has established the University and the City of Portsmouth in the minds of key decision makers, institutions and organisations in Bangladesh.
Initiatives over the past two years have included:
- An increase in international students from Bangladesh from 22 in the first year to 420 in the second.
- Establishing a strong working relationship with the Portsmouth Bangladesh Business Association who support local Bangladeshi businesses, students and citizens in Portsmouth
- Building on links with local Bangladeshi community, which led to a Ministerial visit for Bangladesh to Portsmouth
- A trade mission from Portsmouth to Bangladesh and a sister city agreement signed between Portsmouth and Sylhet
- Projects agreed with the Bangladesh Government on marine issues through the University’s Centre for Blue Governance, and other educational institutions including Shahjalal University of Science and Technology and North South University. Four more partnerships are in the process of being set up.
The University and Portsmouth Bangladesh Business Association (PBBA)
Awarding a silver award to the University, the judges said: “Utilising the local Bangladeshi community, businesses and diaspora to create brand ambassadors for Portsmouth and the city, this entry was backed by a clear methodical plan and stunning ROI, which made for an innovative and interesting submission that cut through to the connection with the community. Congratulations University of Portsmouth.”