The Career Services Center at the University of Balamand (UOB), in collaboration with the Lebanese Private Sector Network (LPSN), hosted the roundtable discussion “Bridging Academia and Industry: Future Skills and Digital Transformation” on June 30, 2026, at the University of Balamand, Koura Campus. The event brought together university leadership, faculty members, industry representatives, business leaders, and students to foster dialogue on the future of work and strengthen collaboration between academia and the private sector.

The event opened with remarks by Mrs. Diala Farah, Director of the Career Services Center, followed by Dr. Youssef Bassim, representing UOB and LPSN, who highlighted the importance of academic-industry collaboration in preparing graduates for an evolving job market. Mrs. Dina Harake, Lead - Lebanon Works Education Unit, delivered the keynote address, focusing on digital transformation, workforce readiness, and future skills.

Interactive roundtable discussions covered four sectors, Healthcare, Education, Industry, and Economics and Business, and explored labor market trends, sector-specific skills, and opportunities for collaboration. The sessions were moderated by Dr. Youssef Bassim, Assistant to the President for Health Affairs at UOB, Dr. Dima Issa Chairperson of the Mass Media and Communication Department at UOB, Mr. Afif Tabsh Founding Partner at RPS MENA, and Mrs. Mireille Korab Abi Nasr Chief Commercial Officer at Investment & Capital Bank.

The event concluded with recommendations from each roundtable, providing a framework for future initiatives to better align academic programs with industry needs, enhance graduate employability, and strengthen collaboration between the University of Balamand and the private sector.









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