A Partnership that Spans the Globe
When Moemen Zaki moved to Canada in 2007, his dream had come true. Born and raised in Egypt, he knew he wanted to travel abroad and experience the world. An opportunity to start his degree at home and finish it in Canada at Cape Breton University was exactly what he needed. He graduated from CBU in 2009 with double major in Networking & Information technology.
His story started in Cairo in 2004, but like many others, it goes back further to 2003, when CBU’s Vice President of Finance Gordon MacInnis, accompanied by Dr. Ken Macleod, embarked on a journey to Cairo, Egypt that would lay the foundation for a transformative relationship between Cape Breton University (CBU) and the Canadian International College (CIC). The mission was ambitious — to build a technical training college in Egypt through collaboration with private investors. Fast forward to 2004, and the dream was becoming a reality. The Canadian College of Advanced Technology in Cairo was taking shape, offering CBU’s (then University College of Cape Breton) diploma in Business Technology and Information Technology, with plans for students to complete their studies at CBU.
By 2005, John Harker, then President of CBU, travelled to CIC Cairo to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Ministry of Egypt and the Nova Scotia Department of Education. The relationship had evolved into a global endeavor, with 800 plus students in Egypt studying CBU's curriculum towards degrees in business and manufacturing technology.
This collaboration not only showcased CBU's commitment to international academic excellence but also underscored its flexibility in program delivery. CBU's partnership with CIC in Cairo stands as a testament to the university's vision of fostering international education and cultural exchange, leaving a mark on the landscape of global academic partnerships. Hundreds of students, like Moemen, have been offered international experience and a world-class education.
As the years unfolded, the partnership between CBU and CIC in Cairo continued to flourish, becoming a cornerstone of both institutions' legacies. Today, as we celebrate the 20 years of partnership, CBU also celebrates its 50th anniversary. This dual milestone reflects two decades of shared achievement. The partnership's evolution from a visionary idea to a thriving reality has not only enriched the educational experiences of countless students but has also solidified the institutions' commitment to fostering global connections.
A group of CIC/CBU Alumni and staff at the first event CIC reunion.
To kick-off this celebration of both 20 years of partnership and 50 years of CBU’s excellence, President David Dingwall, accompanied by Shannon School of Business Dean John Nadeau, Registrar Bilynda Whiting, and Vice President Finance Gordon MacInnis, visited the CIC campus for their fall convocation ceremony in September of 2023.
In addition, they hosted the first ever CIC/CBU Alumni reunion two days later. Against the backdrop of the CIC campus, more than 75 alumni and staff gathered to reminisce, share stories, and celebrate the impact of their academic journey. Moemen Zaki not only attended the reunion, he was a centre of attention with his art and business.
Moemen returned from Canada to Cairo in 2020 at the onset of COVID-19 and started a business, CaricatureWorld, offering caricature drawings at events. His service has been used at large corporate events, small intimate events and offers guests a unique artistic representation of themselves. Moemen and his artists highlight distinctive features that contribute to an individual's uniqueness and portray subjects not through a conventional portrait, but with a touch of humor. He has since grown and expanded his business and offers a wide array of services. At the alumni event, he and his colleague treated guests to realistic and fun drawings that they could take home as a gift.
Moemen Zaki (third from left) along with CBU Development Officer Alumni Relations – Mark Inglis and other CIC/CBU Alumni
This reunion was a culmination of two decades of collaboration and highlighted the milestones achieved and the enduring relationship fostered between CBU and CIC to shaping the future of education across the globe.
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