Abdul Hasib Siddique
Chief Coordinating Officer and Member, Board of Trustees
University of Scholars

Life isn't a lyrical composition but a grand narrative, full of unpredictability and excitement. Reflecting on the past nineteen years, I've learned the importance of seizing opportunities and committing to the path you choose. After finishing school, I decided to continue my education, a choice that’s kept me eager to learn even today. Life has taught me the value of courage and the futility of anxiety.

My fascination with electricity began in childhood, marveling at how a thin wire could power a fan or television. This curiosity fueled my undergraduate studies in Electrical Engineering (EEE), focusing on electricity generation through renewable and conventional sources. In 2004, after completing my 12th exams in India, I enrolled in the EEE department at AIUB, where Dr. Tareq Aziz, my professor, inspired my passion for renewable energy. I dedicated my thesis to designing solar cell controllers and later explored Stirling engines, publishing several research papers on renewable energy. My master's in telecommunications from UAE allowed me to dive deeper into smart grid technology, an area still in its infancy at the time.

Between 2011 and 2013, I published influential papers on topics like distributed generation and smart grids for the UAE's Vision 2030, and nuclear energy’s role in improving air quality. My transition to industry came when I joined ADNOC in 2013. Over six years in the oil and gas sector, I published research on how renewable energy could support this industry. My work, such as "The Impact of PV Shades in Reducing Heat Stress in Oil Drilling," was highly regarded. Yet, my heart remained in academia.

In 2019, I returned to Bangladesh, focusing on renewable energy and teaching at USTC. The shift allowed me to apply my industrial knowledge to guide young minds. However, the COVID-19 pandemic led me to re-evaluate my academic goals. I applied for a PhD and was accepted at Charles Darwin University, Australia, to work on integrating hydrogen into power systems—an area I believe is crucial for the future of energy.

My journey started in India, where I lived after my father, a diplomat, was posted to Agartala. Schooling in English was initially challenging, but my teacher, ParomitaDhar, nurtured my academic growth. By the time I finished grade 12 at BhartiyaVidyaBhavan, I had developed a love for science, even while balancing cricket with my studies. I returned to Bangladesh in 2004, enrolling in AIUB for my B.Sc. in EEE. My close friend, Dhrupad Debnath, and I navigated university life together, excelling academically. We were driven by a passion for education, eventually becoming lecturers at AIUB. The friendships I made then, with individuals who went on to prestigious international universities, inspired my own academic ambitions.

Studying abroad in the UAE was transformative. I had to adapt to a new culture and lifestyle while pursuing my master's at Khalifa University, a top-ranked institution. Under the mentorship of Dr. Braham Barakat, I worked on wide-area monitoring and smart grid technologies. His influence led me to consider pursuing a PhD in Australia. My time in the UAE was marked by both successes and challenges. I recall the sting of a UK visa rejection, which at first seemed like a setback but turned out to be a pivotal moment. It motivated me to showcase my research on an international stage, eventually presenting at conferences in the USA and Norway.

After completing my master's, I joined ADNOC, where I experienced the pressure and excitement of working in the oil industry. The long hours, combined with the demands of maintaining critical infrastructure in harsh desert and deep-sea environments, gave me invaluable professional experience. Despite the financial rewards, I knew education would always be my priority. While working at ADNOC, I completed a third master’s in Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE), alongside multiple certifications. Yet, the desire to teach and contribute to the academic world drew me back to Bangladesh.

Returning to academia felt like coming full circle. I joined USTC, eager to impart my knowledge to the next generation. Around this time, COVID-19 disrupted plans worldwide. I had secured a fully-funded PhD position in Italy, but the uncertainty of the pandemic made me reconsider. Instead, I focused on projects that aligned with my interest in renewable energy. My expertise in "Hydrogen Integration into the Power System" led me to Charles Darwin University, a perfect match for my future goals.

In 2020, a surprising phone call from an old friend, Abu Bakr Siddique, changed my career trajectory. He introduced me to Reverie Power and Automation Engineering Ltd., one of Bangladesh’s largest EPC contracting firms. Despite my lack of managerial experience, I was offered the role of Chief Coordinating Officer and Board of Trustees member at the University of Scholars. This dual responsibility has allowed me to balance my passion for education with the operational demands of a growing university. Since joining, the university has expanded from 700 to 4,500 students and from 25,000 to 90,000 square feet of campus space.

Now, as I pursue my PhD, I remain committed to advancing Bangladesh’s power sector. My vision includes setting up the first hydrogen lab in Bangladesh, in collaboration with Reverie. The land is already secured, and I have the full support of the university’s board. I believe this project will not only elevate the University of Scholars but also contribute significantly to Bangladesh's renewable energy research and education.

I’ve traveled extensively, from visiting universities in Europe, the USA, and Asia, to living in the Middle East. Each experience has enriched my understanding of global education and energy challenges. Currently, I serve as an advisor and executive director at two English-medium schools in Dhaka, roles that stem from my passion for education rather than financial motivation. My ultimate goal is to inspire future generations to dream big and make meaningful contributions to society.

As I stand at this juncture in my life, I’m reminded of the saying, "We plan, and HE plans, and HE is the best of planners." My journey has taken unexpected turns, but I am exactly where I am meant to be—leading, learning, and teaching.