Calendar of Events

Agenda:

Brief overview of the event:

Event Title: “Converging Pathways: For Future-Ready Finance and Project Management

This collaborative event by PMI UAE Chapter and IMA Dubai Chapter prepares professionals to navigate a fast-evolving landscape. Keynotes such as “Reimagining Business in the Age of Disruption” and “Future Proof Your Profile & Approach! Don’t Get Left Behind!” offer strategies for building resilience and adaptability. A compelling panel discussion, “Empowering Resilience: Leveraging Data Analytics for Project and Financial Insights,” will explore data’s transformative role in finance and project management—showcasing how it drives smarter decisions, reveals trends, mitigates risks, and supports a proactive approach to today’s challenges.

Keynote speaker:  

Dr. Christopher Abraham - CEO & Head of the Dubai campus and Director of Executive Education

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/profchrisabraham/ 

Biography of speaker:

Dr. Christopher Abraham is the CEO & Head of the Dubai campus and Director of Executive Education. With over 37 years of experience, he is a recognized expert in innovation, behavioral design, decision-making neuroscience, leadership, and the future of education. Dr. Chris has worked with global clients like The World Bank, Emirates Airlines, P&G, and governments in India, Singapore, UAE, Nigeria, and Kenya.

A three-time TEDx speaker and award-winning CEO, he was named "Best CEO in the World" in 2018 and 2019. He serves on multiple advisory boards, including the RTA Innovation Lab and World CMO Council, and is a Knight of Parte Guelfa, Italy, for his work in sustainability. Dr. Chris is a regular columnist for leading media and has been featured in major TV channels. He also served as the Executive MBA Program head at XLRI, Jamshedpur, and has taught at top universities worldwide.

Brief overview of the topic:  Reimagining Business in the Age of Disruption

The keynote speech will focus on Reimagining Business in the context of Uncertainty and Disruptions. It would look at the power of mindsets, emerging innovations, and exciting business models. The session will provide an interesting and positive perspective on how to envisage business in dynamically changing environment.

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Keynote speaker:

Calvin Lee-Pickett - CEO & Founder at Calvin James Recruitment

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/calvinlp/

Biography of speaker:  

Calvin Lee-Pickett is the CEO and Founder of Calvin James Recruitment and The Calvin James Community. With a wealth of experience in finance and accounting recruitment, Calvin has established himself as a leading expert in the industry.

His dedication to transforming recruitment processes and building long-term relationships has made Calvin James Recruitment a trusted name in the market.

Calvin's passion for helping individuals succeed in their careers is evident in his work with The Calvin James Community, where he equips job seekers with the tools they need to stand out in a competitive job market. 

Brief overview of the topic:  Future Proof Your Profile & Approach! Don't get left behind!

In this keynote on "Future-Proof Your Profile and Approach," Calvin will share insights on staying relevant and adaptable in today's fast-evolving job market. He will emphasize the importance of a learning mindset and continuous skill development. Calvin will discuss strategies for enhancing online visibility, networking, and navigating the job search process from application to interview. He will highlight the power of personal branding, showing how job seekers can differentiate themselves through a strategic online presence and clear value proposition. Drawing on his recruitment expertise, Calvin will provide practical tips on leveraging LinkedIn and professional networks to build connections and uncover opportunities. Attendees will leave with actionable takeaways and an action plan to future-proof their careers, gaining the tools to confidently navigate their career paths and thrive in the changing job market.

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Panelist:

Sai Prasad -  Sr Commercial Manager, The Fitout

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prasadsai/ 

Biography:

Sai Prasad is a Senior Commercial Manager with over 25 years of experience in the real estate and construction sectors. Since 2014, he has specialized in delivering commercial and contractual solutions for large-scale, multi-billion-dirham projects, including master developments, building construction, infrastructure, and railway projects. He has worked with developers like Emaar, Damac, and Dheeraj East Coast, as well as main contractors like ABM Trojan and MS Construction. Sai is skilled in commercial management, cost estimation, procurement, claims management, risk assessment, and more. Holding credentials such as MCIArb, MRICS, MIIQS, and MAIQS, he also serves as an RICS counsellor and chairman of the RICS assessing panel. His collaborative approach focuses on achieving win-win outcomes while driving success and delivering value to clients and stakeholders.

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Panelist:

Anjana Wijegunasinghe-  Group Director- Data Audit and Digital Assurance Solutions

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjana-wijegunasinghe-mba-pmp-cisa-cism-cgeit-crisc-88aa372/ 

Biography: 

With over 24 years of experience in internal audit, risk management, and governance, Anjana is a leader in digital transformation at DP World-UAE. She excels in innovation and team building, using data and technology to enhance audit processes. A certified Project Management Professional (PMP), MBA holder with many certifications in audit and governance, Anjana is dedicated to advancing audit practices. Currently She is the Media & Marketing Director of PMI UAE chapter. 

She also leads the ‘Tech4Women’ global initiative, empowering women at DP World to develop technical skills for career growth, reflecting her commitment to innovation, leadership, and women's empowerment.

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Panelist:

Hilal Mengi -   Managing Director

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilal-mengi/

Biography:  

Hilal has over 17 years of experience in the finance, real estate and information technology industries, and is the Managing Director of Dune-Studio, a professional services and technology company based out of Dubai, UAE. Dune Studio supports leaders harness the power of digital innovation, sustainable practices and new business models to proactively shape the future. Hilal holds a Bachelor of Economics from UNSW and MBA Technology from AGSM UNSW, is a Fellow Certified Practicing Accountant, is certified with Project Management Institute and Change Management Institute Specialist. Hilal serves on the Advisory Board of Business Management Programmes of British University in Dubai and is the UAE Country Chair of IT Services, Innovation and Gig Economy G100 Mission Million and the Social Impact lead at PMI UAE Chapter.