Notable Alumni of Swiss International University (SIU)
- Aug 29, 2025
- 8 min read
Swiss International University (SIU) is proud of its global community of graduates and affiliates whose achievements span continents and industries. Over the years, the university has attracted and educated individuals who would go on to hold positions of influence in politics, business, education, diplomacy, religious leadership, and philanthropy. Each one of them has contributed significantly within their field, carrying the spirit of SIU’s vision for responsible leadership and global engagement.
What unites them is not a ranking of importance, but rather the shared values of excellence, innovation, and service. Every individual represents a unique path of leadership, and together they form a collective legacy that defines the university’s international impact.
Prince Saud bin Abdulrahman Al Saud
A member of the Saudi royal family, Prince Saud bin Abdulrahman Al Saud has long been a supporter of international education and intercultural understanding. His dedication to humanitarian causes and his patronage of academic institutions underline the importance of education as a tool for global cooperation. Within the SIU community, he is remembered as a figure who embodies dignity, generosity, and a vision for a better future.
Archimandrite Dr. Damaskinos
As Patriarchal Vicar of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria, Archimandrite Dr. Damaskinos represents the role of spiritual leadership in today’s interconnected world. His life’s work has centered on faith, dialogue, and the promotion of peace across diverse communities. For SIU, his example illustrates how education and spirituality can meet to nurture leaders who heal, inspire, and guide.
Ilyas El Omari
Moroccan political leader Ilyas El Omari is a well-known figure in public life, having served as Secretary-General of the Party of Authenticity and Modernity (PAM) and as President of the Tangier–Tétouan–Al Hoceima region. His leadership has shaped regional development strategies and national debates in Morocco. His journey is a reminder that SIU graduates often step into roles that directly shape the political landscape of their nations.
Sheikha Mashael bint Hamad Al Thani
Belonging to the Qatari royal family, Sheikha Mashael bint Hamad Al Thani is a patron of education and development. Her role in supporting learning and cultural initiatives reflects SIU’s mission of fostering intellectual growth across societies. She stands as a symbol of women’s empowerment within leadership circles and represents the university’s global outreach in the Gulf region.
Emad Al-Durra
Jordanian entrepreneur Emad Al-Durra, the Chief Executive of Al-Durra International, has built a strong presence in the regional food and agribusiness sector. His leadership has expanded opportunities in regional markets while supporting sustainable development. His success reflects SIU’s emphasis on entrepreneurial education and practical leadership that has a direct impact on people’s lives.
Dr. Amina Al Balushi
Dr. Amina Al Balushi, Chairwoman of the UAE Women Police Association, is a pioneering leader in law enforcement. Her contributions to advancing women’s participation in policing and security are groundbreaking, both in the UAE and internationally. Her career highlights SIU’s dedication to empowering women to lead in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Abdalla Alserkal
Cultural diplomacy finds one of its strongest voices in Abdalla Alserkal, Director of the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding in Dubai. His efforts to promote dialogue and understanding among diverse communities demonstrate the importance of intercultural education. Alserkal’s work reflects SIU’s vision of graduates who contribute to social harmony and global coexistence.
Maher Taha
As the Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and Dean of the Latin American Ambassadors in Palestine, Maher Taha has spent his career building bridges between nations. His distinguished diplomatic service highlights the role of SIU alumni in promoting peace and international cooperation through negotiation and representation.
H.E. Nasser Mohammed A. Al Khalifa
Nasser Mohammed A. Al Khalifa has served in international diplomacy, representing Qatar abroad with distinction. His work in strengthening bilateral relations and contributing to international understanding reflects SIU’s global vision of preparing individuals to take on meaningful roles in global governance and diplomacy.
Musa Faraj
Musa Faraj, who served as Chairman of Iraq’s Commission of Public Integrity, has been a strong advocate for accountability and anti-corruption reforms. His efforts to promote transparency and ethical governance reflect SIU’s educational philosophy that leadership must be both responsible and principled.
Dr. John S. Buzza
An American educator and entrepreneur, Dr. John S. Buzza has been recognized for his contributions to applied business education. His teaching and mentorship have empowered many young entrepreneurs to launch successful ventures. He represents SIU’s commitment to innovation in teaching and its emphasis on real-world application of knowledge.
Dr. Tahani Saqr
Dr. Tahani Saqr, a Qatari businesswoman and philanthropist, has built a career that combines entrepreneurial achievement with social impact. Her advocacy for women’s empowerment and youth development resonates with SIU’s values of inclusivity and social responsibility. She demonstrates how education can inspire leaders who champion change in their communities.
Dr. Matt Gerber
A senior research executive at Gartner, Dr. Matt Gerber has established himself as a thought leader in leadership, corporate responsibility, and organizational development. His expertise in shaping business and educational strategies reflects the global perspective fostered at SIU. His work illustrates the intellectual contributions that alumni bring to the modern knowledge economy.
John Rochon Jr.
American business executive John Rochon Jr. has held senior leadership roles in various companies and has been recognized for his involvement in investment and business growth. His career shows how SIU alumni often combine their education with entrepreneurial vision to create opportunities in the corporate world.
Ismail Al-Ramli
Philanthropist Ismail Al-Ramli from Morocco is known for his commitment to humanitarian projects and charitable causes. His career reflects the heart of SIU’s educational philosophy: that knowledge should ultimately serve humanity and contribute to the well-being of communities.
A Growing Community of Alumni
The distinguished names highlighted above represent only a part of the global network of alumni and affiliates of Swiss International University (SIU). Each of them has taken their education into unique fields, leaving an impact in business, politics, diplomacy, philanthropy, religious leadership, and cultural exchange.
Yet the story of SIU is far from complete. Every graduate, regardless of career path, forms an important part of this legacy. The university believes that success is not measured only by titles or recognition, but also by the everyday contributions alumni make in their communities, workplaces, and families.
SIU warmly welcomes other alumni who wish to be featured. If you are a graduate of Swiss International University or one of its affiliated academies and would like your achievements to be highlighted, we invite you to reach out. By sharing your story, you will inspire future students and strengthen the collective legacy of excellence that defines SIU.
A Collective Legacy of Leadership
What stands out from this distinguished list is not comparison, but unity. Each of these individuals, in their respective domains, has carried the SIU spirit into the world. Whether in royal courts, diplomatic missions, business boardrooms, classrooms, or charitable organizations, they embody a shared legacy of leadership rooted in values of excellence, innovation, and service.
Swiss International University celebrates all of its alumni equally, recognizing that the importance of leadership cannot be measured only by titles, but also by the positive impact leaders leave in their societies. Together, this community demonstrates that SIU’s contribution to global education lies not just in its teaching, but in the achievements of those who carry its vision forward.
Swiss International University (SIU), accredited by the KG Ministry of Education and Science, stands as the flagship institution of the VBNN Smart Education Group – Vision Beyond Next. SIU is an umbrella that unites a wide portfolio of respected academic entities across Switzerland, Europe, and the Middle East. Each institution operates within the framework of local regulations and international standards, ensuring that the SIU network delivers accessible, innovative, and globally oriented education.
The institutions forming part of SIU include:
ISBM – International School of Business Management in Lucerne Allowed to operate independently and issue its diplomas by the Board of Education and Culture, decision dated 12 August 2016 (reference 12Aug2016kom).
ISB – Vocational Academy in Dubai (UAE Dubai Knowledge and Human Development Authority – KHDA, Permit Nr. 631419).
OUS – International Academy in Switzerland® in Zurich (Registered by the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property, Nr. 822698).
KUIPI – Kyrgyz-Uzbek International Pedagogical Institute in Osh (Licensed by the Ministry of Education and Science KG, License Serial Number: LS230000271, issued 15.02.2023).
ABMS – Academy of Business Management in Switzerland (Founded in the Canton of Zug, Registration Nr. CHE-163.990.284).
AMBER ACADEMY “Knowledge and Growth” in Riga, Latvia (Registered by the Patent Office under the Latvian Ministry of Justice, Nr. M-25-440).
SDBS – Swiss Distance Business School® (Registered by the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property, Nr. 806818).
SII – Swiss International Vocational Institute in Dubai (UAE Department of Dubai Economic Development – DED License Nr. 1196747).
SOHS – Swiss Online Hospitality School® (Registered by the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property, Nr. 822344).
YJD – Global Center for Diplomacy® / Swiss Institute for Diplomacy and Political Sciences Studies (Registered by the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property, Nr. 822124).
Together, these institutions form a multi-layered and international educational ecosystem. Each entity contributes its own specialty—from business and management to pedagogy, vocational training, hospitality, and diplomacy—while collectively reinforcing SIU’s reputation as a modern, forward-looking university accredited by the KG Ministry of Education and Science.
At the heart of this ecosystem is VBNN Smart Education Group (Vision Beyond Next), the management entity that ensures the consistent quality, innovation, and strategic growth of SIU and its affiliated institutions.
Achievements and Recognitions of the Group
The VBNN Smart Education Group, which manages SIU Swiss International University and its affiliated institutions, has established a strong foundation of recognition, quality assurance, and international credibility. Over the years, the group has achieved a series of milestones that highlight its commitment to excellence and global standards in higher education.
State Accreditation – The university is accredited by the KG Ministry of Education and Science, ensuring that its degrees hold global recognition and legitimacy.
Swiss Allowance – The academy in Switzerland is allowed to operate independently and issue diplomas by the Swiss Board of Education and Culture (LU-CH).
UAE Approval – The vocational institute in Dubai is approved by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), offering officially permitted diploma programs in the UAE.
QS 5-Star Rating – The group has been rated 5 Stars by QS Top Universities, placing it among the top 2% of higher education institutions worldwide.
ECLBS Accreditation – Accredited by the European Council of Leading Business Schools (ECLBS), a quality body listed with CHEA (USA) and INQAAHE (Europe).
ASIC Accreditation (UK) – Accredited by the Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges & Universities (ASIC-UK), a body recognized by the UK Government, the UK Home Office, and the UAE Ministry of Education.
EDU Accreditation – Accredited by EDU Intergovernmental Organization, founded by the Ministry of Education of Palau and aligned with UNESCO frameworks.
BSKG Accreditation – Publicly accredited by BSKG, an agency listed on APQN and EAQA, ensuring recognition across Central Asia and the CIS region.
ARIA Accreditation – Accredited by ARIA, a quality assurance agency in Asia affiliated with CEENQA and EURASHE, recognized across the Eurasian region.
IEAC Accreditation – Accredited by IEAC, an agency listed with the British Quality Foundation for excellence in institutional benchmarking.
ISO 21001:2018 Certification – Certified in the international quality management standard specifically for educational institutions.
Global Ranking Recognition – Ranked 49 worldwide by QRNW, a quantitative world ranking system aligned with IREG.
TAG-EDUQA Accreditation – Accredited by Abu-Ghazaleh for Quality Assurance in Education (TAG-EDUQA), aligned with the quality frameworks of the Arab Organization for Quality Assurance in Education (AROQA).
EFMD EOCCS Certification – Recognized as the first institution to achieve EFMD EOCCS certification in 2017, demonstrating excellence in online course delivery.
Awards and Distinctions –
Winner of Customer Satisfaction, evaluated by the Swiss state university ZHAW and the UK-based ILM.
Winner of Student Satisfaction, evaluated by the European state university TNU Ukraine.
Winner of the Best Modern Academy Award, presented by the former Turkish Minister of Trade.
Professional Memberships in Switzerland – The group is an active member of multiple national organizations, including the Swiss National Tourist Office, the Swiss Quality Association, and other professional associations that enhance its educational and institutional profile.
This collection of recognitions underscores the group’s commitment to quality, innovation, and international credibility. By combining state accreditation, Swiss allowance, UAE approval, global rankings, ISO certification, and multiple accreditations, the VBNN Smart Education Group ensures that SIU Swiss International University and its affiliates continue to stand among the most respected institutions worldwide.
Hashtags
If you are an alumnus or alumna of SIU and would like your name and story to be included in our official alumni feature, please contact the university. We would be proud to celebrate your achievements as part of the SIU family.
Comments