SSM takes a new step into the future: strategic partnership with the “Harvard of the Middle East”
July 17, 2026 | EL ALAMEIN (EGYPT) – Swiss School of Management marks a historic milestone in the internationalization of its educational offerings, an achievement made possible also thanks to the visionary leadership and continuous commitment of the President of the Arab Academy, Prof. Dr. Ismail Abdel Ghafar Ismail Farag, to fostering international cooperation and academic excellence.
In the splendid setting of New Alamein City, our institution, rooted in Swiss heritage and recently elevated to an American identity, has officially signed a strategic collaboration agreement with the prestigious Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT).
The Egyptian academy is widely regarded as the “Harvard of the Middle East,” a reputation built on decades of academic excellence, innovation, and regional leadership. Further confirming its global value is the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) accreditation of its business programs, an elite recognition held by only a very small percentage of management schools worldwide.
The official delegation and the presence of the Swiss Ambassador
The event was further distinguished by the honorable presence of H.E. Ambassador Dr. Andreas Baum, Ambassador of Switzerland to Egypt, whose insightful remarks emphasized the critical importance of international academic cooperation in creating lasting bridges of knowledge and sustainable development. Representing SSM at this prestigious gathering was a high-level delegation led by President Dr. Massimiliano Bracalé, alongside Dr. Ahmed Sobhi Hamido (Chancellor & Dean), Dr. Gilbert Chopard (Founder & President of the Geneva Institute of Technology), Ms. Nagwa Sabry (Cairo Center Director), and Ms. Raghda Hany (Business Development Manager, SSM Cairo).
Sincere appreciation and gratitude were extended as well as to Prof. Dr. Niveen El Saghier, Dean of the College of Management and Technology at the AASTMT Al Alamein Campus, whose dedication and support were pivotal in bringing this remarkable event to life.
The Panel Discussion: “Empowering Youth for National Development” beyond the official signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), SSM’s leadership took center stage in the event’s academic and strategic dialogue: Dr. Massimiliano Bracalé, Dr. Ahmed Sobhi Hamido, and Dr. Gilbert Chopard actively contributed as key speakers to the panel discussion titled “Empowering Youth for National Development.” Alongside an outstanding group of distinguished leaders and experts, they sparked vital conversations on how education, innovation, and international collaboration can equip young people with the essential skills and opportunities needed to shape the future and drive national progress.
Strategic partnership and international recognition for SSM
This partnership represents a testament to the immense esteem for the Swiss School of Management: AASTMT is indeed known for its extremely rigid selection criteria when choosing international partners. This collaboration will not only strengthen SSM’s global presence but will also open new and extraordinary opportunities for exchange and growth for students and faculty from both institutions.
The President of SSM expressed his pride directly from Egypt:
“This achievement is the result of extraordinary work, dedication, and a vision shared by our entire team. Looking at AASTMT’s incredible campus and the development of New Alamein City, I felt immense pride in what SSM has been able to build over the years. This partnership is not just an institutional milestone, but a recognition for every single member of the SSM family who contributes daily to our success. We are building bridges between different cultures and educational systems, bringing world-class education everywhere in the world. And this is just the beginning.”
Dr. Massimiliano Bracalé, President of the Swiss School of Management
The key role of the SSM Cairo local management team
The success of this operation was made possible thanks to the relentless work of SSM’s local team in Cairo, which managed the complex diplomatic and academic steps necessary to align the standards of both institutions.
The Dean of SSM Cairo commented on the signing of the agreement:
“Working on this agreement was an exciting challenge that required perseverance and a deep alignment of purposes. The Arab Academy saw SSM as a reliable, flexible, and future-oriented partner. We are delighted to have laid the foundations for long-term cooperation that will bring tangible benefits to our students in terms of networking, global mobility, and career opportunities.”
Dr. Ahmed Sobhi, Dean of SSM Cairo
Academic excellence and global impact: the future of SSM is already present
The signing of the agreement was a high-profile event attended by ambassadors, diplomatic representatives, and illustrious leaders from the global academic world. During the working sessions, discussions focused on the future of transnational education and how strategic alliances can shape the next generation of global leaders.
Held at the AASTMT Alamein campus under the theme “International Partnerships Towards a More Interconnected Future,” the prestigious council also featured key figures from Egyptian governance and leadership. Notable attendees included the President of AASTMT, Prof. Dr. Ismail Abdel Ghaffar Ismail Farag, the Chairman of the New Alamein City Development Authority, Dr. Eng. Mohamed Khalafallah, and the Chairman of the Egyptian Exchange, Mr. Omar Radwan. The summit not only served as the backdrop for signing milestone regional and global agreements, but also emphasized the vital need to bridge academic institutions with industry and the real economy.
Indeed, the presence of so many diplomatic and academic authorities testifies to the geopolitical and educational importance of this alliance. We did not just celebrate a signing; we launched a true laboratory of ideas for the education of the future. The energy and quality of the panel discussions demonstrate that the synergy between SSM and AASTMT will attract the attention of the most prominent international players.
The agreement concluded with a strong message of gratitude toward the leadership of AASTMT for the trust and friendship shown.
With this new milestone, the Swiss School of Management continues to elevate its standards, confirming that not only is the future of the institution driven by excellence and a global impact without borders, but that all of this is already our present.