Shaping the future of fashion: HSBC-AUW School of Apparel

Bangladesh's apparel sector is not just the backbone of its economy; it is a global powerhouse that continues to redefine fashion, sustainability, and employment opportunities worldwide. Yet, behind every successful brand lies skilled leadership. Recognising the potential to empower young minds, particularly women, to step into managerial and leadership positions in this industry, HSBC partnered with the Asian University for Women (AUW) in 2023 to establish the HSBC-AUW School of Apparel (HASA).

This pioneering institution is more than just a school; it's a launchpad for future leaders in one of the world's most influential industries. Through philanthropic support, HSBC has committed to advancing skills development, gender inclusion, and employment opportunities, ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds can access world-class education and chart pathways to success.

A unique model for success

What sets HASA apart is its guaranteed impact. The first cohort, composed of 18 students, graduated with a remarkable 100 percent job placement rate – a testimony to the industry's demand for skilled leaders and the institution's unmatched preparation of its students. The second cohort is currently underway, with students already engaging in cutting-edge coursework, mentorship, and hands-on industry exposure.

Most importantly, the programme welcomes students from every educational background, proving that your drive and potential, not your previous field of study, shape your future.

Adding to its global outlook, HASA is partnered with the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, enabling students to receive an international standard of education. This ensures that graduates are not only equipped for leadership roles in Bangladesh but also ready to thrive on the global stage.

"I come from a simple background with a strong mother who worked in the tea estates but was always determined to dream," says Mukta Dushad, a graduate from the first cohort who now works at ABA Group Bangladesh. "HASA opened doors I never imagined and gave me the confidence to build a career in global fashion."

Building pathways to leadership

The programme is designed to open doors far beyond traditional roles. Students are trained to understand the complexities of supply chains, sustainability, and innovation in apparel production – skills that position them for managerial and executive opportunities in the sector. With HSBC and AUW's extensive global networks, HASA students have access to unparalleled connections across industries, governments, and academia – networks that can transform career trajectories.

"I started as a sewing operator on a crowded factory floor," shares Marufa Khatun, a current student. "Through HASA, I am learning the necessary management skills to lead production lines, and I can finally picture myself as a future manager."

A semester of opportunity - Ready to join?

The third cohort begins in January, offering a fresh opportunity for aspiring students to embark on a journey that blends education, empowerment, and employment. So, if you have ever wanted to blend fashion, leadership, and purpose into a career, this might just be your sign.

HASA is not simply an academic programme. It's a movement that promises to elevate Bangladesh's largest sector while shaping the future of global fashion.

With HSBC's support and AUW's vision, the HSBC-AUW School of Apparel stands as a beacon of innovation and opportunity, proving that with the right skills and support, the future of fashion leadership starts here in Bangladesh.