Education News
International Academic Center Signs Landmark Partnerships with GAFM and APSB to Boost Global Academic Excellence
International Academic Center Signs Landmark Partnerships
with GAFM and APSB to Boost Global Academic Excellence
In a significant step toward strengthening international academic and professional collaboration, the International Academic Center (IAC)—which is affiliated with the Antonio Gramsci International Popular University (U.P.T.E.A.G.)—has officially signed a Partnership Recognition Agreement (PRA) with the Global Academy of Finance and Management (GAFM) and The Asia Pacific School of Business (APSB). The signing ceremony, a milestone in the IAC’s mission to expand its global academic network, was led by Dr. Enrico Salvageni, who represented GAFM and APSB and signed the agreement, with Professor Silvio Siciliano, President of U.P.T.E.A.G., co-signing and expressing high hopes for the transformative impact of this trilateral collaboration.
The partnership is poised to redefine cross-border academic cooperation, fostering knowledge exchange, joint research initiatives, and professional development opportunities that align with the shared goal of promoting academic excellence on a global scale. Dr. Salvageni, representing GAFM and APSB, emphasized the profound significance of the collaboration, stating, “This agreement is more than a formal alliance—it is a commitment to breaking down academic barriers, leveraging diverse expertise, and elevating the quality of education and research for students and professionals worldwide. By joining forces with the IAC, which is affiliated with U.P.T.E.A.G., we are expanding our capacity to drive innovation and create meaningful impact in the global academic landscape.”
The Global Academy of Finance and Management (GAFM) is a globally renowned accrediting and certifying body, established in 1996 by the founders of the Chartered Graduate Leadership Society. As the world’s first ISO 29993, ISO 21001, and ISO 9001 certified graduate certification body, GAFM has been at the forefront of setting standards for finance, accounting, risk management, and management consulting education for over two decades. With accreditation councils in the EU and USA, GAFM’s certification system is recognized by leading international bodies such as ACBSP, AACSB, CHEA, and TUV, and its credentials are valued by top financial institutions worldwide, with over 50,000 certified members across 150 countries. The academy’s mission is to advance professional excellence through rigorous certification, cutting-edge research, and global collaboration, making it a key partner in enhancing the IAC’s offerings in finance and management education.
The Asia Pacific School of Business (APSB), founded in 1995 in Singapore as Kaiyen College (Centre for Asia-Pacific Management Studies), has evolved into a prestigious institution dedicated to integrating Eastern and Western educational philosophies and fostering practical, application-oriented talent development. Officially renamed in 1999 and upgraded to a university college in 2015, APSB now boasts over 3,000 students, six schools, and offers a wide range of programs, including 12 associate degrees, 16 joint bachelor’s degrees, 13 joint master’s degrees, and 8 joint doctoral degrees. As a member of 29 international academic organizations—including ACBSP, AMBA&BGA, IACBE, and UNNGO—and fully accredited by ISO, ASIC, and QAHE, APSB is a leader in Asia-Pacific business education, with a strong focus on cross-cultural learning and experiential education. Its expertise in bridging regional and global business practices will bring invaluable insights to the IAC’s international collaboration efforts.
The Antonio Gramsci International Popular University (U.P.T.E.A.G.), whose faculty complements the existing Community Development Project A.P.S. UISE 360, plays a pivotal role in this partnership as the parent institution of the International Academic Center (IAC). A.P.S. UISE 360, a cultural organization founded in 2016 under a memorandum of understanding with the International Academy of Natural Sciences and its affiliated institutions, aligns with U.P.T.E.A.G.’s mission to promote inclusive, lifelong learning. Notably, U.P.T.E.A.G. is recognized in the global academic landscape under the registered trademark of the International Academic Center, further solidifying the synergy between the institutions involved in the new partnership.
Professor Silvio Siciliano, President of U.P.T.E.A.G., shared his aspirations for the collaboration: “Our vision is to build a popular university rooted in a cosmopolitan Sardinia—one that serves as a hub for the Third Age, for all age groups, and for leisure, tourism, and comprehensive research. This partnership with GAFM and APSB will enable us to expand our reach, integrate global expertise into our programs, and create a more inclusive and internationally relevant educational environment. Together, we will empower learners to thrive in an interconnected world and contribute to global academic excellence.”
Moving forward, the three institutions will focus on developing joint academic programs, facilitating faculty and student exchanges, conducting collaborative research projects, and sharing best practices in education and professional training. This partnership not only strengthens the International Academic Center’s international network but also underscores the critical role of cross-border collaboration in addressing global educational challenges and advancing academic and professional excellence.
With Dr. Salvageni (representing GAFM and APSB) and Professor Siciliano’s (President of U.P.T.E.A.G., parent institution of the IAC) leadership, the collaboration between the International Academic Center, GAFM, and APSB is set to become a model for international academic cooperation, driving innovation, fostering global citizenship, and shaping the future of education and research worldwide.
