In a unique and inspiring setting at the historic Chateau Ksara Winery, the Chemical Engineering Department at the University of Balamand (UOB) held its International Advisory Board in Zahle. This significant gathering brought together the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Professor Rami Abboud, members of the Chemical Engineering Department, and respected key industry representatives holding top managerial positions in their respective companies. Advisory board members shared insights from their sectors, reinforcing UOB’s growing reputation for producing highly capable engineers:

The FOE-Chemical Engineering International Advisory Board 2025/2026 consists of the following esteemed members:

• - Mrs. Aurore Feghali, General Directorate of Oil, Ministry of Energy and Water, Lebanon
• - Ms. Eliane Germanos, Head of Product Innovation, Ritver Paints and Coatings (Dubai) (Virtually)
• - Mr. Fouad Haddad, CEO, S.O.A.L., (Societe d'Oxygene et d'Acetylene du Liban)
• - Mrs. Marie-Louise Baboyan, Quality & HR Manager, Chateau Ksara, Lebanon
• - Mr. Roland Abi Habib, Environmental Health and Safety Manager at Malia Group
• - Mr. Naji Nacouzi, CEO, Brasserie Almaza S.A.L
• - Mr. Roger Haddad, Plant & Community Relation Manager, Cimenterie Nationale (AL SABEH)
• - Mrs. Wadad Rached, Talent Developer and Training Manager, Total Energies
• - Ms. Lara Fakhoury, Export Sales Manager, BMA paints, Lebanon
  
  

  Some of the members who could not participate in the meeting for personal reasons are listed below:

• - Mr. Alain Akiki, Technical and Development Manager, INDEVCO Pact, Lebanon
• - Mr. Nizar Noureldine, Quality Manager, Société Moderne Libanaise pour le Commerce/Pepsi Cola
• - Mr. Roger Rajeh, Regional Sales manager, USG Boral, Saudi Arabia
• - Mr. Pierre Haddad, Industrial Division Director, Matelec s.a.l.
• - Mr. Rony Nasrany, Group Operations Manager, Mirato MEA S.A.L.

  The meeting commenced with Dr. Jean Claude Assaf, Chair of the Advisory Board Committee, welcoming members both in person and virtually. He extended heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Marie-Louise Baboyan, Quality & HR Manager at Chateau Ksara, for graciously hosting the meeting at one of Lebanon’s most renowned wineries.

Prof. Rami Abboud, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, applauded the initiative of holding the session off-campus, stating that “being closer to industry grounds helps us better understand where our graduates will work and how we can prepare them to excel.” He emphasized the importance of collaboration between universities and industries, especially in helping Lebanon retain its talented engineers. He proudly acknowledged the support of advisory board members during the ABET BS re-accreditation process and announced UOB’s ongoing efforts toward achieving the BE accreditation. In addition, Prof. Jane Estephane , Chairperson of the Chemical Engineering Department, reaffirmed the department’s mission to keep its curriculum aligned with industry needs.

Discussions turned toward curriculum innovation. Faculty members shared ongoing initiatives such as the “Sustainability for Engineers” course led by Dr. Mantoura Nakad, designed to foster creativity, teamwork, and multidisciplinary thinking. The course also integrates presentation components to build communication confidence among students. Dr. Makram El Bachawati presented his collaboration with Chateau Ksara on life-cycle assessments and offered continued support for industry partners seeking expertise in sustainability projects, while Dr. Wael Hamd introduced updates on the MAGNO Project and recent departmental research.

Advisory board members shared insights from their sectors, reinforcing UOB’s growing reputation for producing highly capable engineers:

• - Mrs. Marie-Louise Baboyan highlighted Ksara winery’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and food safety, announcing collaboration with UOB through the International Wineries Climate Action (IWCA) initiative.
• - Mrs. Aurore Feghali discussed the government’s sustainability goals and offered to support UOB’s ongoing missions.
• - Ms. Eliane Germanos praised the strong educational foundation of UOB graduates and discussed her company’s focus on eco-friendly innovations.
• - Mr. Roland Abi Habib lauded UOB alumni for their professionalism, noting that several chemical engineers from the university have excelled in their roles within the group.
• - Mr. Fouad Haddad emphasized that industry readiness goes beyond academics, urging more field training and exposure to real-world operations.
• - Mr. Naji Nacouzi spoke about the brewery’s legacy and innovation under Heineken’s supervision, stressing the importance of communication, leadership, and consumer-driven engineering.
• - Mr. Roger Haddad shared updates on major environmental and energy management projects, including a new solar farm, and praised UOB graduates as “an added value” to their company.
• - Mrs. Wadad Rached and Ms. Lara Fakhoury echoed the importance of enhancing leadership and communication skillswithin engineering programs.

The entire board unanimously approved renaming itself the “International Chemical Engineering Advisory Board” to reflect its global engagement. Members also supported organizing company tours for UOB students to observe real industrial processes firsthand and agreed to continue contributing to the Industrial Engagement Seminar Series. Dr. Assaf concluded the meeting by expressing sincere gratitude to all participants for their valuable insights and continuous support.

Vice President for Internationalization and Engagement and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Professor Rami Abboud, praised Dr. Jean Claude Assaf and all members of the International Advisory Board, emphasizing that this meeting marked another milestone in the faculty’s ongoing mission to connect academia with industry and empower the next generation of Lebanese engineers.

 

​