Luxembo - The American Chamber of Commerce Luxembourg

3rd quarter 2009

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interim | inhouse services | search & selection | hr services | pr<strong>of</strong>essionals<br />

True value for Clients<br />

Finding and retaining the best people<br />

and maintaining a high level <strong>of</strong> flexibility are<br />

crucial in today’s challenging environment.<br />

Better use <strong>of</strong> the true value <strong>of</strong> human<br />

capital increases efficiency and improves<br />

productivity. It’s about having the right<br />

people with the right skills, systems and<br />

solutions, and the right time.<br />

Our clients know that to find the best talent,<br />

the quality <strong>of</strong> the intermediary is decisive.<br />

Our consultants not only have expertise<br />

in HR issues, but are <strong>of</strong>ten themselves<br />

qualified pr<strong>of</strong>essionals in their sector.<br />

So they intimately understand the specific<br />

trends, skills and issues at hand. <strong>The</strong>y speak<br />

the same business language, and know what<br />

drives success. This focus allows us to be a<br />

strategic business partner in HR and provide<br />

the right employees to our clients, thus<br />

enhancing the total value <strong>of</strong> their workforce,<br />

and the true value <strong>of</strong> their business. Seven<br />

pole <strong>of</strong>fices located throughout the Grand<br />

Duchy <strong>of</strong> <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg, ensure the delivery<br />

<strong>of</strong> our services.<br />

For a full presentation, please contact us.<br />

Tempo-Team <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg S.A.<br />

5, place de la Gare, L-1616 <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

Tel: +352 49 98 70 Fax: +352 40 49 59<br />

Interim<br />

A local use <strong>of</strong> the term temporary staffing services<br />

that combines flexibility, administrative easiness<br />

and reactivity. It allows you to compensate the<br />

absences <strong>of</strong> staff and managing work which does<br />

not fall within the normal activity <strong>of</strong> your company,<br />

or it simply replaces during absences. Interim work<br />

can also be a first stage, as an alternative to access<br />

the job market, discover the world <strong>of</strong> companies<br />

and recruit qualified pr<strong>of</strong>essionals with experience.<br />

Today, companies need to be flexible and reactive<br />

in order to deal with<br />

• production subject to unpredictable constraints<br />

• tight flow management<br />

• unforeseen absences <strong>of</strong> staff and seasonal activities<br />

Interim staff increases the flexibility <strong>of</strong> organizing<br />

the work flow within companies.<br />

Inhouse services<br />

If you frequently use interim staff, we can create<br />

and run for you an in-house agency in your company.<br />

A Tempo-Team consultant will be present on a fulltime<br />

or part-time basis and he/she will be in charge<br />

<strong>of</strong> the complete management <strong>of</strong> your interim staff.<br />

Our consultants have perfect knowledge <strong>of</strong> your<br />

requirements and can act rapidly and efficiently by<br />

managing the administration as well as at the full<br />

recruitment process that includes the selection<br />

and allocation <strong>of</strong> candidates. Administrative and<br />

salary management <strong>of</strong> interim contracts is<br />

simplified. Interim staff no longer needs to go to a<br />

Tempo-Team agency to comply with the necessary<br />

formalities; the whole process is managed on site.<br />

We also provide the required e@soluttion.<br />

Search & Selection<br />

You would like to recruit a new employee without<br />

necessarily posting a job <strong>of</strong>fer<br />

You appreciate the support <strong>of</strong> a specialized team<br />

<strong>of</strong> psychologists<br />

You would like to delegate search and pre-selection<br />

<strong>of</strong> candidates<br />

You want the name <strong>of</strong> your company to be kept<br />

confidential<br />

Our qualified and experienced Tempo-Team<br />

consultants guide you throughout the selection<br />

process to find the candidate who best fits<br />

the pr<strong>of</strong>ile you are looking for.<br />

Hr Services<br />

To answer your most practical questions and fulfill<br />

your expectations, our consultants at Tempo-Team<br />

HR Services can provide you with information<br />

regarding Safety, risks and prevention as well as Testing<br />

and assessment <strong>of</strong> staff, and Outplacement services.<br />

Our complete service platform for outsourcing<br />

needs is as follows:<br />

• Full guidance on a HR strategy that you would like<br />

to implement rapidly<br />

• Project management within the frame <strong>of</strong> a specific<br />

HR project (recruitment and selection,<br />

competence assessment, training, outplacement,<br />

interim management, engineering, project<br />

management, studies, etc.)<br />

Our expert consultants at Tempo-Team will manage<br />

your HR projects while you can continue to focus<br />

on your priorities. A real bespoke service to meet<br />

our clients needs.<br />

Pr<strong>of</strong>essionals<br />

You are seeking to obtain the help <strong>of</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>essional’s<br />

qualified assistance at management level, or to recruit<br />

supervisors, directors, pr<strong>of</strong>essionals, temporary<br />

specialists and consultants for a specific task and time.<br />

<strong>The</strong>se people can be engineers, experts and<br />

pr<strong>of</strong>essionals within the IT sector or in the financial<br />

sector as well as HR, legal, marketing and<br />

communication. <strong>The</strong>y temporarily fill in positions as<br />

project managers or experts within a project<br />

management team.<br />

www.tempo-team.lu

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3<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Chamber</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Commerce</strong> in <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg a.s.b.l.<br />

Connexion<br />

3RD QUARTER 2009<br />

Chairman and CEO :<br />

Paul-Michael Schonenberg<br />

Marketing Director :<br />

Margot Parra<br />

"<br />

Communications Director :<br />

Tatjana Schaefer<br />

Editorial Committee :<br />

Tatjana Schaefer<br />

Paul-Michael Schonenberg<br />

Ian Whitecourt<br />

Layout Conception :<br />

Colorbox SA<br />

Printer :<br />

Imprimerie Centrale SA <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

6, rue Antoine de Saint-Exupéry<br />

L-1432 <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

Phone : (+352) 43 17 56<br />

Fax : (+352) 26 09 47 04<br />

E-mail : ayaydin@amcham.lu<br />

E-mail : dudsak@amcham.lu<br />

E-mail : parra@amcham.lu<br />

E-mail : schaefer@amcham.lu<br />

Website : www.amcham.lu<br />

Please Note :<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Chamber</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Commerce</strong> in <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg does not<br />

necessarily endorse the views or opinions expressed in this<br />

periodical nor accept any responsibility in connection<br />

with information rendered.<br />

Copyright © 2009 :<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Chamber</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Commerce</strong> in <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

No part <strong>of</strong> this publication may be reproduced without written<br />

permission from the <strong>American</strong> <strong>Chamber</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Commerce</strong> in <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg.<br />

All editorial materials and advertising inquiries should be addressed<br />

to the <strong>Chamber</strong> at the above address.<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Chamber</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Commerce</strong> in <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg asbl is an<br />

international voluntary organization <strong>of</strong> business persons committed to<br />

fostering bilateral trade and investment between the United States and<br />

<strong>Luxembo</strong>urg.<br />

"<br />

AMCHAM<br />

Chartered Members<br />

ALFI<br />

Alter Domus<br />

Arendt & Medernach<br />

Assist Relocation<br />

BDO Compagnie Fiduciaire<br />

Caterpillar <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

Clearstream International<br />

Commerzbank International<br />

Covidien<br />

Dechert <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

Deloitte<br />

Delphi Corporation<br />

Dexia BIL<br />

DuPont de Nemours (<strong>Luxembo</strong>urg)<br />

Ernst & Young <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

European Fund Administration<br />

European Relocation Services<br />

European Value Partners Advisors<br />

Euroscript <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

Fiduciaire Whitecourt<br />

Goodyear<br />

G4S Security Services<br />

Guardian Europe<br />

Intertrust (<strong>Luxembo</strong>urg)<br />

Kneip Communication<br />

Korn/Ferry International<br />

KPMG<br />

Loyens & Lœff<br />

McKinsey & Company, <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

Micros<strong>of</strong>t <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

Oracle<br />

P&T<strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

PricewaterhouseCoopers<br />

RBC Dexia Investor Services Bank<br />

Rowlands International<br />

Sal. Oppenheim jr. & Cie<br />

Secure IT<br />

Skype<br />

State Street Bank (<strong>Luxembo</strong>urg)<br />

Streff Removals & Storage<br />

TEAM Allied<br />

United International Management<br />

HONORARY CHARTERED MEMBER :<br />

Ambassador e.m. Peter Terpeluk, Jr.

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4 CONTENTS<br />

Contents....<br />

page 05<br />

PAGE 05<br />

Page 06<br />

PAGEs 06-07<br />

PAGES 08-09<br />

PAGES 10-14<br />

PAGE 10<br />

PAGEs 11-12<br />

PAGES 13<br />

PAGE 14<br />

PAGE 15<br />

PAGE 16<br />

PAGE 17<br />

PAGE 18<br />

PAGE 19<br />

PAGE 20<br />

PAGE 21<br />

PAGES 22-23<br />

Page 24<br />

PAGE 24<br />

PAGE 25<br />

PAGE 26<br />

Page 28<br />

PAGES 28-29<br />

PAGE 30<br />

Page 31<br />

PAGE 31<br />

PAGE 32<br />

PAGEs 33-34<br />

EditoRIAL<br />

a word from the chairman<br />

AmCham News<br />

& SPECIAL FEATURE<br />

New Members & AGENDA<br />

Obama Tax Reform Proposals<br />

special feature:<br />

EDUCATION IN LUXEMBOURG<br />

ATHENEE LUXEMBOURG<br />

THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL<br />

OF LUXEMBOURG<br />

St. George’s International Schoolpo-<br />

the University <strong>of</strong> <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

MIAMI UNIVERSITY-LUXEMBOURG<br />

<strong>The</strong> John F. Welch College <strong>of</strong> Business<br />

<strong>The</strong> OPEN UNIVERSITY<br />

SITEC<br />

<strong>The</strong> Institute <strong>of</strong> Chartered<br />

Accountants <strong>of</strong> Scotland<br />

IFBL<br />

<strong>The</strong> Second Degree<br />

INTERVIEW SKYPE COO<br />

INFORMATION TOOLBOX<br />

<strong>Luxembo</strong>urg Income Study<br />

business impact on HR<br />

Autocracy vs. Democracy<br />

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT<br />

LUXAIR<br />

ALTER DOMUS<br />

U.S. – LUX News<br />

<strong>The</strong> project manager in the heart<br />

<strong>of</strong> the organization<br />

Change <strong>of</strong> Guard at San Francisco’s<br />

BED Office<br />

<strong>The</strong> Embassy <strong>of</strong> the United States<br />

Files..............<br />

[8]<br />

OBAMA TAX REFORM PROPOSALS: Future <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>Luxembo</strong>urg as "Go Through" Country<br />

<strong>The</strong> objectives <strong>of</strong> the U.S. administration consist <strong>of</strong> both<br />

making significant changes to the taxation <strong>of</strong> cross-border<br />

transactions and fighting tax evasion and avoidance. Find out<br />

more…<br />

[22]<br />

INTERVIEW with SKYPE COO Scott<br />

Durchslag<br />

Skype’s COO Scott Durchslag answers our questions on<br />

luxembourg as a business location and shares his views on<br />

the future <strong>of</strong> the telecommunications industry and skype…<br />

3rd quarter 2009<br />

[22-29]<br />

[ SPECIAL <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

education in<br />

FEATURE ]<br />

EDUCATION IN LUXEMBOURG<br />

Special feature:<br />

Corporate<br />

Social<br />

<strong>The</strong> right Responsibility<br />

to education has been described as a basic human right; the United Nations' International Covenant<br />

on Economic, in times Social <strong>of</strong> and Cultural Rights <strong>of</strong> 1966 guarantees this right under its Article 13. Education is key<br />

economic crisis<br />

to individual and corporate development. We invite you to learn more about <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg’s educational<br />

landscape...

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EDITORIAL<br />

CHAIRMAN's remarks<br />

5<br />

a word<br />

from the chairman...<br />

Dear AMCHAM Members and Friends,<br />

Welcome to the fall 2009 issue <strong>of</strong> your AMCHAM news magazine. We hope you enjoyed your summer and have<br />

returned renewed to face the challenges <strong>of</strong> the coming months. From every indicator, you will need that energy and<br />

enthusiasm as the economy is still rather flat and the recovery moving at a very slow pace, having not yet bottomed out.<br />

Our network tells us that there will be several more social plans that move forward this fall and most companies are<br />

severely limiting recruitment, if allowing it at all!<br />

So times are tough.<br />

But tough times bring opportunities as well and I am aware <strong>of</strong> a few companies who are using the downturn to aggressively<br />

develop new business lines and to smartly position themselves to the recovery which is just around the corner.<br />

I am confident you all will do well as clearly you all have the right stuff !<br />

This issue sets a positive tone with a focus talking about the current and considerable educational opportunities available<br />

in <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg. For you, your spouses and family members, <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg is rife with educational opportunities.<br />

We encourage you to explore these educational opportunities and make the most <strong>of</strong> them. Now is the best time to<br />

prepare for tomorrow!<br />

I look forward to seeing you at one <strong>of</strong> our many fall AMCHAM events. And remember, we are here for you whenever<br />

you need us.<br />

With my best regards,<br />

Paul Michael Schonenberg<br />

Chairman and CEO

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6<br />

AMCHAM NEWS<br />

new members<br />

newmembers<br />

A<br />

Acemis Conseil<br />

Representative: Rudi Jakobs<br />

Title: Manager<br />

4, rue Jean-Pierre Brasseur<br />

L-1258 <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

Phone: (+352) 26 44 13 61<br />

Fax: (+352) 26 25 80 69<br />

E-mail: rjakobs@acemis.fr<br />

Website: www.acemis.com<br />

Acemis is a management consulting company<br />

specialized in the Customer Relationship Area.<br />

We help our clients in the transformation <strong>of</strong> their<br />

customer relationship, from the definition <strong>of</strong> their<br />

strategy to the operational implementation.<br />

M<br />

Sol Melia <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

Representative: Silvia Llaurado<br />

Title: General Manager<br />

1, Park Drai Eechelen<br />

L-1499 <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

Phone: (+352) 23 777 1<br />

Fax: (+352) 27 333 999<br />

E-mail: melia.luxembourg@solmelia.com<br />

Website: www.melia.com<br />

Meliá <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg is a new 4-star Sol Meliá hotel,<br />

designed by renowned architect Jim Clemens,<br />

located in the heart <strong>of</strong> the city. Situated directly<br />

opposite the Luxemburg Congress Center and in<br />

close proximity to many EU institutions, Mudam<br />

and the Philharmonie <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg, the hotel is<br />

an ideal choice for both business and leisure travelers<br />

(for more details about Sol Meliá please see<br />

www.solmelia.com).<br />

With spectacular views <strong>of</strong> the city, the hotel provides<br />

161 elegant, modern and comfortable rooms, as<br />

well as a great range <strong>of</strong> facilities:<br />

THE LEVEL services <strong>of</strong>fer our exclusive guests a<br />

private lounge with complimentary buffet breakfast,<br />

light food and refreshments. Of course, the guests<br />

have access to the internet, newspapers and<br />

private meeting rooms.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Meliá <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg <strong>of</strong>fers two restaurants.<br />

Serving contemporary Italian cuisine, AQUA will<br />

delight guests with modern dishes à la carte and<br />

THE BUFFET RESTAURANT GOYA boasts an international<br />

cuisine. <strong>The</strong> stylish and sophisticated bar is<br />

the ideal rendezvous to enjoy a favorite beverage.<br />

<strong>The</strong> hotel <strong>of</strong>fers complimentary access to the SPA,<br />

including the state-<strong>of</strong>-the-art gym, the Sauna and<br />

the Turkish steam bath. If you’re thinking <strong>of</strong> holding<br />

events in <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg, the Meliá hotel is the ideal<br />

meeting point with its 170m² space for conferences<br />

and other events, with a capacity <strong>of</strong> 150 people.<br />

Come and enjoy a unique experience at Meliá<br />

<strong>Luxembo</strong>urg!<br />

P<br />

PATTON STIFTUNG:<br />

SUSTAINABLE TRUST<br />

Representative: John Holland<br />

Title: Managing Director<br />

Saargemünder Strasse 70<br />

D- 66121 Saarbrücken<br />

Germany<br />

Phone: (+49) 681 938 6656<br />

Fax: (+49) 681 938 6984<br />

E-mail: holland@patton-trust.org<br />

Website: www.patton-trust.org<br />

<strong>The</strong> Patton Stiftung: Sustainable Trust supports<br />

worthy cross-cultural and social projects ranging<br />

from support in creating and maintaining arts<br />

educational programs, to avant-garde visual arts<br />

and crossover music events.<br />

<strong>The</strong> foundation’s motto “fighting to create mutual<br />

understanding” is inherent in cultural projects it has<br />

and continues to support throughout the Saar-Lor-<br />

Lux region as well as art exhibits and installations in<br />

Bosnia, joint song composition by Israeli and Palestinian<br />

youths, and helping bring some <strong>of</strong> America’s<br />

best exports- jazz and musical theater among<br />

them- to a wider audience.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Foundation is looking to deepen its strong<br />

historic and cultural bond in the Grand Duchy.<br />

Founder Helen Patton, herself an artist and dramatist,<br />

is the granddaughter <strong>of</strong> Gen. George S. Patton,<br />

who helped liberate <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg in WWII.<br />

PNC International Bank<br />

Limited, <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

Branch<br />

Representative: Patrick Hutchines<br />

Title: Operations Director<br />

8, rue de la Grève<br />

L-1643 <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

Phone : (+352) 26 29 56 22<br />

Fax : (+352) 26 29 66 56<br />

E-mail : patrick.hutchines@pncgis.lu<br />

Website: www.pnc.com<br />

PNC Global Investment Servicing (“PNC”) is a<br />

member <strong>of</strong> the PNC Financial Services Group, one<br />

<strong>of</strong> the largest diversified financial services companies<br />

in the U.S. PNC has over 35 years experience<br />

delivering personalized solutions to the global<br />

marketplace. We <strong>of</strong>fer a fully integrated or modular<br />

outsourcing solution to the asset manager and<br />

distributor markets by providing front- to middle<strong>of</strong>fice<br />

support, through to the back-<strong>of</strong>fice. Our international<br />

client base is serviced from operating sites<br />

in <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg, Ireland, Poland, the United States,<br />

and from a presence in both the Cayman Islands<br />

and London.<br />

We service all structures and investment strategies<br />

for:<br />

Traditional Investments: comprehensive <strong>of</strong>ferings<br />

for manufacturers and distributors, including crossborder<br />

transfer agency;<br />

Alternative Investments: all strategies covered<br />

including complex hedge funds and funds <strong>of</strong> hedge<br />

funds;<br />

Private Equity: extensive capabilities including US<br />

Tax reporting.<br />

©ONT

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AMCHAM NEWS<br />

New Members & Agenda<br />

7<br />

newmembers<br />

R S U<br />

Rovi International<br />

Solutions<br />

Representative: Karen Sutton<br />

Title: HR Business Partner<br />

6/10, rue de la Fonderie<br />

L-1531 <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

Phone: (+49) 45 33 88 200<br />

Fax: (+49) 45 33 88 998<br />

E-mail: infoeurope@rovicorp.com<br />

Website: www.rovicorp.com<br />

Rovi Corporation is focused on revolutionizing the<br />

digital entertainment landscape by delivering solutions<br />

that enable consumers to intuitively connect<br />

to new entertainment from many sources and<br />

locations.<br />

<strong>The</strong> company also provides extensive entertainment<br />

discovery solutions for television, movies,<br />

music and photos to its customers in the consumer<br />

electronics, cable and satellite, entertainment<br />

and online distribution markets. <strong>The</strong>se solutions,<br />

complemented by industry leading entertainment<br />

data, create the connections between people<br />

and technology and enable them to discover and<br />

manage entertainment in an enjoyable form.<br />

More information about Rovi can be found at<br />

www.rovicorp.com.<br />

Agenda & EVENTS<br />

SGG<br />

Representative: Carlo Schlesser, CEO<br />

Serge Krancenblum, CEO<br />

Luca Gallinelli, Senior Vice President<br />

412F, route d’Esch<br />

L-2086 <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

Phone: (+352) 46 61 11 1<br />

Fax: (+352) 47 11 01<br />

E-mail: contact@sgg.lu<br />

Website: www.sgg.lu<br />

New Heights in Trust!<br />

SGG, a major player in the <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg market for<br />

more than 50 years, has a global expertise to better<br />

service the fund industry, high net worth families<br />

and international companies in the field <strong>of</strong> Corporate<br />

Services and Family Office.<br />

SGG benefits from a large international network <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>of</strong>fices located in 11 jurisdictions including <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg,<br />

Belgium, Cyprus, <strong>The</strong> Netherlands and<br />

Switzerland.<br />

As a leader in tax and financial engineering with<br />

more than 270 pr<strong>of</strong>essionals, SGG delivers solutions<br />

adapted to its clients’ needs.<br />

UBS (<strong>Luxembo</strong>urg)<br />

Global Wealth<br />

Management & Swiss Bank<br />

Representative: Dr. Andreas Przewloka<br />

Title: CEO<br />

33A, avenue J.F. Kennedy<br />

L-1855 <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

Phone: (+352) 45121 001<br />

Fax: (+352) 45121 800<br />

E-mail: andreas.przewloka@ubs.com<br />

Website: www.ubs.com<br />

UBS (<strong>Luxembo</strong>urg) S.A., a 100% owned subsidiary<br />

<strong>of</strong> UBS AG, has operated since 1973 in the Grand-<br />

Duchy. <strong>The</strong> bank <strong>of</strong>fers the full range <strong>of</strong> investment<br />

services and products with dedicated client<br />

advisers (servicing the major regions and markets)<br />

and sophisticated product specialists.<br />

UBS (<strong>Luxembo</strong>urg) S.A. is <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg's premier<br />

Swiss Bank striving to provide its clients with a first<br />

class quality service.<br />

• UBS is one <strong>of</strong> the world's leading financial firms.<br />

• UBS serves a discerning, international client base<br />

with its wealth management, investment banking<br />

and asset management businesses.<br />

• In Switzerland, UBS is the market leader in retail<br />

and commercial banking.<br />

• UBS is present in all major financial centers worldwide.<br />

It has <strong>of</strong>fices in over 50 countries.<br />

Forthcoming events organized by the <strong>American</strong> <strong>Chamber</strong><br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>Commerce</strong> in <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg include:<br />

Tuesday, September 22, 2009<br />

18:30 – 20:30, Allen & Overy<br />

HR Committee: <strong>The</strong> HR Director <strong>of</strong> the Future<br />

With special guest speakers: Marie-Brigitte Bissen, Managing<br />

Director, Executive Coach & HR Development Consultant,<br />

EVOLUTION Plus; and Yvonne Nowak-Sikora, Head <strong>of</strong> Human<br />

Resources, Commerzbank.<br />

Thursday, September 24, 2009<br />

18:30 – 20:30, PricewaterhouseCoopers<br />

ComIT: Data Centers in <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg, e-archiving, and Content<br />

Management<br />

With special guest speakers: Juergen Kockelmann, CEO, European<br />

Data Hub; Steve Glange, VP International Business Development,<br />

Datacenter <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg, S.A.; and Jan Leeman, Business<br />

Development Manager BeNeLux for Enterprise 2.0, Oracle.<br />

Monday, October 05, 2009<br />

12:00 – 14:30, Hilton <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

October ABAL Luncheon<br />

With special guest speaker, Dr. Rolf Tarrach, Rector <strong>of</strong> the University<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg.<br />

Monday, November 9, 2009<br />

18:30 – 20:30, Hilton <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

November ABAL Luncheon<br />

With special guest speaker from the U.S. Embassy, <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

Thursday, November 19, 2009<br />

19:00 – 23:00, S<strong>of</strong>itel <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg Europe - Plateau de Kirchberg<br />

Annual Thanksgiving Dinner

---

8<br />

AMCHAM NEWS<br />

COMMITTEES<br />

Obama Tax Reform<br />

Proposals: Future<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

as a “Go Through”<br />

Country<br />

On 26 February 2009, President Obama released an outline <strong>of</strong> his<br />

budget proposal for fiscal year 2010, which included a tax proposal to<br />

“implement international enforcement, reform deferral, and other tax<br />

reform policies” without further description. On 4 May, the President<br />

announced additional details <strong>of</strong> the tax proposal consisting <strong>of</strong> five<br />

proposals and on 11 May, the U.S. Treasury Department released the<br />

“Greenbook” with additional details on the initial proposals, plus seven<br />

new international tax proposals.<br />

<strong>The</strong> objectives <strong>of</strong> the U.S. administration consist <strong>of</strong> both making significant<br />

changes to the taxation <strong>of</strong> cross- border transactions and fighting<br />

tax evasion and avoidance. This latter objective is directly in line with<br />

the initiatives taken within the G-20 to impose sanctions on countries<br />

that are not implementing acceptable information exchange standards.<br />

It is also worth mentioning that President Obama was a supporter <strong>of</strong><br />

the Stop Tax Haven Abuse Act, which proposed to introduce a series <strong>of</strong><br />

reforms and enforcement measures involving international taxation.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Obama proposals triggered some negative reactions from the business<br />

community and raised concerns that the primary objective <strong>of</strong> the<br />

proposals is to raise revenue in the face <strong>of</strong> a significant budget deficit.<br />

Practitioners also argued that the proposal likely would affect the<br />

competitive position <strong>of</strong> U.S. companies.<br />

This article looks at three significant international tax proposals: the<br />

repeal <strong>of</strong> the “check-the-box” rules for certain foreign entities, the<br />

repeal <strong>of</strong> the deferral <strong>of</strong> certain deductions claimed by U.S. companies<br />

and the reform<br />

Bernard David<br />

<strong>of</strong> the foreign tax<br />

credit system. <strong>The</strong>se<br />

rules, if implemented<br />

in their present<br />

form, would impact<br />

a number <strong>of</strong> multinational<br />

corporations<br />

that use <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

holding companies.<br />

As currently envisioned, the proposals would be effective for taxable<br />

years beginning after 31 December 2010.<br />

1. Conversion <strong>of</strong> certain disregarded entities to<br />

corporations for U.S. tax purposes<br />

Roughly speaking, the “check-the-box” election concerning entity classification,<br />

which was placed in regulations by the Clinton administration in<br />

1997, gives U.S. companies latitude in deciding whether certain eligible<br />

foreign entities should be “regarded” or<br />

“disregarded” for U.S. federal income tax<br />

purposes. This allows U.S.-based companies<br />

to engage in <strong>of</strong>fshore financing <strong>of</strong><br />

non-U.S. subsidiaries without producing<br />

passive income that is currently taxed in<br />

the U.S. Although the check-the-box rules<br />

were introduced with the aim <strong>of</strong> simplifying<br />

the entity classification process, the<br />

system is the subject <strong>of</strong> debate concerning<br />

the proper scope <strong>of</strong> the U.S. anti-deferral<br />

rules.<br />

Stephan Tilquin<br />

<strong>The</strong> Obama proposal aims to limit the ability <strong>of</strong> certain foreign entities<br />

to elect “disregarded” status. It provides that a foreign eligible entity<br />

may be treated as a disregarded entity only if the single owner <strong>of</strong> the<br />

foreign eligible entity is created or organized under the laws <strong>of</strong> the<br />

same country as the electing entity or if the foreign eligible entity is a<br />

first tier foreign entity wholly owned by a U.S. person, except in case <strong>of</strong><br />

tax avoidance (not defined in the proposal). This proposal applies only<br />

to entities that are disregarded for U.S. tax purposes.<br />

By creating entities that are regarded as corporations for U.S. tax<br />

purposes, the proposal would restrict cross-border transactions that<br />

improve the tax efficiency <strong>of</strong> a corporate structure. This major proposal<br />

would force many U.S. investors to reconsider their existing structures<br />

(including those using holding companies) and to evaluate the impact<br />

<strong>of</strong> currently disregarded transactions under the new rules. U.S.-based<br />

companies also would be forced to reevaluate their current financing

---

AMCHAM NEWS<br />

COMMITTEES<br />

9<br />

transactions, including the ability to meet other exceptions to subpart<br />

F that would allow financing <strong>of</strong> non-U.S. affiliates without producing<br />

subpart F income. <strong>The</strong> use <strong>of</strong> common holding company structures<br />

must be factored in as a part <strong>of</strong> this analysis.<br />

2. Deferral <strong>of</strong> certain deductions claimed by U.S.<br />

companies that are allocable to un-repatriated<br />

foreign-source income<br />

Under the current system, U.S. companies can defer taxes indefinitely<br />

on their pr<strong>of</strong>its derived earned overseas from active business operations<br />

(until the money is repatriated back to the U.S.) while benefiting from an<br />

immediate deduction for domestic expenses, such as interest, allocated<br />

to foreign-source income.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Obama proposal would defer the deduction <strong>of</strong> expenses (other<br />

than R&D expenses) allocated to foreign-source income (other than<br />

R&D expenses) to the extent the foreign-source income deemed to be<br />

associated with the expenses is not currently subject to U.S. tax. This<br />

amendment likely would increase the cost <strong>of</strong> capital and the compliance<br />

burden for U.S. investors, thus limiting the attractiveness <strong>of</strong> structures<br />

designed for efficient foreign growth. <strong>The</strong> proposal could provide an<br />

incentive to move third-party indebtedness to foreign subsidiaries to<br />

obtain a full deduction for interest paid on the financing transaction.<br />

3. Reform <strong>of</strong> the foreign tax credit system<br />

<strong>The</strong> reform <strong>of</strong> the foreign tax credit system consists <strong>of</strong> two separate<br />

measures. Under one measure, it is proposed to determine the deemed<br />

foreign tax credit available based on the amount <strong>of</strong> total foreign tax<br />

paid on the total foreign earnings <strong>of</strong> all foreign subsidiaries for which<br />

the U.S. taxpayer can claim a foreign tax credit (i.e. worldwide single<br />

pool basis). Under the current system, the foreign tax and foreign earnings<br />

pools are tracked at an entity level split into passive income and<br />

general limitation income (i.e. non-passive) categories <strong>of</strong> income. <strong>The</strong><br />

Obama Administration argues that the existing rules are encouraging<br />

U.S. companies not to repatriate pr<strong>of</strong>its unless there are sufficient U.S.<br />

foreign tax credits available. Since the U.S. has one <strong>of</strong> the highest corporate<br />

tax rates in the world and the foreign tax credit would be based<br />

on the weighted worldwide foreign tax rate, this proposal would likely<br />

increase the incremental U.S. tax paid by U.S. companies on foreign<br />

earnings and further restrict the ability <strong>of</strong> such companies to structure<br />

their operations to provide for efficient growth in foreign markets.<br />

Considering that the availability <strong>of</strong> foreign tax credit will become more<br />

restrictive, U.S. investors will try to manage as much as possible the tax<br />

inefficiencies incurred abroad.<br />

Conclusion<br />

<strong>The</strong>re are many uncertainties concerning the future enactment <strong>of</strong> these<br />

proposals as there has been no consideration <strong>of</strong> the proposals by the U.S.<br />

Congress. U.S. companies should analyze the impact <strong>of</strong> the proposals on<br />

current transactions and develop a contingency plan to address alternative<br />

structuring that may be necessary if the proposals are enacted in<br />

their current form. <strong>The</strong> same attributes centered on tax efficiency and<br />

an extensive tax treaty network that have made <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg a premier<br />

jurisdiction for efficient holding company structures over the past<br />

decade will doubtlessly put the Grand Duchy in a position to continue<br />

in this role as U.S. investors address the Obama proposals.<br />

Bernard David & Stephan Tilquin<br />

Bernard David is a tax partner in the International - Corporate Tax department<br />

<strong>of</strong> Deloitte S.A. in <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg and Stephan Tilquin leads the <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

desk <strong>of</strong> Deloitte Tax LLP in New York.<br />

©2009, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu. All rights reserved.<br />

Nobody<br />

home<br />

With BPM-Lux, take advantage <strong>of</strong> 6 Mail Forwarding addresses in the USA,<br />

United Kingdom, France, Germany, Belgium and <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg!<br />

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visit www.bpm-lux.com<br />

Aff_mail_forward_A4_UK.indd 3 22/10/08 15:39:17

---

10<br />

SPECIAL FEATURE<br />

EDUCATION IN LUXEMBOURG<br />

<strong>The</strong> International Classes<br />

at the Athénée de <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

Being located at the heart <strong>of</strong> Europe, <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg has always benefited<br />

from a whole wealth <strong>of</strong> international and multicultural influences. Yet,<br />

even though glossy tourist brochures vividly celebrate diversity and<br />

local politicians solemnly acclaim the country’s leading role within the<br />

European integration process, the <strong>Luxembo</strong>urgish education system<br />

still does not always manage to turn the country’s truly international<br />

vocation into a clear advantage for its youngsters. Although young<br />

<strong>Luxembo</strong>urgers are raised as fluent speakers <strong>of</strong> three or more modern<br />

languages, international students newly arriving within the system <strong>of</strong>ten<br />

feel overwhelmed when faced with the daunting prospect <strong>of</strong> having to<br />

learn two or even three new languages simultaneously.<br />

With the introduction <strong>of</strong> an English language secondary study program<br />

(grade 9-13), the Athénée de <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg has taken a leading role in<br />

facing the challenges brought about by the growing number <strong>of</strong> international<br />

pupils in the country. <strong>The</strong> project thus represents a small but<br />

decisive step towards a better integration <strong>of</strong> international students<br />

within local school communities and the country as a whole.<br />

Although the Athénée recently celebrated its 400 years in 2003, the<br />

school is constantly eager to balance tradition with a strong sense <strong>of</strong><br />

commitment and openness to new developments in the field <strong>of</strong> education.<br />

<strong>The</strong> school is currently making a sustained effort to exploit the<br />

benefits <strong>of</strong> new information technologies and digital media across<br />

different subjects. Furthermore, the newly established international<br />

study program neatly fits in with the school’s longstanding involvement<br />

in numerous European school partnership programs and its participation<br />

in several renowned European and international exchange schemes<br />

such as the Model European Parliament and Comenius.<br />

<strong>The</strong> program <strong>of</strong>fered at the Athénée<br />

<strong>The</strong> high-level secondary studies program <strong>of</strong> international education<br />

<strong>of</strong>fered at the Athénée is designed to help motivated English-speaking<br />

students who have recently moved to <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg and are not familiar<br />

with the three languages commonly spoken in the country develop the<br />

knowledge, understanding, attitudes and skills necessary to go on to<br />

higher education (university).<br />

<strong>The</strong> Athénée will ultimately <strong>of</strong>fer a 5-year study program which will<br />

encompass three different levels. In September 2007 we started <strong>of</strong>fering<br />

for the first time an initiation year (grade 9) during which the aim is<br />

to familiarize students with the <strong>Luxembo</strong>urgish school system, to<br />

strengthen their English language skills and to introduce them to<br />

French and German. Following the initiation year, students are going to<br />

enter two preparation years (grade 10 and 11) before starting the actual<br />

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program 1 (grade 12 and 13,<br />

first exams in 2011).<br />

Subjects taught<br />

<strong>The</strong> lingua franca used throughout the program is English, and French<br />

is taught as a second language. Although no previous knowledge <strong>of</strong><br />

French is required for students joining the initiation year, they will ultimately<br />

be expected to reach an advanced level in their final year (grade<br />

13). Students will additionally be familiarized with German 2 . Although<br />

languages will form an essential constituent <strong>of</strong> the syllabus, the<br />

programme will also put a strong focus on mathematics, social sciences,<br />

experimental sciences and the arts. Besides the more academic aspects,<br />

the IB program (grade 12 and 13) will also put a strong emphasis on<br />

creativity, action and community service in an effort to raise students as<br />

responsible and freethinking individuals.<br />

Entry requirements<br />

In order to be admitted to one <strong>of</strong> our international classes 3 , students<br />

will need to have an excellent command <strong>of</strong> the English language. All<br />

applications will be treated individually, on the basis <strong>of</strong> each student’s<br />

portfolio. In addition, each applicant will have to sit an admission test<br />

(English and Mathematics for grade 9; English, French, German and<br />

Mathematics for grade 10; English, French, German, Natural Sciences<br />

and Mathematics for grade 11 and 12 4 ). <strong>The</strong> application forms can be<br />

downloaded from our website (www.al.lu/tele.html). <strong>The</strong> admission<br />

exams will be take place at the Athénée in May (first session), July<br />

(second session) and September (third session, unless there are no<br />

longer any vacancies by that time).<br />

Charles Meder<br />

Pit Sylvestrie<br />

Athénée de <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

1 <strong>The</strong> International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program is a very interesting<br />

and demanding program and a highly adapted passport to higher education. It<br />

is currently being <strong>of</strong>fered across some 2,000 secondary schools in 125 countries<br />

worldwide. It is valued by a large number <strong>of</strong> foreign universities and it has<br />

recently been recognized by the law as an equivalent to the <strong>Luxembo</strong>urgish<br />

school leaving certificate. Over the two coming years, the Athénée will apply to<br />

become an IB World School, that is a school <strong>of</strong>ficially authorized to <strong>of</strong>fer the<br />

International Baccalaureate study program. This will allow the school to host the<br />

two final diploma years.<br />

2 A minimum level A2 (Common European Framework for Languages) is currently required by the<br />

Ministry <strong>of</strong> Education in <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg.<br />

3 It is possible to join the program in either grade 9, 10, 11 or 12 (from 2010 on).<br />

4 First admissions in 2010.<br />

Contact Details:<br />

Charles Meder<br />

Athénée de <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

24, Bd. Pierre Dupong - L-1430 <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

Phone: (+352) 2604 6116 - Fax: (+352) 2604 6104<br />

E-mail: charles.meder@education.lu<br />

Website: www.al.lu/international.html

---

SPECIAL FEATURE 11<br />

EDUCATION IN LUXEMBOURG<br />

<strong>The</strong> International School<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

On August 26, some 960 students and 187 staff members stepped through the doors <strong>of</strong> the International<br />

School <strong>of</strong> <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg and into the 2009-2010 school year. Forty-six years earlier, ISL’s precursor, the<br />

Dupont de Nemours Private School, opened its doors to a handful <strong>of</strong> <strong>American</strong> students, just a stone’s<br />

throw from ISL’s current location on the Geesseknaeppchen Campus in <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg-Merl.<br />

which indicate continued healthy<br />

growth both within the school<br />

and in <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg,” affirms<br />

ISL Director Chris Bowman.<br />

Coinciding with this growth is<br />

a low turnover in school staff,<br />

a mark <strong>of</strong> a healthy educational<br />

working environment. “<strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

is a good place to be living<br />

and we continue to see many<br />

people stay for longer periods.<br />

Our staff turnover is quite low<br />

compared to other international<br />

schools,” Mr. Bowman<br />

continued.<br />

From 1963 to 2009 and into the<br />

Future<br />

ISL has grown steadily ever since, not only<br />

in size, but also in the depth and breadth <strong>of</strong><br />

its mission. <strong>The</strong> Dupont de Nemours Private<br />

School became known as the English Speaking<br />

School <strong>of</strong> <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg in 1969. Restructured<br />

as an a.s.b.l. in 1972 it was renamed the <strong>American</strong><br />

School <strong>of</strong> <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg and evolved into<br />

the <strong>American</strong> International School in 1982.<br />

With an increasingly multicultural character<br />

and mission, the school began to internationalize<br />

its K-12 curriculum and introduced the<br />

International Baccalaureate Diploma Program<br />

in 1994. Over the last 15 years ISL has built<br />

a strong IB program: the average pass rate<br />

for diploma candidates from 2007-2009 was<br />

a strong 94%, well over the world average <strong>of</strong><br />

about 80%.<br />

As the school’s enrolment has grown, so<br />

has the range <strong>of</strong> nationalities, both among<br />

students and teachers. Ten years ago, in 1999,<br />

the time had come to recognize this evolution<br />

by adopting a new name: <strong>The</strong> International<br />

School <strong>of</strong> <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg. Today ISL’s students<br />

come from 46 different countries and we count<br />

more than 20 nationalities among our staff<br />

members. Nearly 80% <strong>of</strong> our students have a<br />

multilingual background.<br />

ISL’s new name aptly coincided with its move<br />

from Limpertsberg to the Geesseknaeppchen<br />

Campus in August 2000. Ever since, the school<br />

has experienced steady, even robust, growth,<br />

particularly in recent years. In 2007 and 2008,<br />

enrolment rose by 15% each year. Enrolment<br />

has risen this year too, a modest but encouraging<br />

6% in light <strong>of</strong> the current economic<br />

climate and “well above anticipated figures,<br />

Campus 2012: ISL’s Facility<br />

Expansion<br />

All the more reason for the<br />

school to press forward with<br />

its Campus 2012 Expansion<br />

Project. Initiated in 2008,<br />

following the construction <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Hillside Building, which rapidly<br />

filled to capacity, the project comprises five<br />

main elements: an extension to the east wing<br />

<strong>of</strong> the main building (ISL1) currently under<br />

construction and slated for completion in April<br />

2010; construction <strong>of</strong> a new Lower School<br />

building (ISL2) on the west side <strong>of</strong> the campus;<br />

refitting ISL1 for the Upper School; refitting<br />

the Hillside Building for school administration<br />

<strong>of</strong>fices; and optimizing ISL’s outdoor spaces for<br />

physical education and recreation activities.<br />

<strong>The</strong> key element <strong>of</strong> the Campus 2012 project<br />

is the construction <strong>of</strong> ISL2, a dedicated Lower<br />

School building that will be “purpose-built for<br />

a modern international education environment.<br />

Modular structures, grade level groups,<br />

shared workspaces and easy access to shared<br />

central facilities form part <strong>of</strong> the brief for a<br />

flexible, environmentally friendly building that<br />

in 15 years’ time can still adjust and modify

---

12 SPECIAL FEATURE<br />

EDUCATION IN LUXEMBOURG<br />

itself, especially with regards to technology,”<br />

explains Mr. Bowman. <strong>The</strong> school is in the<br />

process <strong>of</strong> selecting an architect for this phase<br />

<strong>of</strong> the project.<br />

Inspiring Students and Preparing<br />

<strong>The</strong>m for the Future<br />

Providing state-<strong>of</strong>-the-art educational environments<br />

that optimize student learning is a<br />

high priority at ISL. <strong>The</strong> school’s technology<br />

program, generously supported by Ernst &<br />

Young, focuses on appropriate integration <strong>of</strong><br />

technology as an educational tool to enhance<br />

learning. All classrooms are equipped with<br />

computer workstations and LCD projectors<br />

and the school is well advanced on an ambitious<br />

program to equip classrooms with interactive<br />

whiteboards. In addition to further<br />

classroom teaching spaces, the ISL1 extension<br />

will include art and drama studios and three<br />

science laboratories, one <strong>of</strong> which will be dedicated<br />

to design and technology.<br />

True to its mission <strong>of</strong> inspiring students to<br />

reach their true potential and to act as responsible<br />

participants in a global society, ISL<br />

continues to develop and expand its student<br />

outreach initiatives both within the curriculum<br />

and in partnership with stakeholders in the<br />

<strong>Luxembo</strong>urg community and around the world.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Global Issues Network and ISL’s designated<br />

charity projects in Tanzania, Turkey,<br />

Zimbabwe, Burundi and Thailand provide<br />

opportunities for students to get involved<br />

and make a difference. This spring, ISL’s first<br />

group <strong>of</strong> students received bronze and silver<br />

insignias from <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg’s Mérite Jeunesse,<br />

part <strong>of</strong> the Duke <strong>of</strong> Edinburgh’s International<br />

Award program, and ISL’s first gold expedition<br />

took place in June.<br />

In our rapidly changing world, ISL’s curriculum,<br />

expansion, initiatives and community<br />

building are all directly informed by its mission,<br />

guiding the school as it “maintains its focus<br />

on students with a commitment to educating<br />

the whole child and preparing students for<br />

whatever they may encounter ahead <strong>of</strong> them”<br />

concludes Chris Bowman.<br />

Marian Aldred<br />

Communications & Marketing Officer<br />

Contact Details:<br />

International School <strong>of</strong> <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

Campus Geesseknäppchen<br />

36, Boulevard Pierre Dupong<br />

L-1430 <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

Phone: (+352) 26 04 40<br />

Fax: (+352) 26 04 47 04<br />

E-mail: info@islux.lu<br />

Website: www.islux.lu

---

St. George’s International<br />

School, <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

SPECIAL FEATURE<br />

EDUCATION IN LUXEMBOURG<br />

13<br />

St. George’s International School was opened in 1990 in response to demand here in <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg for<br />

a school teaching in English using a UK-based curriculum. It started with only 12 children. From its<br />

inception it has enjoyed the patronage <strong>of</strong> the British Ambassador.<br />

<strong>The</strong> School now has over 450 students aged<br />

3 to 18 years. To accommodate rising demand<br />

we moved into a brand-new purpose-built site<br />

in Hamm in April 2008. We are also building<br />

a new teaching block which will be completed<br />

in October this year. Our buildings <strong>of</strong>fer fully<br />

equipped classrooms, state <strong>of</strong> the art ICT<br />

provision, a student canteen and dedicated<br />

teaching facilities in a pleasant, landscaped<br />

setting.<br />

What has been the secret <strong>of</strong> our success and<br />

why would parents choose the school<br />

As we say in our advertising: we aim to give<br />

every child the care they deserve and the challenge<br />

they require. In practice this means<br />

that instead <strong>of</strong> looking at a “one size fits all”<br />

curriculum, we have a core curriculum for each<br />

subject which is then differentiated: extended<br />

to fit the gifted and talented, and supported<br />

for the students who find learning a challenge.<br />

Our extended curriculum puts great emphasis<br />

on the Fine Arts – just imagine the satisfaction<br />

<strong>of</strong> publicly exhibiting your paintings at<br />

the age <strong>of</strong> 3!<br />

Our students come from many different countries<br />

and during their time in <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

we encourage them to explore the country<br />

in which they now live and understand its<br />

history, culture and customs. We aim to make<br />

the most <strong>of</strong> everything the region has to <strong>of</strong>fer<br />

through international trips as well as visits to<br />

museums, galleries, theatres and local institutions.<br />

Residential trips are <strong>of</strong>fered to students<br />

which aim to broaden their horizons, support<br />

their learning in school and build positive relationships<br />

for learning together.<br />

Languages are a key component <strong>of</strong> the curriculum:<br />

we <strong>of</strong>fer French from the age <strong>of</strong> 3 and<br />

German at the age <strong>of</strong> 11, although it can be<br />

studied after school from the age <strong>of</strong> 6. In<br />

keeping with our international status some <strong>of</strong><br />

our students will study their home language<br />

out <strong>of</strong> school hours.<br />

14 to 16 year olds take IGCSE exams in up to<br />

ten subjects. In line with our aim <strong>of</strong> a differentiated<br />

program, some <strong>of</strong> our students who are<br />

pr<strong>of</strong>icient in foreign languages will be prepared<br />

for the IGCSE exams in these subjects up to 2<br />

years early. <strong>The</strong>se Cambridge IGCSE exams<br />

are the world’s most popular international<br />

qualification for 14-16 year olds.<br />

Students aged 16 to 18 have the opportunity to<br />

take GCE A Level qualifications. <strong>The</strong>se are also<br />

accredited by the University <strong>of</strong> Cambridge and<br />

are regarded by Higher Education institutions<br />

throughout the World as highly prestigious<br />

pre-university programs. Students choose 3<br />

or 4 subjects from a wide range <strong>of</strong> academic<br />

disciplines at age 16 and are<br />

provided with dedicated study<br />

facilities and a Common Room.<br />

Great emphasis is placed on<br />

giving older students guidance<br />

with careers and choosing<br />

higher education courses as<br />

well as training in study and<br />

leadership skills.<br />

<strong>The</strong> interest <strong>of</strong> the students<br />

is further stimulated by the<br />

various special days in the<br />

calendar: for example St.<br />

George’s Day, Science day,<br />

Sports Day, Book Week, and World Maths<br />

Day. We also host touring theatre groups. Our<br />

pupils are encouraged to become active citizens<br />

and at Secondary level there is an active<br />

School Council. <strong>The</strong>re is also a thriving Merite<br />

Jeunesse (Duke <strong>of</strong> Edinburgh Award) group<br />

for students over the age <strong>of</strong> 14 and opportunities<br />

to develop a wider awareness <strong>of</strong> the world<br />

in Personal, Social and Health Education and<br />

Citizenship lessons from the ages <strong>of</strong> 11 to 18.<br />

Pupils across the school have actively raised<br />

funds for a number <strong>of</strong> charities by organizing<br />

events such as discos and sponsored runs.<br />

Adults are not forgotten in all <strong>of</strong> this as we<br />

have a vibrant evening choir for parents and<br />

friends. <strong>The</strong>re is also an International Dinner<br />

for parents and many opportunities to get<br />

involved in School life. Parents also organized<br />

a wonderful Summer Fayre this year!<br />

St. George’s is an exciting, vibrant and caring<br />

school. We pride ourselves on the way in which<br />

we focus on developing the whole child as well<br />

as providing an outstanding environment for<br />

teaching and learning. Our new facilities are<br />

enabling us to broaden our choice <strong>of</strong> subjects<br />

and extra-curricular activities and we have<br />

an excellent reputation for balancing high<br />

academic standards with a recognition that<br />

every child matters.<br />

If you would like to find out more about St.<br />

George’s, please come and visit us!<br />

Heather Duxbury<br />

Primary Head<br />

Teacher<br />

Nigel Fossey<br />

Secondary Head<br />

Teacher<br />

Contact Details:<br />

Website: www.st-georges.lu

---

14 SPECIAL FEATURE<br />

EDUCATION IN LUXEMBOURG<br />

Studying at the University <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>Luxembo</strong>urg: 90 nationalities.<br />

Three languages. One University.<br />

With 4 500 students from nearly ninety countries, lecturers from 20 countries and around 30 partnerships<br />

in Europe and overseas, the University <strong>of</strong> <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg is consistently international. Founded in 2003,<br />

the first and only public university in the Grand-Duchy is still a small, but very dynamic institution with<br />

a very personal atmosphere.<br />

Reflecting <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg’s multicultural nature,<br />

the University <strong>of</strong> <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg works in three<br />

languages – English, French and German –<br />

and therefore belongs to the few multilingual<br />

universities worldwide. <strong>The</strong> majority <strong>of</strong> its<br />

degrees are taught in at least two <strong>of</strong> the three<br />

languages; however, some Masters degrees<br />

are given purely in English. Furthermore,<br />

all undergraduates have to spend at least one<br />

semester abroad. This allows them to improve<br />

their linguistic skills as well as to experience<br />

other cultures and methods <strong>of</strong> learning.<br />

By the way, those who want to spend a<br />

semester in the United States can apply for the<br />

US Embassy-Enterprise Scholarship program:<br />

Established by the US Embassy, the University<br />

and <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg-based <strong>American</strong> firms, this<br />

program <strong>of</strong>fers travel and subsistence grants<br />

for exceptional Bachelor students.<br />

Students can currently choose between 11 Bachelor<br />

and 20 Master courses:<br />

• <strong>The</strong> Faculty <strong>of</strong> Science, Technology and<br />

Communication <strong>of</strong>fers Bachelors in the<br />

domains <strong>of</strong> engineering, informatics and life<br />

sciences as well as Masters in informatics,<br />

systems biology, engineering, mathematics<br />

and sustainable development.<br />

• <strong>The</strong> Faculty <strong>of</strong> Law, Economics and Finance<br />

concentrates on Bachelor programs on economic<br />

sciences, law and business informatics. <strong>The</strong><br />

Masters focus on banking and finance, European<br />

law, entrepreneurship and innovation, as<br />

well as data security management.<br />

• <strong>The</strong> Faculty <strong>of</strong> Language and Literature,<br />

Humanities, Arts and Education <strong>of</strong>fers<br />

Bachelors in educational and social sciences,<br />

psychology and European cultures. <strong>The</strong><br />

Master programs range from philosophy,<br />

psychology, European history, mediation<br />

and gerontology to cross-border communication<br />

and cooperation, European spatial<br />

development as well as educational sciences<br />

in a multilingual context and <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

Studies.<br />

Close contacts to the economy<br />

As <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg is the headquarters <strong>of</strong> many<br />

European institutions and renowned for its financial<br />

center, the University makes use <strong>of</strong> these<br />

connections: about five hundred financial experts,<br />

legal experts and other practitioners support the<br />

150 pr<strong>of</strong>essors and lecturers in their teaching.<br />

Regarding research at the University, special<br />

attention is given to particularly promising<br />

areas, as for example security <strong>of</strong> information<br />

technology, Life Sciences, European and business<br />

law, finance or educational science. An interdisciplinary<br />

research centre for Security, Reliability<br />

and Trust has been established in 2009, and an<br />

interdisciplinary centre for Systems Biology<br />

will start soon. <strong>The</strong> latter is the backbone <strong>of</strong><br />

the “<strong>Luxembo</strong>urg Health Sciences and Technologies<br />

Action Plan” along with other projects<br />

pursued by the government in order to diversify<br />

the economy <strong>of</strong> the country.<br />

<strong>The</strong> first endowed chairs <strong>of</strong> the University were<br />

launched by the electronics company TDK in<br />

2006, the City <strong>of</strong> <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg in 2008 and the<br />

company ATOZ in 2009. <strong>The</strong> TDK chair aims<br />

to investigate solar cell materials and the chair<br />

funded by the City <strong>of</strong> <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg focuses<br />

on Urban Development Research, whereas<br />

the ATOZ chair studies the International and<br />

European Taxation system.<br />

Offers for everyone<br />

<strong>The</strong> University <strong>of</strong> <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg organizes<br />

various public conference series for a wide<br />

public. Moreover, in principle every citizen can<br />

attend lectures, regardless <strong>of</strong> qualifications.<br />

<strong>The</strong> University library can also be used free <strong>of</strong><br />

charge by external readers. <strong>The</strong> University also<br />

<strong>of</strong>fers continuing education courses as well as<br />

part-time studies for working adults.<br />

Outlook<br />

<strong>The</strong> University is divided across three sites:<br />

Kirchberg, Limpertsberg and Walferdange. But<br />

in a few years, the University administration,<br />

the Science Faculty, the Humanities Faculty<br />

and the department <strong>of</strong> Economics will find a<br />

new home on the Belval-West site in the future<br />

”Cité des Sciences”, about 20 km south <strong>of</strong> the<br />

capital. However, the departments <strong>of</strong> Law and<br />

Finance will stay in the city <strong>of</strong> <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg,<br />

close to the European Court <strong>of</strong> Justice and the<br />

financial center.<br />

Belval-West is the most ambitious urban<br />

development project <strong>of</strong> the Grand Duchy. In<br />

the medium term, a modern blend <strong>of</strong> research<br />

and teaching, work and leisure, industry and<br />

trade, homes and culture is due to arise on<br />

the roughly 120 hectare site <strong>of</strong> the erstwhile<br />

largest steelworks <strong>of</strong> <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg.<br />

Contact Details:<br />

University <strong>of</strong> <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

162a, avenue de la Faïencerie<br />

L-1511 <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

Website: www.uni.lu<br />

Student information:<br />

Service des Études et de la<br />

Vie Étudiante (SEVE)<br />

Phone: (+352) 46 66 44-6610<br />

E-mail: seve.infos@uni.lu

---

SPECIAL FEATURE<br />

EDUCATION IN LUXEMBOURG<br />

15<br />

MIAMI UNIVERSITY-LUXEMBOURG<br />

A SUCCESS STORY IN INTERNATIONAL<br />

EDUCATION AND IN INTERNATIONAL<br />

EDUCATIONAL PARTNERSHIP<br />

For over forty years now, Miami University,<br />

Ohio, has been present in <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

through its European Center, named after<br />

John E. Dolibois, a native <strong>of</strong> <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

who became the <strong>American</strong> Ambassador to his<br />

former country.<br />

<strong>The</strong> John E. Dolibois European Center is a<br />

component <strong>of</strong> Miami University, a well known<br />

university located in Oxford, Ohio and named<br />

for the Miami Indian Tribe that inhabited the<br />

area now known as the Miami Valley region<br />

when it was founded. <strong>The</strong> university celebrated<br />

the 200th anniversary <strong>of</strong> its foundation in 2009,<br />

thus commemorating its rich history as one<br />

<strong>of</strong> the United States’ oldest and most distinguished<br />

public universities. In its two hundred<br />

years <strong>of</strong> successful education delivery in the<br />

State <strong>of</strong> Ohio, it has established an outstanding<br />

national recognition and ranking in terms <strong>of</strong><br />

the students and faculty it attracts, its various<br />

academic programs, its commitment to international<br />

education while being also known for<br />

the classic beauty <strong>of</strong> its Midwestern campus.<br />

Its strong commitment to high quality undergraduate<br />

programs, <strong>of</strong>fered in the context <strong>of</strong><br />

interdisciplinary and liberal arts education and<br />

a select group <strong>of</strong> graduate degree programs<br />

places it in an elite group <strong>of</strong> <strong>American</strong> universities<br />

and has owed it the affectionate nickname<br />

<strong>of</strong> “public ivy league” university.<br />

In 1968, a time when many European and<br />

<strong>American</strong> universities were in turmoil and<br />

the brutal Soviet repression <strong>of</strong> the development<br />

<strong>of</strong> socialist democracy in Czechoslovakia<br />

challenged East-West relations, the<br />

establishment by Miami University <strong>of</strong> a new<br />

European campus was an act <strong>of</strong> commitment<br />

to international studies. It has been faithfully<br />

respected over the years while the University<br />

has increased the number <strong>of</strong> its students<br />

studying abroad.<br />

More than 10,000 Miami students, the very best<br />

from a select group <strong>of</strong> university students, have<br />

already studied at the <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg campus. A<br />

challenging, relevant and European-focused<br />

curriculum, taught by distinguished European<br />

and <strong>American</strong> faculty, <strong>of</strong>fers an exciting<br />

learning experience and gives its program the<br />

excellent academic reputation it enjoys. Courses<br />

are <strong>of</strong>fered in business<br />

administration, the<br />

social sciences and the<br />

humanities.<br />

Center-sponsored and<br />

independent weekend<br />

travels enable Miami<br />

students to explore<br />

Europe, to reinforce<br />

formal classroom<br />

learning and to<br />

observe, experience,<br />

and feel comfortable<br />

in Europe’s various<br />

cultural settings. In<br />

fact, the combination<br />

<strong>of</strong> an exciting and<br />

rigorous curriculum,<br />

host family life and<br />

travel turns <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

and Europe<br />

into our students’<br />

classroom and laboratory.<br />

A distinguished<br />

speaker series and<br />

organized visits to concerts, museums and<br />

other cultural and educational events provide<br />

additional venues for academic, personal and<br />

cultural enrichment and growth.<br />

So far, more than 160 <strong>Luxembo</strong>urgers have<br />

received generous scholarships to study at<br />

Miami University in Ohio. In <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg, a<br />

closer collaboration between the University <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>Luxembo</strong>urg and Miami University’s John E.<br />

Dolibois European campus at the new Esch/<br />

Belval campus aims at generating new synergies<br />

and exceptional opportunities and possibilities<br />

for students, faculty and staff <strong>of</strong> both<br />

universities and will further enrich <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg’s<br />

intellectual life.<br />

What others say about us:<br />

U.S.News & World Report lists Miami eighth<br />

among the nation's top universities in the 2010<br />

edition <strong>of</strong> America's Best Colleges.<br />

Miami University is recognized as one <strong>of</strong> the<br />

nation's best undergraduate institutions for<br />

2010, according to the Princeton Review's<br />

annual list. In surveys gathered from Miami<br />

students, our campus is identified as <strong>of</strong>fering<br />

a "great college experience," with pr<strong>of</strong>essors<br />

who are "extremely personable."<br />

Miami University has been identified as a best<br />

value in Kiplinger's annual list <strong>of</strong> the "100 Best<br />

Values in Public Colleges." (2009) Miami has<br />

appeared as a top 100 value every year since the<br />

first list was published in 1998.<br />

Dr. Thierry Leterre<br />

Dean<br />

Miami University Dolibois European Center<br />

Thierry.Leterre@muohio.edu<br />

Contact Details:<br />

Miami University Dolibois<br />

European Center<br />

Château de Differdange<br />

Impasse du Château - L-4524 Differdange<br />

Phone : (+352) 58 22 22 1<br />

Fax : (+352) 58 22 22 204<br />

E-mail : luxembourg@muohio.edu<br />

Website: www.muohio.edu/luxembourg

---

16 SPECIAL FEATURE<br />

EDUCATION IN LUXEMBOURG<br />

<strong>The</strong> John F. Welch College<br />

<strong>of</strong> Business at Sacred Heart<br />

University<br />

A world-class education for people in business<br />

When Sacred Heart University, Fairfield decided in1991 to open a<br />

European branch in <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg, the success was not guaranteed. It<br />

was not only the first academic activity outside <strong>of</strong> the United States;<br />

it was also establishing a US MBA program in a European education<br />

setting. However, by analyzing the qualification needs <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

business community and adding the European perspective to the<br />

business cases discussed in class, Sacred Heart University is now one<br />

<strong>of</strong> the pillars <strong>of</strong> higher education in <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg. In the past 18 years,<br />

more than 350 students completed the programs in <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg and<br />

have experienced the personal attention which supported their personal<br />

achievements.<br />

In recent years the University’s Business College has achieved major<br />

milestones on its way to becoming an elite Business School. In 2006,<br />

the partnership with Jack Welch, the legendary CEO <strong>of</strong> General Electric<br />

began and the College was renamed to John F. Welch College <strong>of</strong><br />

Business. One year later, the College was accredited by AACSB International<br />

– the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools <strong>of</strong> Business –<br />

which is the highest quality label a Business College can earn and fewer<br />

than 10 percent <strong>of</strong> business schools worldwide receive this distinction.<br />

Furthermore, Sacred Heart University diplomas can be registered with<br />

the <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg Ministry <strong>of</strong> Higher Education.<br />

Board for the international experience!<br />

<strong>The</strong> recent graduation ceremony in June which took place at which at<br />

the Abbey de Neumünster, <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg is perfect pro<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong> the steps<br />

that Sacred Heart has climbed. Graduates <strong>of</strong> 2009, counted 18 students,<br />

representing 16 different nationalities and pr<strong>of</strong>essions. <strong>The</strong> diversity <strong>of</strong><br />

students enriches the discussion in class and <strong>of</strong>fers students the experience<br />

<strong>of</strong> different viewpoints. As working pr<strong>of</strong>essionals, they appreciate<br />

the learning environment created by an international faculty. <strong>The</strong><br />

faculty is composed <strong>of</strong> scholars from the main campus in Fairfield and<br />

business practitioners from<br />

<strong>Luxembo</strong>urg working for<br />

local institutions such as the<br />

European Court <strong>of</strong> Auditors<br />

or the European Investment<br />

Bank.<br />

<strong>The</strong> international experience<br />

<strong>of</strong> the College <strong>of</strong> Business<br />

goes along with personal<br />

attention in the classroom<br />

where the emphasis is on<br />

applied and experiential<br />

learning with real-business<br />

examples. Programs <strong>of</strong>fered<br />

are Master <strong>of</strong> Business<br />

Administration (MBA) and<br />

the Certificates in Leadership, Corporate Finance, and Global Investments.<br />

Participants <strong>of</strong> the MBA and the Certificates study at their own<br />

pace based on individual schedules reflecting their pr<strong>of</strong>essional goals<br />

and time line. By delivering courses in the evenings, pr<strong>of</strong>essionals can<br />

continue their careers, because the MBA program and Certificates <strong>of</strong>fer<br />

the right amount <strong>of</strong> flexibility and convenience to help students accomplish<br />

their career goals.<br />

And more to come…<br />

<strong>The</strong> University has more projects to come<br />

in 2010. One is the launch <strong>of</strong> a new Business<br />

Management Certificate which will be a<br />

common project with the IFCC. Since Sacred<br />

Heart University was originally located in<br />

the <strong>Chamber</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Commerce</strong> in 1991, from<br />

the beginning, both institutions cooperated<br />

and looked for opportunities to serve the<br />

needs <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg business community.<br />

Starting with common conferences this<br />

certificate is the next step <strong>of</strong> cooperation.<br />

Dr. Petra Garnjost<br />

Should you want to visit the campus or meet<br />

representatives <strong>of</strong> Sacred Heart University, please contact us or visit<br />

our website for details about our programs and upcoming events.<br />

Dr. Petra Garnjost<br />

Director,<br />

John F. Welch College <strong>of</strong> Business<br />

Sacred Heart University<br />

Contact Details:<br />

Sacred Heart University<br />

7, rue Alcide de Gasperi<br />

Chambre de <strong>Commerce</strong> - Bâtiment B, 1st floor<br />

L-2981 <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

Phone: (+352) 22 76 13 - Fax: (+352) 22 76 23<br />

pgarnjost@shu.lu<br />

www.shu.lu & www.sacredheart.edu

---

SPECIAL FEATURE<br />

EDUCATION IN LUXEMBOURG<br />

17<br />

World Class Learning in <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

What is <strong>The</strong> Open University<br />

<strong>The</strong> Open University (OU) is a state university based in the UK, and is<br />

one <strong>of</strong> the largest and most respected universities in the world. Since<br />

it was founded 40 years ago, it has become a world leader in supported<br />

distance learning.<br />

Outside the UK, courses are <strong>of</strong>fered in 44 countries, with more than<br />

200,000 students studying with the OU in the EU every year, where all<br />

courses are taught in English. Students can take a single course or build<br />

up to an internationally recognized Bachelors or Masters degree.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Open University has been in <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg since 1988, with a local<br />

Co-ordinator based at CSL (Chambres des Salaries de <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg).<br />

OU study is highly rated. <strong>The</strong> university is ranked among the ten best<br />

UK universities for teaching quality, and in the top three Higher Education<br />

Institutions in the UK for student satisfaction. <strong>The</strong> degrees are<br />

highly regarded by employers. <strong>The</strong>y believe that studying part-time<br />

while managing work and personal commitments shows determination,<br />

motivation and a high level <strong>of</strong> organization and problem-solving skills,<br />

qualities they value highly in their workforce.<br />

What is open distance learning<br />

<strong>The</strong> unique OU approach to study is called supported distance learning.<br />

Students learn in their own time and in a place <strong>of</strong> their choice, with<br />

help and support online, over the telephone or face-to-face. This makes<br />

<strong>The</strong> Open University an ideal option for people who need to plan their<br />

studies around their life and work, such as international travelers,<br />

people working unpredictable hours, or those who need to arrange study<br />

around other commitments. Courses are designed by leading academics,<br />

and the interactive teaching and multimedia materials provided are <strong>of</strong><br />

the highest quality and internationally renowned.<br />

Only 1% <strong>of</strong> business schools in the world have triple accreditation.<br />

<strong>The</strong> MBA program is designed for practicing middle- and senior-level<br />

managers and has a strong international focus, with emphasis on strategic<br />

analysis, interdisciplinary skills and independent judgment. 88%<br />

<strong>of</strong> the MBA graduates state that the course has given them confidence<br />

and on average has increased their salaries by 40% compared to their<br />

pre-MBA level.<br />

IT is also a popular choice in <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg. <strong>The</strong> Open University <strong>of</strong>fers<br />

an MSc in IT and Computing for IT pr<strong>of</strong>essionals looking for a qualification<br />

that reflects their experience in the IT field, and a BSc in IT and<br />

Computing for those wishing to embark on a career in IT. Equally popular<br />

is Psychology, with both Bachelors and Masters degree programs.<br />

With 600 courses on <strong>of</strong>fer in 14 subject areas, there is plenty to choose<br />

from. Other subjects <strong>of</strong>fered include engineering, mathematics, science,<br />

environmental studies, arts and humanities and education. As well as<br />

degree programs, courses at other education levels from short courses<br />

to diplomas are <strong>of</strong>fered. <strong>The</strong> MBA, Bachelors and Masters degrees are<br />

all recognized by the <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg Government.<br />

This year the Open University celebrates its 40th anniversary.<br />

Since 1969 it has helped more than 2 million students develop their<br />

career or achieve their learning ambitions. To find out what the OU<br />

can do for you, contact:<br />

Valerie Scott<br />

Open University Country Co-ordinator<br />

Distance learning with the Open University does not mean studying<br />

alone. Students have a number <strong>of</strong> opportunities to gain support and<br />

network with others, through online conferences and in communication<br />

with their personal tutor. Some courses involve a residential school,<br />

giving students the opportunity to meet fellow students and to crystallize<br />

what they have learnt.<br />

Who is studying with us in <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

<strong>The</strong>re are 250 students currently studying with the Open University<br />

in <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg. 50% are native English speakers, 25% are <strong>Luxembo</strong>urgish<br />

and the remaining 25% are other non-native English speakers. <strong>The</strong><br />

student body in <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg is the most international in Continental<br />

Europe and has an active social life with regular dinners and receptions<br />

giving students the chance to meet other OU students and alumni based<br />

here in <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg.<br />

Business and management development programs <strong>of</strong> study are the main<br />

area <strong>of</strong> interest in <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg, predominantly the MBA program. <strong>The</strong><br />

OU Business School, the biggest business school in Europe, is triple<br />

accredited in the UK, USA and Europe (AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA).<br />

Contact Details:<br />

<strong>The</strong> Open University<br />

Chambres des Salariés<br />

13, rue to Bragance - L-1255 <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

Phone: (+352) 44 40 91 801 - Fax: (+352) 44 40 91 650<br />

E-mail: luxembourg@open.ac.uk<br />

Website: www.open.ac.uk/europe

---

18<br />

SPECIAL FEATURE<br />

EDUCATION IN LUXEMBOURG<br />

SITec ® : Creativity and Innovation<br />

through Lifelong Learning<br />

SITec®, the Public Research Center Henri Tudor’s department dedicated to lifelong learning for<br />

technological innovation, celebrates its 20 years. In order to maintain an <strong>of</strong>fer at the cutting edge <strong>of</strong><br />

excellence, SITec® updates its catalogue with 25 new qualifying training programs, a larger multilingual<br />

<strong>of</strong>fer in English, French and German, as well as three new sections related to Security and Business<br />

Continuity, Urbanization <strong>of</strong> Information Systems and a specific <strong>of</strong>fer targeted at researchers.<br />

Learning and innovation go hand in hand. Creative approaches for<br />

training services can foster technological opportunities and create new<br />

products; <strong>of</strong>fer potential solutions for quality management and develop<br />

best practices for a long-term economic growth. <strong>The</strong> Public Research<br />

Center Henri Tudor is very much concerned about these issues. To<br />

achieve Open Innovation, which is the ultimate source for creativity, lifelong<br />

learning must support knowledge, and therefore the links between<br />

education and creativity are a prerequisite for internal innovation and<br />

technology development.<br />

<strong>The</strong> core business <strong>of</strong> SITec® is to encourage private and public sectors<br />

in the implementation <strong>of</strong> their vocational education and dissemination<br />

activities by creating solutions and tailored-made training products<br />

adapted to the entreprises’ development and to their human capital.<br />

Founded in 1987, SITec® has been ISO 9001 certified since 2007 and<br />

represents an <strong>of</strong>fer <strong>of</strong> 240 continuous and qualifying training programs,<br />

60 conferences and pr<strong>of</strong>essional events, 10 e-learning activities, three<br />

Master Degrees with prestigious European universities and a strong<br />

partnership with institutional chambers, pr<strong>of</strong>essional associations and<br />

IT networks.<br />

SITec®’s new training <strong>of</strong>fer aims at reflecting a quality label with regard<br />

to innovative content, client requirements and pr<strong>of</strong>essional focus, which<br />

have a direct impact on companies’ business development. In order to<br />

guarantee a scientific and multidisciplinary approach, each program is<br />

defined with the support <strong>of</strong> a steering committee made up <strong>of</strong> first-class<br />

pr<strong>of</strong>essionals from the world <strong>of</strong> business and research. Last year, 87%<br />

<strong>of</strong> participants were satisfied, a key factor explaining how creativity and<br />

innovation merge when both technological and educational background<br />

act in response to clients expectations and needs.<br />

Regina Carreira-López<br />

Gestionnaire formation<br />

Contact Details:<br />

SITec ® “Lifelong Learning for Technological Innovation”<br />

A department <strong>of</strong> CRP Henri Tudor<br />

29, avenue John F. Kennedy - L-1855 <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

Phone: (+352) 42 59 91 - 300 - Fax: (+352) 42 59 91 - 777<br />

E-mail: formation@tudor.lu<br />

Website: www.sitec.lu<br />

Qualifying training programs<br />

Entrepreneurship<br />

and<br />

Innovation<br />

Project<br />

Management<br />

Services<br />

governance<br />

Security and<br />

Business<br />

continuity<br />

Networking<br />

Intensive<br />

course<br />

Intensive<br />

course<br />

Intensive<br />

course<br />

Intensive<br />

course<br />

Intensive<br />

course<br />

26 - 27 December<br />

2009<br />

25 November<br />

2009<br />

14 - 18 December<br />

2009<br />

26 - 28 October<br />

2009<br />

29 - 30 October<br />

2009<br />

16 - 18 December<br />

2009<br />

9 September<br />

6 November,<br />

16 December<br />

2009<br />

Blue Ocean<br />

Strategy and<br />

Outcome- Driven-<br />

Innovation<br />

Certification<br />

Hermes Swiss<br />

Project Team<br />

Pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />

(HSPTP)<br />

Certification<br />

Hermes Project<br />

Manager (HSPM)<br />

TIPA Assessor<br />

Foundation<br />

TIPA Lead Assessor<br />

Certification Lead<br />

Implementer ISO/<br />

IEC 27001<br />

Certification<br />

ISTQB (certified<br />

Tester by <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

Testing<br />

Board)<br />

Master’s Degrees<br />

15 September 2009<br />

Master pr<strong>of</strong>essionnel en<br />

informatique et innovation<br />

16 September 2009 Master en management<br />

de la sécurité des systèmes<br />

Information d’information<br />

21 September 2009 sessions Master en management de<br />

la chaîne logistique globale<br />

23 September 2009 Master en sciences du<br />

management avec spécialisation<br />

Qualité<br />

CONFERENCES<br />

1 October 2009 Une source d’information trop souvent négligée: les flux RSS<br />

6 October 2009 Conférence Ecodesign<br />

22 October 2009 Congrès annuel sur la Gestion de Projet<br />

29 October 2009 IT Bankers<br />

12 November 2009 World Usability Day<br />

December 2009<br />

TAO Days

---

SPECIAL FEATURE<br />

EDUCATION IN LUXEMBOURG<br />

19<br />

<strong>The</strong> Institute <strong>of</strong> Chartered<br />

Accountants <strong>of</strong> Scotland<br />

It’s nearly two years since ICAS brought the CA qualification to <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg.<br />

Training talented individuals to become pr<strong>of</strong>essional chartered<br />

accountants is the core activity <strong>of</strong> the Institute, and something that the<br />

Institute has been dedicated to since it began as the world’s first pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />

body <strong>of</strong> accountants in 1854.<br />

<strong>Luxembo</strong>urg is tailor made for a qualification like the CA. It is a sophisticated<br />

financial market with a motivated and highly skilled workforce.<br />

That’s exactly the right environment for those who wish to study a<br />

financial qualification that covers everything from business ethics to<br />

corporate tax. Most <strong>of</strong> all, the qualification teaches CAs to use their<br />

pr<strong>of</strong>essional judgment to arrive at conclusions to business challenges<br />

that combine analysis, expertise and a strong knowledge <strong>of</strong> regulation.<br />

<strong>The</strong>re are now nearly thirty students in <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg studying for their<br />

CA qualification – from 11 nationalities!<br />

Virginia Anderson is European business products and industry trainer<br />

with global custody services provider Brown Brothers Harriman (BBH)<br />

in <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg. BBH has chosen the CA qualification for four <strong>of</strong> its<br />

staff. She says <strong>of</strong> the CA course: “It’s a comprehensive program and<br />

you don’t have to be an accountant to start it. It’s a more well-rounded<br />

financial qualification than many others.”<br />

She adds: “All <strong>of</strong> our students were already working at BBH. It’s a good<br />

developmental tool – they can go away for a month’s study and then<br />

apply what they’ve learned straight away.” <strong>The</strong>re are four CA students<br />

currently at BBH’s <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg <strong>of</strong>fice, only one <strong>of</strong> them from the UK.<br />

One <strong>of</strong> the students had been working in London and when she visited<br />

friends in <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg, she was struck by the quality <strong>of</strong> life there. She<br />

says: “I stayed to get a job and I’ve been living here for 10 years now!<br />

<strong>Luxembo</strong>urg is a small country, but it is very central for travelling, and<br />

there are good job opportunities.”<br />

She says: “One <strong>of</strong> the things I like about the ICAS qualification is the<br />

study leave and the fact that the Institute’s lecturers come to <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg.<br />

Long-distance study can be a long, hard process.<br />

I think the CA syllabus will address gaps in my knowledge. For example,<br />

I’m doing a lot <strong>of</strong> financial reporting and accounting in the property<br />

sector in my present role, so I will be able to use what I have learned.”<br />

Outside its training activity in the Grand Duchy, ICAS is also keen<br />

to continue to contribute to the well established business networks in<br />

<strong>Luxembo</strong>urg. <strong>The</strong> Institute recently hosted a reception at the Cercle<br />

Munster with a very special guest, Sir David Tweedie, Chairman <strong>of</strong> the<br />

International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). Sir David, one <strong>of</strong><br />

the world’s most important accounting standard-setters used the occasion<br />

to encourage the <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg financial community to contribute<br />

to the development <strong>of</strong> standards and made it clear that the IASB was<br />

very open to ideas from the fund industry and others.<br />

As to the future, ICAS is keen to build on the success <strong>of</strong> CA training in<br />

<strong>Luxembo</strong>urg and continue to build on its contributions to business life<br />

in one <strong>of</strong> Europe’s most successful financial centers.<br />

Jonathan Milne<br />

Director <strong>of</strong> Corporate Affairs<br />

Contact Details:<br />

<strong>The</strong> Institute <strong>of</strong> Chartered Accountants <strong>of</strong> Scotland<br />

CA House<br />

21 Haymarket Yards<br />

Edinburgh<br />

EH12 5BH - United Kingdom<br />

Phone: (+44) (0) 131 347 0100 - Fax: (+44) (0) 131 347 0105<br />

Website: www.icas.org.uk

---

20<br />

SPECIAL FEATURE<br />

EDUCATION IN LUXEMBOURG<br />

Vocational Training in Banking and Finance: Luxury<br />

or Bare Necessity<br />

In difficult times, it might be tempting to consider training activities as<br />

a luxury. Why spend precious time in training rooms and invest money,<br />

when cost cutting seems to be the watchword and work is left undone<br />

until training is over and one is back in the <strong>of</strong>fice<br />

Fortunately, most employers and employees have a less short-sighted<br />

view when it comes to vocational training. <strong>The</strong>y are aware that training<br />

is an essential investment in the future and that there will be better<br />

times after the crisis.<br />

According to Werner Eckes, General Director <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg Institute<br />

for Training in Banking, “employers are well aware that you cannot<br />

stop training your staff. <strong>The</strong> financial world is evolving at high speed,<br />

and not investing in training means putting at risk your competitiveness.<br />

Products and services are getting more and more sophisticated,<br />

only competent, well trained staff are able to cope with the challenges<br />

<strong>of</strong> the future.”<br />

<strong>The</strong> IFBL was created as the training institute <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

Banker’s Association in 1990, and since then has broadened its reach<br />

to include all fields <strong>of</strong> the financial sector. Today, it <strong>of</strong>fers a very<br />

wide range <strong>of</strong> programs that are constantly evolving and range from<br />

industry basics to state-<strong>of</strong>-the art highly specialized courses. With more<br />

than 13,000 registrations in 2008, IFBL is fully aware <strong>of</strong> its mission<br />

to enhance the pr<strong>of</strong>essionalism <strong>of</strong> a financial center that has to rely on<br />

well-trained and open-minded staff.<br />

to conventional finance. After a very successful conference, organized<br />

in May in collaboration with ALFI, LFF and PRiM, the IFBL now<br />

launches a certifying foundation training program in partnership with<br />

ICMA Centre, University <strong>of</strong> Reading.<br />

Furthermore, as the ability to quickly adapt to the new environment <strong>of</strong><br />

private banking in <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg will be crucial to the survival <strong>of</strong> the<br />

financial center, the IFBL will launch, with the support <strong>of</strong> the Private<br />

Banking Group, <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg, a high-level training course under the<br />

designation “CIWM” (Certified International Wealth Manager). This<br />

program, which has already proven successful in Switzerland and in<br />

other parts <strong>of</strong> the world, integrates the most recent results <strong>of</strong> research<br />

in new disciplines and <strong>of</strong>fers the tools to actively change the face <strong>of</strong><br />

private banking <strong>of</strong> our financial center.<br />

According to the Executive Committee <strong>of</strong> the European Trade Union<br />

Confederation (ETUC), jobs requiring high levels <strong>of</strong> expertise are<br />

expected to represent nearly 60% <strong>of</strong> employment in 2012. “Thus, lifelong-learning<br />

can definitely no longer be considered as an accessory, but<br />

is vital for our future”, concludes Werner Eckes.<br />

As Ginette Nierenhausen, Program Manager, explains, “IFBL courses<br />

are not meant to be academic, but they are designed to perfectly graft<br />

onto the daily business <strong>of</strong> the participants and thus to provide an immediate<br />

benefit. Participants can choose courses related to their jobs in<br />

order to deepen their knowledge. Upon the successful passing <strong>of</strong> an<br />

optional examination, they are granted a certificate <strong>of</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>iciency<br />

allowing them to corroborate their competences in specific fields.”<br />

To ensure that the training programs on <strong>of</strong>fer correspond to the real needs<br />

<strong>of</strong> the financial center, the IFBL has formed “Quality Circles”, composed<br />

<strong>of</strong> acknowledged experts in their respective fields. Concurrently, strong<br />

partnerships were built up with most <strong>of</strong> the representative pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />

organizations in <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg, such as ALCO (<strong>Luxembo</strong>urg Association<br />

<strong>of</strong> Compliance Officers), ALFI (Association <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg Fund<br />

Industry), ALGAFI (<strong>Luxembo</strong>urg Association <strong>of</strong> Portfolio Managers<br />

and Financial Analysts), ICMA (International Capital Market Association),<br />

the <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg <strong>Chamber</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Commerce</strong> and PRiM (<strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

Association for Risk Management Pr<strong>of</strong>essionals).<br />

Werner Eckes,<br />

General Manager<br />

For the coming year, the IFBL will introduce several novelties, thus<br />

meeting training needs expressed by the financial center. In <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg,<br />

Islamic Finance is gaining ground as an attractive alternative<br />

Contact Details:<br />

Website: www.ifbl.lu

---

SPECIAL FEATURE<br />

EDUCATION IN LUXEMBOURG<br />

21<br />

Try Something Different-<br />

<strong>The</strong> Second Degree<br />

With the credit crunch looming over us like a big black cloud ready to<br />

burst we are told to get back to basics. Grow your own vegetables, knit<br />

your own jumpers, make do and mend, save money by eating at home.<br />

Most <strong>of</strong> us may be able to cook but what about when you fancy something<br />

a little different Invest in one <strong>of</strong> our cookery courses and you can<br />

do your own fine dining at home, whether it be a spicy Indian curry or<br />

something closer to home like Easy Baking, our new teacher will take<br />

you through the basics <strong>of</strong> making your own cakes and biscuits, even<br />

jam. Perhaps you would like a bottle <strong>of</strong> wine to accompany your meal<br />

then let sommelier Abi Dhur take you on a tasting experience <strong>of</strong> some<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg’s finest home grown wines and beyond into France and<br />

Germany.<br />

Cookery is just one <strong>of</strong> the many subjects on <strong>of</strong>fer through <strong>The</strong> Second<br />

Degree. Other courses range from photography to oil painting, to history<br />

courses, arts and crafts, Bollywood dancing and Belly Dancing. This<br />

term we are also <strong>of</strong>fering new courses in Italian Culture, Eurhythmy<br />

and Learn the Djmebe and back by popular demand is our Photoshop<br />

course.<br />

Now in its eleventh year, <strong>The</strong> Second degree, <strong>of</strong>fers you an alternative<br />

way to spend your free time in the evenings (we also have some daytime<br />

courses). Instead <strong>of</strong> just going home, why not try something different<br />

Or if you have a fascinating hobby you would like to share with others<br />

why not become one <strong>of</strong> our teachers Whatever your subject; Fitness,<br />

arts or self improvement we are interested in everything. Check out our<br />

brochure or website for a full list <strong>of</strong> past and present courses.<br />

Our Autumn Term begins on September 28 th .<br />

To keep yourself up-to-date with all our current courses please see:<br />

www.theseconddegree.com<br />

If you prefer to receive a brochure by post please email your address to:<br />

enquiries@theseconddegree.com<br />

All our courses are taught in English, and provide opportunities for<br />

people from abroad with a variety <strong>of</strong> backgrounds and nationalities<br />

to relax and enjoy themselves after work and meet other people with<br />

similar interests. Classes are held at various locations within <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

City center.

---

22 INTERVIEW<br />

Interview with Skype COO<br />

Scott Durchslag<br />

You have recently arrived in the Grand Duchy as Chief Operating<br />

Officer <strong>of</strong> Skype. What makes Skype special to you<br />

I have the privilege <strong>of</strong> being the Chief Operating Officer for Skype<br />

globally and I get to wake up every day thinking about how to create<br />

more delightful customer experiences on our consumer, business, and<br />

mobile products; market one <strong>of</strong> the most amazing brands ever created to<br />

people in the Americas, EMEA, and Asia-Pacific; and scale up the operations<br />

<strong>of</strong> a very rapidly growing business that needs to attract, develop,<br />

and retain exceptional talent, Skype is very special because we touch<br />

the lives <strong>of</strong> nearly half a billion people in nearly every country on the<br />

planet by enabling their conversations with family, friends, colleagues,<br />

and customers. Every day I hear incredibly moving stories how Skype<br />

connected loved ones separated by space and time or companies that<br />

could not cost-effectively compete without us. Skype was born with a<br />

mission to enable the world’s conversations and, if the user has a good<br />

internet connection, many <strong>of</strong> them are now happening with higher<br />

quality audio than a landline telephone<br />

or high resolution video that is so good<br />

Scott Durchslag<br />

it is used on television broadcasts every<br />

day. Most importantly, Skype is special<br />

because its users and its employees are<br />

so passionate about us and each other.<br />

This is something we will never take<br />

for granted.<br />

We could have put Skype’s global headquarters<br />

anywhere in the world but we<br />

chose <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg for three reasons.<br />

First, Skype was founded as a European<br />

company and <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg lies in<br />

the heart <strong>of</strong> Europe which is also our<br />

biggest region in terms <strong>of</strong> the number<br />

<strong>of</strong> Skype users. Second, the government understands and appreciates<br />

the unique needs <strong>of</strong> a worldwide technology company like Skype which<br />

creates an excellent environment that continues to nurture our growth.<br />

This includes the laws, policies, regulations, and infrastructure we need<br />

but also comprises the accessibility and pragmatism <strong>of</strong> very capable<br />

leadership. Third, <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg is a wonderful place to live and work so<br />

our people love raising their families here. Besides me, our top executives<br />

in finance, human resources, communications, and business operations<br />

all reside here and we are growing so quickly here we now have to<br />

move <strong>of</strong>fices to get enough space.<br />

Ebay acquired Skype in 2005 and has announced that it will sell<br />

about 65% to a group <strong>of</strong> US inverstors headed by Silver Lake. Will<br />

this decision have an influence on Skype’s strategic orientation<br />

Ebay concluded there were not significant synergies between their core<br />

business and Skype so our strategic orientation has been independent<br />

for some time. Skype’s business is on a trajectory to double revenues<br />

by 2011 and we will stay focused on delighting our customers while<br />

building the world’s best communications s<strong>of</strong>tware company. I believe<br />

our new owners will help further accelerate our growth through their<br />

capital, relationships, and expertise in newer areas such as Skype for<br />

Business.<br />

Skype’s headquarters are now located<br />

in <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg. What are, in your<br />

opinion, the key advantages <strong>of</strong> this<br />

location<br />

How do you see Skype’s market position as compared to other telecommunications<br />

companies<br />

According to Telegeography, nearly 10% <strong>of</strong> the world’s conversations<br />

are with Skype so we are a signfiicant player in telecommunications.<br />

We believe the future is about video communications and about s<strong>of</strong>tware<br />

that enables consumers to communicate on any device, on any

---

INTERVIEW<br />

23<br />

network, any time. Skype allows our customers to see and hear their<br />

friends and family on their PC, laptop, netbook, mobile phone, PSP,<br />

cordless phone—ultimately any consumer electronics device connected<br />

to the internet.<br />

company or getting involved in Am Cham and the International School<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg.<br />

What do you enjoy doing to unwind from your busy schedule<br />

You have a most interesting CV: you’ve traveled through war-torn<br />

Yugoslavia as a freelance journalist, scaled Mount Everest, have<br />

extensive business experience in Asia. What accomplishment are you<br />

most proud <strong>of</strong> <br />

Pr<strong>of</strong>essionally, my best moment was probably becoming a partner <strong>of</strong><br />

McKinsey & Company only four years after joining the Firm. But I am<br />

proudest <strong>of</strong> marrying my wife Toby and being Dad to our five year old<br />

daughter Madison and two year old son Lincoln. <strong>The</strong>y awe and humble<br />

me every day in ways that make everything else I have ever done pale in<br />

comparison. <strong>The</strong>y make the journey better than reaching any destination.<br />

I enjoy sailing, hiking in the forest, and travelling around the area on<br />

weekends. But nothing rejuvenates me more than spending time with<br />

Madison, Lincoln, and Toby.<br />

Mr. Durchslag, we thank you for this interview!<br />

What should young people who are preparing themselves for their<br />

work life be aware <strong>of</strong> in a globalized world<br />

First, it is important to develop yourself broadly and not overspecialize<br />

too quickly. <strong>The</strong>re will be plenty <strong>of</strong> time for that, but I believe in a liberal<br />

arts education, grounded in reading the great books <strong>of</strong> our civilization,<br />

across the humanities, social sciences, physical sciences, and biological<br />

sciences. Once you have a broad foundation that engenders a love <strong>of</strong> lifelong<br />

learning, then go deep in a specific discipline, field <strong>of</strong> knowledge<br />

like engineering, or pr<strong>of</strong>ession like medicine or law. Second, make career<br />

choices based on the values, vision, and mentorship <strong>of</strong> the leadership at<br />

the company or institution you are joining. This is far more important<br />

than role, title, compensation, or perceived popularity <strong>of</strong> industry or<br />

company and never more so than early in a career. Third, travel early<br />

and <strong>of</strong>ten as there is no better way to learn about the world and about<br />

people than getting as far out <strong>of</strong> your comfort zone as possible.<br />

I started travelling right out <strong>of</strong> high school, at every break I could. I<br />

knew I had the time but not the money so that forced me into experiencing<br />

extreme situations where I had unique opportunities to see<br />

people as they really are, without the masks and filters worn in comfortable<br />

places. I realized back then I might later have the money to travel<br />

more comfortably, but I would never get the time it took to do well.<br />

Finally, get the opportunity to live and work in a very different culture.<br />

I did it in Asia which was as different from where I grew up outside<br />

<strong>of</strong> Chicago as possible but I can see that I could also have done it here<br />

in Europe. I am trying to more deeply connect here in <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg,<br />

looking for opportunities like serving on the Board <strong>of</strong> a <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

About… Scott Durchslag<br />

As COO, Scott Durchslag is responsible for leading Skype’s<br />

operations, as well as for overseeing the company’s design,<br />

products, marketing, payments and customer care activities.<br />

He manages Skype’s consumer, business, and mobile business<br />

units and its Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific regions.<br />

Scott brings 20 years <strong>of</strong> experience working for Fortune<br />

100 technology companies, startups, and pr<strong>of</strong>essional services<br />

organizations. Prior to joining Skype in 2008, he spent five years<br />

at Motorola on the management team <strong>of</strong> its mobile devices business.<br />

Most recently, he served as corporate vice president <strong>of</strong> global<br />

product & experience invention. He was also general manager <strong>of</strong><br />

South Asia and chief strategy <strong>of</strong>ficer <strong>of</strong> the personal communications<br />

sector where he architected the turnaround strategy that<br />

doubled market share and revenues between 2002 and 2007.<br />

Earlier, Scott was involved in Grand Central, a Silicon Valley<br />

enterprise s<strong>of</strong>tware startup and was one <strong>of</strong> the early thought<br />

leaders on Web services at <strong>The</strong> Chasm Group. He was also a<br />

partner at McKinsey & Company where he served technology<br />

clients in the firm’s New York and China <strong>of</strong>fices.<br />

He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University <strong>of</strong> Chicago and<br />

received his MBA from the Harvard Business School.

---

24 INFORMATION TOOLBOX<br />

<strong>Luxembo</strong>urg Income Study<br />

Located in <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg since 1983, the <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg Income Study (LIS)<br />

is a cross-national data archive and social science research institute. <strong>The</strong><br />

LIS archive contains two primary databases <strong>of</strong> household-level microdata:<br />

the <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg Income Study (LIS) Database includes income<br />

micro-data from 38 countries worldwide at multiple points in time, while<br />

the newer <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg Wealth Study (LWS) Database includes wealth<br />

micro-data from a smaller selection <strong>of</strong> countries. Both databases include<br />

labor market and demographic data. Registered users may access the<br />

micro-data for non-commercial research purposes using a remote-access<br />

system. All visitors to the website may download the LIS Key Figures,<br />

which provide country-level poverty and inequality indicators, and a set<br />

<strong>of</strong> national-level indicators that highlight women’s economic outcomes<br />

and gender inequality in poverty and employment.<br />

Weicker Foundation, the Fondation Nationale de Recherche <strong>of</strong> <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg,<br />

the University <strong>of</strong> <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg, STATEC, and the <strong>American</strong><br />

<strong>Chamber</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Commerce</strong> in <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg. Research drawing on the LIS<br />

and LWS data will be presented, including new research by LIS Director<br />

Janet Gornick, LIS Research Director Markus Jäntti, and LIS Executive<br />

Committee member Serge Allegrezza. Sir Anthony Atkinson will <strong>of</strong>fer<br />

a keynote address and 2009 Nobel laureate Paul Krugman will present a<br />

lecture open to the general public.<br />

Representative: Thierry Kruten<br />

Title: Director, <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg Office<br />

LIS operates as a non-pr<strong>of</strong>it consortium <strong>of</strong> participating countries from<br />

Europe, North America, Central and South America, Asia and Australasia.<br />

<strong>The</strong> main LIS <strong>of</strong>fices are located in the neighborhood <strong>of</strong> Cents,<br />

<strong>Luxembo</strong>urg, and a U.S. satellite <strong>of</strong>fice, the LIS Center, is located at <strong>The</strong><br />

Graduate Center <strong>of</strong> the City University <strong>of</strong> New York.<br />

LIS hosts an annual summer workshop on the University <strong>of</strong> <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

campus for pre- and post-doctoral researchers, as well as one-day<br />

workshops, conferences, and an on-going Visiting Scholars Program.<br />

LIS is preparing an international conference on the status <strong>of</strong> the<br />

middle class in cross-national perspective, to be held in <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

June 28-30, 2010. Co-hosts and sponsors to date include <strong>The</strong> Alphonse<br />

Contact Details:<br />

<strong>Luxembo</strong>urg Income Study<br />

17, rue des Pommiers<br />

L-2343 <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

Phone: (+352) 26 00 30 20<br />

Fax: (+352) 26 00 30 30<br />

E-mail: kruten@lisproject.org<br />

Website: www.lisproject.org<br />

LIS Director Janet C. Gornick and LIS Research Director Markus Jäntti with participants <strong>of</strong> the 2008 LIS workshop

---

INFORMATION TOOLBOX<br />

25<br />

<strong>The</strong> current business impact on<br />

HR and what to do about it<br />

Where are we at now<br />

<strong>The</strong>re is a mistaken belief going around <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg that the economic<br />

problems are behind us and the recovery has begun. <strong>The</strong> truth is that<br />

the economy is flat and has not yet bottomed out. Indeed my networking<br />

feedback indicates that we will have several social plans in the financial<br />

sector this fall. And recruitment is limited to a small number <strong>of</strong><br />

“must have” positions. So clearly the economy is not doing well and the<br />

recovery is still some months away from beginning<br />

So, what is an HR department to do<br />

It is relatively easy to manage HR in an expanding market with<br />

constantly more for all. It is very, very hard to manage a declining business<br />

as we have here today. And, the majority <strong>of</strong> HR managers are ill<br />

prepared to manage this downturn…due to lack <strong>of</strong> training and very<br />

limited experience with down sizing.<br />

<strong>The</strong> bad news is that you still have time to acquire the necessary skills<br />

as there is more “right sizing” to be done.<br />

5 pieces <strong>of</strong> advice:<br />

(1) Avoid a social plan in every way possible. Have you cut in all other<br />

ways to avoid a social plan Have you checked to confirm if your problem<br />

is too much budget costs, or too much headcount Have you encouraged<br />

the temporary conversion <strong>of</strong> willing staff to part time Sabbaticals<br />

<strong>The</strong> reason the social plan should be avoided is that it breaks the social<br />

contract and bonds <strong>of</strong> trust with all <strong>of</strong> the employees… and with all<br />

<strong>of</strong> the managers, and trust me you will never recover that trust once<br />

it is lost. Also too, a social plan is traumatic on managers as well. Do<br />

you think they really have the heart and the stomach to fire employees<br />

for economic reasons Think again! Unless your company plans to quit<br />

<strong>Luxembo</strong>urg totally, do everything possible to avoid a social plan.<br />

(3) This does not mean you can not fire sub par employees. You should<br />

do this whenever the situation arises (assuming <strong>of</strong> course that you first<br />

do appropriate performance counseling and it does not work). Be assured<br />

that the remaining employees are relieved when a bad performer (after<br />

appropriate counseling) is fired. After all, sub par performers are overpaid<br />

relative to their contributions and this reduces the bonus pool for<br />

the good performers.<br />

(4) Realistically determine who are the critical company employees,<br />

and then bind them to the company in all ways possible. Sometimes the<br />

young MBA is a critical employee. But also too, sometimes the little old<br />

blue headed lady in the back <strong>of</strong>fice is a critical performer…the only one<br />

who can do a vital job. It is not always just the highest paid who are the<br />

most important. Make sure from a knowledge retention standpoint that<br />

you realistically know and nurture your critical players.<br />

(5) Use the down turn to reposition your company for the recovery. This<br />

means staff training, so don’t cut all <strong>of</strong> the training. Instead, consider<br />

to use the downtime for some peer training to pass knowledge from<br />

those who know to those who should know. <strong>The</strong> cost is low, benefit is<br />

high and there is a positive morale impact.<br />

Paul Michael Schonenberg<br />

Chairman and CEO<br />

AMCHAM <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

(2) HR is the conscience <strong>of</strong> the company. If your motto is “we care about<br />

people”, best make sure your actions walk the walk… employees expect<br />

that the company motto in good times will be the same motto during<br />

bad times. Show another face and they will never forget nor forgive.<br />

Remember, the bond <strong>of</strong> trust once broken can never be recovered.

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26 INFORMATION TOOLBOX<br />

Autocracy vs. Democracy<br />

Can a business ever be a democracy or is that the recipe for anarchy As the recession deepened<br />

we noticed too many organizations falling back into a default mode <strong>of</strong> command and control. Leaders<br />

appeared to listen less and demand more. Now that it looks as though the downturn could last longer<br />

than any <strong>of</strong> us imagined, does autocratic leadership still have its place<br />

“Being a good leader is about hiring the right people, giving them decent<br />

training, making sure they’re aware <strong>of</strong> their objectives and leaving them<br />

to it. If you’ve done your job properly they should be able to do theirs<br />

properly. It’s about having faith in your people.” That’s the view <strong>of</strong> Dan<br />

McGuire, MD <strong>of</strong> Broadbean Technology, Europe’s leading online job<br />

advert distributor.<br />

“My theory is that most people in my organization should be able to do<br />

their job better than I can. <strong>The</strong>y’re experts at what they do and they’re<br />

doing it all day every day. It’s not helpful to stick your nose in or get<br />

them to do something your way if they’re performing. If they’re not<br />

performing it’s a different story but if they’re doing a good job acknowledge<br />

it, thank them and let them get on with it.”<br />

But is that how Europe’s business leaders have been operating Not<br />

according to Penny de Valk, CEO <strong>of</strong> the Institute <strong>of</strong> Leadership and<br />

Management. “It’s no surprise that many leaders’ response to the stress<br />

and anxiety <strong>of</strong> a steep and rapid downturn was to turn to autocracy –<br />

especially when they were faced with delivering more for less and cutting<br />

costs at the same time. In some ways, there’s nothing wrong with being<br />

autocratic: sometimes you just need something done urgently and the<br />

need is to ‘just do it’. But it can only be a short term style.<br />

Longer term, all our research shows that people want to be involved in<br />

the fortunes <strong>of</strong> their business and led by CEOs and Directors who are<br />

both purposeful and optimistic.<br />

Abdication <strong>of</strong> leadership<br />

“That doesn’t mean that businesses now have to be democracies to<br />

benefit from the upturn. Far from it. <strong>The</strong> secret <strong>of</strong> success is getting<br />

the balance right – and that’s not easy.<br />

Too much ‘democracy’ – a vote on every action the organization takes –<br />

can be, at best, an abdication <strong>of</strong> leadership, and at worst, complete business<br />

anarchy. So, leaders have to constantly work at getting their people<br />

engaged in creating and delivering solutions for the business. And that<br />

means having the grown-up adult to adult conversations across the<br />

business that will generate greater participation and a greater level <strong>of</strong><br />

employee engagement.<br />

“<strong>The</strong> secret <strong>of</strong> success is getting the balance<br />

right – and that’s not easy.”<br />

“<strong>The</strong>re’s no doubt that leadership is evolving. In the past 15 years<br />

we’ve moved from a very paternalistic, transactional style <strong>of</strong> leadership<br />

towards a much more transformational style. That’s one that’s more<br />

open and demands inspiring leadership that really motivates teams to go<br />

the extra mile. We’re a long way from this being the dominant management<br />

culture yet, great examples are still pretty patchy, and it’s easy for<br />

leaders to revert to command and control when the going gets tough.”<br />

“I would agree with Penny,” added Petra Wilton from the Chartered<br />

Institute <strong>of</strong> Management. “Organizations are made up <strong>of</strong> people, and<br />

what they’re looking for is transparency, not democracy. We need strong<br />

leadership that provides a vision for the organization and a real sense <strong>of</strong><br />

purpose and direction to take people towards that vision.<br />

Today’s successful leaders are not doing things to their people in the<br />

organization, but working with them to achieve a common goal.”<br />

“It may be that the recession will speed up the change in management<br />

style,” Penny concluded.<br />

“We’ll all probably be expected to do more with less resource, so a<br />

more involving leadership style will be really beneficial. But there’s a<br />

real danger that such leadership won’t flourish if businesses still maintain<br />

their same view <strong>of</strong> success and reward structures. Transformational<br />

leadership is a long game. But we currently reward short-term,<br />

numbers-driven success.<br />

“We could have a tremendous opportunity to revisit organizational<br />

designs and reward and recognition structures now. But one wonders<br />

how many organizations will be prepared to confront the self-interest<br />

culture that our current reward structures encourage<br />

“It’s time organizations recognize that great leadership is about being<br />

able to facilitate teams to come up with new insights and opportunities.<br />

Sometimes it’s autocratic and sometimes democratic, but whatever it is,<br />

it’s different from what we reward now. What is essential is that organizations<br />

recognize that the old toolkit <strong>of</strong> management style and management<br />

reward won’t serve the business well going forward.”<br />

Badenoch & Clark is <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg’s preferred provider <strong>of</strong> quality<br />

permanent recruitment solutions. Established in 1980, Badenoch &<br />

Clark is a leading international recruitment company. Through established<br />

networks and relationships, Badenoch & Clark, connect local<br />

and international pr<strong>of</strong>essionals with <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg’s finest institutions:<br />

www.badenochandclark.lu.<br />

Contact Details:<br />

For more information please contact<br />

Darren Robinson on (+352) 26 19 28 10 01<br />

or e-mail darren.robinson@badenochandclark.com

---

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ELECTRO SECURITY and its team will consult you and help you with your choice and the installation<br />

<strong>of</strong> tailor-made, reliable and high-performance solutions.<br />

T.: (+352) 406 406-1 | F: (+352) 406 407 | WWW.elecTrosecuriTy.lu

---

28<br />

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT<br />

LuxairGroup: all about travelling<br />

LuxairGroup is a key player in the <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg and “Grande Région” economy, and the tenth largest<br />

employer in the Grand Duchy. In the 2006 “Building a new airline” restructuring, the company singled<br />

out its main activities as independent business lines. Clad in a whole new branding, the company<br />

formerly referred to as plain „Luxair“ changed to LuxairGroup in 2007, introducing its four business<br />

lines as LuxairCARGO, LuxairServices, LuxairTours and Luxair <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg Airlines. On a whole, the<br />

corporate entity LuxairGroup is employer to some 2400 people.<br />

LuxairCARGO: Europe’s fifth largest air freight<br />

platform<br />

LuxairCARGO operates its own cargo center at <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg Airport.<br />

<strong>The</strong> state-<strong>of</strong>-the-art warehouse has a capacity to handle one million<br />

tons <strong>of</strong> freight a year. Combined with advanced systems, forty years <strong>of</strong><br />

expertise and the generally uncongested airport, LuxairCARGO guarantees<br />

an efficient service to freight airlines and forwarding companies<br />

from around the world.<br />

Luxair <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg Airlines: flagship carrier from<br />

the <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg area<br />

Luxair <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg Airlines links <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg and the neighboring<br />

regions in Germany, France and Belgium to Europe and the hubs to<br />

worldwide connections. Tailor-made schedules are fitted to suit the<br />

business traveler, with same-day return services to major European<br />

trade centers and a high punctuality rate.<br />

A second hub in Saarbrucken<br />

To meet the Saarland’s population with a closer service, a number <strong>of</strong><br />

flights to Munich, Berlin and Hamburg transit through Saarbrucken<br />

airport. Luxair’s growth out <strong>of</strong> this airport has been steady and is<br />

supported through capacity increases as <strong>of</strong> winter 2009/10.<br />

Integrated Miles&More member<br />

After nine years <strong>of</strong> close cooperation, Luxair became a fully integrated<br />

member <strong>of</strong> the Lufthansa Miles&More loyalty program early 2009. As<br />

well as collecting loyalty miles, customers now also receive the coveted<br />

status miles, allowing them to collect miles toward the Senator and<br />

HON circle statuses on Luxair flights. Other advantages for members<br />

include supplementary luggage, access to the lounge, guaranteed reservation,<br />

waitlist priority, and 25% bonus on each mile.<br />

LuxairServices: there is so much more to flying<br />

than flying<br />

From check-in to boarding, and returning, from aircraft transfer to<br />

luggage distribution, passengers at <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg Airport are assisted<br />

by the LuxairServices agents. Moreover, LuxairServices comprises the<br />

aircraft turnaround teams, who coordinate fueling, loading and cleaning<br />

<strong>of</strong> the aircraft in between flights. <strong>The</strong> LuxairServices airline catering<br />

department prepares homemade meals and snacks for all Luxair<br />

<strong>Luxembo</strong>urg Airlines and LuxairTours flights, as well as for third party<br />

customers in <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg.<br />

1.74 million passengers assisted by LuxairServices in 2008

---

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT<br />

29<br />

Reducing the environmental<br />

footprint<br />

At an average age <strong>of</strong> 6 years,<br />

Luxair’s fleet is kept young<br />

with the regular replacement<br />

<strong>of</strong> aircraft with newer, state<strong>of</strong>-the<br />

art models. Constantly<br />

optimized efficiency lowers<br />

fuel consumption and thereby<br />

the environmental impact.<br />

As a modern turbo-prop, the<br />

Bombardier Q400 replies to<br />

this determination <strong>of</strong> the airline; since 2007, Luxair has introduced<br />

3 <strong>of</strong> these aircraft and will take delivery <strong>of</strong> a fourth in December 2009.<br />

Adding to its operational advantages, the Q400’s higher seat capacity<br />

allows a more flexible pricing policy and thus supports Luxair in its more<br />

and more dynamic commercial approach.<br />

<strong>The</strong> earlier you book, the less you pay<br />

First launched in 2007, the “book early – pay less” Primo fare <strong>of</strong>fers<br />

return flights at EUR 189, including all taxes, as well as the all-round<br />

Luxair assistance and service before, during and after a flight.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Primo family starts at EUR. 49<br />

To be even more accessible to the leisure traveller, the Primo <strong>of</strong>fer was<br />

extended to Primo Kid in 2008. At EUR 49 return including all taxes,<br />

it presents the perfect excuse to discover Europe ‘en famille’… Winter<br />

2009/10 promises more novelties, as we are expecting the imminent<br />

launch <strong>of</strong> Primo Student and Primo Senior to complete the family.<br />

<strong>The</strong> special one-way fare<br />

In spring 2009, Luxair successfully launched a new one-way fare on selected<br />

flights to Porto. Following suit, this fare will also be introduced to other<br />

destinations in winter 2009/10, starting with Barcelona in October.<br />

LuxairTours: home away from home<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg tour operator celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2008<br />

with a record year marked by over 225.000 holiday makers departing<br />

from <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg.<br />

Specialized in sunshine holidays in the Mediterranean, North Africa<br />

and Egypt, the LuxairTours product range boasts 5 different brochures,<br />

designed for the tastes and fancies <strong>of</strong> everyone.<br />

Awarded-winning quality<br />

Following its level 1 award in 2008, LuxairTours was awarded the<br />

‘Service Qualitéit Letzebuerg’ quality label level 2 <strong>of</strong> 3 by the <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

Ministry for middle class, tourism and housing in spring 2009.<br />

LuxairTours’ service is committed to making holidays a carefree experience<br />

for its customers:<br />

• departures from <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg airport;<br />

• hassle-free car parking at the airport included;<br />

• previous night check-in for early-morning travelers;<br />

• flights with the modern Luxair <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg Airlines aircraft, dedicated<br />

crew and renowned in-flight service;<br />

• hotels personally selected and regularly inspected following strict<br />

criteria;<br />

• transfers between airport and hotel;<br />

• experienced representatives at the destination;<br />

• and a complete insurance package.<br />

LuxairTours, the classic<br />

Traditional holidays in quality resorts in the 4 to 5 star range, with a<br />

selection <strong>of</strong> sport, wellness and excursion programs and a myriad <strong>of</strong><br />

family-friendly packages.<br />

Happy Summer, the family-oriented<br />

“Mini Prix – Maxi Vacances” - Tailored for young families and sunseekers<br />

on a budget, Happy Summer suggests a selection <strong>of</strong> 3 to 4-star<br />

hotels, prices starting at EUR 0 for kids.<br />

Excellence, the sophisticated<br />

<strong>The</strong> LuxairTours Excellence brochure is an overview <strong>of</strong> 5-star, prestige<br />

and luxury hotels and resorts in both seaside and city destinations.<br />

Croisières, the cruises<br />

Cruises in the British Isles, Scandinavia, the Baltic Sea, the Norwegian<br />

fjords, the Mediterranean, along European rivers or the Nile itself – are<br />

all joinable with Luxair <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg Airlines flights and LuxairTours<br />

holiday benefits.<br />

Metropolis, the cosmopolitan<br />

City trips are suggested by Metropolis; apart from the flight and hotel<br />

holiday packages, Metropolis puts together guided tours and day trips<br />

to events such as the Geneva motor show and the Venice carnival. New<br />

in the 2010 program are charming wellness getaways flight near destination<br />

cities, such as Lake Como (near Milan) and Lake Schwielow (near<br />

Berlin).<br />

Hot winter<br />

2009/10<br />

<strong>The</strong> winter catalogues<br />

are all on the<br />

market; they boast<br />

hot <strong>of</strong>fers for welldeserved<br />

vacations.<br />

First minute discounts<br />

go up to EUR 350<br />

for bookings before<br />

30 th <strong>of</strong> September,<br />

early booking discounts<br />

<strong>of</strong> up to EUR 210 per<br />

person per week go<br />

well into November.<br />

Honeymooners are<br />

granted reductions up to<br />

20% and children go for<br />

75% discount in many<br />

hotels. Apart from theses<br />

<strong>of</strong>fers, LuxairTours issues<br />

special <strong>of</strong>fers regularly.<br />

Photos : Luxair <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg Airlines<br />

Contact Details:<br />

Luxair S.A. LuxairGroup<br />

Aéroport de <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

L-2987 <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

Phone: (+352) 2456-1<br />

Website : www.luxairgroup.lu

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30 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT<br />

Alter Domus: Focus on 2009 News<br />

Alter Domus wants to become the global outsourcer <strong>of</strong> choice for multinational corporations and<br />

alternative investment funds, through high quality services and distinctive technology.<br />

This year Alter Domus has continued its geographic expansion with the<br />

opening <strong>of</strong> two new <strong>of</strong>fices: Hong Kong as <strong>of</strong> January 1, then Guernsey<br />

in April. <strong>The</strong> company is aware <strong>of</strong> its customers' needs and seeks to be<br />

present wherever their business takes them. Hong Kong and Guernsey<br />

are both important jurisdictions for clients, and so are also priorities for<br />

Alter Domus.<br />

• <strong>The</strong> Electronic Content Management tool set up by Alter Domus<br />

in 2007 has been updated with a new technical infrastructure, reinforcing<br />

application security and scalability. From the client’s perspective,<br />

nothing has changed: they still can take advantage <strong>of</strong> worldwide<br />

24/7 access to all their corporate documents via a user-friendly and<br />

secure web tool.<br />

In focusing on a customer-oriented approach, the company has restructured<br />

its activities to meet the expectations <strong>of</strong> customers in five major<br />

industries: Real Estate, Private Equity, Listed Corporations, Unlisted<br />

Corporations and Hedge Funds. Teams <strong>of</strong> multidisciplinary specialists<br />

are dedicated to each customer segment to ensure they understand the<br />

specifics <strong>of</strong> each business.<br />

Every client has a single contact person whatever the question or the<br />

jurisdiction involved; this person then coordinates with the different<br />

teams operating throughout the world.<br />

This organizational structure has been set up with the same philosophy<br />

that has driven the group throughout the years: doing all we can to<br />

ensure customer satisfaction<br />

With its growing global presence, the Alter Domus teams can address<br />

all <strong>of</strong> the accounting, regulatory and compliance requirements <strong>of</strong> the<br />

legal entities established in each <strong>of</strong> the jurisdictions in which we operate.<br />

Our fully-integrated services enable clients to focus on their core business<br />

rather than spending time on support activities.<br />

Customers' needs and expectations are constantly evolving. Alter<br />

Domus’ services must keep pace. In a few words, here is how we’ve<br />

evolved over the past year:<br />

Last but not least, a new website was launched in June to <strong>of</strong>fer full information<br />

about Alter Domus’ activities, publications and news; so please<br />

visit: www.alterdomus.com!<br />

Alter Domus is a leading independent company with a staff <strong>of</strong> more than<br />

350 providing the highest quality <strong>of</strong> fully-integrated services. Its <strong>of</strong>fices are<br />

located in Amsterdam, Budapest, Cyprus, Guernsey, Hong Kong, Jersey and<br />

<strong>Luxembo</strong>urg. Alter Domus also maintains a representative <strong>of</strong>fice in New York.<br />

• Alter Domus Financial Reporting Services, specializing in the compilation<br />

<strong>of</strong> financial information for mainstream and specialized investment<br />

funds, now also covers funds under Swiss laws, and can serve<br />

clients with funds registered in Belgium, the Cayman Islands and<br />

Guernsey.<br />

• <strong>The</strong> group continues to develop a service first <strong>of</strong>fered in July 2008:<br />

Alternative Asset Fund Administration. In adding these services, we<br />

can now truly <strong>of</strong>fer a “one stop shop”.<br />

An experienced team provides outsourced fund administration to private<br />

equity, real estate, hedge funds and funds <strong>of</strong> hedge funds established in<br />

the Channel Islands, <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom,<br />

and other principal <strong>of</strong>fshore centers.<br />

<strong>The</strong> aim is to provide a seamless support service answering the administrative<br />

needs <strong>of</strong> fund managers, their investors and other stakeholders,<br />

such as banks, custodians and advisers.

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U.S. - LUX NEWS<br />

31<br />

<strong>The</strong> project manager in the heart<br />

<strong>of</strong> the organization<br />

On October 22, 2009, the Public Research Center Henri Tudor will host<br />

the 4th annual “Conference on Project Management” at the <strong>Chamber</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>Commerce</strong> <strong>of</strong> the Grand-Duchy <strong>of</strong> <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg. <strong>The</strong> conference's goal<br />

is to increase the awareness <strong>of</strong> <strong>Luxembo</strong>urgish companies concerning<br />

project management methods and tools, to provide a platform for<br />

sharing best practices and experiences and to explore emerging projectmanagement-related<br />

topics.<br />

During the last 10 years, project management methods have increasingly<br />

become a subject <strong>of</strong> interest for <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg’s companies.<br />

<strong>The</strong> methods and tools for the management <strong>of</strong> projects, programs and<br />

portfolios are spreading over all sectors. In spite <strong>of</strong> significant resource<br />

limitations, these methods and tools always find a link with their origins:<br />

the management <strong>of</strong> risks and value creation. Today, two major evolutions<br />

aid <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg’s companies in increasing their level <strong>of</strong> maturity:<br />

on one hand, the distribution <strong>of</strong> project management specific processes<br />

within all the departments <strong>of</strong> the organization, an, on the other hand,<br />

the pr<strong>of</strong>essionalization <strong>of</strong> the project manager’s function within the<br />

organization.<br />

Clearly, the project manager has a key role. As the interface between<br />

all actors and constraints (customer, supplier, engineer, administrator<br />

<strong>of</strong> project, etc.), he is the essential organ who coordinates all teams<br />

and works, communicates and aligns himself with the strategy <strong>of</strong> the<br />

company. His challenges will be found within the company, its governance<br />

and its resources. As such, this fourth edition <strong>of</strong> the congress on<br />

project management will focus on the theme <strong>of</strong> the "Project manager in<br />

the heart <strong>of</strong> the organization".<br />

This year, the conference will be organized as follows:<br />

- a conference focusing on the topics "Project management per domain",<br />

"Compatibility and project management"<br />

- a workshop on the roles and missions <strong>of</strong> a project manager<br />

- a trade fair with 20 project management service providers<br />

- business meetings with all the exhibitors<br />

During this day, the Luxtram company will present <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg’s<br />

Streetcar project and Den Atelier will speak about the management <strong>of</strong><br />

the “Rock a Field” festival. Finally, the last major point <strong>of</strong> the congress<br />

will be presented during a round table session concerning project<br />

management as a remedy in times <strong>of</strong> crisis. Other experiences from<br />

the finance, industry or public administration sectors will be examined<br />

during the course <strong>of</strong> discussions.<br />

For more information please go to www.gestiondeprojet.lu.<br />

Aurélie Derouard<br />

CRP Henri Tudor<br />

4 th annual Conference<br />

on project management<br />

«<strong>The</strong> project manager in the<br />

heart <strong>of</strong> the organisation»<br />

Simultaneous interpretation<br />

english < > french<br />

Conference<br />

Workshop<br />

October 22, 2009<br />

from 8:30 a.m.<br />

to 5:30 p.m.<br />

Trade Fair<br />

Business meeting<br />

<strong>Chamber</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Commerce</strong><br />

<strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

7, rue Alcide de Gasperi<br />

<strong>Luxembo</strong>urg-Kirchberg<br />

Contact : SITec ®<br />

Tel.: +352 42 59 91 - 300 | Fax: +352 42 59 91 - 777<br />

event@tudor. lu | www.gestiondeprojet.lu

---

32 U.S. - LUX NEWS<br />

Change <strong>of</strong> Guard at San<br />

Francisco’s BED Office<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg Board <strong>of</strong> Economic Development (BED), the Goverment’s “one stop shop” for<br />

investment projects, has announced changes to its key personnel on the United States’ West Coast<br />

where Georges Schmit has been appointed Executive Director <strong>of</strong> the BED Trade and Investment Office<br />

and Consul General in San Francisco as from October 1 st , 2009.<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg Board <strong>of</strong> Economic Development (BED), the Goverment’s<br />

“one stop shop” for investment projects, has announced changes<br />

to its key personnel on the United States’ West Coast where Georges<br />

Schmit has been appointed Executive Director <strong>of</strong> the BED Trade and<br />

Investment Office and Consul General in San Francisco as from October<br />

1 st , 2009.<br />

Georges Schmit has been with the Ministry <strong>of</strong><br />

the Economy and Foreign Trade for almost<br />

30 years where he served as Secretary General<br />

<strong>of</strong> the Ministry and as General Director <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Department for Enterprise, Economic Development<br />

and Foreign Trade. During his long career,<br />

he was Vice Chairman <strong>of</strong> the Board and member<br />

<strong>of</strong> the Executive Committee <strong>of</strong> the National Credit and Investment<br />

Corporation (1995-2002) and <strong>of</strong> the Entreprise des Postes et Télécommunications<br />

(2001-2008), <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg. Since 1989 he has been a<br />

director <strong>of</strong> several companies including ArcelorMittal, SES, State and<br />

Savings Bank <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg and Paul Wurth. Georges Schmit graduated<br />

with a degree in economics from the University <strong>of</strong> Louvain and an MA<br />

in Economics from the University <strong>of</strong> Michigan (1978).<br />

In San Francisco, Georges Schmit replaces Georges Faber who will<br />

return to <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg as the new Budget Director at the Ministry <strong>of</strong><br />

Foreign Affairs.<br />

No changes, however, for the East Coast where François Knaff will<br />

continue to manage the BED Trade and Investment Office as well as<br />

the Consulate General in New York.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Board <strong>of</strong> Economic Development promotes <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg’s<br />

economic interests and companies around the world via its Trade and<br />

Investment Offices in New York, San Francisco, Seoul, Tokyo, Shanghai,<br />

Dubai, New Delhi and Taiwan.<br />

WEBSITE:<br />

www.bed.public.lu<br />

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---

U.S.EMBASSY NEWS 33<br />

<strong>The</strong> Embassy<br />

<strong>of</strong> the United States<br />

<strong>The</strong> Embassy <strong>of</strong> the United States in <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg recently experienced some staff changes as is<br />

common in diplomatic missions around the world.<br />

In addition to the new staff members who are featured here, the<br />

following <strong>American</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficers are still present at the <strong>American</strong> Embassy:<br />

Consular Officer: Adam Center<br />

Public Affairs Officer: Jeff Lodermeier<br />

Regional Security Officer: Kirby Rosenbluth<br />

Information Technology Specialist: Paul McCarthy<br />

Political Military Chief: Ed Hansen<br />

Political Military Officer: Jessica Arias<br />

Political Military Officer: Susan Pohl<br />

Mr. Mark Biedlingmaier began serving as Chargé<br />

d’Affaires, a.i at the United States Embassy to <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

on July 20, 2009.<br />

Mr. Biedlingmaier is a career Foreign Service Officer<br />

recently who most recently served in the United<br />

States Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, as Chief <strong>of</strong> Staff<br />

and Executive Secretary <strong>of</strong> the Department <strong>of</strong> State’s largest diplomatic<br />

and consular Mission worldwide.<br />

A former Peace Corps Volunteer in Osan, Republic <strong>of</strong> Korea, he joined<br />

the Department <strong>of</strong> State in 1983 and has served in Geneva, Switzerland<br />

(on detail to the former Arms Control and Disarmament Agency);<br />

Baku, Azerbaijan; Bangui, Central African Republic; Luanda, Angola;<br />

and, as Chargé d’Affaires/Deputy Chief <strong>of</strong> Mission in Brazzaville, the<br />

Republic <strong>of</strong> Congo.<br />

His foreign languages include: French, Portuguese, Swedish, and a<br />

working-level knowledge <strong>of</strong> Russian and Korean.<br />

A native <strong>of</strong> Easton, Pennsylvania, Mr. Biedlingmaier graduated from<br />

the University <strong>of</strong> Scranton with degrees in History (MA) and International<br />

Affairs (BA). He completed undergraduate studies at the<br />

Lundellska College in Uppsala, Sweden, as a Rotary International<br />

exchange scholar.<br />

He will serve as Chargé d’Affaires until the arrival <strong>of</strong> a new <strong>American</strong><br />

Ambassador to the Grand Duchy.<br />

Ms. Carole Akgun has been in <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg since<br />

early July 2009. She serves as the Office Management<br />

Specialist (OMS) for the Deputy Chief <strong>of</strong><br />

Mission (DCM). She does all <strong>of</strong> the scheduling for<br />

the DCM, prepares diplomatic correspondence, and<br />

handles all administrative functions <strong>of</strong> the <strong>of</strong>fice. She<br />

also provides support to the other sections in the embassy, as needed.<br />

Until the new Ambassador arrives, Carole serves as the Chargé’s <strong>of</strong>fice<br />

manager.<br />

This is Carole’s fourteenth year in the Foreign Service and her eighth<br />

diplomatic posting. She has served in the following areas:<br />

Moscow, Russia, Vienna, Austria, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, Rabat,<br />

Morocco, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Ankara, Turkey, Dushanbe, Tajikistan<br />

and <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg.<br />

Prior to joining the Foreign Service, Carole worked for contractors <strong>of</strong><br />

the U.S. military in Izmir, Turkey. She was the Base Records Manager<br />

and later the Base Housing Officer.<br />

Carole is accompanied by her husband, Aydin, who is retired. <strong>The</strong>y have<br />

two sons who live and work in Washington DC.<br />

Mr. Paul Salarano is the Management <strong>of</strong>ficer at the<br />

U.S. Embassy <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg. <strong>The</strong> Management Section<br />

is responsible for handling the day to day operations<br />

<strong>of</strong> the Embassy including human resources, finance,<br />

logistics, information technology and communications.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Management Office interacts with many<br />

facets <strong>of</strong> <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg such as the Government <strong>of</strong> <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg, banks,<br />

and many other private businesses.<br />

Paul arrived in <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg in July with his wife, Miyong, and daughters,<br />

Catherine and Sarah. Miyong is originally from Korea. Paul joined<br />

the Foreign Service in June 2002 and has served as the General Services<br />

Officer in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates<br />

and Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. His most recent assignment was as<br />

Management Officer in Basrah, Iraq.<br />

Paul has a Bachelor’s degree in Geography from Southwest Missouri<br />

State University and a Masters in Human Relations from the University<br />

<strong>of</strong> Oklahoma. He is originally from St. Louis, Missouri.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Salarano family is very excited about the opportunity to work and<br />

live in <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg and plan to spend most <strong>of</strong> their free time exploring<br />

the country and traveling in Europe.<br />

Mr. Michael Via began serving as Political and<br />

Economic Chief at the Embassy July 1, 2009.<br />

Mr. Via is a career Foreign Service Officer who most<br />

recently served as the Political and Economic Chief<br />

at the U.S. Consulate in Peshawar, Pakistan. His<br />

previous postings include Suva, Fiji; Hermosillo, Mexico; and assignments<br />

as the U.S. Defense Attaché to Malawi and Uganda.<br />

A former University Instructor, he was the Director <strong>of</strong> African Studies<br />

for Troy State University’s graduate program in Fayetteville, North<br />

Carolina and lectured in political science, economics, and area studies<br />

for several colleges and universities in the United States. He also served<br />

in Germany as a U.S. Army Officer and in France, Togo and Benin with<br />

an international NGO before joining the Foreign Service.<br />

His foreign languages include: French and Spanish.

---

34 U.S.EMBASSY NEWS<br />

A native <strong>of</strong> Fresno, California, Mr. Via graduated from Campbell<br />

University, in Boise Creek, North Carolina with a M.S. in Government.<br />

He earned his undergraduate degree in Business Administration<br />

(BS) from California Polytechnic State University, in San Luis Obispo,<br />

California as a four year R.O.T.C. Scholarship student.<br />

Mr. Via is joined in <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg by his wife Christy N. Via. <strong>The</strong>y have<br />

two children and three grandchildren who all live in the United States.<br />

Mr. Jonathan Fischer arrived in <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg in<br />

early June to serve his second tour in the Foreign<br />

Service. For the next two years, he will work as the<br />

U.S. Embassy’s General Services Officer, responsible<br />

for managing the housing pool, the motor pool, facilities,<br />

procurement, customs and shipping and other<br />

functions central to the effective operation <strong>of</strong> the mission.<br />

For his first assignment, Jonathan worked in the Consular and Economic<br />

sections in New Delhi, India. During his first year, he conducted visa<br />

interviews for more than 20,000 Indian citizens interested in traveling<br />

to the United States and helped support the <strong>American</strong> Citizen Services<br />

unit. He then moved to the Economic section to cover retail commerce,<br />

intellectual property rights, drug-pricing policy, and other issues <strong>of</strong><br />

interest in the Indian economy.<br />

Prior to joining the State Department, Jonathan taught composition<br />

and creative writing for two years at Eastern Washington University<br />

and then English as a second language for five years in Japan and in<br />

the United States. Both <strong>of</strong> Jonathan’s degrees are in creative writing,<br />

a Bachelor <strong>of</strong> Arts from the University <strong>of</strong> Washington and a Master<br />

<strong>of</strong> Fine Arts from Eastern Washington University. While pursuing his<br />

first degree, he also spent three months at the University <strong>of</strong> Poitiers in<br />

France. He speaks French, Japanese, Hindi, and a little bit <strong>of</strong> German<br />

and hopes to pick up the essentials <strong>of</strong> <strong>Luxembo</strong>urgish in his time here.<br />

Jonathan and his wife, Maho, came to <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg with their young son,<br />

Dashiell, who was born in India. <strong>The</strong>y are delighted to be living here<br />

and look forward to exploring the city, the country, and the region.<br />

Gunnery Sergeant Henry Gonzalez serves as the<br />

commander for the Marine Guard Detachment which<br />

protects the United States Embassy in <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg.<br />

He was born in Sosua, Dominican Republic and was<br />

raised in Queens, New York. He joined the Marine<br />

Corps in 1996 and has served in various domestic<br />

and overseas assignments including Parris Island, South Carolina, Fort<br />

Lauderdale, Florida, Okinawa, Japan, Headquarters Squadron, Marine<br />

Corps Air Station Miramar San Diego, and Camp Pendleton, California.<br />

In December 2008 he was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant and later<br />

assigned to <strong>American</strong> Embassy in <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg as the Detachment<br />

Commander.<br />

GySgt Gonzalez received his Bachelor <strong>of</strong> Business Administration with<br />

a concentration in Finance from National University in 2008. He is<br />

married to Rachelle Gonzalez and has one son, Julian X. Gonzalez.<br />

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SITec® - CRP Henri Tudor<br />

29, avenue John F. Kennedy<br />

L-1855 <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

Tél. : +352 42 59 91 – 300<br />

Fax : +352 42 59 91 – 777<br />

formation@tudor.lu

---

A MSTERDAM B UDAPEST C YPRUS G UERNSEY H ONG K ONG J ERSEY L UXEMBOURG N EW Y ORK

---

Arnold Kontz<br />

184, Route de Thionville<br />

L-2610 <strong>Luxembo</strong>urg<br />

Tel. 49 19 41-1<br />

info@arnoldkontz.net.bmw.lu<br />

www.arnoldkontz.bmw.lu<br />

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