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Stimulating Young Minds for Innovation Economy

Edutech brings innovation in education to the region with the launch of Edutech STEM+ Studio during the 8th Edition of GESS – 2015
UAE, February 21st, 2015 – Edutech, a leading provider of learning solutions and services, announced that the visitors of upcoming GESS 2015 have an opportunity to experience its revolutionary learning solution, the Edutech STEM+Studio. Bearing in mind the Country’s vision, Edutech will be providing free workshops on Robotics, 3D Printing, Renewable Energy, Electronics, Coding, Science Experiments, during the event. The Edutech STEM+ Studio is an exciting place where the participants, design, play, make, hack and learn to develop their ideas, creativity, innovation and design thinking, using interesting physical and digital materials.

According to Shameema Parveen, CEO of Edutech, as the country is celebrating 2015 as the “Year of Innovation” and is moving towards ‘Innovative Economy’, it will require citizens not only with STEM subject skills but what we call STEMcapableTM talent that can generate ideas, increase research and development, address difficult challenges, increase job opportunities, leading to national growth and leadership in the global marketplace.
The first centre of Edutech STEM+ Studio launched at Children’s City in association with Dubai Municipality in 2014. With its roaring success, Edutech STEM+ Studio has been appointed by Al Bayt Mitwahid in association with Google and Teacher’s Association, RAK to implement and manage “Innovation Hub” at Teacher’s Association in Ras Al Khaimah to promote STEM education in Northern Emirates. Our partnership in Abu Dhabi Science Festival 2014 as local content partner witnessed huge response not only from students but from parents joining in STEM workshops with their children in promoting science for all. 
With the Edutech STEM+ Studio, participants can engage in informal projects, attend Interactive workshops, prepare for national and international competitions, and foster their curiosity in the growing areas of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) under the guidance of expert and passionate facilitators. Edutech has designed various theme based exciting programs, such as Up in the clouds, Robots in our life, Print your imagination, Playful programing among the few, used for school visits, after-school activity, summer / winter camps. The studio offers opportunities for the hobbyist, learner, tinkerer, maker and dreamer to engage in their curious ideas and see it come to life. The Edutech STEM+ Studio promotes real-time collaboration and improves interaction levels, which can significantly boost participant outcomes.
Mr. Karim, Founder and Managing Director at Edutech says, “In Edutech STEM+ Studio we encourage learners to STAY CURIOUS by continuing their learning out of classrooms and schools through hands-on and technology based activities for creating, making, tinkering, and learning. Edutech’s association with VEX Robotics brings an opportunity for Emirati students to compete with their skills at international platform. Mr. Ayman Naggar from Omar Bin Al Khattab Model School, who is currently preparing his students to take part in VEX Robotics UAE Championship is confident of showcasing Emirati Skills at 2015 VEX Robotics World Championship which will take place on April 15 – 18, 2015 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky.”
In addition to the Edutech STEM+ Studio, this year marks the 25th year of Edutech since its inception in 1991. Bringing innovation to the forefront, Edutech celebrates 25 years of transforming education, contributing effective learning methodologies, revolutionising the educational sector in this region.
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Innovation Arabia 8 features 188 research papers, and 38 presentations from 40 countries

Event explores innovative solutions in quality and business management, health and environment, smart learning, and Islamic finance
UAE, February 17th, 2015 – The Innovation Arabia 8 (IA8) Conference being organized by Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) under the theme ‘Innovate, Collaborate and Differentiate: Honoring the Past, Treasuring the Present, and Shaping the Future’ has lined up top-notch keynote speakers – including regional and international experts, academics and scholars – to discuss effective solutions for maximizing economic opportunities and promising human resources to drive sustainable socio-economic growth across the Arab World.

IA8 explores promising research potentials by providing a platform for Masters and Doctoral Degree holders from 37 countries to present a total of 188 research papers and 38 presentations on key issues related to the four topics of the conference before a high-profile international audience. The event will feature 75 research papers and 5 presentations on ‘Smart Learning Excellence’ by participants from 22 countries; 57 research papers and 13 presentations on ‘Quality and Business Management’ from 21 countries; 26 research papers and 18 presentations on ‘Health and the Environment’ from 16 countries; and 30 research papers and 2 presentations from 13 countries on ‘Islamic Banking and Finance’.
An elite group of international keynote speakers once again took part in today’s IA8 discussions, headed by Dr. Rudolf Strohmeier, Deputy Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, who discussed ‘Drivers for Sustainable Innovation Ecosystems.’ Dr. Strohmeier is one of the world’s well-known experts on international research and studies aimed at enriching knowledge and spreading the culture of innovation.
H.E. Hussain Al-Qemzi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Noor Investment Group LLC and Chief Executive Officer of Noor Bank PJSC, UAE, talked about how ‘Innovation is Key to a Sustainable and Competitive Advantage for the Future of Islamic banking.’ Two panel discussions were also featured on Day 2 of the conference. The first was on ‘The future of Islamic Banking – Is it a Sustainable Business Model for banks?’ moderated by Professor Nabil Baydoun, Vise Chancellor for Enterprise and University Advancement at HBMSU and President of the IA8 Conference. ‘Excellence and Innovation in Management Education for Emerging Economies’ was the main focus of the Global Business School Network Panel Discussion headed by Professor Khaled Sartawi, Dean of the School of Business & Quality Management at HBMSU.
The third and final day of the Conference will feature an UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education (IITE) Panel discussion titled ‘New Partnerships and New Business Models to Scale Up Learning in a Fast Changing Environment’ to be moderated by Professor Abtar Darshan Singh, Dean of the School of e-Education, Learning and Academic Development division at HBMSU. The second panel discussion of the day will be on ‘Dubai Medical Tourism and Improving the Quality and Efficiency of Healthcare Delivery in UAE’ headed by Professor Adi Arida, Dean of the School of Health and Environmental Studies, Academic affairs Division at HBMSU.
Day 3 will also feature two keynotes: the first will discuss ‘Voyage to Excellence: Unleashing Innovation and Transformative Learning in Networked Futures’ by Dr. Alan Bruce, Vice-President of the European Distance and e-learning Network and CEO and Director of Universal Learning Systems, while the second will be delivered by Eng. Sobhi Batterjee, Founder and President and CEO of Saudi German Hospitals Group, who will talk about ‘Leveraging Information Technology in the Healthcare Industry’.
Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of HBMSU, emphasized the importance of the topics being addressed at the IA8 Conference which serves as an ideal platform for discussing how to drive innovation and creativity with the goal of establishing integrated knowledge-based economies in the Arab World. Al Awar explained that the high number of prominent regional and international participants at the event reflects HBMSU’s stature as a key centre for excellence in spreading the culture of innovation, creativity and high quality in the Arab region.
Al Awar concluded: “The IA8 Conference has made a positive impact on encouraging international cooperation in coming up with innovative ideas to help build a better future for the coming generations. This complements the objectives of the Dubai Innovation Partners initiative launched by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and President of HBMSU. We are committed to supporting the latest creative solutions for Quality and Business Management, Health and the Environment, Smart Learning, and Islamic Banking and Finance as part of our ongoing quest to drive comprehensive growth in the UAE and across the region.”
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HBMSU hosts learners and alumni in interactive meeting to develop its three-year strategic plan

To strengthen its commitment to support goals of ‘National Innovation Strategy’ and develop spirit of creativity among Learners

UAE, December 20th, 2014 – Setting precedence by letting its learners and graduates participate in formulating the university’s strategic plan, Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) has concluded a participatory and interactive meeting held recently at its Dubai Academic City campus. The university will draft its plan for the next three years, taking inputs from its learners and alumni. This qualitative move comes in response to the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and President of the University, to build a culture of innovation and creativity among learners in line with the objectives of the recently launched Dubai Strategic Plan 2021, which is a road map to achieve the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
The meeting, which was held under the title ‘Where do you see your university – HBMSU – in the next three years?’, has been widely praised as it provided an ideal interactive platform to activate communication channels with learners and graduates, adapting capability and knowledge and unleashing competency and talent in the field of creativity and innovation. The meeting included a series of open discussions and brainstorming sessions that brought together university administrators and academics with learners and graduates under one roof to exchange ideas and opinions, review aspirations and proposals, and come out with recommendations for a three-year strategic plan that will reflect the HBMSU’s vision of establishing a culture of creativity and innovation.
Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, HBMSU Chancellor, has praised the positive feedback given by the participants at the meeting. He lauded their vital role in providing proposals and forward-looking visions for elaborating strategic goals and directions to the university over the next three years.
Al Awar said: “We have organized the participatory and interactive meeting to affirm our commitment to providing an enabling environment to drive innovation and creativity among learners. It will encourage them to actively contribute in developing the university’s strategic plans in order to achieve our academic, educational and administrative goals. Through the new strategic plan, we look forward to develop a culture of innovation in response to the directives of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, declaring 2015 as a ‘Year of Innovation’ in the UAE. It is also in line with the objectives of the ‘National Innovation Strategy’ recently launched by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.”
Al Awar concluded: “HBMSU takes an active interest in intensive efforts aimed at encouraging innovation, development and scientific research. We are committed to concerted efforts with all the administrators, academics, faculty and students in order to achieve the highest levels of satisfaction, transparency and credibility. We will work on putting together all the recommendations and proposals that resulted from the participatory meeting and take relevant actions accordingly to develop a clear strategic plan that is able to meet all the current and future needs and requirements of the university.”
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Imdaad hosts visit of American University in Dubai’s engineering students to Jebel Ali sewage plant

Dubai, UAE, December 22, 2014 – Imdaad, a leading provider of integrated facilities management solutions in the GCC, recently hosted an educational tour for American University in Dubai’s (AUD) Civil Engineering students.

The group visited the company’s Sewage Treatment Plant – 4 (STP-4) located in Jebel Ali to observe all of the facility’s processing stages. The tour enabled them to better understand the sewage treatment process and techniques being employed in the region.

Jamal Abdullah Lootah, CEO, Imdaad, said: “We recently facilitated an educational tour for the AUD students to enable them to witness the region’s sewage treatment processes and techniques. The visit was a great learning experience for engineering students and falls in line with our strong commitment and responsibility towards budding FM professionals so that they can be successful in their future professions and make positive contributions towards the development of the sector. Imdaad has always considered development of the students as a priority and a subject close to the heart of its top management and we will continue to support them through insightful activities such as educational tours, workshops, and on-the-job learning.”
“As part of the Civil Engineering students study plan about the techniques and process used for sewage treatment, they recently had an opportunity to visit Imdaad’s STP-4 at Jebel Ali. After a classroom lecture, a tour of the facility enabled students to understand the finer details of the process and the scope of advancement in its technology. We thank Imdaad for facilitating a highly informative and organized educational tour, concluded Dr. Peiman Kianmehr, Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering, American University in Dubai.
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Lenovo, HP, Canon, Dell, NVIDIA and AGA CAD extends support for 3rd edition of Autodesk University Extension Dubai

  • AUx Dubai will showcase innovations in design technology and its problem solving prowess in architecture, construction, manufacturing, media & entertainment industries
  • Event to offer Autodesk certifications on Autodesk’s range of 3D Design software for select attendees

 

UAE, December 15th, 2014 – Industry leaders have expressed their support for the coming third edition of Autodesk University Extension (AUx) Dubai 2014, which will be held on December 17, 2014 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). AUx Dubai is Middle East region’s premier learning and networking event for design and engineering professionals. With the participation of technology leaders from across the industry like Lenovo (Platinum), HP (Gold), Canon (Gold), Dell, NVIDIA and AGA CAD (Silver), AUx Dubai will showcase the benefits that the combination of powerful design software with powerful hardware can provide to solving design challenges. Aiming to provide a platform for industry professionals to ‘Learn, Connect, Explore,’ the day-long event will comprise of interactive workshops, demonstrations, knowledge sessions and an exhibition.
Commenting on Lenovo’s participation, Mohammed Hilili, Lenovo Gulf and KSA General Manager, said, “As a company that has won several international design awards, Lenovo is honoured to be part of this year’s edition of Autodesk University Extension Dubai, which has ably positioned itself as one of the must-attend events for professional designers, architects and engineers of the Middle East region. We look forward to meeting the participants and showcasing the latest Lenovo innovations that they can utilize in coming up with their world-class designs.”
Zeina Ahmed- Large Format Design Printing Business Manager – HP Middle East said, “Our presence at this year’s Autodesk University Extension Dubai demonstrates our continued commitment towards leveraging our diverse portfolio of products and solutions at the region’s thriving design community. Along with Autodesk, HP as a market leader in Computing and Printing, provides complete solutions including high performance HP workstations and trusted Designjet printers – the #1 Large Format Printers for Designers,” 
“An event like Autodesk University presents itself as a strategic opportunity to bring together the design and engineering industry,” Hendrik Verbrugghe, Marketing Director, Canon Middle East. “Canon remains steadfast in its move to work closely with Autodesk and help usher in new wide format print technologies and solutions that can not only enhance the design making process but also help industry professionals achieve exceptional business results, maximise productivity and minimise operational costs.”
Following the success of its two previous editions, this year’s event is expected to draw in more than 1,000 participants coming from all over the region. It will encompass several industry sessions for design and engineering professionals from Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Manufacturing Media and Entertainment industries and would offer plenty of networking and learning opportunities to attendees. Several key customers of Autodesk will be demonstrating projects where they used design tools to address business challenges. Select attendees will also have to opportunity to obtain Autodesk Certifications in Autodesk® Revit® Architecture, Autodesk®AutoCAD Civil 3D®, AutoCAD®, Autodesk® 3ds Max®, Autodesk® Inventor® Professional.
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HBMSU launches first-of-its-kind ‘Smart Learning Best Practice Forum 2014’

Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Learning Program, Learning and Teaching Centre Macquarie University, eTechan International, Bahrain Institute of Public Administration, Dubai Airports, win accolades at ‘Smart Learning Best Practice Award’

UAE, October 20th, 2014 – Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) has kicked off ‘Smart Learning Best Practice Forum 2014,’ the first-of-its-kind event that encourages the exchange of best practices in smart learning in international educational, academic and training institutions to boost smart education. The event’s first edition attracted a wide global participation including delegations from the United States, Australia, Russia, Italy, Greece, Nigeria, Indonesia, India, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain and the UAE.

 

H.E. Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chairman of Police and Dubai General Security and Chairman of HBMSU Board of Governors, led the opening of the HBMSU Smart Campus, one of the key pillars of promoting smart education through the use and integration of modern technology.The Smart Campus offers modern, high-tech services that meet the needs of learners and faculty and administrative staff, including submission of proposals and suggestions, exchange of information, access to courses, submission of assignments, registration in assessment exams, and access to grades and academic records through smart devices. The Smart Campus also provides a smart platform to promote effective communication between new and existing students and report technical malfunctions. It also allows users to conduct an online inquiry of e-wallet balance as well as an electronic follow up outstanding financial transactions and payments.

HBMSU launches first-of-its-kind ‘Smart Learning Best Practice Forum 2014’

H.E. Dahi Khalfan Tamim was pleased with the launching of ‘Smart Learning Best Practice Forum 2014,’ which provides a strategic platform to discuss steps to advance the education system through the integration of the latest smart technologies. “Organizing this prestigious international event falls in line with the efforts of the Dubai Government to position the emirate as a premier destination for most prominent and largest global events. It is also aligned with the ‘Smart City’ initiative of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashed Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai. We are delighted to launch Smart Campus, which reflects HBMSU’s commitment to promote smart learning as a means to achieve sustainable development and as an essential element that will re-shape the future of education in the Arab World.”

The “Smart Learning Best Practice Award” was held on the sidelines of the ‘Smart Learning Best Practice Forum 2014.’ International jury composed of academic professionals and leading experts in developing and transferring best practices and smart learning systems in information technology and academic fields comprised the panel of judges. The winners were Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Learning Program which bagged an honor in the Smart Learning Technology Exploitation category; the Learning and Teaching Centre – Macquarie University and Bahrain Institute of Public Administration of Smart Partnerships category; eTechan International, Technology Exploitation category; and Dubai Airports got an appreciation award of Smart Learning category.

Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor, HBMSU, said: “We are privileged to honor these leading institutions that have demonstrated outstanding excellence in the application of international best practices that aim to boost smart education. The “Smart Learning Best Practice Award”  is the first initiative which centers on the efforts to integrate best practices into educational institutions’ procedures and processes in order to promote smart education and sustainability. The first day of the event witnessed a series of breakout sessions tackling seven key themes, namely ‘Smart Learning,’
‘Learner Centricity,’ ‘Excellence Orientation,’ ‘Smart Partnership,’ ‘Technology Exploitation,’ ‘Resource Utilization,’ and ‘Process Innovation.’ A workshop session, titled ‘Middle East e-Learning Quality Framework ‘MelQ’: Standardizing quality in technology enhanced teaching and learning” was also held.

The ‘Smart Learning Best Practice Forum 2014’ provides an ideal platform to encourage the exchange and sharing of best practices in smart learning in educational institutions and corporations across the world. It strives to support continuous growth and development of smart learning. Smart learning includes the ability of learners to acquire innovative ideas, evaluate their relevance, subject their ideas to scrutiny to gauge their innovativeness, and guide them through a rigorous, systematic process of implementation to ensure tangible and intangible benefits.

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Entrepreneurship and economic creativity in Arab World on top of agenda

HBMSU hosts a roundtable to discuss entrepreneurship education with Stanford University professor
UAE, September 23rd, 2014 – Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) has hosted Prof. Robert Sutton, Professor of Management Science and Engineering and Professor of Organizational Behavior, Stanford University, who held a roundtable to discuss a series of issues, including the requirements of the partnership with the private sector, universities involvement in venture capital and how to promote entrepreneurship education at Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University. The roundtable was held in the presence of HBMSU’s Faculty, deans and administrative staff. The event comes as part of Prof. Sutton’s visit to the UAE to participate in the ‘Smart Living City- Dubai 2014’.

Prof. Robert Sutton met Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of HBMSU, who gave a detailed presentation about HBMSU and Cloud Campus, the social online learning initiative which is the first-of-its-kind in the Middle East based on an innovative concept of providing high quality, cost-efficient e-Learning services via social media, in order to support the efforts to transform Dubai into a smart and sustainable city, in line with the directives of H.H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Prof. Sutton praised HBMSU for its leading position and high-quality programmes that meet the requirements of the job market. He pointed out that HBMSU has a proven track record of success in enabling its graduate learners, holding the Master of Management in Entrepreneurial Leadership and the Master of Science in Innovation & Change Management, to excel in business sector through launching added-value projects in various sectors.
The round-table witnessed in-depth discussions to exchange visions and ideas about entrepreneurship education, with a focus on LaunchPad, a program adopted by Stanford University to promote entrepreneurship. The round-table also discussed how to encourage and promote creativity in entrepreneurship and the main challenges that hinder the implementation of entrepreneurship programs.
Dr. Mansoor Al Awar said that the round-table was of a great importance as it offers an interactive platform to take advantage of Stanford University’s expertise in implementing entrepreneurship programs and projects. He stressed that HBMSU is keen to exchange the best international practices with leading universities and academic institutions from around the world, including Stanford University, in order to establish itself as a main contributor to the development of entrepreneurship education in the Arab World and to the UAE’s leading status in encouraging entrepreneurship and economic creativity on regional and global levels.
Al Awar thanked Prof. Robert Sutton for sharing his high-level experiences and expertise in the field of entrepreneurship with the faculty and administrative staff of HBMSU which is looking forward to encouraging entrepreneurship and promoting economic creativity through offering high-quality programmes that focus on developing young generation who is able to excel in entrepreneurship and contribute to the sustainable development in line with UAE Vision 2021.
HBMSU had participated in the Smart Living City- Dubai 2014 as the official academic partner. Dr. Mansoor Al Awar was one of the keynote speakers and also headed a panel discussion on ‘Future of Education’ and participated in a discussion on ‘Creating a Smart Ecosystem’. Prof. Nabil Baydoun, Assistant Chancellor of Institutional Projects, HBMSU, also participated as a keynote speaker in the ‘Future of Education’ session, whereas Prof. Alain Sentini, Dean, School of e-Education, HBMSU, was a keynote speaker in a session entitled with “Creating Innovation hub’.
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HBMSU discusses mutually-beneficial prospects with International Humanitarian City

Both parties share common vision to make positive impact in regional & global arenas
UAE, September 16th, 2014 – Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU), recently met with Shaima Al Zarooni, Chief Executive Officer of International Humanitarian City (IHC), in Dubai to strengthen their bilateral relations and future mutual cooperation in various fields.

  During the meeting, both parties discussed HBMSU’s vision to highlight the relevance of an enriched knowledge and promote a culture of creativity, innovation and scientific research through smart learning in the UAE. The university aims to produce a highly skilled generation capable of building an intelligent and sustainable economy. The meeting also provided a platform for the IHC CEO to introduce the organization and its framework. The IHC focuses on providing global humanitarian assistance using the best logistics and high-level services.

Dr. Mansoor Al Awar Chancellor of HBMSU and Shaima Al Zarooni, Chief Executive Officer of IHC.

Dr. Al Awar said: “The bilateral meeting between the HBMSU and the IHC reflects the strong resolve of both organizations to build transparent communication channels and explore mutually beneficial cooperation in the coming years. This commitment further reinforces their common aspiration of making a positive impact in the regional and international arenas.”

He also praised the IHC for its significant contributions to the UAE’s international humanitarian campaigns. Dr. Al Awar assured that the HBMSU is fully committed to fulfilling its social responsibilities by supporting the UAE Government’s charitable works.
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Officials from Association of Space Explorers visit EIAST

Astronaut Soichi Noguchi and ASE-USA Executive Director Andrew Turnage briefed on EIAST’s achievements
  
]UAE, June 25, 2014[– Soichi Noguchi and Andrew Turnage, senior officials from the Association of Space Explorers (ASE), an international nonprofit professional and educational organization of over 395 astronauts and cosmonauts from 35 nations, recently visited the Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST). During their visit, Noguchi, an astronaut and Turnage, who is currently ASE’s Executive Director for USA Chapter, were given a tour of the facility and briefed on the recent initiatives and projects undertaken by EIAST, including DubaiSat 1, recently launched DubaiSat 2 and KhalifaSat – 100 per cent Emirati-built satellite to be launched in 2017.  

H.E. Yousuf Al Shaibani, Director General, EIAST, said: “We are greatly honored that senior members of ASE – Soichi Noguchi and Andrew Turnage, have visited the facility at EIAST. They were impressed by our space technology infrastructure and expressed their interest in our objective of positioning the UAE in the global space industry. Both officials were apprised about our achievements as EIAST have made great strides in the aerospace industry in the last few years. Such visits act as motivation for us to continue to enhance our technology and research in the field of space to promote the UAE’s space industry at par with the leading international space centers.”

A Japanese aeronautical engineer and a JAXA astronaut, Soichi Noguchi’s most recent space visit was in 2009-2010 as part of the Soyuz TMA-17 crew and Expedition 22 with the International Space Station.

Soichi Noguchi and Andrew Turnage were in the UAE on a goodwill visit. A Japanese aeronautical engineer and a JAXA astronaut, Soichi Noguchi’s most recent space visit was in 2009-2010 as part of the Soyuz TMA-17 crew and Expedition 22 with the International Space Station. Andrew Turnage has been the Executive Director of the ASE – USA and is responsible for the direction, development and operation of the US chapter.  

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Ministry of Education Opens Doors for its Employees to Complete their Postgraduate Studies at the University of Dubai

Under the MoU, the ministry’s employees will receive a 20 per cent discount on tuition
UAE, June 25th, 2014 – The Ministry of Education has signed a partnership agreement with the University of Dubai to grant the ministry’s employees a 20 per cent discount on tuition if they take up programs, including postgraduate studies, at the academic institution.

The MoU was signed by H.E. Marwan Al Sawalih, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education, and H.E. Dr Issa Al-Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai, at the ministry’s office yesterday morning (Tuesday, June 24, 2014). The agreement is part of the ministry’s policy to form strategic partnerships with relevant institutions.  
Ministry of Education UAE and University of Dubai

Under the terms of agreement, the University of Dubai will provide the ministry a range of educational services in the areas of undergraduate and postgraduate, professional training and academic development, as well as software packages related to technical and operational projects. The university will also provide research and consultations with regard to conferences, forums, and workshops in which both ministry and university officials can participate in.

The MoU came at a time when the ministry is preparing for the school holidays, giving the employees more time to complete their postgraduate studies either in the country or overseas. The ministry’s partnerships with prestigious universities such as the University of Dubai will further encourage its staff to pursue higher studies given the discounted tuition.
H.E. Al Sawalih said employees may choose from several relevant programs and disciplines available in the university based on their interest and current job requirements. He highly praised the University of Dubai for its significant contributions to the education sector, specifically for honing the knowledge and skills of the UAE residents. 
For his part, Dr. Al-Bastaki lauded the Ministry of Education for its efforts to continuously raise the bar in the education sector and further enhance the quality of the services in the industry. He said the MoU between the ministry and the university is the first step towards a more fruitful cooperation in the future.
Dr. Al-Bastaki said the ministry’s employees could choose from the university’s several world-class programs and utilize the school’s state-of-the-art facilities to aid in their studies. The MoU signing was attended by a number of officials from the ministry and the university.