August 8, 2009, Abu Dhabi - Twenty male and female university students from the Emirate of Abu Dhabi returned home from a 5-week intensive internship program in Dresden, Germany this week, where they received specialized practical training in the manufacturing of computer chips.
The Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC)-sponsored initiative is designed to encourage high-achieving engineering students to develop their skills and acquire practical experience that complements their studies. ADEC partnered with the Advanced Technology Investment Company (ATIC) and Technology Development Committee (TDC), to place students in the GlobalFoundries semiconductor fabrication facility in Dresden, Germany. ATIC is the majority shareholder of GlobalFoundries which is a leading semiconductor manufacturing firm. TDC is overseeing the development of a world-class research and industrial cluster in Abu Dhabi with focus on advanced technology. Over the course of the internship, students learned about the basics of chip technology and manufacturing through a mixed schedule of lectures, observation, and hands-on experience in the foundry. The program is supported through a generous grant from H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Chairman of ADEC. The internship is a part of ADECs support for Abu Dhabis broader economic vision to develop a skilled technical workforce through the process of training students so that they can effectively take part in the emirates economic development and diversification. Director General of ADEC H.E. Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili congratulated the students on their successful completion of the training course and reaffirmed ADECs commitment to creating a stimulating educational environment for students in Abu Dhabi. 'The purpose of this program is to elevate the academic performance of students in Abu Dhabi, and to keep them up to date with scientific developments worldwide,' Dr. Mugheer Al Khaili said. 'ADEC will continue this program over the coming years to encourage university students to become an integral part of the economic development plans for Abu Dhabi'. Waleed Al Mokarrab Al Muhairi, Chairman of ATIC, said: 'Were delighted to support this program. At ATIC we feel we have a clear social responsibility to develop human capital in the UAE. This program is a perfect opportunity to realize that responsibility'. Ahmed Al Calily of TDC, said: 'In our mandate to support the growth of a high technology sector within Abu Dhabi, TDC is committed to programs such as these that play a vital role in exposing our students to the latest research and technology'.Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2009.
