March 24, 2005

e-TQM College, the institution specialising in online Total Quality Management (TQM) courses in the Arab world, has announced the winners of the Pan-Arab Media Quality Award (MQA) 2005.

The winners are Yasser Seleem, Editor, Al Alam Al Youm of Egypt and Isaac John, Senior Business Correspondent of Khaleej Times, Dubai. Mr. Seleem was recognised for his article entitled "Re-engineering: the password to developing institutions and corporations, while Mr. Isaac was honoured for his analysis on "Dubai, a role model for quality-driven prosperity in Arab world."

The winners received the award at a grand ceremony held on March 22 at the Al Bustan Rotana Hotel, Dubai, in the presence of leading TQM experts, VIPs and several dignitaries. The Award was sponsored by Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City, Knowledge Village and Fujitsu Siemens Computers who presented Amilo notebooks to both winners, and Al Bayan as media partners for the event.

"The Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone is glad to support the e-TQM College's drive to recognise and reward media professionals who contribute towards spreading the message of quality," said Dr. Abdulla Al Karam, CEO of Knowledge Village. "The Free Zone is eager to advance initiatives and ideas that drive quality and excellence in the region and this is one of the ways we are expressing our commitment," he added.

Announcing the results of the competition, H.E Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, head of Dubai Police and Chancellor of e-TQM College, said: "This year, we received quality entries from media persons from across the Middle East, specially since we expanded its scope of the competition to include media professional entrants in print and electronic media from all over the Arab region and not just the UAE. The entries demonstrated that the media is becoming increasingly aware of the critical importance of the application of TQM concepts in all businesses and all walks of life."

"By organising such a competition on an annual basis, e-TQM College once again demonstrated its commitment to the spread of TQM in the region. We want to create larger awareness about how globally total quality management can transform businesses and organizations. TQM provides a powerful formula for success in any business," added H.E. Dhahi Khalfan Tamim. "e-TQM College has gained further prestige with the Masters in TQM that brings the very latest in TQM concepts customized to local needs, while at the same time incorporating global best practices."

"We are delighted by the response to the Media Quality Award instituted by e-TQM College," said Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Director, e-TQM College. "Both the print and electronic media showed deep insights into TQM and highlighted how the application of these concepts was transforming societies across the Arab world. e-TQM College, is honoured to be a catalyst in taking the concept of TQM to mass audiences through the writings and programmes of media persons. We would like to raise the profile of this award further in the coming years."

Participants were required to write on any of the following TQM related subjects: Business Excellence practices, Six Sigma, ISO 9000, Business Process Re-engineering (BPR), Total Quality Management (TQM), Importance of Quality in Shaping the Competitiveness of Organisations in the Arab world, Quality: Its significance and Benefit to the Arab world and Islamic Values & Quality Management and their impact on the Arab society. The articles/programmes had to convey an in-depth understanding of TQM.

"Total Quality Management has become a universal movement that is driving enterprises to scale new heights in performance and productivity. All over the world, corporations are integrating the core concepts of TQM into their day-to-day operations. The fundamental principles of quality management fully complement the basic business goals of an organisation. e-TQM College's focus on quality has an important role to play in introducing and establishing this concept in the Middle East," said Sheila Bibi, Marketing Communications Director, International Sales Region (ISR), Fujitsu Siemens Computers.

The award was instituted to raise awareness of TQM in the Arab world through the media. Entries were judged on insights into TQM in their published or broadcast work. The judging panel comprised international quality gurus and professors with decades of experience in the teaching and practice of quality management.

-Ends-

About e-TQM College
e-TQM College is a Dubai-based institution that has pioneered e-learning in the Middle East by launching world-class online courses in Total Quality Management. Launched in September 2002, the college is the first of its kind in the world. It has been recognized by EFQM, a leading European body for quality management, and has been accepted as a key member of the British Quality Foundation. It aims to be the college of choice for Total Quality Management in the Arab world.

e-TQM College provides e-learning programs to private and public sector employees as well as members of the public. Courses include Foundation Diploma in TQM, Excellence Best Practice Series and Certificate in Quality in Policing.

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© Press Release 2005