The Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) will collaborate with leading Indian institution, the Azim Premji University (APU), to investigate the development of a new cadre of teachers and education professionals, after an agreement was recently signed by the parties in Dubai.
The agreement was signed by H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan Minister for Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chancellor, Higher Colleges of Technology and Azim H. Premji, Chancellor of the Azim Premji University during the 10-year celebrations of technology company Wipro, established by Mr Premji.
Under the terms of the agreement the parties will investigate future opportunities in relation to the following:
1. Sharing of best practices in the field of education, with the aim of improving the development of professionals and the quality of education;
2. APU hosting HCT professionals for imparting knowledge on the course content and teaching methodologies of APU;
3. APU providing HCT with research material on studies conducted by APU;
4. Both parties nominating key employees for short term educational courses, held on an exchange basis, and based on availability and relevance.
Dr Tayeb Kamali, Vice Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology said the agreement was the latest phase of a long-standing and strong relationship with WIPRO.
"We are very pleased to be a part of the journey that has seen WIPRO grow to be one of the leading IT services companies in the UAE and Middle East, and this agreement will go towards addressing the growing demand for qualified education professionals in the United Arab Emirates," Dr Kamali said.
"This agreement will have a strong focus on quality and excellence throughout the educational process, demonstrating that the HCT has an ongoing emphasis on continuous improvement in teaching and learning, and a solid commitment to the preparation of graduates for a lifetime of productive work," Dr Kamali added.
The Azim Premji University provides integrated strategy especially in the area of talent development and knowledge creation through an institutionalized approach. The key strands of the University's work include Degree Programs; Continuing Education; Research and the Institute of Assessment and Accreditation (IAA).
-Ends-
About the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT)
Founded in 1988 with four colleges, The Higher Colleges of Technology has grown to be the largest of the higher educational institutions in the UAE, gaining a well-respected reputation for innovative learning. More than 19,000 students attend 17 modern men's and women's campuses in the cities of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Fujairah and the western region of Madinat Zayed and Ruwais.
HCT offers more than 90 different, English-taught programs in Applied Communications, Business, Education, Engineering Technology, Computer & Information Sciences, General Education and Health Sciences. These programs are all relevant to the UAE's fast growing and evolving economic sectors. All programs are designed in consultation with business and industry leaders to ensure that the skills students learn are job-relevant and to high standards. They are constantly monitored to ensure they are at the cutting edge of industry standards and technological change. Visit www.hct.ac.ae
For more information or to arrange interviews contact:
Paul Lancaster,
HCT Corporate Communications Executive,
Office of the Vice Chancellor.
Phone: 02 404 8543.
Mobile: 050 616 0964
Email: paul.lancaster@hct.ac.ae
© Press Release 2011
