UOWD wins at the IEEE Software Project Competition

Dubai, May 30, 2011: The University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) won the top prize in the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) sponsored Software Project Competition was held recently at the Manipal University.

With twelve participating teams, the competition was fierce. Different software applications were presented, including some very unique ones such as a mobile cipher - a mouse that could be controlled via iris movements and a user-controlled device that allowed visually-impaired to 'feel' the internet.

The UOWD winning project 'TouchDesk' is an innovative, cost-effective, energy efficient and environmental friendly software system which will create up to 20 touch screen personal computers using only the power of one workstation and therefore facilitates a multi-learning environment.

The UOWD team mentor Dr. Mohamed K. Watfa said, 'our project is motivated by a number of critical but yet unsolved problems.'

TouchDesk attempts to solve the problem of schools that need access to computers which will facilitate students' individualized interactivity and thereby increase retention and provide a large spectrum of opportunities. A major barrier in solving such a problem is the increased cost of purchasing and maintaining a large number of computers.

TouchDesk also addresses the 'green' issue by offering a solution that drastically cuts down on energy consumption. Research shows that computers cover about 10% of the overall global energy consumption.

UOWD project team included Khalid Al-Najjar, Ayesha Aleem, Asif Rashid and Hina Abdul Majeed, and their mentor Dr. Mohamed K. Watfa. Currently pursuing his Bachelors in Computer Science at the UOWD, Asif Rashid said, 'the competition was quite tough. Despite that, the judges seemed to be happy with the innovative and business feasibility aspect of our application.'

Asif added,' it was thrilling to be adjudged the winner at this competition. After coming second locally in the Microsoft Imagine Cup competition, and fourth in the Wollongong-organized UAE Software Trade Show, it was good to finally get that first place spot that had been eluding us."

Hina Abdul Majeed, a UOWD alumna, participated at the event held at the Manipal campus for the second time after having secured the second position with her group in 2010. She said, 'it feels great to be recognized at this stage, and it gives all four of us a motivation to work on further enhancements.'

-Ends-

About the University of Wollongong in Dubai
Established in 1993, UOWD was the first foreign university in Dubai to be licensed by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research. Located at Dubai Knowledge Village, it boasts 3,600 students representing almost 100 nationalities. It is closely associated with one of Australia's best performing research and teaching Universities, the University of Wollongong, Australia.

PR Contact:
Anthony D'Silva,
Communicate Gulf
(anthony@communicategulf.com)
Tel. +9714 3510803,
Mobile: +971 50 4571624.
P.O. Box 52821,
Dubai,
UAE