DUBAI: The Higher Colleges of Technology, (HCT), the UAE’s largest applied higher educational institution, announced its partnership with Mashreq Bank, one of the leading financial institutions in the UAE, to launch a unique digital banking competition, entitled ‘THINK BANK.’
Under the competition, HCT’s Business students will have the opportunity to submit innovative ideas and solutions related to digital banking. To date, the response has been very positive, with approximately 40 unique entries from the HCT campuses, which are also submitted as part of their Capstone Project for the following semester.
Dr. Aysha Abdulla, HCT Executive Director of Business programs, emphasized the importance of this competition, an initiative of Mashreq Bank, which aims to invest in students’ new and innovative ideas to provide customer centric solutions to industry challenges within the digital banking space.
She highlighted that the HCT regards innovation as an integral part of the continuous learning process in applied education, which is based on the implementation of innovative projects, as well as the “Hybrid Education” model. This model has enabled thousands of HCT students to receive academic degrees from HCT and professional certificates from international awarding bodies, concurrently.
“This exclusive THINK BANK’ competition will allow Business students, especially those in their final year, to research developments in digital banking services in accordance with global best practices and to design innovative ideas aimed at solving challenges within the digital banking space that Mashreq could invest in and implement. Students will benefit from enhancing their banking services knowledge and expertise through turning their ideas into reality,” Dr. Aysha added.
Speaking about the initiative, Ibrahim Al Mheiri, Head of Mashreq Al Islami & UAE National Segment at Mashreq Bank said, “We are thrilled to partner with the Higher Colleges of Technology on this exciting competition that will draw the creative and unique perspectives from some of the best young talent in the UAE. Digitization has always been a crucial part of our strategy at Mashreq, and this initiative will enable us to get a fresh viewpoint towards solving industry issues within the digital banking space, and eventually help make a difference for our customers.”
He added: “THINK BANK also allows Emirati students to develop their critical thinking and generate solutions to complex industry issues that they will further experience over the course of their professional careers. We hope to engage in many more initiatives such as these in the future, as part of our focus towards investing in Emirati youth and talent, as well as supporting our region as a hub for forward thinking.”
This competition will operate for a period of 15 weeks under the supervision of a panel of arbitrators consisting of representatives from HCT and Mashreq Bank. Winning students will receive various prizes and have their ideas implemented by the Bank.
-Ends-
About the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT)
Founded in 1988, the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) is the UAE’s largest applied higher educational institution, gaining a well-respected reputation for innovative education practices and job-focused experiential learning. Approximately 23,000 students attend 16 modern, technology-oriented men's and women's campuses throughout the UAE. HCT offers over 70 academic programs in Applied Media, Business, Computer Information Science, Education, Engineering Technology & Science and Health Sciences.
These programs are all designed in consultation with business and industry leaders, and incorporate principles of Innovation and Entrepreneurship to ensure HCT students’ skills are up-to-date and to the highest standards. The HCT courses are a hybrid blend of innovative, technology-driven academic studies and work-relevant programs, ensuring that HCT graduates have the necessary 21st century skills to make positive and lasting contributions to society in the 4th Industrial Revolution.
The HCT 4.0 strategic plan, which is strongly aligned to the goals of the National Employment Strategy 2031, was launched in March 2019 with the theme of Employability and Beyond, and consists of three pillars - “Technical Leaders”, “No Emirati Left Behind” and “Graduate Companies”. HCT 4.0 will equip UAE’s National workforce with future skills required in the labor market, so as to meet national goals. It will also empower graduates and employees to be familiar with technological updates and enhance their skills, so as to keep pace with accelerating job changes dictated by the 4th Industrial Revolution and the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence skills.
HCT is a vital contributor to the national agendas, including providing education opportunities to every male and female Emirati and also being announced as a free zone, under the UAE’s Fifty Year Charter”, which stipulates that UAE public and private universities will be announced as free zones that allow students to carry out business and creative activities. In addition, the HCT is prominent in its role as a federal institution by promoting applied research opportunities to faculty and students. The HCT has also embraced a global perspective on applied education by establishing the Global Applied Education Network (GAEN), which sees it partner with global educational institutions.
Media Contacts:
HCT – Paul Lancaster plancaster@hct.ac.ae or +97156 5011167
HCT – Abrar Mikkawi amikkawi@hct.ac.ae or +971565011147
Disclaimer: The contents of this press release was provided from an external third party provider. This website is not responsible for, and does not control, such external content. This content is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither this website nor our affiliates guarantee the accuracy of or endorse the views or opinions expressed in this press release.
The press release is provided for informational purposes only. The content does not provide tax, legal or investment advice or opinion regarding the suitability, value or profitability of any particular security, portfolio or investment strategy. Neither this website nor our affiliates shall be liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the content, or for any actions taken by you in reliance thereon. You expressly agree that your use of the information within this article is at your sole risk.
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, this website, its parent company, its subsidiaries, its affiliates and the respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, advertisers, content providers and licensors will not be liable (jointly or severally) to you for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, incidental, punitive or exemplary damages, including without limitation, lost profits, lost savings and lost revenues, whether in negligence, tort, contract or any other theory of liability, even if the parties have been advised of the possibility or could have foreseen any such damages.
