Dr. Abdullatif Al Shamsi, President & CEO of the Higher Colleges of Technology, inaugurated the HCT Spring Forum to mark the start of the academic spring semester, by reinforcing the values of happiness, collaboration and tolerance and their role in increasing the productivity of the HCT work environment.

The Forum was attended by HCT senior officials, and representatives from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization, UAE private institutions, HCT Student Council presidents and members, as well as HCT faculty. The forum highlighted the many HCT achievements attained during the 2018 calendar year, and showcased more innovative initiatives to be undertaken throughout 2019.

The keynote speaker Dr. Omar Ghareeb, Vice Provost of Academic Affairs in North Illinois University in USA,  focused on employment priorities in the future job markets, and the role of higher education institutions in producing graduates who meet these priorities, especially those of innovation, creativity, applied skills, teamwork and effective communication.

The first session discussed the efforts dedicated toward employment of graduates and the challenges confronted, especially in the private sector, by both employer and graduate. The aim of the discussion was to make the private sector a first choice for graduates, while at the same time equipping graduates with future skills to make them the first choice for employers.

The second session discussed the initiatives that enhance the environment of happiness and positivity at HCT. Student Council presidents proposed an increase in student educational and training trips and innovative activities.

The HCT Innovation Spaces Initiative was presented, which will be activated in cooperation with the private sector, while a further presentation discussed local and international academic accreditation for HCT programs, as well as institutional accreditation.