HCT Launches Pioneering Global Applied Education Network (GAEN)
HCT signs key Memorandum of Understanding agreements with eight founding members of newly-established GAEN
MoUs will foster knowledge partnerships, exchange of best practices and programmes to boost employability, innovation, and entrepreneurship
The Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) has celebrated the launch of its pioneering Global Applied Education Network (GAEN) with the signing a series of Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) involving eight of the world’s leading applied higher education institutions towards establishing the Global Applied Education Network.
GAEN will support the UAE and the wider MENA economies by applying proven and global effective practices aimed at fostering knowledge partnerships, exchange of best practices and programmes to boost employability, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
As the first global applied education network in the region, GAEN will align the strategic priorities of its founding members and those to come, through sharing of best practices and facilitating cooperation on applied research and academic matters on a global level.
His Excellency Nasser Thani AlHamli, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratization and HCT’s Chancellor, and other dignitaries and VIP guests joined high-ranking officials and representatives from the GAEN founding member institutions at a ceremony held at The One & Only Royal Mirage hotel in Dubai on October 31st to formally sign the MoUs.
The first eight institutions that have joined GEAN as founding members are:
- The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, Calgary, Canada;
- Universidad Tecmilenio, Monterrey, Mexico;
- University of Limerick, Limerick, Republic of Ireland;
- Institute of Technology, Sligo, Republic of Ireland;
- Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK;
- Florida International University, Miami, USA;
- Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia; and
- Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia.
His Excellency Nasser Thani AlHamli, said: “GAEN is conceived to place HCT, along with our global partners, at the forefront of a proactive applied educational movement. Through championing GAEN, our partners will have the opportunity to take part in meaningful collaborations in the most dynamic region in the world”.
“GAEN will offer its members an array of opportunities focused on exchange of knowledge, research, skills and eventually faculty and students will strengthen our ability to continue to innovate. Aligned with the best global practices, ensuring continuous institutional improvement in accordance with contemporary emerging trends, and emphasizing intercultural and intellectual exchange between our region and the rest of the world”. His Excellency added.
Dr Abdullatif Al Shamsi, Higher Colleges of Technology President & CEO, added: “We are delighted to be pioneering this collaborative knowledge exchange and network that will drive global best practice when it comes to applied higher education in the UAE, and beyond. We look forward to working with our international partners on this important initiative that will serve as a model for other institutions to aspire to and emulate”.
He added: “For 30 years, we have constantly endeavoured to be one step ahead and to offer our students the best possible advantages and our industry partners the most employable graduates with the skills needed to succeed in the emerging fourth industrial revolution environment.”
The research and innovation capabilities of GAEN institutions will be strengthened through increased cooperation with leading universities and colleges worldwide while links with businesses and industry will be expanded by offering partnerships in areas of applied research. GAEN is an open network of institutions, more universities will sign up to become members of GAEN in the future. Student and faculty exchange programmes shall also be introduced to encourage cross-cultural exchanges between GAEN members in the near future.