The Higher Colleges of Technology, the United Arab Emirates (UAE)’s tertiary educational system and CNBC Arabiya, the region’s first Arabic language 24-hour business information channel, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at establishing the country’s first institute of Media Studies.
The project is planned to support UAE training and education initiatives, as well as building and developing skills of UAE nationals through internships and work placement opportunities. The MoU also covers the provision of on-the-job training to Higher Colleges of Technology students inside and outside the UAE
The MOU is the first of its kind between a UAE educational authority and a private sector brand entering the Arab satellite broadcast segment.
Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al-Nahayan, minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology, said this MoU is illustrative of the global need for very close and continuing ties between academia and industry.
“Education is no longer the preserve of educational institutions—which must keep pace with the rapid changes in technology and provide the industry with the “products” that meet industry needs.”
“Hence there is a dire need for sustainable forums between traditional educational providers like the HCT and CNBC. This is a one such example of an association with Industry, in developing and executing learning models that produce high quality products. Our MoU with CNBC Arabiya will ensure that the Higher Colleges and CNBC work and collaborate closely together and produce people with the right competencies.”
“Ultimately our goal is to establish a world class Regional Institute of Media Studies, that will offer cutting edge educational, training and development opportunities, to Media persons, across the Region and even beyond, in all stages of their careers—as education and learning is now lifelong. Such models must be emulated and adopted,” he concluded.
The collaboration of HCT and CNBC Arabiya is hoped to position the UAE as a major broadcast media resource to the countries in the region. CNBC commences broadcasting across the Middle East from Dubai Media City (DMC) in June 2003,
According to Zafar Siddiqi, chairman and CEO of CNBC Arabiya, “this MOU is an indication of our commitment to build the skills and capabilities of young nationals across the Middle East in the field of broadcast journalism. This is a field with tremendous potential for growth and requires skilled professionals who are from the region.”
“Our aim is to provide long-term support for the Higher Colleges of Technology, involving UAE students with a rich training experience in broadcast journalism, provide career opportunities and to involve HCT in our program development.” — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
