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Planning for a Successful Study Abroad Experience?

German student visa norms for Indians get tough

Most leading banks and financial institutions offer educational loans against certain interest rates, guarantees, and payment terms…reports Asian Lite News

Studying abroad is a transformative decision, catapulting a student’s education and career graph many notches higher. It’s no surprise that many youngsters today consider overseas education for higher studies. According to the Union Ministry of Education, 7.5 Lakh Indian students traveled overseas for higher education in 2022. Associated data sets show that Indian students formed the biggest group of immigrant students in Canada, and the second biggest group in Germany and the United Kingdom last year.

The benefits of global education range from exposure to new-age courses, participating in the latest research and innovation; and enhanced job prospects. While all this makes sense, many crucial steps need to be taken in advance to make this experience worthwhile. Study abroad counselors from MSM Unify – a leading global higher education platform offering 50,000+ courses from 1,400 institutes over 20 countries – shared the top five aspects that every student must consider when planning international education. Here they are:

Step 1 – Research about the course, country, and culture

These three C’s define the success of your study abroad experience. The checklist should begin with:
– Understanding your academic inclination
– Finding an appropriate course in your chosen field
– Selecting an appropriate top-rate institute
– Choosing the Country for Higher Study
– Understanding the host country’s geo-political situation and culture at large

Each of these steps has multiple checklists. While a student’s career may not be limited to his area of study, choosing a course in alignment with academic interest offers the necessary kickstart for jobs. When choosing the courses, consider the present job prospects and a future outlook too. For example, jobs related to automation, data, and analytics will continue to be in demand even after five years, as per industry estimates.

When selecting an institute, it’s important to directly speak to institute representatives and clear all doubts in advance. For example, at MSM Unify students can directly interact with institute representatives. It’s important to have all the details about effective fee structures, scholarship options (if applicable), yearly academic roster, department lecturers, placement support, and academy-industry connections. All such queries determine how worthwhile the study abroad experience can be.

When choosing a host country, it’s important to consider its geopolitical standing. Additionally, take the time to learn about the popular customs, traditions, and cultural norms of the country to ensure a smooth transition.

Step 2 – Understand visa and immigration requirements

Make sure you understand the visa and immigration requirements for studying in your chosen country. Familiarize yourself with the application process, required documents, and any restrictions or limitations that may apply. Seek guidance from our experts. Applying for a visa can be challenging, but well-established consultants such as MSM Unify use their wide network within partner countries to simplify the process for you! Following are the generic documents required for a student visa, more documents can be required as per host country specifications:
– Passport with at least two blank pages and an expiry date beyond 180 days
– A formal admission letter from the university
– A printout of your online application
– Evidence of language certification (if needed)
– Evidence of financial means
– Passport size photographs
– Previous education record
– Vaccination results (if required, it varies by the country)


Step 3 – Plan Your finances in advance – Education loans, scholarships, and more to explore

Studying abroad is an expensive affair, hence resistance from many students. When considering to study abroad, start with making a budget. Consider all expenses such as tuition fees, accommodation charges, living expenses, travel costs, medical insurance, insurance for your devices (laptop/mobile phone, photography equipment), and any additional expenses that may arise.

Most leading banks and financial institutions offer educational loans against certain interest rates, guarantees, and payment terms. Again, well-established study abroad consultants such as MSM Unify provide multiple options to explore financial options. The firm offers multiple financing options from leading providers such as ICICI iSMART education loans, MPower Financing, and other international partners to make it easy for students to choose from the most competitive offerings.
If you plan on applying for an educational loan, you should begin the student visa application process 6 months before the start of your first semester. So, you would have enough time to manage your finances and education loans.

Step 4 – Find accommodation options

Research the various accommodation options available in your host country. Consider factors such as cost of accommodation, proximity to your educational institution, safety, and amenities provided. The usual options include university dormitories, shared apartments, homestays, or private flats, depending on your preferences and budget. If you decide to live in an apartment, you will also need to pay for tenant’s insurance as well as additional utility costs like power, internet, and water use. Confused about finding accommodation? MSM Unify’s partners such as University Living, Housemates Unilodgers, Casita, Gobritanya, and others offer a variety of options to choose from.

Step 5 – Transit services

Make sure to reserve your airline tickets in advance. To track price changes and buy at the cheapest prices, consider looking at the alternatives with plenty of time to spare. Also, familiarize yourself with the transit services available in the host country. Research public transportation options such as buses, trains, and subways, their popular routes, schedules, and fares. Additionally, look into student discounts or passes that may be available to help you save money on transportation costs.

Remember, studying abroad offers multi-dimensional experiences. The only way to make this worthwhile is by being prepared in advance. Speak to other students who also plan to study abroad or others who have had this experience helps in adding more perspectives.

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Education Lite Blogs

Global Destinations for Indian Students Pursuing Education Abroad

Singapore has emerged as a hub for business and technology, offering a range of programs for Indian students. The country’s strategic location in Asia makes it an ideal choice for those looking to immerse themselves in the region’s business world…reports Asian Lite News

 In recent years, there has been a significant surge in the number of Indian students seeking education abroad. This trend is driven by a desire for high-quality education, global exposure, and enhanced career prospects. However, choosing the right destination is a crucial decision that can shape one’s academic and professional journey.

In this article, Shalini Lambah the Country Head India of Migrate World shares with IANSlife the optimal immigration destinations for Indian students, considering factors such as educational opportunities, post-graduation prospects, and quality of life.

The United States:

The United States has long been a preferred destination for Indian students. With its world-renowned universities and diverse range of programs, the U.S. offers an array of educational opportunities. Institutions like Harvard, MIT, and Stanford are renowned globally, making the U.S. an attractive destination for those pursuing higher education in fields like technology, engineering, business, and more.Moreover, the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows international students to gain valuable work experience in their field of study for up to three years after graduation. This provides a pathway to H-1B visa sponsorship and, potentially, permanent residency.

Stay where your favourite sports stars come out to play

Canada:

Canada has become increasingly popular among Indian students due to its welcoming immigration policies and quality education system. Institutions like the University of Toronto and McGill University consistently rank among the top globally. The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) enables students to work in Canada for up to three years after completing their studies, enhancing their chances of permanent residency.Additionally, Canada’s reputation for multiculturalism and safety makes it an attractive destination for international students seeking a diverse and inclusive environment. 

Australia:

Australia is known for its excellent universities, such as the University of Sydney and the University of Melbourne, and its favorable post-study work visa program. The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) allows international students to work in Australia for up to four years after graduation, depending on the level of study completed.The Australian job market is robust, particularly in sectors like healthcare, engineering, and information technology. This, coupled with the country’s high quality of life and stunning natural landscapes, makes Australia an appealing destination. 

United Kingdom:

The United Kingdom boasts a rich academic heritage, and institutions like the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge are globally renowned. While the UK’s post-study work opportunities were somewhat limited in the past, recent changes have made it more attractive.The reintroduction of the Post-Study Work (PSW) visa, known as the “Graduate Route,” allows international students to stay and work in the UK for up to two years after completing their degree (or three years for Ph.D. graduates). This has significantly improved the UK’s appeal to Indian students. 

Germany:

Germany offers a unique combination of high-quality education and affordability, particularly at the undergraduate level. Institutions like the Technical University of Munich and the University of Heidelberg are renowned for their engineering and technical programs. While language proficiency is crucial for certain courses, many programs are offered in English, making it accessible to international students. Germany also provides post-study work opportunities and a pathway to permanent residency for graduates.

Five must take road trips in Australia.(photo:IANSLIFE)

New Zealand:

New Zealand is known for its welcoming environment and high-quality education system. The Post-Study Work Visa allows international students to stay in the country for up to three years after graduation, and the country’s strong economy and low crime rate make it an attractive destination. New Zealand is particularly popular for courses in agriculture, environmental sciences, and tourism management, owing to its stunning natural landscapes.

Singapore:

Singapore has emerged as a hub for business and technology, offering a range of programs for Indian students. The country’s strategic location in Asia makes it an ideal choice for those looking to immerse themselves in the region’s business world. Singapore’s education system is highly regarded, and various scholarships are available for international students. Additionally, the country provides a potential pathway to permanent residency for skilled professionals.

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Arab News Education India News

IIT Madras Launches Courses in Bahrain

The official signing ceremony of this historic agreement took place at the IIT Madras campus, witnessing the presence of esteemed dignitaries….reports Asian Lite News

McINDEEZ CONSULTANCY is pleased to announce the formalization of an Outreach Partner Agreement with the esteemed Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras Pravartak Foundation.

This groundbreaking partnership paves the way for McINDEEZ Consultancy to offer a diverse range of certification programs in emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science, Crypto Currency, Cyber Security, Machine Learning, Logistics and Supply Chain, Banking and Finance, and more.

The official signing ceremony of this historic agreement took place at the IIT Madras campus, witnessing the presence of esteemed dignitaries. The event was graced by the Director of IIT Madras, Prof. V Kamakodi, and the Digital Skills Academy Program Coordinator, Prof. Magala Sunder. Representing McINDEEZ Consultancy were Chairman P Unnikrishnan and CEO Abdul Jaleel Abdulla.

This collaboration between McINDEEZ Consultancy and IIT Madras is a significant step toward democratizing access to world-class education in Bahrain and the wider Gulf region.

It brings together the academic prowess of IIT Madras and the strategic vision of McINDEEZ Consultancy to create a transformative learning experience.

Prof. V Kamakodi, Director of IIT Madras, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are delighted to collaborate with McINDEEZ Consultancy to make IIT Madras Pravatak Foundation’s top-tier certification programs accessible to a global audience. This partnership is aligned with our commitment to disseminating knowledge and fostering innovation.”

P Unnikrishnan, Chairman of McINDEEZ Consultancy, shared his thoughts on the collaboration, saying, “Our mission has always been to empower individuals with the skills they need to succeed in the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and business.

This partnership with IIT Madras allows us to deliver on that promise by offering cutting-edge certification programs that are highly respected worldwide.”

Abdul Jaleel Abdulla, CEO of McINDEEZ Consultancy commented that “Under this agreement, McINDEEZ Consultancy will facilitate enrollment, provide support services, and offer a seamless learning experience to students and professionals seeking to advance their careers.

The certification programs, designed by IIT Madras, are renowned for their rigor and relevance, making graduates highly sought after in the job market”.

IIT Madras Certification programs will be offered through the ed-tech platform, www.mcindeezacademy.com . The portal will be launched in Bahrain on Monday, October 2nd, 2023, at an event to be held in Crowne Plaza, Bahrain.

This landmark event will be attended by the Indian Ambassador, H.E. Vinod K Jacob, IIT Madras Pravartak CEO, Dr, Shankar Raman, Digital Skills Academy GM, Dr. Balamurali and other officials from Ministries and corporate and community leaders. There will be a talk on “How Disruptive Technology impacts Human Life” by Dr. Balamurali during the event.

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-Top News Australia Education

Australian University UTS Maintains Top 150 Global Ranking

UTS maintains its position among the top 150 universities in the world in the overall ranking…reports Asian Lite News

The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) is ranked one of the top universities in Australia for research quality, according to the latest  Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
The Times’ Research Quality pillar primarily considers a university’s research publication outputs and citations, which reflect the impact the work has upon researchers at other institutions globally. It also assesses an institution’s research strength, research excellence, and research influence.

“UTS researchers are increasingly recognised both in Australia and internationally for the quality and impact of their work,” said  Professor Andrew Parfitt , Vice-Chancellor and President. “UTS has been a leader of interdisciplinary research in key fields, including artificial intelligence, environmental science, allied health and engineering for a number of years.”

“This result is testament to the dedication of UTS’s globally renowned academics who have been at the forefront of pioneering technologies in those fields and in other important areas of importance to Australia.”
In the Times Higher Education 2024 World University Rankings, UTS also performed strongly in the area of ‘international outlook’. This measures international-to-domestic student and staff ratios, as well as international collaboration. UTS maintains its position among the top 150 universities in the world in the overall ranking.

The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) is a leading university of technology known for driving positive impact across the world through a range of global research partnerships. Visit  discover.uts.edu.au  to learn more.

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-Top News Asia News Education

Pakistan: Hazro Students Face Barriers to Higher Education

Currently, the college lacks faculty for key subjects such as English, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. …reports Asian Lite News

In Hazro, higher education has become a distant dream for countless boys students. At the only boys’ college in the area, a meagre three lecturers struggle to meet the educational needs of over 400 enrolled students, while more than 800 students have abandoned their pursuit of education due to a severe shortage of staff and academic resources, Dawn reported.

Three years ago, the college had made promising strides, appointing seven lecturers and a principal to accommodate the growing student population, which had surged to over 1,800. This move aimed to enhance educational opportunities for the local youth.

However, the situation took a bleak turn when four lecturers used their connections with the PTI government to secure transfers to colleges nearer to their hometowns. Subsequently, the education department attempted to sustain academic activities by appointing temporary lecturers through the College Teaching Interns (CTI) program. Unfortunately, these interim educators were also compelled to depart when the education department faced budgetary constraints in November 2022, according to Dawn.

Currently, the college lacks faculty for key subjects such as English, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. The college’s principal retired six months ago, and now a lecturer has been burdened with the additional responsibility of managing the college’s administrative affairs.

Adding to the woes, the college’s outer wall collapsed due to heavy rainfall in 2021 and has remained unrepaired for two years, posing a significant security risk to the students.

Danish Ali, a student, recounted that during the previous academic year, the college boasted four lecturers and a substantial number of college trainee instructors, attracting a large student body. However, in November of the previous year, the instructors’ contracts concluded, and they departed alongside the four lecturers who secured transfers. Consequently, numerous students were compelled to abandon their educational pursuits due to their inability to afford the exorbitant fees charged by private colleges. Instead, they turned to agriculture and other work to support their families, as reported by Dawn.

Nisar Ali Khan, the senior vice-chairman of a local NGO, Chhach Muhafiz Committee, revealed that the organization had organized protests and meetings with various authorities. Despite their efforts, including discussions with the Deputy Commissioner, former Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Malik Amin Aslam, and local Provincial Assembly member Jahangir Khanzada, who was associated with the college’s establishment, no resolution was achieved.

The situation prompted additional deputy commissioner (retired) Changaiz Khan to describe the college’s affairs as “tragic.” He made efforts to secure the reconstruction of the college wall and address the staff shortage but found that promises made by authorities remained unfulfilled.

Former special assistant to the prime minister Malik Amin Aslam acknowledged issuing directives to provincial governments to address the issue. However, he cited financial constraints and recruitment bans as obstacles preventing solutions. He also noted that, despite his opposition, four lecturers were transferred to their native areas on humanitarian grounds.

The director of colleges, Arshad Khan, confirmed the dire state of affairs at the college and expressed awareness of the students’ plight. Unfortunately, he cited technical reasons preventing the Punjab Higher Education Department from resolving the issue, Dawn reported. (ANI)

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-Top News Education UK News

International Students Face Housing Woes in UK

With UK rents rising over 8% this year compared to 2022-23, foreign students face affordability challenges….reports Asian Lite News

International students in the UK have been hit by a severe housing crisis, with many forced to accept unsuitable living conditions amid rising rents and expensive university accommodation.

Students from countries like India and Bangladesh said trying to find an affordable home in London was extremely difficult because they do not have the references and payslips needed to secure a home, the BBC reported.

Nazmush Shahadat, who arrived in London from Bangladesh to study law, ended up sharing a two-bedroom flat with 20 other men as he found university accommodation too expensive and couldn’t find a house to live in.

“I never expected to live in a place like that — I still have my scars,” he told BBC.

“The first couple of months, I couldn’t videocall my family because I didn’t want them to see how I am living — that’s sad,” he said.

Shahadat added that he lived in a place where multiple bunk beds were crammed into a room and shift workers came and went, and he was often bitten by bed bugs, making it impossible for him to sleep.

With the rents in the UK going up by more than eight per cent overall this year compared with 2022-23, according to a Cushman & Wakefield survey, many foreign students are struggling to find affordable rooms.

The survey further said that fewer than one in 10 beds in major university cities are now affordable to the average student in receipt of maintenance loans and grants.

The UK is consistently increasing in popularity among international students with 679,970 international students pursuing their degrees in the country, according to 2021/2022 statistics from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).

Numbering more than 120,000, Indian students make up among the largest international student communities in the UK.

Rashavh Kaushik from India, who will also be studying law this year, will be sharing a bedroom with another student.

For that arrangement, they’ve had to pay 16,000 pounds upfront and have had to get a guarantor to secure a place.

“It’s costly for us,” he told BBC.

“Universities are trying to recruit more and more international students partly because they pay a lot higher fees, but it means that some universities are expanding at a rate much higher than the local housing stock can deal with,” Nehaal Bajwa, from the National Union of Students (NUS), said.

Stating that international students are vulnerable to financial strain, the NUS has been calling for rent controls for students.

“You’re kind of open to exploitation because you don’t know your rights… Homelessness is a real threat,” Bajwa told BBC.

She earlier told news website Open Democracy that landlords ask overseas students to either pay six months’ rent upfront, or a guarantor/reference in the UK, earning 84,000 pounds.

“The current pressure on the housing market in the UK are being felt across society — including by students, and universities are working to ease this wherever possible,” Universities UK said in a statement.

The average private sector rent outside London has gone up to more than 7,600 pounds a year, which accounts for 77 per cent of the maximum student maintenance loan allowance, a Guardian report said.

“Universities are experienced in supporting students, and while we strongly recommend that students organise housing before travelling to the UK, any student facing difficulty should contact their university accommodation team as soon as possible,” Universities UK added.

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-Top News Education India News

Indian Army Starts J-K Special Scholarship Scheme

Indian Army said that it has identified 146 students from different districts of the valley and will be sponsoring the education of these students with an amount of Rs 1.2 lakhs each….reports Asian Lite News

The Indian Army on Sunday commenced the Jammu and Kashmir Special Scholarship Scheme 2023 as part of Operation Sadbhavana with the aim of providing educational opportunities to underprivileged yet dedicated students.

Indian Army said that it has identified 146 students from different districts of the valley and will be sponsoring the education of these students with an amount of Rs 1.2 lakhs each.

“This program has a goal to bridge the gap between privileged and underprivileged students by offering scholarships and financial aid to those who exhibit exceptional potential and dedication in the field of education,” an official statement said.

The balance expenditure in respect of these students will be borne by the respective universities. There are 12 affiliated universities in which these students will be pursuing their Higher Education.

Army said that hundreds of students had applied from Kupwara district of which 34 students were finalised based on a written test and interview.

“These students were felicitated with a “Send Off Ceremony” organised today at Durgmullah on behalf of the Kupwara based Division. The ceremony was also aimed at encouraging more students from the weaker sections of society to pursue higher education and contribute in building an Atmanirbhar Bharat,” an official statement said. (ANI)

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Education Health Lite Blogs

Dr. Mickey Mehta’s Tips for College Stress Relief

Splash or keep your face in running water for a while till everything cools down and your eyes are relaxed, Just pat dry, and then breathe…reports Lothungbeni Humtsoe

Once students start going to college, that is the time a sense of independence, a sense of individuality, and also a sense of defiance comes into play. Why defiance? Because independence and individuality want to override the wisdom of the world, especially when it comes from parents, grandparents, and teachers.

That age is the time to try new things, starting with vocation experiments, food experiments, and partner experiments, which entails relationships. Because they were firmly constrained in school, their attention on studies becomes a little loose-ended in college. Furthermore, college students’ fickleness, waviness, and indecisiveness place them at high risk of stress and anxiety.

Dr. Mickey Mehta, a global leading holistic health guru and corporate life coach shares with IANSlife some effortless and quick ways to relax:

Splash or keep your face in running water for a while till everything cools down and your eyes are relaxed, Just pat dry, and then breathe.

Herbal teas can help you feel better, alleviate depression’s physical symptoms, and reduce stress. You can also choose to do nothing and close your eyes. As you inhale and exhale, observe your breath while you’re sitting. Your mind automatically comes to the present moment when you are conscious of every breath that you take in and out. The steadiness of the mind, its capacity for ability, and its capacity to work in unison are all present when the mind is present in the moment. The shattered parts of the mind become one piece, the mind becomes one and enters that state of oneness, and so well-being and tranquility happen, going from stress and strain to harmony.

Step beyond the four boundaries, stroll slowly, and up and descend the steps. A relaxing stroll can do wonders for your mental health. It enhances self-perception, self-esteem, mood, and sleep quality while lowering stress, anxiety, and exhaustion.

Go to the nearest tree and embrace or touch it to get some oxygen. They support the body in reducing the physiological effects of stress. The stress-related chemicals cortisol and adrenaline are both lowered by simply sitting and gazing at trees.

Go outside and spend some time in the sunlight, stand or sit and feel the breeze on your skin (wind bath), Be mindful.

A natural method of curing one’s mind, body, and spirit is aromatherapy. Inhaling fragrances stimulates the olfactory system, which has a variety of psycho-physiological impacts on people. It assists in reducing stress and enhances one’s general state of mind.

Call your loved ones on the phone and have a conversation. Laugh it away. Catharsis, or a sense of relief, is a result of talking. Increased levels of dopamine, oxytocin, endorphins, and other feel-good biochemicals are produced during positive conversations.

When you are at home and feeling anxious, you may either have a warm water bath with some sea salt or just sit under the shower, close your eyes, and let your breathing settle down and become regular. Sweating it out after a hot water bath also releases toxins. Hot baths can be a wonderful form of self-care. Your body’s relaxation mechanism, the parasympathetic nervous system, can be activated by taking a bath. Every organ, including the brain, is impacted by circadian rhythms, which are strengthened and adjusted by taking a warm bath. Stress is released even when biological toxins are released. Even when muscle tension is relieved, stress is also relieved, which improves your mood.

To dissolve into gravity, lie down in Shavasana, often known as the position of a state of relaxation After that, begin to inhale and exhale slowly from your toes all the way up, imagining breathing out stress. After 5-7 minutes, you should feel light as a feather. As more and more mental stress and bodily tension are removed, the breath becomes more relaxed. It promotes mental clarity and harmony, which may also relieve tension and headaches while reducing weariness and fending off anxiety.

Chanting helps reduce imbalances and signs of depression, as well as promotes happiness, relaxation, and the ability to concentrate and pay attention. Chanting also modifies voice and breath. Humming is one of the most basic yet profound sounds we can create for ourselves. It is a self-soothing sound that has physical effects on us, lowering blood pressure and heart rate while releasing endorphins and oxytocin, two powerful neurochemicals that have been shown to reduce stress and promote calmness and sleep.

Last but not least, seek out nice company or find a place to be alone and quiet so that you can find serenity and solace. Do you believe this helps to solve problems? certainly not, but the propensity to approach problems from diverse perspectives and opinions and the ability to deal with and cope with them develop, leading to a growth in self-assurance, self-conviction, self-reliance, and a positive outlook on life and skills.

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Education EU News Lite Blogs

Orange Jordan, EU Honor Graduates of Innovation Programs

Orange Jordan implemented the free programs in Aqaba, in cooperation with its partners, particularly the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority…reports Asian Lite News

Orange Jordan and the European Union celebrated the graduation of “heroes of change”, the youth who completed their journey in the FabLab and Coding Academy in Aqaba, in a ceremony held under the patronage of the Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, Ahmad Hanandeh, under the Innovation Space, a three-year project co-funded by the European Union’s “Innovation for Enterprise Growth and Jobs” program “Innovate Jordan”, to support entrepreneurship and empower youth digitally across the Kingdom.

The graduation was attended by Ramzi Al-Kabariti, Commissioner of Youth and Entrepreneurship, deputizing for Nayef Al Fayez, Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority Chief Commissioner, member of parliament Obeid Yassin, Sultan Hassan, deputizing for Dr. Khaled Alhajjaj, Governor of Aqaba, CEO of Orange Jordan, Philippe Mansour, and several of the company’s executive officers.

During the ceremony, the FabLab celebrated a milestone by graduating 173 young males and females, after they developed their prototypes using digital manufacturing equipment and devices, including 3D design, 3D printing, laser cutting, computer numerical control (CNC), printed circuits board (PCB), coding and electronics.

Alongside the FabLab, the Coding Academy also celebrated the graduation of two cohorts in Aqaba with a total of 50 students, with females exceeding 50%, after completing a 6-month intensive training in highly in-demand programming languages, professional and personal skills and more, followed by a 1-month internship in an IT company, extending the success of the Academy which achieved a remarkable employment rate of 80% among its graduates in governorates.

Both the FabLab and Coding Academy were expanded by Orange Jordan to provide digital resources and knowledge to youth in various governorates, especially those with high young population such as Aqaba, to enable them for the job market and starting their own ventures, as well as guiding them on their entrepreneurship journey.

Orange Jordan implemented the free programs in Aqaba, in cooperation with its partners, particularly the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, which was keen to support these programs due to their immense role in empowering the governorate’s youth with essential professional and digital skills.

The CEO of Orange Jordan, Philippe Mansour, congratulated the graduates, stating: “I am very happy to be here in Aqaba to support the governorate’s youth and recognize their accomplishments and efforts in the FabLab and Coding Academy to be ready for the job market and launch tech-based projects that can attract investments”.

Speaking about the importance of Orange Jordan’s digital and entrepreneurial programs, Mansour added: “As a responsible digital leader, Orange has long been keen to expand the scope of its programs in line with market needs to provide the in-demand skillset and knowledge necessary for Aqaba’s youth and the growth of the Kingdom’s digital economy and innovation culture. I would like to thank the European Union and all of our partners for their role in these programs and for believing in their impact in Aqaba, the commercial and tourist hub that drives the Jordanian economy forward”.

To learn more, you can visit our website: www.orange.jo/en

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Abu Dhabi Education UAE News

Khalifa University, Mubadala Forge Decade-Long Partnership

The financial sponsorship aims to bolster Khalifa University by supporting research and development, improving facilities, and enhancing the overall educational experience….reports Asian Lite News

Khalifa University of Science and Technology, in partnership with Mubadala Investment Company, has unveiled a 10-year agreement to designate the Engineering building at the University’s Main Campus as the “Mubadala Building.”

Fatima Al Marzouqi, Director – Portfolio Emiratization, Mubadala Investment Company, and Professor Sir John O’Reilly, President, Khalifa University, attended a ceremony dedicated to unveiling the newly-named Mubadala Building. 

The financial sponsorship will contribute to the Khalifa University Fund to support research and development, with enhanced facilities, and offer better educational experience.

The university plays a key role in developing future leaders and contributing to the growth of the local and regional education sector and offers a world-class learning environment which will help prepare students for their careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) areas.

Dr. Ebrahim Al Hajri, Senior Vice-President, Support Services, said: “Khalifa University is pleased to enter into this agreement with Mubadala Investment Company, a sovereign investor that manages a diverse portfolio of assets in the UAE and overseas, to offer students an enhanced academic and research experience. Naming the building in our campus further illustrates the extent of close engagement between the two partners, and we believe this close cooperation will help facilitate students to focus more on careers in STEM fields.”

Fatima Al Marzouqi, Director Portfolio Emiratization, Mubadala Investment Company, said: “We are delighted to expand on our long-term partnership with Khalifa University, an academic institution dedicated to excellence in education and building future leaders. As a forward-leaning investor that drives positive change where we deploy capital, we partner with like-minded organizations to raise awareness for STEM education, and our partnership with Khalifa University has been instrumental in helping achieve this objective. We look forward to working closely with the University as we grow the nation’s education sector for the next decade and beyond.”

The newly named Mubadala Building is one of the extension wings that was inaugurated in 2016. Other buildings host part of the Engineering department, the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, the Body Museum, research labs, KU Libraries, gymnasium, sports facilities and other cutting-edge amenities.

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