Vol 5 Issue 4, February 2008
UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum meets Nobel laureate Dr F Sherwood Rowland,with Dr Tayeb Kamali, Vice Chancellor of the HCT.
THE Festival of Thinkers 2007
may have come to a close, but the
thinking has just begun for the 200
plus students who participated in
the Higher Colleges of Technology
event from 22-24 October 2007.
The conference was opened
by the Chancellor of the Higher
Colleges of Technology His
Excellency
Sheikh
Nahayan
Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister for
Higher Education and Scientific
Research. The keynote address
was given by 2004 Nobel Peace
Prize winner Wangari Maathai. An
environmentalist from Kenya, she
founded the Green Belt Movement
where, for nearly 30 years, she has
mobilized poor women to plant 30
million trees. Her methods have
since been adopted throughout
the world.
Michael
Sohlman,
the
executive director of the Nobel
Foundation also addressed the
opening audience on ‘Cultures of
Creativity.’
The Festival of Thinkers
conference was divided into
a number of themes and the
discussions were led by eminent
persons of international standing.
Professor Jeffrey Sachs, director
of the Earth Institute at Columbia
University and Rohini Nilejani from
the Arghyam Trust in India led
discussions on ‘Future Challenges
– Protecting the Environment’.
Over the course of the three
days, 16 Nobel Laureates and more
than 100 ‘world thinkers’ joined the
students in round table discussions
focused on a number of global
issues such as entrepreneurship,
poverty
alleviation,
conflict
resolution, environmentalism and
a vision for children and women of
the world.
The Festival of Thinkers is
a biennial event which aims to
inspire the youth to be proactive
about their future and the Earth’s
future.
- Jennifer George
More... page 6-7
Standard Chartered becomes founding member of 100 Club
THE Standard Chartered Bank, UAE
has become the first institutional
member of the exclusive ‘100 Club’
of the newly formed HCT Foundation
by agreeing to establish a Standard
Chartered Chairperson in Corporate
Finance at the Higher Colleges of
Technology, effective for three years
from January 2008.
HE Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak
Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher
Education and Scientific Research
and Chancellor of the HCT signed the
agreement with Richard Meddings,
Group Finance Director of Standard
Chartered.
Under the agreement, Standard
Chartered Bank will provide funding
for the chairperson position. A
suitable candidate will be recruited
HE Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan signs the agreement with Richard Meddings. by the HCT and will lead HCT
Inside
page
3
Colleges Care
curriculum initiatives at the Masters
level in business and management.
As a founding partner of the HCT
Foundation, Standard Chartered
Bank will also receive benefits from
the HCT.
After signing the agreement,
Sheikh Nahayan praised the strong
spirit of support from its industry
partners to HCT students.
“Standard Chartered Bank’s
support of the HCT Foundation clearly
demonstrates their commitment to
education and to the development of
the region,” Sheikh Nahayan said.
“The HCT Foundation has been
established as a vehicle to promote
private sector contribution to the
development of the HCT.
“The HCT Foundation thus
seeks to extend the already strong
page
page
9
6-7
Festival of Thinkers success
Al Rawi profile
relationships with our many
partners from private industry,
government and community sectors
through systematic and long-term
agreements that will directly impact
the quality of education received by
HCT students.”
The HCT Foundation also seeks
to replicate the strong culture of
benefaction which already exists in
many countries in the world. This
culture of generosity will provide
HCT students with boundless
opportunities to fulfill their career
goals and contribute to the growth of
the nation.
Richard Meddings said Standard
Chartered was delighted to support
the HCT in this important new
initiative.
- Dr Senthil Nathan
page
12
Football legend visits
1
Nothing by Accident
Upcoming engineers compete
in World Skills Competition
Celebrating Thinking
For the almost 17,000 students in
the Higher Colleges of Technology
system, their first semester of study
which ended January 27, 2008,
has no doubt been challenging as
they have become accustomed
to different routines and different
expectations.
The HCT pride themselves on
not only producing academically
excellent graduates, but graduates
who are equipped with the life
skills and attributes necessary to
contribute to the rapid development
of the United Arab Emirates. This is
achieved by encouraging students
to participate in extra-curricular
activities and exposing them to
local and overseas leaders and
experts in various disciplines.
One such opportunity was
the participation of student
representatives from each College
in the Festival of Thinkers 2007,
organized and hosted by the HCT
in October. A key component of
this event was the active dialogue
which took place amongst the
students, 16 Nobel Laureates and
100 plus world thinkers during the
three-day event in the face-to-face
round table discussions.
By exposing the students to
so many different perspectives on
how a selection of global issues
could be addressed, I am confident
we have shown them the power
of thoughts and the path they can
lead the students to. According
to the students, the Festival of
Thinkers was “an experience of a
lifetime”. They, in turn, deserve to
be congratulated on their valuable
contributions to the discussions
that took place during the Festival.
I received a great deal of positive
feedback from our international
guests on the insightfulness of our
students and their obvious passion
for education.
This is rewarding and fulfilling.
Dr Tayeb Kamali
Vice Chancellor
Higher Colleges of Technology
Al Rawi
”story teller“
Publisher
Higher Colleges of Technology Press
Central and Academic Services PO Box 25026 Abu Dhabi,
United Arab Emirates www.hct.ac.ae/alrawi/
Copyright (c) 2007
Editor
Jennifer George Telephone +971 2 6922 517 Fax +971 2 681 2637
Email: [email protected]
Contributors
Dr Hilton Kolbe
Julie Wasilenski
Stacy Smith
Alanna Ross
Mark Suares
Alison Snookes
Dr Senthil Nathan
Rajaa Abu-Jaber
Cate Rooney
Tonia Michael
Amna Alowais
Durdana Rizvi
Photos:
HCT Staff & Students
Mohammed Yaseer
Contribution guidelines
Articles, story ideas and photographs should be sent via email to the editor.
Photographs should have a minimum resolution of 300 dpi and be provided as
separate attachments.
Al Rawi reflects the mission of the Higher Colleges of
Technology which is dedicated to the delivery of technical and
professional programs of the highest quality to the students
within the context of sincere respect of beliefs and values.
2
Faisal Abdulaziz Mohamed, Atiq Al Janahi, Mohammad Al Shamsi and Saud Arjomand in Japan.
FOUR Dubai Men’s College Engineering students
represented the UAE in the 39th International
World Skills competition held in Shizuoka, Japan in
November.
In the internationally acclaimed biennial skills
competition, young professionals compete in more
than 45 skills categories across the industrial trades
and service sectors.
This year, more than 47 member regions tested
themselves against tough international standards,
with more than 800 competitors completing very
specific tasks spanning over 22 hours of work.
Faisal Abdulaziz Mohamed, Atiq Al Janahi,
Mohammad Al Shamsi and Saud Arjomand competed
successfully in two skills areas, representing the UAE
in the Mobile Robotics and Mechatronics areas.
Competition was strong with teams working
over a period of four consecutive days and having to
meet eight given tasks to very tight standards and
assessment criterion.
The Mobile Robotics team faced challengers
from across ten leading countries such as Japan,
Korea and Hong Kong. Their design and installation
of ‘Robotino’ demonstrated use of electrical drive
technology, sensors, control technology, image
processing and programming techniques.
The Mechatronics team was tested in their design,
installation, commissioning and maintenance of
software-driven and electronic controlled equipment
using a FESTO Modular Production System.
At the end of the examination, and competing
against twenty six countries, the DMC team had
successfully built, tested and commissioned a
complete production line comprising a robot, sorting,
turn-over and measuring stations. In such a design
Siemens S7-200 Programmable Logic Controllers
(PLC) and Ladder programs were utilized.
The competition was an excellent opportunity
for the students to compete at an international level
- their designs testament to their engineering skills
proficiency.
- Alanna Ross
Vocabulary course
an award winner
A Vocabulary Course offered by Dubai Women’s
College (DWC), has won the International Category of
the British Council Innovation Awards 2008.
The Vocabulary Course was created by Emma
Pathare, an English teacher at DWC, for the purpose
of strengthening Arabic speakers’ English vocabulary
and is targeted directly at elementary Englishlanguage learners who speak Arabic as their first
language.
It enables learners to increase their vocabulary
while using the course as well as throughout their
language-learning life, as the students not only learn
the target vocabulary, but also how to use effective
learning strategies independently.
The internet-based course with 4000+ questions,
more than 150 quizzes, and over 30 learning
modules gives students extensive independent
study opportunities to build their English vocabulary,
develop strategies and evaluate their own learning.
The Course also includes a mathematics
component which builds the vocabulary required
to learn basic numeracy in English, an essential
requirement for Emiratis entering the job market in
the UAE.
The British Council Innovation Awards for
English Language Teaching is an annual award for
the development of first-class language learning
resources produced by teaching professionals and
publishing companies involved in English language
teaching.
Emma has worked as an English instructor,
materials developer and teacher trainer at Dubai
Women’s College for six years. Her current work
involves the development of students’ basic English
literacy, and using music and sound to develop
learning potential.
“The course has been a great success for our
students, and it is fantastic now to have this success
recognized at an international level,” she said.
- Rajaa Abu-Jaber
HCT News
Sheikh Talib bin Saqr Al Qassimi
hosts ceremony
Sheikh Talib bin Saqr Al Qassimi presents Shamsa
Mohammed Belal with an award.
UNDER the patronage of Major-General, HE
Sheikh Talib bin Saqr Al Qassimi, Director of Police
Headquarters in Ras Al Khaimah, Ras Al Khaimah
Women’s College honoured students at its annual
Academic and Special Awards Ceremony.
Seventy students were presented awards by
Sheikh Talib and College Dean Chris Luscombe-Whyte
in the areas of outstanding academic achievement,
contribution to college life, and peer tutoring.
After the Awards Ceremony, students and staff
were treated to an extravaganza of entertainment
which included traditional dancing by students
from Al Ghaliya Primary School for Boys, recitals by
local poets Fahim Al Hebsi and Hamad bin Shams
Al Mazrooi, music by the RAK Police Band, and a
spectacular fireworks display which blazed the 20th
anniversary logo of the Higher Colleges of Technology
across the evening sky.
Dr Hall acknowledged Sheikh Talib’s ongoing
support for the college.
“Sheikh Talib’s strong support of Ras Al Khaimah
Women’s College students has helped them gain
experience and confidence in real world business
practices and propelled them to start their own
businesses,” Dr Hall said. “His support of the college
is deeply appreciated.”
- Julie Wasilewski
Ethics...
simulation tool launched
DUBAI Women’s College has
launched the third phase of a free
online Ethics Simulation, an elearning tool that presents realistic
ethical dilemmas based on MiddleEastern case studies.
The Ethics Simulation is the
result of a collaborative effort
involving the HCT’s Dubai Women’s
College, Dubai Men’s College and
Sharjah Colleges, and the University
of Woollongong in Dubai, Dubai
University College, RAK-Medical
and Health Sciences University and
Zayed University.
The e-learning tool allows users
to identify the ethical and legal
issues that influence decisionmaking in typical business settings,
and helps users understand the
relationship between personal
morality and ethical behavior in a
professional setting.
It features three simulations,
each containing three case studies
that cover business ethics and
decision-making in health science,
communication technology and
media, information technology and
more. At the end of each case study,
users receive feedback about how
they solved the ethical dilemma.
Dubai Women’s College e-learning
coordinator, Mark Karstad, said the
role of the simulator was not to give
right or wrong answers, as this was
not what ethics was about.
“What it provides is a summary
and analysis at the end of each
case study, to help the user see the
issue from all angles,” he said.
“In a classroom or business
setting, it is extremely useful
because
it
prompts
group
discussion and further discussion,
and helps users learn to respect the
true nature of ethical dilemmas.”
According to HCT Senior Director
and DWC Director Dr Howard Reed,
“Students, business decisionmakers and customer service
representatives will find the tool
highly beneficial since it addresses
ethical issues that most face during
their career development”.
The project was funded by
the HCT and Shell Oil, in close
collaboration with Dubai Chamber’s
Center for Responsible Business.
The Ethics Simulation can be
accessed free online at http://
imtcsamba.hct.ac.ae/EthicsSimulation/.
Sharjah Men’s College students at Juan Enriquez’ presentation.
Enriquez champions
knowledge
THE path to success is through education, knowledge and training, one of
the world’s best selling authors Juan Enriquez recently told an enthusiastic
group of students at Sharjah Higher Colleges of Technology.
In a thought provoking lecture that covered genetics, technology,
wealth and life in general, Mr Enriquez encouraged students to endorse
change and to embrace the rapid technological advancements.
The visit forms part of an Occasional Lecture Series to mark the 10th
anniversary of Sharjah Higher Colleges of Technology and also to launch
the annual Mosaic Know Your World exhibition.
College director Dr Farid Ohan said SHCT was fortunate and
honored to host a world-famous authority on the impact of science and
technology.
“I cannot think of a more fitting way to launch Mosaic 2008 than
listening to a man who has committed himself to exploring how
technology and the sciences are, and will, transform our lives in the
future, and more importantly to challenge us to think about the choices
that we must make if we want to have a hand in shaping this futures.
“The theme of our Mosaic event is Know Your World: the year is 2030.
It is an invitation to our students to think about what life would be like
for them in the future.”
Stressing the need for building a “knowledge economy” Mr Enriquez
acknowledged the efforts of the UAE in attracting the best minds
in the world to help in the development process over the past two
decades. It has been a phenomenal success story, he said. “You don’t
need investment in staff, you need investment in knowledge,” was his
message to the students.
“Societies that learn the language of technology and computers can
advance and prosper through a single fiber optic cable.”
As one of the world’s leading authorities on the economic and political
impact of life sciences, he also had a special message for students of
Sharjah Women’s College to forge out a career through study.
“My advice to young people is to get ready for the future. The
education of women is one of the most important developments for any
country. Educating women makes an enormous difference to a country.
And it makes good sense. We learn from women all our lives and from an
early age we learn from our mothers,” he said.
- Dr Hilton Kolbe
Colleges contribute to Dubai Cares
MORE than AED230,000 was
raised by Dubai Women’s College
in support of the Dubai Cares 2007
initiative to help underprivileged
children of the world, announced by
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed
Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice
President and Prime Minister of
the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Dubai Women’s College (DWC)
organized a series of activities to
raise funds and encouraged all
students, academic departments,
and student-run businesses to
contribute their time, expertise,
and resources for the Dubai Cares
campaign.
Funds raised by Dubai Men’s
College took the total up to
250,000 for the worthy cause.
Students from all academic
departments ran multiple activities
during which they managed small
profitable projects on campus.
Senior Director at the Higher
“
Colleges of Technology (HCT), and
Director at DWC Dr Howard Reed
congratulated the students for
raising the significant funds.
“The
involvement
and
determination of our students
were very obvious and indicate a
high sense of global awareness
they have developed at the
College,” Dr Reed said. “Organizing
the campaign gave them an
opportunity to further develop
It was the enthusiasm we
saw in our students that
helped us to come up with
this idea.
their organizational skills and to
discover new borders of their own
creativity.”
Applied
Communications
student Ahlam al Bannay said she
was happy to help the needy.
“We had so many reasons to
make this campaign a successful
one, but to me the most important
one is the fact that I know some of
our own sisters/studentsat DWC
struggle financially to make it to
“
the College every day,” she said.“It
added so much meaning to the
campaign to see these students
work to raise funds for others who
need it.”
The efforts to raise as much
funds as possible inspired the
Career Center which offered feebased employment services to
several companies in Dubai. Many
graduates and students from
DWC received employment offers
managed by the Career Center
which maximized its graduates’
employment services and charged
hiring companies for its services.
“It was the enthusiasm we saw
in our students that helped us to
come up with this idea. We saw
the difference they were making
and we had to join them,” noted
Dr Aisha Bilkhair, Career Center
supervisor.
Abela & Co, managing DWC’s
cafeteria and coffee shop, also
contributed by allocating sales
from the coffee shop to DWC’s
Dubai Cares campaign. Students
who were involved in organizing
the activities did so with so much
passion and commitment to help
the Dubai Cares campaign. They
worked late hours and during
weekends to make it as successful
as possible.
- Rajaa Abu-Jaber
3
HCT News
Striking silver in Dubai
Film Festival awards
LOUD applause greeted Sharjah Women’s
College media student Shaika Thani as she
walked down the red carpet at the Madinat
Jumeira on 15 December 2007 to accept her
silver statue in the Nokia MBC2’s Movies
for Motion competition for her short movie,
Don’t Be Alone.
It was a magnificent effort by Shaika who
was narrowly pipped for the gold statue by
a more experienced movie student from the
American University in Dubai.
Sharjah Women’s College (SWC) has had
some outstanding talent on show in the
national Nokia - MBC2’s Movies in Motion
Competition with two other SWC students
among the finalists. The other two finalists
were Najla Khalfan and Muna Abdelrahman
both Applied Media Students.
The competition was also part of the
Dubai International Film Festival and
supports the development of new talent. All
SWC three students were placed as finalists
in the judging.
The aim of the short film competition is to
stimulate interest in the arts and film industry
and to offer young Emiratis an opportunity to
show off their creative skills by producing a
short film.Faculty adviser/coordinator Brad
Moody assisted the students with their final
project and was impressed but unsurprised
by their success.
“The standard of
work was of a high Sharjah Women’s College media ‘stars’ (from left) Muna Abdelrahman,
standard and the Shaika Thani and Najla Khalfan.
students
showed
great enthusiasm for this competition. I am The Water Guard.
very happy for them and I am even happier
The prize was presented to him by
that Sharjah Women’s College fared so well renowned German director, Margarethe von
in this national competition against some Trotta, one of the 2007 DIFF Jury members.
stiff competition,” Mr Moody said.
The Water Guard is an 11-minutes short film
Waleed Al Shehhi, Student Services and focuses on the universal experience of
coordinator at Ras Al Khaimah Men’s College childbirth. It is one of only two Emirati films
was also awarded at the Dubai International selected for this year’s competition, out of
Film Festival, taking home the Silver Muhr over 150 films made in the Arab world.
Award in the Short Film category for his film
- Dr Hilton Kolbe
Guest teachers have surprises in store
Salama Juma Al Shamsi reads to a young cancer
patient at Tawam Hospital.
Hospital visit
puts smiles
on patients
Students and staff of Al Ain Women’s
College (AAWC) visited patients at Tawam
Hospital in October.
Tawam Hospital staff welcomed the
AAWC staff and students and gave them a
tour of the different wards.
During the visit, students read stories to
the young patients while others distributed
gifts.
One student, Alia Helal Al Dhaheri said
she was proud to be part of the humanitarian
project, especially when she started giving
the gifts to the children.
“Among them was a child of eight
months who was very happy when I carried
her and walked along the corridor near her
room,” Alia said.
“She was giggling when I started telling
her jokes and I was thrilled to see a big
happy smile on her face. I wished her to
recover soon and get well.”
Huda Al Dhaheri, who visited the adult
cancer patients, said she felt scared at
the beginning as the patients’ condition
was very sensitive. This fear quickly
disappeared when she saw the smiles on
their faces after talking to them.
Salama Juma Al Shamsi complimented
the medical care given to all the patients.
“The aim of this visit was to comfort
the patients during their difficult time and
assure them that they are remembered,
and to put a smile on the faces of the sick
children.”
- Tonia Michael
4
BACHELOR of Applied Science eBAS student Ali Al Yabouni gave
Business Management students at
the initiative the ‘thumbs up’.
Al Ain Men’s College have had an
“When Mr Mills told us about his
element of surprise in their classes
leadership skills I was taking notes
this semester with an array of guests
the whole way through. It was great to
leading their classes on a range of
hear about leadership from someone
topics.
with lots of experience as a leader,”
Along
with
their
regular
he said.
instructors, Alison Snookes, Michael
“Andrew’s session on project
Grantham and Jaweed Malik, the
management gave me ideas about
students have been treated to one-off
managing our projects and how to
sessions with experts from outside
divide the work. It was really useful as
the department who have special
I’m starting a new project next week!
skills and knowledge in specific areas Al Ain Colleges Director Brent Mills teaches e-Business
“Mark has taught us so much
that are covered by the curriculum. management students leadership skills.
about Business strategies and tactics.
One guest instructor was Al Ain
Last week he gave us a test about our
a session on project management as well
Colleges Director Brent Mills who
personality and it was shocking to
discussed leadership style and skills, as some hints on how to use MS Project to see how different I am to how I thought I
starting with a presentation which was optimise planning.
was.”
AAMC Library Supervisor Mark Suares
followed by a question and answer session
The initiative has proved so popular
led a series of sessions covering topics as with students and the guests, the Colleges
for the students.
AAMC network facilitator Andrew diverse as information literacy, leadership have now started a register of guest
Pamflett brought his experience as a project versus management, motivation and instructors for the BAS programme.
- Alison Snookes
manager in Australia to the classroom with teamwork, and career development.
Computers get a new lease of life
Technology
students at Sharjah
Women’s College are doing their bit for
society to help the needy in the community
and to protect the environment by recycling
used and old computers.
Old and used computers are an
environmental menace with few facilities
available to dispose of the outdated
machines. But IT faculty teacher Con
Boukouvalas and the Level 5 C-Net
students managed to find a solution to the
problem by refurbishing the old machines
and making it useful again.
“It is always a problem to properly
dispose of redundant IT equipment. It is
not an easy task and it causes damage
to the environment by simply dumping
or burying these machines in landfill,” Mr
Boukouvalas said.
“We teamed up with a community
group that recycles used computers and
by removing useful parts, students rebuild
the computers and make them useable
again. The recycled computers are given
to schools and community groups and
also to disadvantaged communities.
“It is a terrific way for our students to
gain practical experience and it also gives
them an opportunity to put something
back into the community. They learn to
be charitable and to help others. This is a
valuable lesson in life.”
The students were split into groups
and spent a week working at the PC
Refurbishment Center in Al Qusais which
is one of the projects administered by the
Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum
Humanitarian Charity Est.
Four Level 5 students, Jamila Dad Allah,
Huda Al Suwaidi, Asma Ali, and Zahour
Saeed have been hard at work changing
hard drives and troubleshooting dozens of
computers.
“It is a great opportunity for us,” Jamila
said, confirming that they had managed to
fix more than 30 machines in a week and
they were hoping to get a few more into
use before the end of their project.
Huda Al Suwaidi said they were mainly
fixing Pentium 3 and Pentium 4 machines
but they were also involved with changing
hardware, re-imaging and loading software
and restoring drivers.
Some of the restored machines will
also be sent to poorer countries in need of
basic technology.
Chair of Information Technology
Division at Sharjah Higher Colleges of
Technology Mo Mohasses said Sharjah
Higher Colleges was now involved in an
aggressive program to involve students
with community based projects. “We are
teaching our students to be responsible
and caring citizens while at the same time
providing high quality IT education,” Mr
Mohasses said.
“We all have a responsibility to help the
less fortunate and we have an obligation
to put something back into society. This
program does both.”
- Dr Hilton Kolbe
HCT News
Festi
HCT and Swedish
delegation explore
collaboration
HE Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan (center) with delegates of the first forum of the UAE-Sweden Higher Education
and Research.
THE Higher Colleges of Technology has hosted the first forum of UAESweden Higher Education and Research at the Center of Excellence for
Advanced Research and Training (CERT).
In the opening address, HE Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan,
Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chancellor
of the HCT spoke of the future challenges for higher education and
research.
The delegation of 20 Vice Chancellors from Swedish Universities
visited the HCT and Abu Dhabi for the forum, which was organized by
the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences.
The aim of the visit was to initiate contacts between experts
from different disciplines and to promote cross-fertilization between
industry, academia, public administration and various interest
groups.
- Jennifer George
Graduate wins
Barclays Bank Award
ABU DHABI Women’s College (ADWC) graduate
Shaima Musaddaq Ahmed Abdulmanea Banafa
has received the Barclays Bank Award for
Best Student in HCT’s Business Information
Technology Program. The award is given to the
HCT graduate whose academic performance is
outstanding in the business IT field.
Mr Ali Tariq, Head of Government, Institutions
and Contracting at Barclays Bank in Abu Dhabi,
presented the award to Shaima at the ADWC
campus. According to Mr Tariq, Barclays is
always seeking to reward outstanding students
and he congratulated Shaima for exceeding the
requirements for winning the award.
The Barclays Bank Award is based on
student grades, instructor references and final
project. Shaima’s project was a database for
the Research and Documentation Centre.
Dr Brad Cook, Director of ADWC, also praised
Shaima for her work as a student and for
striving to achieve academic excellence. “Each
year this award is given to an HCT student and
ADWC is proud that one of its own is receiving
it this year,” Dr Cook said.
“Shaima’s
achievement
shows
her
dedication to making the best of her academic
career at ADWC, and as a college, we thank
Barclays Bank for recognizing and rewarding
the accomplishments of our students.”
Shaima, who currently works at the
Securities and Commodities Authority, said
her ADWC education had prepared her well for
her career and she was currently concentrating
on gaining skills and experience through her
employment.
Indian tycoon Anil Ambani reads the latest Festival of Thinkers 2007 information in Al Rawi, with HCT Vice Chancellor
Dr Tayeb Kamali. Mr Ambani joined Indian politician Amar Singh and legendary Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan
for a tour of Abu Dhabi Men’s College and CERT recently.
- Stacy Smith
Professor Richard R Ernst, Nobel Laureate, at the
conference.
Conference explores
Drug
Discovery
THE first International Conference on Drug Design
and Discover (ICDDD), organized by the Higher
Colleges of Technology and Eureka Science Ltd,
was held in Dubai from 4-7 February, 2008.
Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh
Hamdan bin Rashid Al Makhtoum, Deputy Ruler
of Dubai, Minister of Finance and Industry – UAE
and Chairman of Dubai Health Authority, the
ICDDD 2008 presented cutting edge advances in
various disciplines of drug design and discovery
that have been recently achieved.
Over 400 leading industrial and academic
experts presented their findings in the form of
lectures and poster presentations at thefour-day
conference.
The ICDDD 2008 offered an in-depth
assessment of the challenges involved in the
dynamic and fast moving field of drug discovery
and development. It brought together leading
chemists, pharmacologists, biotechnologists, and
other allied professionals to discuss and present
the latest important developments in drug design
and discovery.
The major topics of discussion related to
drug design and discovery included: cancer;
cardiovascular diseases; pharmacogenomics;
protein and peptides; inflammation and allergy;
drug delivery and safety; drug discovery
informatics; drug metabolism; medicinal and
combinatorial
chemistry;
nanotechnology;
emerging biomarkers and drug targets; case
studies of successful drug discovery and
development.
For more information, visit
www.icddd.com.
5
Festival of Thinkers 2007
A life-changing
Wishing for a million
Wangaris
experience for students
StUdeNts from all campuses of the HCT were given the opportunity to participate in
Festival of Thinkers, and their responses were overwhelmingly positive. Most described it
as an “experience of a lifetime”.
“This conference gave us the chance to let our mind
explore what we need to do now and in the future, and
why we need to do it.”
Aaesha Al Akar
Ras Al Khaimah Women’s College
“What really impressed me was that at the end of the
conference, a speaker declined to answer a question,
citing that he could not answer because he had no
knowledge in that area. Such honesty about ‘not
knowing everything’ surprised and impressed me.”
Khalid Kulaib
Ras Al Khaimah Men’s College
“The entire experience was breathtaking – that’s all
I can say. The fact that we students could meet and
interact with Nobel Laureates and other innovative
thinkers was truly unbelievable. The range of topics was
extensive and also overwhelming. The topics showed
global concerns.”
Abdulla Al Shehhi
Ras Al Khaimah Men’s College
“Participating in this conference motivated me to
read more, learn more and be more aware of every
thing around us. I feel more inspired and enlightened
and want to improve and develop myself to be able
to contribute to my society, country and the world. I
have a greater sense of responsibility to the world I
belong to and I know that with my existence, I can do
something to improve and contribute even if a little bit
to humanity.”
Fatma Janahi
Dubai Women’s College
“It was a great opportunity for me to attend such
festival where I met superb thinkers from all over the
world and talented students from different colleges and
universities. Such events assist students to express
creativity, share ideas and gain new friends.”
Rashid Essa Al-Kashef
Sharjah Men’s College
Maryam Abdulrahman, Fatima Al Marzouqi, Dr Wangari
Maathai and Ameera Rashid.
Ras Al Khaimah Men’s College students at Festival of Thinkers 2007.
Plan to establish Scientists
Without Borders UAE
On day one of the Festival of Thinkers, His Excellency
Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher
Education and Scientific Research and Chancellor of the
HCT, Professor Jeffrey Sachs, Director of the Earth Institute
at Columbia University and Mr Ellis Rubinstein, President
& CEO, New York Academy of Sciences, signed a Letter
of Intent to establish ‘Scientists Without Borders’ in the
UAE.
Scientists Without Borders UAE will be an extension
of the successful ‘Scientists Without Borders’ initiative
developed by the New York Academy of Sciences and
Earth Institute at Columbia University, launched in 2006.
The Scientists Without Borders program aims to
address health and other problems in the developing world
by bringing together scientists from differing specialties,
organizations, and locations.
The primary mission of SWB is to actively encourage
collaboration amongst science, technology and health
professionals to address health and other problems in the
developing world.
6
Through the partnership, it is also proposed that the
world’s first Scientists Without Borders (SWB) conference
will be held in the UAE in 2008 under the theme ‘Science and
Technology for Sustainability in Developing Countries’.
The SWB UAE initiative will foster a global alliance
of leading NGOs, public/private partnerships, scientific
academies, universities, foundations, and companies —
many of which individually perform heroic acts but rarely
work together to inspire and empower academics and
industry to operate collaboratively.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor of the HCT
Dr Tayeb Kamali said, “The Higher Colleges of Technology
have always been at the forefront of developing
relationships with leading institutions such as the Earth
Institute at Columbia University to ensure that we are able
to leverage the best partnerships for the benefit of our
students and the community”.
- Jennifer George
Despite a busy schedule of speaking engagements
for the Festival of Thinkers, Dr Wangari Maathai
returned to Abu Dhabi Women’s College to meet
Foundations students to discuss her life and work as an
environmentalist and political activist. Students Ameera
Rashid, Maryam Abdulrahman and Fatima Mohamed Al
Marzouqi interviewed Dr Maathai in front of more than
100 Foundations students.
After reading her biography and researching her life
history, Ameera, Maryam and Fatima realized that they
not only wanted to meet Dr Maathai, but they wanted
to spend as much time as possible getting to know her.
“What she has done in her lifetime is not just for herself,
but for all women,” Ameera said. “She is an honor for all
women.”
The students were very interested in Dr Maathai’s
childhood and how she became the person she is now.
Recognizing that her life growing up was quite different
from theirs, the students were intrigued to learn about
someone who went from playing with tadpoles as a child
to becoming a world-renowned political activist in the
field of environmental conservation.
The students asked Dr Maathai why she chose her
path. Dr Maathai explained, “In politics, you can
participate in changing laws. In activism, you can only
complain and shout in the street. In Parliament, you can
change and introduce new laws and that is much more
powerful because the good laws that you may help to
create will continue to be helpful for the environment,
women, and the rights of others.”
The students agreed that they took several lessons
from their discussion with Dr Maathai. Throughout the
interview, the topic of respect for self and for others was
raised often. The girls stated that one of the greatest
lessons they learned was to never underestimate a
person based solely on looks, and to take the time to
learn about a person before making a judgement.
Maryam, Fatima and Ameera also learned the real
reason for doing a good deed. “When you decide to do
something, don’t do it for a prize or to win an award,”
said Maryam. “Do it because it’s the right thing to do.”
Fatima, Maryam and Ameera have pledged to
continue working and learning in honor of Dr Maathai
because earning a good education is the best way to
remain a part of her life. The students have also pledged
to work together with her in the Greenbelt Movement in
order to continue conserving the planet’s resources. “We
wish there were a million Wangaris,” said Fatima. “Then
the world would be something different.”
- Stacy Smith
Festival of Thinkers 2007
Preparing creative and
responsible citizens
In session nine, Preparing Creative and Responsible
Citizens: Role of Educators, 12 presidents from
institutions of higher education world wide provided
insights into what they believed their role as educators
was.
Most of the panelists shared a common belief that
students should take a multi-disciplinary approach
to education, rather than focusing on one course of
study.
Dr Hassan B Diab from the American University of
Beirut, Lebanon, suggested the way forward was for
educators to push for accreditation of curriculum that
integrates a liberal arts education which would lead
to a broader depth of knowledge.
Educators should also focus on instilling tolerance
and respect of others so graduates will learn to
communicate effectively, peacefully, and celebrate
differences.
The Boeing Company’s Richard Stephens spoke
from an employer’s perspective. He said there were
two key elements to consider when talking about the
role of education – knowledge transfer and putting
that knowledge to use.
Mr Stephens believes graduates should be able to
define problems, assimilate the data, conceptualize
that information, use deductive reasoning, be able
to ask the ‘hard’ questions, come to preliminary
conclusions, suggest solutions, reach agreement
and ultimately define solutions to the problems that
exist.
Mr Stephens urged other educators to look at
where they stand on teaching their students to
solve real world problems – that is the value from an
educational standpoint.
Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University President,
Dr Monte Cassim, suggested the critical aspect of
education was how we integrate a holistic perspective.
He said a marriage of the arts and the sciences was
essential and we had to go beyond disciplines. “We
have to nurture creativity, particularly for this. Nature
is seamless; why not knowledge?” he said.
Dr Cassim also said universities needed to be
made relevant to the world outside in a meaningful
way. The daily challenge is to make the university’s
knowledge outputs work towards it becoming an
agent of change.
According to Dr Thomas Rocco of the Hellenic
American University, Greece, learning involves
evolving beyond our own capacity. The role of
educators is to “foster change towards excellence in
the specific roles people wish to develop and in ways
which liberate their perspectives and change their
preconceptions of the world and themselves”.
Jennifer Raab, President of Hunter College, USA
believed students should be encouraged to take
liberal arts so they can become thinkers who look at
knowledge critically, so they can advance and create
knowledge themselves. Ms Raab said the aim should
be not to make a man an accountant, but to make an
accountant a man.
- Jennifer George
SWC student finds
lessons in life at
Festival of Thinkers
It turned out to be an extraordinary experience for the Foundations
students of my class when we attended a breakout session of the
Festival of Thinkers conference at Dubai Men’s College.
“I listened to a lot of interesting people, many of their words
inspired me, and I have learned a lot of things,” student Hessa
Humaid Al Owais said.
Many of the students thought the conference was astonishing,
and that more conferences like this one should be held. We would
love to attend similar events because I believe that it will help us to
see life in a different light, and to make us deeper thinkers.
Dr Murray Gell-Mann and other panellists constantly directed
our attention to thinking differently by using the phrases like “think
outside of the box”. I’ve heard this phrase so many times without
thinking much about it. But this time it made so much more sense
because I never thought that intellectual conferences were held to
inspire students into producing and creatively inventing.
I was also taught another admirable lesson by panellist Dr
Michael Benson, who said that students should be curious and stay
curious, because curiosity will prevent minds from stagnating and
train us to find solutions to problems we can’t even imagine now.
I firmly believe that every person who made it to the conference
can’t help but see the world in a different light as a result. It certainly
affected me deeply, and it has inspired me to believe in my own
ideas and work to make them a reality.
DMC student Ebrahim Hashem, interviews Nobel Laureate Professor Murray Gell-Mann.
- Amna Ali Mohamed Ali Abdalla Alowais
Health and wellness needs to be high on agenda
THE Health and Wellness panel discussion held at CERT
commenced with an insightful presentation by Professor
Richard Roberts who was awarded the Nobel Prize for
Medicine in 1993.
Professor Roberts spoke of his belief that the priority
of any health care system should be prevention. What
can we do to prevent ourselves from becoming sick? A lot
more time and effort is spent on figuring out how to fix the
disease or illness we have.
He believes that in the West, the pharmaceutical
companies do not have people’s best interest at heart.
They have no interest in making people better because if
they can provide you with a drug that can cure you, they
can make very little money from this in the long term.
According to Professor Roberts, one of the great
preventative medicines that we have are vaccines.
However, vaccine development has lagged, because it is
difficult for pharmaceutical companies to make money out
of vaccines.
Professor Roberts suggested there was an opportunity
to make money from vaccines and that many small
countries could become experts at making vaccines using
recombinant DNA techniques.
Research was also an important issue, Professor
Roberts said. One of the things that is currently coming out
of the research community is the growing understanding
of what is happening in our bodies. But there’s also a
growing understanding that the human is an unbelievably
complex organism.
“To think at the moment that we could really understand
how a human body works is to fool ourselves,” Professor
Roberts said. “There is so much we do not know about the
human body and the brain and how it interacts with the
body that it is absolutely crucial that we do more and more
research in this area.”
Other panelists spoke about the importance of
addressing the issue of education along with the issue
of health. Dr Joanna Rubinstein, Director of the Center for
Global Health and Economic Development, asked how
we can expect illiterate women to know that they are
risking the lives of their children by not vaccinating them.
Six million children die every year from fully preventable
diseases –of these, one million children die from malaria.
How do we get the drugs which can reduce the risk of
malaria to the children?
According to Dr Rubinstein, there is an opportunity to
help.
“It is inexpensive to cure tropical diseases,” she said.
“It would cost the developing world $200 million to $300
million to implement. New technologies also offer hope. In
Africa, one project is to use solar-powered mobile phones
to deliver health care. These can be their lifeline. There
are tremendous opportunities – we just have to focus on
applying them and understanding the economics of the
opportunities.”
- Jennifer George
7
Out and About
Centre of Excellence in English
hosts international visitors
Hamdoon
proves to
be a cool
character
back row l-r: Marion King (AAWC), Doug Henderson (AAMC), Ken Scott (Griffith University), Shane McKenna (CERTAAMC), front row: Margaret Casey (Griffith University), Cherrie Fowler-Paul (Griffith University), and Valerie McGrath
(AAMC) exchange gifts at Al Ain Colleges.
Three representatives from Griffith English Language Institute (GELI) in Queensland, Australia visited
the Higher Colleges of Technology in Al Ain recently to learn how Emirati students study their HCT majors
through the medium of English.
During their visit, Margaret Casey, GELI Director, Cherrie Fowler-Paul, Coordinator of Academic and
Professional Programs and Ken Scott, Project Manager - Qatar Petroleum Project observed two classes
and discussed the HCT’s best practices in teaching and learning and how new educational technologies
are integrated into the students’ curriculum.
As the HCT’s Centre of Excellence in English, the Al Ain Colleges explored how the two institutions
could share best practices in teaching and learning English, exchange ideas in using the Sanako Language
Laboratory, and the possibility of a teacher exchange programme.
GELI is the English Language provider at Griffith University, which is Australia’s 10th largest university
in terms of student numbers. The institute provides high quality, accredited English language programmes
for international students to improve language skills, fluency and employment prospects.
- Mark Suares
Mobile phones ring in unique
new learning opportunities
It’s unlikely that any diehard football fan will forget the victory of the UAE over
Oman in the Gulf Cup earlier this year. But one of the most enduring symbols of the
win was the character ‘Hamdoon’ whose image appeared on cars and bicycles all
over the UAE.
The immense popularity of this character as a patriotic symbol of the UAE has
brought fame and recognition to the group of young men behind the design.
Mohammed Al Shamsi, E-Business Management student in the bachelor
program at Ras Al Khaimah Men’s College, is one of the creative partners responsible
for bringing Hamdoon to life. He says the popularity happened by chance as football
fans downloaded the character to show their pride in the UAE.
Mohammed, who is a member of design and multimedia company, So Coool,
along with six others, says the widespread appeal of the characters has led to a
huge amount of corporate interest.
“There were so many companies who wanted to sponsor us,” he says.
So Coool develops branding and mascot themes for companies and creates
multimedia products from character animations to business cards, logos and
website design. Recently they have been working on branding and mascot design
for new businesses in Ras Al Khaimah, but the company has been involved with
numerous projects including the Abu Dhabi Shopping Festival.
Each member of the team has a specific role to play with Mohammed being
responsible for flash animation of characters. “We all believe in team work and we
believe in each other’s skills. We don’t underestimate each other,” Mohammed
says.
Mohammed juggles his HCT study schedule with a full-time job as head of
Administration in the Department of Economic Development in Ras Al Khaimah and
his passion for flash animation.
“It’s all a matter of time management and organization to keep everything going
in work and study,” he says. “It was very hard at the beginning, but the business
is not like work which needs to be attended to daily. It depends on when I’m
needed.”
Mohammed has also been able to apply the knowledge and skills he has gained
from the bachelor program directly in the business. In the near future the company
is planning a major expansion and Mohammed will take on a greater administrative
as well as creative role.
In the meantime, eager fans will be happy to hear that new poses are being
developed for Hamdoon. To find out what else the team is working on visit www.
socoool.com.
- Cate Rooney
Students at Sharjah Higher Colleges of Technology have launched
a new initiative to utilize mobile phones to enhance their learning.
IT faculty teacher Ali Farhat came up with the idea of creating
mobile applications to tackle learning situations where students are
having some difficulties.
Choosing mobile devices to develop learning applications has
many advantages over more traditional computer applications. Above
all, it is readily available everywhere -for example, while waiting for
class, travelling by bus, sitting in a hospital waiting room or even
relaxing on a couch. All of these situations can be utilized for learning
if students are given the right tools on their mobile telephones.
Mr Ali has created a maths application that generates random
linear equations, solves problems and draws the graphs with
solutions. The application also provides examples and a guide to
solving linear problems.
This initiative marks the start of a comprehensive effort to boost
students’ learning through mobile applications. The HCT management
team, along with Mr Ali, is planning to develop applications that will
foster the learning process within HCT. The first project will focus on
maths skills in the foundation year.
Mr Ali will work with Maths coordinator Hussein Al Sayed to
identify suitable opportunities that can be developed on mobiles. In
addition to the linear equation program, software for ratio, fraction
and time problems as well as various others will also be developed.
Once these applications have been produced, they will be
installed on students’ mobiles to test and evaluate the process. “It
will be a tremendous boost for our students and it will provide them
with new and unique learning opportunities,” Mr Ali said.
“The possibilities are virtually endless; in the future applications
could be developed for any area in which students face difficulties.”
- Dr Hilton Kolbe
So Coool members (left to right): Khalifa Al Muhairi, Taha Al Mansoori, Mohammed
Al Shamsi (back), Abdulla Al Sharhan, Marwan Al Marzooqi, Saif Gobash.
RWC speak for success
Ras Al Khaimah Women’s College student Hessa Hassan Al Malki led her team
to a third place finish at the seventh Inter College Speaking Competition held
in Dubai Knowledge Village. The students competed against teams from Qatar,
Bahrain and nine other colleges in the UAE. The competition is sponsored by
HE Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education and
Scientific Research and Chancellor of the HCT.
Under the leadership of Susan Bainbridge, team coach, Hajar Al Belooshi,
Hessa Al Mansoori, Salma Al Eghfeli, Shaikha Awadhi and Sumayya Al Rasbi
competed in the ‘Is Urbanization Affecting the Environment?’ topic category.
“Through the research and preparation for this competition, our students
learned so much about local and world environmental issues,” Susan
said. “Education and awareness are critical in order to deal effectively with
environmental concerns.”
- Julie Wasilewski
8
Al Rawi Profile
Banking on success
Hassan Ali Yasin graduated with a Higher
Diploma in Accounting in 2004 and is
currently working as an accountant in
Gulf Energy Maritime (GEM) PJSC, an
associated company of ENOC and IPIC.
Hassan maintained a perfect GPA and won
the prestigious Chancellors’ award for his
outstanding performance in the Higher
Diploma level and is currently registered
in the bachelors program at Dubai Men’s
college.
What do you do in GEM and what do
you like best about your work environment
there?
I work in the Financial Accounting side
of the finance department of GEM. I have
had increasing responsibilities since I joined
the company and am currently responsible
for preparing the consolidated financial
statements of the company and the detailed
schedules to facilitate an efficient audit of
the company by the external audit firms.
How did your education at Dubai Men’s
College contribute to you being selected for
this position?
I did an accounting major at DMC which
is considered the toughest and the most
selective program. The rigor of the program
and the intensity of the pace especially in the
last two semesters made the transition to
work seem so easy. The attendance policy,
that we moaned about all through our stay
at DMC, taught us time management and the
importance of timely and regular attendance
to our duties and earned us respect here at
GEM. I was introduced to GEM when I did my
work placement program with them in level 6.
What skills gained at DMC have been
most useful to you?
Solid accounting skills, the skills to use
accounting software have been most useful.
What is really important is that during my
time at DMC, I learnt to question, seek and
find solutions and work with people of
different abilities and attitudes.
I understand that you’re presently
enrolled in the Bachelors program at Dubai
Men’s College. What are your goals in taking
this program?
Well, my first goal is to get a degree! I have
been through the whole cycle of education
and I ended up with a Higher Diploma which
I feel was not enough for me to join a work
place. So I considered the Higher Diploma as
a key to start my career and the Bachelors as
the first step in developing this career.
So your goal is to do Bachelors. Then
what?
I might consider getting an accounting
designation such as Certified Public
Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management
Accountant (CMA). However, I am also
interested in general management and
subjects such as project management.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years
from now?
Well, the first thing is to get more work
experience in the shipping industry (where
I am currently employed) and get a Bachelor
degree. I would also like to explore other
aspects of management in other industries.
- Durdana Rizvi
Tell me about your life:
A cultural exchange
between Germany and the UAE
THE German public has become
increasingly interested in the Gulf
Region as something more than
a tourist destination. The latest
focus is on the growing popularity
of the region as a place for higher
educational institutions to create
new programs and open new
campuses.
To facilitate that interest,
the Goethe-Institut of the Gulf
Region has introduced a cultural
exchange program which allows
German students to have direct
access to and contact with Emirati,
Omani and Bahraini students.
The program is designed to allow
German and Arab students the
opportunity to meet and explore
each other’s culture and heritage.
The project, entitled ‘Tell me
about your every day – college
life in the Gulf Region,’ will result
in the completion of several short
documentary films that examine
the everyday lives of Arabic
students. The Goethe-Institut
suggested that female German
students be partnered with
students at the Abu Dhabi Women’s
College to create a documentary
film on female Emiratis. As ADWC
is the HCT’s Centre of Excellence
in Applied Media Technology, the
ADWC students were delighted
to have this chance at cultural
exchange.
Fatima Helal Al Balooshi
and Raweya Al Muflehi
German students Ines Bauermeister and Sandra Staffl film a
documentary on Emirate women featuring ADWC students
Fatima Helal Al Balooshi and Raweya Al Muflehi.
were chosen to participate in
the project and were extremely
excited about the opportunity to
learn across the cultural divide.
Both students are interested in
the German culture and wanted
to learn more about the process
of documentary filmmaking. Ines
Bauermeister and Sandra Staffl,
both from Germany, felt the same
way. Neither of them had been to
the UAE prior to this trip, and both
wanted the opportunity to have
firsthand interaction with Middle
Eastern culture and students.
“This is a very exciting time for
us,” explained Sandra. “We have
been surprised and pleased by
much of what we’ve found here.
This is a land of extremes. Although
most students are very interested
in the latest technology, they also
want to hold on to their traditions.
Through our eyes it’s interesting
to see a woman in traditional
dress [abaya and shayla or niqab]
talking on the latest model mobile
phone and probably driving the
latest model SUV.”
Ines agreed. “This experience
has taught us to be flexible in our
beliefs and thoughts. We see that
different cultures have different
approaches, but we all want the
same success.”
Fatima and Raweya appreciated
the exposure to a new culture, new
ideas and new ways of thinking.
“Even though we have differences,
we find that we have much in
common,” Fatima said. “We grew
up hearing the same fairytales and
similar stories, but this is our first
time doing a documentary and
they have taught us how to
look for interesting
ways to tell
stories.”
Raweya
added
that
they
were
accustomed to
working
with
cameras
on
tripods, but the
German students
showed them how
to move with the
camera. “It takes
practice to get a
steady hand like
hers,” Raweya said, while
pointing at Sandra.
The students have been filming
all around Abu Dhabi, including in
the desert, shopping malls and
coffee shops, the beach, in homes,
on the Corniche, and around
Heritage Village. Sandra and Ines
explained that when they arrived
in the UAE, it was November 30
- just at the start of National Day
celebrations. “What better way to
be introduced into a culture than
to land in the middle of a party!”
Sandra exclaimed.
With the filming now complete,
the team is now working on
sound synchronization and Arabic
translation. The final film will be in
English with Arabic and German
subtitles and is hoped to be
completed in the spring.
When asked what they will
take away from this experience,
the young filmmakers agreed that
women around the world are not
that much different. As Ines put it,
“We may have different traditions,
but our ways of thinking are very
much the same.”
The Emirati students said they
hoped to send a clear message
through the film. “We wanted
Westerners to have the correct
view of Emirati women and we
hope the film presents a clearer
picture of our way of life and our
culture,” they said.
As Fatima put it, “We have our
own lives. We can do everything.
The abaya and shayla do not hold
us back!”
- Stacy Smith
9
On campus
Using knowledge
to fight for peace
Afghani businesswomen at Dubai Women’s College.
Afghani women entrepreneurs
committed to building businesses in order
to create jobs in war-torn Afghanistan
participated in a five day conference at
Dubai Women’s College last month.
The women’s program is facilitated by
the Business Council for Peace (Bpeace),
a New York-based international network
of business volunteers that helps women
in war-torn countries build sustainable
businesses. Their slogan, “more jobs
mean less violence”, highlights the
mission of their program.
The Afghani businesswomen came
from Kabul, Mazar, Herat, Balkh and Ghazni
and were accompanied by eight American
volunteers who will mentor and support
the women over a two-year period.
The women own and run businesses
in printing, broadcasting, carpentry,
beekeeping, food processing, dried food,
business development consultancy, preschool education, and retail.
During
the
conference
the
businesswomen
received
training
FIFTEEN
Fujairah students construct a tower for the Engineering Challenge.
FMC Engineering
Challenge
FUJAIRAH Men’s College recently held its Third Engineering Challenge. For this event,
students and faculty were given one hour to build a water tower using only drinking
straws and masking tape. To judge the towers, a bucket was placed on top and filled with
water. The team, whose tower held a bucket with the most water before collapsing, was
declared the winner.
There were over 20 teams involved in the event including teams of teachers, managers
and administrative staff. This event brings out the best in our students and shows them the
advantages of working as a team. The managers are encouraged to keep their day jobs as
many of the students’ towers proved to be superior. The event also provided a chance for
the Year 3 Higher Diploma Business Administration students to practice their leadership
skills as the Project Managers of the event.
provided by DWC students and teachers
in marketing, accounting, and human
resources. DWC also organized site visits
to Dubai’s small to mid-size businesses
directly related to the businesses in which
the Afghani businesswomen operate.
“Meeting and working with the Afghani
businesswomen was an inspiration for our
students and faculty,” Senior Director
at the Higher Colleges of Technology and
Director at DWC Dr Howard Reed said.
“Their determination, persistence
and commitment to further develop their
communities are outstanding and we
cannot find better role models to teach us
real entrepreneurship.”
DWC Business Department Chair Dr
Monica Gallant congratulated the women
on their courage.
“These Afghani entrepreneurs are
courageous women who have overcome
many challenges to create businesses we
all would have thought were impossible
just six years ago,” she said.
- Rajaa Abu-Jaber
Injazaat
a roaring success
Ras Al Khaimah Women’s College’s annual four-day festival, Injazaat, has been
a “roaring success” after it attracted huge crowds from schools, universities
and the community.
The theme of this year’s festival was ‘Women at Work’ and featured studentrun businesses selling students’ own product creations, displays of projects,
restaurant and entertainment services as well as children’s activities.
Injazaat was opened by Sheikha Hana Bint Juma’a Al Majid, wife of HH
Sheik Saud Bin Saqr Al Qassimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al
Khaimah. Sheikha Hana pledged sponsorship for the business with the
highest sales.
Mohammed Sultan Al Qadi, CEO of RAK Properties, toured the festival on
the closing day with Dr. Ian Hall, College Director and Chris Luscombe-Whyte,
College Dean. RAK Properties and RAK Motors provided sponsorship for the
festival.
- Julie Wasilewski
10
Mahra Al Shami and Maryam Al
Dhufair with their original T-shirt
creations.
HCT Sports
Red Bull Flugtag champs
soar to success
‘Snoopy vs the Red Bull’ prepares for take-off over Dubai Creek.
A team of Abu Dhabi Men’s College aviation
teachers have taken out the coveted Red
Bull Flugtag competition in Dubai. The
team, aptly named ‘Snoopy vs the Red
Bull’, flew 21 metres over Dubai Creek and
won the cash equivalent of a private pilot
training course.
A second ADMC team, the ‘UAE
Aviators’ also took part in the event and
comprised students who gave up their
summer holidays to stay in Abu Dhabi to
work on their flying machines.
Forty teams competed in the event,
which involved launching themselves off
a six- metres high ramp over Dubai Creek.
The flying machines varied from dinosaurs,
to cartoon characters and even a model of
the Burj Al-Arab.
The members of the Snoopy vs. the
Red Bull team were Mike Davidson, Hamid
Sabeti-Mehr, Colin Signorino, John Price,
Rogelio Velasco, and Fernando Junio.
The members of the UAE Aviators team
were Ahmed Abdulla Al Musabi, Mohammed
Ali Al Marzouqi, Abdulla Mohammed Al
Blooshi, Abdulla Mohammed Al Jaberi and
Jassem Ismael Al Hosani.
- Arthur Wong
Team building
no challenge
Kayaks
provide new course of
adventure
Sharjah Men’s College has chalked up
another first with eight students taking to
the water and splashing out at the launch
of the kayak team and the celebrated the
arrival of eight colorful kayaks.
It was a colorful and spectacular
introduction to a new sport on offer at
Sharjah Higher Colleges of Technology
with team leader Abdulaziz Al Shehhi
leading the way with some deft strokes of
the paddles.
College director Dr Farid Ohan was
a prime mover to get this facility off the
ground and was on hand for the launch.
“Our students are very privileged to have
an opportunity to try so many different
sports. Now they have an additional
facility to enjoy while also focusing on
their academic progress,” Dr Farid said.
He hoped that students would take
up the challenge and utilize the new
equipment.
The newly formed Sharjah Men’s
College kayak team then put on a
display of kayaking techniques, safety
demonstrations and a deep water rescue
operation.
It was an impressive display from
a group who only recently took up the
sport and they were clearly enjoying the
experience.
The rafters showed a variety of skills
and techniques learned paddling in the
swimming pool at the Sports Complex.
The camaraderie and friendship among
the rafters also indicated that rafting is a
great vehicle for facilitating teambuilding
and leadership development.
Diploma Foundations student Ahmed
Mohammed Abdulla Alnuaimi just
recently took up rafting. It was a sport he
previously did not consider but now it has
him excited.
“Yes, I can learn many things from
kayaking, like helping each other, working
as a team, being confident and making
new friends. It’s also good for your health
and to build muscles. Exercise is good
for the body and kayaking is very good
exercise,” Ahmed said.
Sharjah Higher Colleges Acting
Supervisor Health and Sport David Jenns
said he was impressed with the new
gear and happy with the progress of the
rowers. He was looking to interest many
more students to take up rafting and at a
later stage there are plans to offer similar
opportunities to the women students if
there is interest.
“Kayaking is only one of the many
outdoor educational activities run by
the Health and Physical Education
Department. Activities or experiences such
as kayaking, together with the appropriate
teaching and learning strategies, enables
students to gain greater self awareness,
encourages team building and facilitates
individuals to explore their leadership
potential,” Mr. Jenns said.
The inaugural members of the SMC
kayak club are Abdulaziz Al Shehhi (Team
Leader), Ahmad Al Nuami, Saleh Ibrahim,
Osama Al Eisa, Ahmad Mohammed,
Humaid Ali, Mohamed Saeed, Rashied
Essa, and Moad Sultan.
- Dr Hilton Kolbe
HCT Senior Director and
Sharjah Colleges Director
Dr Farid Ohan with the
kayaking team.
Dubai Men’s College Diploma students took part in Team Challenge.
More than 200 semester one Diploma students took part in Team Challenge at Dubai
Men’s College as part of their Personal and Professional Development.
Participants had to take part in a series of activities including physical and mental
challenges. Teams were assessed on planning and reviewing of activities, safety,
communication, team work and task fulfilment.
Team members had to conquer a fear of heights and entrust their safety to colleagues
below who controlled the carabiners and belays while they climbed to the top of a ninemetre length pole and a giant ladder.
In order to facilitate this course successfully, Diploma English teachers undertook the
course prior to the students. This had the dual purpose of a team building exercise as
well as giving teachers credibility in front of their younger, and often fitter, students.
- Alanna Ross
11
Football legend
hits the mark
Brazilian football legend, Pele, who reached international
acclaim in the 1970s, proved he still has a huge fan base when
he visited Abu Dhabi. Pele was received by HE Sheikh Nahayan
Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific
Research, and Chancellor of the HCT, and HCT management. He
also gave a presentation to Abu Dhabi Men’s College students and
happily signed autographs for the eager students afterwards.
Pele with HE Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan.
Pele gets up close and personal with Abu Dhabi Men’s College students.
`
12