Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) and Huawei Technologies announced the Qatar finalists of the international ICT Skill Competition at a ceremony held at HBKU yesterday.
The event was attended by officials from local ministries, delegates from the Chinese embassy, top executives representing Huawei as well as competitors, staff and faculty members from each of the participating universities, including HBKU, Qatar University (QU), Community College of Qatar ( CCQ) and Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar.
Dr Ahmad M Hasnah, president, HBKU, said, “Innovation is a central theme at HBKU, and technology is the vehicle through which innovative solutions materialise. As a research-focused university, we urge our students to go beyond the confines of the classroom, to explore and experiment, and to take the lead when it comes to finding solutions for a better tomorrow.”
“We are proud to partner with an esteemed and prestigious organisation like HBKU. Such a dynamic partnership will put Qatar academia at the cutting-edge of technological advancement and innovation. Furthermore, we are excited to contribute to the development and empowerment of the nation’s youth, particularly in an area which will contribute to a field crucial to the success of Qatar’s national vision and programme,” said Zong Yan, chief executive officer, Huawei Qatar.
The stated goal of Huawei’s competition is to empower youth, nurture local talent, and bridge the gap between the classroom and the workforce. With participation from 10 countries across the Middle East, the competition is a globally co-ordinated initiative that specifically targets universities and students in order to develop the ICT ecosystems of
participating countries.
Notably, the three finalists included students from HBKU, QU and CCQ. The last stage of the competition will take place in China over a five-day period at the end of this month. The final will involve all the participating countries’ qualifying contestants competing in their respective groups over an advanced practical application and technology knowledge programme.
The finalists will be competing for a prize of $30,000 during the last stage of the tournament. Two teams will claim second place, and three will claim third. The three finalists representing Qatar will also have the opportunity to visit Huawei’s international headquarters and network with global industry leaders and experts.
Officials and finalists at the ceremony.
