Abu Dhabi University issued the following announcement on May 6.
Abu Dhabi University (ADU) participated in this year’s edition of the Bett Middle East and Africa (MEA) Leadership Conference, the world’s largest education technology event. Professor Waqar Ahmad, Chancellor and Provost at ADU, took part in a panel discussion during the two-day conference which took place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
Professor Waqar participated on the panel entitled ‘Skills gap: are universities in MEA moving beyond lip service?’ discussing the looming capacity gap, which will inevitably be created by the displacement of jobs due to automation. The primary challenge presented by university leaders on the panel was the development of strategic methods to equip graduates with the skills necessary to succeed in tomorrow’s workforce. Throughout the discussion, participants examined potential solutions to help close the capacity gap within the next five years and beyond.
Commenting on the event, Professor Waqar said, “It gives me immense pride to represent the ADU community and engage in dialogue with other academic and industry leaders to find ways of closing the skills gap. Our student success strategy has key graduate skills as its starting point. To succeed in a rapidly changing job market, graduates need transferable skills, including leadership, teamwork, adaptability and the courage to try new things. Employers too need to begin giving equal weighting to transferable skills alongside the degree subject. This is what Abu Dhabi University is providing its graduates, irrespective of the subject of their degree.”
“As part of its Students First approach, ADU prioritizes the future of its graduates”, continued Professor Waqar. ‘Apart from providing cutting edge programs, we are also investing in skill development through co-curricular and extra-curricular activities such as involvement in University governance, internships, clubs and societies and sports.’
ADU continues to participate in local and regional academic events to encourage knowledge exchange and fruitful discussions with international experts in education. Using solutions and results from these events, the University is constantly evolving its long-term strategy to offer its students a well-rounded education experience complete with internationally accredited degrees. It will soon introduce innovative programs in several fields of engineering including cyber security, AI and robotics, biomedical, industrial, and software.
Other sessions throughout the event focused on innovation in education and the value of smart teaching. The convention serves to encourage educators to develop and implement creative ideas into their respective curricula that will have a positive impact on student success whilst overcoming various obstacles in the workplace.
For more information about Bett MEA, please visit: https://mea.bettshow.com/.
Original source: https://www.adu.ac.ae/news-and-events/news/news/detail/2019/05/06/adu-tackles-the-ai-skills-gap-at-bett-mea-leadership-convention
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