Institute of Applied Technology’s Director General Dr. Abdul Latif Al Shamsi Lauds Role of Masdar Institute at Workshop on Education
Abu Dhabi-UAE: 24 December 2011 – Masdar Institute of Science and Technology serves as a pioneer in molding a new generation of specialists in renewable and clean energy in addition to building a distinctive scientific research in this vital sector, according to Dr. Abdul Latif Al Shamsi, Director-General of Institute of Applied Technology, Abu Dhabi.
Dr. Al Shamsi’s remarks were part of his presentation titled ‘Governmental Education in the UAE’ during a workshop that was organized by Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies. More than 30 students and faculty members attended the event that is part of Masdar Institute’s initiative to host renowned experts in various fields for knowledge sharing.
Speaking on the Abu Dhabi Government’s initiative to implement an integrated system for education development, Dr. Al Shamsi said it would increase technology education by 40% and create graduates capable of contributing to innovation in renewable energy.
Dr. Abdullatif Al Shamsi said: “Abu Dhabi’s integrated developed plan is being implemented in cooperation with all educational institutions that aim to develop a general curriculum. This is designed to build a new generation of talented UAE nationals specialized in engineering and technology, especially in renewable energy, that is required to build a knowledge-based economy in the country.
“The Institute for Applied Technology is currently focused on integrating its work with Masdar Institute and other educational institutions to provide the industrial enterprises with high-tech graduates who will have all the ingredients to be creative in the fields of technology, engineering and renewable energy. Masdar Institute of Science and Technology already serves as a pioneer in molding a new generation of specialists in renewable and clean energy.”
Masdar Institute currently offers eight diverse post-graduate programs in highly specialized areas of advanced energy and sustainable technology fields with adequate options for research and innovation. The number of awarded research projects during the year has touched 110 and they cover areas including water, environment and health, future energy systems, microsystems and advanced materials, and other ancillary fields.
Dr. Al Shamsi stressed on the need to increase the percentage of students in technology education by 40% at the high school level, which will strengthen the foundation in the secondary education development plan, and result in shaping qualified and talented UAE nationals with the capability to build a knowledge economy and meet the objectives spelt out in Abu Dhabi’s Vision 2030. He also pointed out that the plan needs to include three major learning streams to choose at the middle school level. These include an education program in high schools, a secondary technical school program, and academic programs at secondary schools.
Dr. Al Shamsi said: “The proposed education system will strengthen the academic programs for high school graduates, so that students are adequately trained in acquiring workplace skills to support the technological and industrial development in the country. The special technical programs could be offered at technical colleges and polytechnic institutes to prepare students for higher diploma in various technological and technical disciplines, with opportunities to complete their academic track whenever they could.”
Dr Al Shamsi has established a school system of seven campuses located across the UAE. Under his leadership IAT achieved the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI) system accreditation, to become the first secondary school to obtain this prestigious official recognition outside the US. He also led the efforts to establish higher learning institutions such as the Abu Dhabi Polytechnic, Al Ain International Aviation Academy, and Fatima College for Health Science in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.
Dr. Abdullatif Al Shamsi holds a Ph.D from the Duke University, US. He received his Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees from Boston University.
Established in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Masdar Institute integrates theory and practice to incubate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, working to develop the critical thinkers and leaders of tomorrow. With its world-class faculty and top-tier students, the Institute is committed to finding solutions to the challenges of clean energy and climate change.
