Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University aims for partnership with Signify to develop UAEs first innovation and economic free zone
Dubai, 24 March 2019: Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) is planning to join forces with Signify, which was formerly known as Philips Lighting, as part of its preparations and readiness to launch the first innovation and economic free zone among UAE universities. This initiative falls in line with the universitys vision to build fruitful partnerships with major international companies in order to provide a unique educational and research product for learners and entrepreneursaimed at changing the face of education and promoting a culture of entrepreneurship and thus drive empowerment in the Arab world. Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of HBMSU, made the announcement at Ignite Summit 2019, which was recently held in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, under the theme Radical Collaboration.
The event was organized to demonstrate leading leadership experiences and share forward-looking visions of sustainable growth through 2019 and beyond.
The free zone has received a great deal of extensive discussions, receiving widespread praise for the key role played by the University as a nucleus for building the future and a beacon of innovation and business intelligence. The Innovation Center, which is to be positioned as a strategic link between the key elements of the University and the specialized resources of its partners from both the public and private sectors and major international and multinational companies headed by Signify, to conduct applied research and specialized projects and to come up with real and effective solutions that meet the needs and requirements of the local and international business community.
During the event, important meetings were held that resulted in the identification of new areas of bilateral cooperation, the first being an agreed joint training in the framework of various programs that would qualify the university learners to obtain a certificate from Signify at the completion of the training course; and conducting important research projects by faculty members and learners at the university on a number of pressing issues and topics proposed by Signify. The two parties also expressed their intentions to establish a joint assessment center for designers, and architects. Signify will benefit from the Universitys expertise in assessment, related procedures, the content and certificates.
Dr. Al Awar expressed his delight in being part of Ignite Summit 2019, having been invited as one of the events main speakers upon the invitation of Goktug Gur, Signifys CEO in the Middle East, Turkey, and Pakistan. The leading lighting company organized the big event that was attended by over 180 leaders from around the world. The summit also threw the spotlight on the achievements of four international clients who presented unique models in terms of innovation, creativity and excellence in vital areas.
Dr. Al Awar shared that the summit highlighted the role of collaborative efforts in driving innovation, creativity, and excellence and opening up new opportunities for sustainable growth in reflection to the Sustainable Development Plans (SDGs) 2030. He also reaffirmed HBMSUs commitment to participate in this international platform, which represents strong proof of the international communitys trust and confidence in the universitys capability to bring real and positive change to the global education system. Education is the cornerstone of comprehensive national development and a better and safer future for present and future generations.
