AUS hosts inaugural UAE Engineering Deans Annual Symposium organized by CAA
Published on: 13-May-2024
Sharjah, UAE: More than 80 attendees including engineering deans from universities across the UAE recently gathered in the first UAE Engineering Deans Annual Symposium, organized by the Ministry of Education Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) and hosted by American University of Sharjah (AUS), to deliberate on crucial topics pertaining to engineering education and its intersection with industry demands.
Under the theme "Bridging the Gap between Engineering Education and Industry in UAE," the event commenced with welcome remarks by Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, and Professor Mohamed Yousif Baniyas, Director of CAA.
"In today's rapidly evolving landscape, strategic collaboration between academia and industry is paramount. The UAE Engineering Deans Annual Symposium serves as a catalyst for forging strong partnerships and driving innovation that will shape the future of engineering education and industry in the UAE and beyond,” said Dr. Laursen.
Professor Baniyas noted that CAA is a UAE government agency responsible for licensing higher education institutions and evaluating their academic programs for accreditation. It works with both international and local authorities to safeguard academic standards and enhance the learning experience for students in higher education institutions.
The symposium featured three insightful presentations focusing on crucial aspects such as the attributes of engineering graduates needed in the market, market statistics of engineering disciplines and perspectives on developing engineering programs to produce industry-ready engineers.
Additionally, three panel discussions facilitated engaging discourse among renowned industry and academic experts on topics including engineering accreditation challenges, fostering entrepreneurship among engineering students and redefining engineering education in the era of AI.
Overall, the symposium provided a comprehensive exploration of key topics in engineering education and industry, fostering valuable discussions and insights for all attendees.
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American University of Sharjah (AUS) was founded in 1997 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Sharjah. Sheikh Sultan articulated his vision of a distinctive institution against the backdrop of Islamic history and in the context of the aspirations and needs of contemporary society in the UAE and the Gulf region.
Firmly grounded in principles of meritocracy and with a strong reputation for academic excellence, AUS has come to represent the very best in teaching and research, accredited internationally and recognized by employers the world over for creating graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills and drive to lead in the 21st century.
AUS values learners not driven only by academic success, but by those that embrace our dynamic campus life and embody our ideals of openness, tolerance and respect. This combination of academic excellence and community spirit ensures AUS is filled with world-class faculty and students, poised to become the innovators, thinkers, contributors and leaders of tomorrow.