HCT Celebrates Sheikh Zayed’s Legacy, Envisions Bright Future For 30th-anniversary Celebrations

<span>HCT celebrates Sheikh Zayed’s legacy, envisions bright future for 30th-anniversary celebrations</span>

DUBAI, (Pakistan Point News - 21st Nov, 2018) Nasser bin Thani Al Hamli, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, and Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology, HCT, attended its 30th-anniversary celebrations which were held across its 16 campuses under the theme "30 Years of Excellence".

The events revolved around the role and legacy of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and coinciding with the Year of Zayed.

Al Hamli praised the support of the wise UAE leadership, headed by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and Their Highnesses Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, over a span of 30 years of excellence, which empowered HCT to fulfil its mission of producing high-quality graduates.

He added that these celebrations coincide with Year of Zayed, the late leader who gave top priority to education due to his belief in human resources as the country’s key asset. As a result, HCT is proud to have provided the labour market with approximately 60,000 male and female graduates in various scientific and technological specialisations.

He noted that this year’s graduates will employ their acquired knowledge and skills in confronting the challenges of the labour market, optimising their innovation skills to make a positive change for a better future.

Among the HCT Heroes who received recognition during the celebrations, was Dr. Tayeb Kamali, one of the HCT founders. A highlight of the celebrations was a special rendition of the national anthem, performed by 70 HCT students with a solo performance by the Emirati singer Fatima Al Shamsi. The stirring rendition of the anthem was broadcast in all campuses simultaneously.

During the celebrations, the "Sons of Zayed" group of HCT male graduates from the 2017-2018 academic year were recognised for their academic endeavours.

The Dubai graduates of 606 students were recognised, making a total of 5,978 graduates for the 2017-2018 year who received recognition in their respective campuses.

Among the Dubai Colleges heroes who received recognition were Mohammed Al Shamsi, HCT alumnus and Robotics expert who was awarded a top medal; Ahmed Saeed Al Bakheet, HCT alumnus and Head of youth centres and science clubs in the General Authority for sports, who was the first HCT student council president. The faculty members who completed 28 years of service and received recognition were Dr. Bassem Al Lami, Head of Engineering in Dubai colleges; Samir Janho, Civil Engineering program coordinator, and Abdul Manan Pati, Professor of Mechanical Engineering.

In addition, a 30-year "time capsule" initiative was announced, as well as a falcon sculpture, designed by abstract artist Omar Safa, and the unveiling of inspiring Zayed wall pictures on the campus.

The "time capsule" included student letters about lessons learned from the founding father and the impact of Sheikh Zayed’s thoughts and his inspiring actions and sayings on their lives. The time capsule was placed in a special place on the Dubai campus to be opened on the HCT’s 50th anniversary in 2048.

Dr. Al Shamsi, affirmed the HCT pride in its establishment by Zayed’s Federal decree. "In every dream we fulfil, we see Zayed’s vision and dreams, and we wish that he were with us to see Emiratis as he wished them to be," he added.

He added that the success of HCT cannot be summed up in a few words, noting that it has become the largest applied higher education institution in the UAE that produced thousands of skilled and well-trained graduates and awarded over 80,000 academic qualifications in cooperation and partnership with local and international employers.

Dr. Al Shamsi spoke about the coming years and the HCT 2.0 strategy which was developed in view of the global challenges resulting from the fourth Industrial Revolution, in line with national aspirations.

He urged the proud "Sons of Zayed" graduates, who pledged their loyalty to their country and its leadership, to dedicate themselves to the country and meet the expectations of the leadership.

Students were also encouraged to take "selfies" with their friends and teachers using the "selfie ball" so they would be converted into digital cards. Unmanned planes with high-resolution cameras took pictures of the event to form the number 30 with the photos.