QF’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Huawei to Collaborate on Research and ICT Skills Development

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Huawei, the leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices, aimed at strengthening research collaboration, knowledge exchange, internship, and funding. The MoU comes as part of a broader, ongoing Qatar Foundation collaboration with Huawei.

The MoU was signed by Dr. Ahmad M. Hasnah, President of HBKU, and Mr. Fan Tao, Chief Executive Officer, Huawei Technologies LLC, in the presence of senior officials at the HBKU Headquarters on December 6, with social distancing protocols in place.

The MoU promotes joint cooperation on student engagement and internship opportunities through Huawei Qatar’s Talent Enabling Program, which includes the “Seeds for the Future” program and the ICT Skills Competition, where graduate students at the College of Science and Engineering (CSE) at HBKU have excelled at recent editions. Huawei will be providing a summer “Seeds for the Future” program with spaces reserved for HBKU students. In particular, the entities will work together to promote the Huawei ICT Academy launched at HBKU. The academy will provide quality courses and support services for universities and colleges in Qatar to establish and optimize ICT disciplines, and build standard labs. 

The MoU paves the way for knowledge exchange, with HBKU experts set to visit Huawei and related R&D institutes in China once a year to explore joint digitalization research and development opportunities with a special focus on artificial intelligence and 5G networks. They will also collaborate to conduct courses on the newest technologies and arrange annual technology communication events. 

Speaking after the signing, Dr. Hasnah said: “This new chapter in our ongoing partnership with Huawei will create even more opportunities for academia and industry to join hands to support the country’s vital ICT sector. In turn, through knowledge exchange, research collaboration, and other synergies, HBKU can continue to offer an innovative teaching and research environment that nurtures top-tier students to excel as future leaders, using cutting-edge technologies to solve pressing societal challenges facing Qatar, the region, and globally.”

Mr. Tao  said: “Emerging technologies have become crucial for the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry as well as the national economies wholescale digital transformation. However, the ICT industry’s rapid growth is facing an undeniable challenge: a shortage of ICT talent. Huawei advocates for an open, shared, ICT talent ecosystem that benefits all parties. It is a great pleasure partnering with HBKU and  to work hand in hand with Qatar ICT talents to further develop their skills and knowledge. We are keen to collaborate with our partners in Qatar to support the future requirements of ICT talent nurturing targeted at increasing the value of ICT in the socio-economic growth of Qatar and achieving the ambitious national plans and vision targets.” 

For more information on HBKU and its academic programs, please visit www.hbku.edu.qa.