Waterloo recognizes HCT Vice Chancellor for commitment to higher education

WATERLOO, ON, June 22 /CNW/ - Dr Tayeb A. Kamali, the Vice Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology, in the United Arab Emirates, today received an honorary Doctor of Engineering degree from the University of Waterloo, during its spring convocation.

Dr Kamali headed the push to create a strong alliance with the University of Waterloo, which has seen the University establish a campus in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates. Throughout the HCT system, Dr Kamali has worked to create an advanced electronic-learning institution through the implementation of laptop-based wireless access to online learning and knowledge management programs. A leader of change, and a strong advocate of empowerment of people through education, he has committed his career to developing strong communities through education.

Dr Kamali was one of 16 recipients of honorary doctorates presented during the week-long convocation and was joined by such luminaries as the Hon. Monique Bégin, a former federal politician and architect of Canada's health care act; Canadian astronaut Julie Payette and former University of Waterloo president Amit Chakma.

Speaking at the convocation ceremony Dr Kamali said he was proud and humbled to receive the doctorate.

"I am extremely honored to receive this degree in such highly-esteemed company as Monique Bégin, Julie Payette, Amit Chakma and Waterloo alumni Peter Adeniyi, to name a few," Dr Kamali said.

"At the Higher Colleges of Technology we strive to produce highly-skilled and qualified graduates, using cutting-edge technologies; in-demand and relevant programs and delivered by some of the finest educators, so that our students can contribute as leaders and nation builders of the future.

"I am therefore very proud to be recognized by the University of Waterloo in such a manner."

About Dr Tayeb Kamali

Dr Tayeb A. Kamali is the Vice Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT). As a member of HCT's senior management, he has established and leveraged relationships with global leaders in academia, business and government to create a world-class higher education institution in the UAE. His initiatives, such as the wireless campus, one-laptop per-student, online learning, and tablet PC's, among others, broke new ground in the adoption of technology in education. By creating international student-led conferences, focused on leadership, education, innovation and entrepreneurship such as Education Without Borders, Festival of Thinkers, and HCT Entrepreneurship 2010, he established platforms for students to engage Nobel laureates, international business leaders and academics in the pursuit of solutions to global challenges.

He is also the founding Group Chief Executive, the Centre of Excellence for Applied Research and Training (CERT), the research and training arm of the Higher Colleges of Technology and is also a member of the Advisory Board, CERT-Wharton Family Business & Entrepreneurship Research Centre.

Dr Kamali holds a Doctorate in Engineering from the George Washington University, Washington, DC; a Masters in Business Administration, Concentration in Aviation from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, USA; and Bachelors of Science in Aeronautical Engineering and Aircraft Engineering from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.

About the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT)

Founded in 1988, The Higher Colleges of Technology is the largest and most progressive of the higher educational institutions in the UAE. Since the establishment of its four founding colleges in 1988, the HCT has gained a well-respected reputation for innovative learning in the UAE. Over 18,000 students attend 17 modern men's and women's campuses in the cities of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Fujairah and the western region of Madinat Zayed and Ruwais.

HCT is a leader in professional and applied education and training. HCT staff, at the forefront of their subject areas, work closely with students to deliver innovative curriculum in technologically advanced facilities. HCT offers more than 90 different, English-taught programs in Applied Communications, Business, Engineering, Information Technology, Health Sciences and Education. These programs are on offer in a range of Master's, Bachelor degrees, Higher Diploma, Advanced Diploma and Diploma levels, all relevant to the UAE's fast growing and evolving economic sectors.

HCT graduates have developed a reputation throughout the UAE for their technical and communications skills and for their adaptability to actual workplace conditions. Because of this, HCT graduates are eagerly sought by organizations looking to build their workforce with young Emiratis who are capable of operating effectively in today's global business environment.

For further information: Paul Lancaster, HCT Publications Coordinator, Tel: [phone], Mobile: [phone], Email: [email protected]