ADEC And ATIC Launch Technology ’Pioneers’ To Lead Emirate

The Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) and Advanced Technology Investment Company (ATIC) announced today that they will offer an entirely new program of elite scholarships to Emirati students to encourage a select group of "technology pioneers" to pursue degrees in advanced technologies.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed today between the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) and Advanced Technology Investment Company (ATIC) agreeing to grant scholarships for the next three consecutive academic years for high-school graduates and bachelor students.

"ADEC is proud to partner with ATIC to provide incredible learning opportunities for Abu Dhabi’s young future leaders," said HE Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Director General at ADEC. "Helping students develop skills and build knowledge through hands on experience are key features in creating qualified professionals to contribute to the labor market. This partnership symbolizes not only a milestone in ADEC’s 10-Year Strategic Plan, but also supports ATIC’s mission of strategic investments in advanced technology by investing in the most valuable resource - human capital," he added.

The agreement includes the allocation of 180 scholarships distributed evenly throughout 2010, 2011 and 2012. A minimum grade of 85% for high school graduates and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 for university students is required to be considered for these scholarships.

The competitive selection process will involve interviews, as well as standardized tests. Students will be able to pursue any of the following disciplines: Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electronics, Computer Science/Engineering, Material Science and Physics.

According to the MoU, ATIC ensures appointing these students after graduation at Global Foundries, an electronic microchip manufacturing company wholly owned by ATIC. This project contributes to the provision of highly qualified Emirati engineers to work in the advanced technology industry.

The scholarship program includes summer internships and workshops at Global Foundries in Germany, Singapore and the United State of America.

"The Elite Scholarship for Advanced Technology is a tremendous opportunity that provides tomorrow’s technology industry leaders with world-class education and work opportunities," Chairman of ATIC Waleed Al Mokarrab Al Muhairi said.

"Signing this MoU is an important step in ATIC’s strategy to develop Emirati human capital that is well-equipped to work in the advanced technology sector. We are pleased to partner with Abu Dhabi Education Council on this program and we look forward to a successful long-term relationship," he added.