New master's program in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at AUB

The new program, which leads to a Masters of Engineering degree, was developed with a 494,000.00 Euro grant from the European Union's TEMPUS program in collaboration with Technische Universitat Munchen in Germany (TUM), University of Southampton in the United Kingdom, and Siemens AG in Germany. It was launched in a ceremony at the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture at the beginning of this week. Attending the event were a number of students and faculty members in addition to German Ambassador Hansjorg Haber.

"In today's globalized world, internationalization is very important, and what better place to achieve this than at the American University of Beirut, which is a true crossroads between East and West," said Frank Stefan Becker, senior coordinator for the Generation21 education program at Siemens which links with universities to exchange technical knowhow and academic training.

"Going abroad is not just about learning a new language," he added. "It's about being exposed to a new culture and learning to look at things from a different point of view. This opens up your mind and broadens your view of the world."

The new program, which gives students the opportunity to study or train abroad, will feature both research and practical training components and will include business courses, hands-on lab training, and special block courses by industry specialists and guest professors. Students will also be required to do an internship as part of the program, to supplement their experience with practical training within the industry they are interested in.

FEA Dean Ibrahim Hajj welcomed guests, and expressed his happiness for the success of the program, congratulating everyone for their success and determination despite the turmoil in the country.

Representing Education Minister Mohammed Qabbani was Aref Asoufi, who congratulated AUB for having been selected by TEMPUS to establish the program. "Your project has been run with professionalism, efficiency and effectiveness, despite the unstable situation in the country," he said. "Today, more than ever, in a globalized world of economy, policymakers are increasingly looking to higher education to help in the process of change. This will certainly require programs that are responsive, visionary and dynamic."

Asoufi also noted that the ministry was in the process of reforming the education sector so that it would respond to market needs and meet high quality standards. The Tempus-funded master's program can lead the way, he added.

TUM Professor Joachim Hagenauer, who is the grant holder of the project, said that the new program is the result of efforts made over nearly four years. He added that the project is likely to bring more diversity to AUB in its student body, as attested by the four German exchange students who joined AUB in the past two years, despite the ongoing political problems.

"It is clear that tremendous efforts will have to be made before Lebanon and the region can enjoy peace," he concluded. "It's up to you, young people to make that change."

The chair of the ECE department, Prof Karim Qabalan, outlined the program requirements, noting that it was devised after consulting with regional ICT companies and surveying their needs. Moreover, universities with leading ICT programs were also overviewed. That's why the program has a business management component as well as a research and practical training/internship component. "The program focuses on the academic, professional, practical and communication skills of students," he said.

Graduate student Osama Ahmed, who is already enrolled in the ICT master's program, shared his views of the program with the audience. "This is an essential program for anyone interested in this field," he said, praising AUB and TUM for their join efforts in devising the program.

At the end of the event, Professor Hagenauer was honored with a statue for his dedication and efforts in establishing the program.