Huawei, a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with University of Sri Jayewardenepura to build, and nurture local ICT talents through several training programs including certifications, internships, field trainings, and establishing Huawei ICT Academy and Joint Innovation lab on the university premises. The agreement will contribute towards building a talent ecosystem and boosting the development of the ICT industry in Sri Lanka.
The MoU was signed by CEO of Huawei Sri Lanka Tao Guangyao and the Vice Chancellor of University of Sri Jayewardenepura Senior Prof. Sudantha Liyanage. The University officials including Dr. Thilaksiri Bandara – Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Mr. Anurudda Weliwita – Registrar of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura Dr. Akila Subasinghe – Former Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Dr. Nishan Dharmaweera – HoD, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Dr. Chamitha de Alwis – Former HoD, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Dr. Randima Dinalankara – HoD, Computer Engineering, Dr. Udaya Wijenayake – Senior Lecturer, Computer Engineering, Mr. Snadun Wijayarathne – Lecturer, Electrical and Electronic Engineering , and Huawei officials Liam Nixiaopeng – Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Christopher Liqing – Director Public Affairs, Nadun Gunawardana – Director Enterprise Solutions and . Supun Induruwa – Engineer took part at the event.
The proposed joint innovation lab with the University of Sri Jayewardenepura will further facilitate undergraduate and graduate research, and provide a platform to develop solutions and products for industrial needs and to organize certification courses on advanced ICT technologies. In addition, it will further strengthen ongoing commitments such as industrial training for students.
Senior Prof. Sudantha Liyanage, Vice Chancellor of University of Sri Jayewardenepura said that “As one of the largest and most diverse Universities in Sri Lanka, University of Sri Jayewardenepura is an ideal institution to collaborate with Huawei for empowering of Sri Lankan youth and talent with the latest ICT industry skills and knowledge. Such ICT skills will prepare them for the future where digitization and digital transformation will play an increasingly crucial role. As we collaborate with a world leading technology company such as Huawei, we will be able to provide Sri Lankan University students with the necessary exposure to the best technology practices and global experiences in line with the fast-changing technologies.”
Tao Guangyao, CEO, Huawei Sri Lanka, said: “We are glad and delighted to be collaborating with a prestigious national university of Sri Lanka – University of Sri Jayewardenepura as part of our ongoing efforts to empower local ICT talent and support Sri Lanka in its economic transformation efforts, including developing world-class talent for key industries and digital transformation. Through the partnership, we will provide world-class capabilities and advanced technologies to enable future generations to lead the digital transformation journey and advance the economic growth in Sri Lanka.
He further assured that Huawei is committed and will continuously develop high-level information and communications technologies and young talent in Sri Lanka to bridge the gap between the skills and abilities of university graduates and the expectations of business with regard to graduates.
Upon setting up of Huawei ICT Academy and Joint Innovation lab Huawei experts will be sent to the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and support the implementation of professional technical certification. The training project aims to provide high quality ICT talent for Sri Lanka and the South Asia region to meet the market demands and changing challenges of the ICT industry.
