Huawei, a leading global information and communication technology (ICT) solutions provider, today kicks off its annual talent development program ‘Seeds for the Future- 2016’ at the company’s Customer Solution Innovation and Integration Experience Center (CSIC) in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
The program seeks to develop local ICT talent, enhance knowledge transfer, and improve young generation’s understanding of ICT and interest in the telecommunications industry.
This year, Huawei will select 10 candidates for the study trip from six leading technology institutions in Bangladesh. The institutions are Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Dhaka University (DU), Islamic University of Technology (IUT), Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET), Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology (RUET), and Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET).
Huawei is looking for young and energetic students with great zeal to come up with new ideas and ICT solutions on the theme “Enriching the daily life of Bangladeshi people through ICT innovations”.
A total of twelve teams comprising 2 persons in each team from each participating university will be able to participate in an idea presentation competition in Dhaka. They will be judged by a panel of juries. Five teams will be selected from among the twelve for the study trip.
The trip will consist of two parts. In the first part, the students will attend introductory Chinese language and cultural classes at Beijing Language and Culture University in Beijing. In the second part, the students will receive hands-on work experience and technical training from Huawei.
During this phase, they will travel to Shenzhen, China to work at Huawei’s Headquarters, where they will be familiarized with the company’s culture, strategy, and values. They will also visit Huawei’s state-of-the-art R&D and factory facilities.
At the kick-off press conference, Mr. Zunaid Ahmed Palak, MP, Honorable State Minister of ICT Division, said “I congratulate Huawei for such an initiative to endorse the talented students who are the future leaders who will help our country with their new ideas and ICT solutions in building a better digital Bangladesh. I believe such competition aiming at Bangladeshi students will obviously help them gain practical knowledge on latest ICT technologies as well as enhance our country image globally.”
Mr. Ma Mingqiang, H.E. Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, said “As you may know, Huawei is a leading global telecom and ICT solution provider originating from China. Today’s program might be a pioneering effort organized by Huawei, but I would like to say that this is the foundation. Bringing new technology and encouraging knowledge exchange is the most rewarding way to build a long-term relationship. So, I strongly believe through this initiative, Huawei can support Bangladesh government to develop local ICT talents.
Mr. David Liu, PACD Director for South East Asia at Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd, said “We are proud that Seeds for the Future has already been a successful one globally. This flagship CSR project is designed to bridge the gap between ICT institution at Universities and the practical knowledge and skill needed in the workplace.”
Mr. Zhao Haofu, Chief Executive of Huawei Technologies (Bangladesh) Ltd, said in a statement that, “We are extremely happy to launch Bangladesh Seeds for the Future 2016. This is indeed our honor Huawei Bangladesh to participate in this global program for third time in a row. We believe this initiative will promote local ICT talent development and enhance their knowledge transfer.”
Since inception, the program has been implemented in 67 countries and regions across five continents, benefiting over 15,000 students from 150 universities. More than 1,700 university students from around the world have taken a study trip to the Huawei headquarters, including more than 800 visitors in 2015. The program was first launched in Bangladesh in 2014, and has already proven a resounding success.
