UOS's Spark17 celebrates student creativity

Sharjah 24

02-05-2025

Spark17 reflects the University's strategy to match academic outcomes with labor market needs while fostering collaboration with local and international institutions. The event showcased innovative projects by graduating students, highlighting their professional creativity in addressing challenges facing the communication and media industry. The exhibition featured 48 graduation projects presented by 88 students across various specializations: Public Relations (11 projects), Radio and Television (11 projects), Digital Media Design (16 projects), Digital Journalism (3 projects), and English Communication (8 projects). These projects were developed in collaboration with several local entities and in partnership with Sharjah Media City (Shams), the Sharjah Government Media Office, and the British Council.
The graduation projects covered diverse topics reflecting the rapid changes in the media sector, with students focusing on employing modern technology and Artificial Intelligence in content production and design, including virtual reality, live broadcasting, and digital design. Projects also addressed key issues such as sustainability, environmental protection, climate change management, and women's leadership, alongside promoting volunteer culture and community service through media campaigns and public relations initiatives serving local community institutions and contributing to sustainable community development. Artistic works in directing, editing, presenting, filmmaking, and animation also stood out, combining creativity with human values, and reflecting the students' awareness of social issues and their aspirations to build purposeful and innovative media.
This year, the British Embassy to the UAE participated as a guest of honor. The Embassy shared photographs showcasing features of British culture, film screenings from the British Council, and student graduation projects that were later shown at 06 Mall Cinema City.
Prof. Jairo Lugo-Ocando, Dean of the College of Communication, emphasized that the exhibition represents an important platform for showcasing students' capabilities and innovations, enhancing their practical experience, and supporting their readiness for the job market through direct communication with decision-makers and specialists in media and communication sectors. He added that the exhibition reflects the College of Communication's commitment to equipping students with the skills and traits that would enhance their employability and supporting effective partnerships between academia and industry.
For her part, Her Excellency Sarah Mooney, British Consul General to Dubai and the Northern Emirates, expressed her gratitude to the University of Sharjah for hosting the British delegation as a guest of honor at the exhibition, emphasizing the importance of such events in supporting cultural and academic exchange and strengthening bilateral relations. She also praised the quality of the projects on display, highlighting how they demonstrate the students' strong grasp of modern technologies and their ability to keep pace with advancements in AI and the demands of the digital age.
On the sidelines of the exhibition, the University of Sharjah signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Visionaires company, aimed at enhancing cooperation in integrating AI-supported simulation technologies within the academic programs of the College of Communication. The agreement includes developing specialized educational modules, providing training workshops for faculty members, and exploring opportunities for joint research in entrepreneurship education, contributing to academic innovation and developing students' entrepreneurial skills. The memorandum was signed by Dr. Salah Taher Al-Haj, Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs, representing the University, and Mr. Kunal Ougorah, Founder and CEO of Visionaires.
The exhibition concluded with an awards ceremony honoring sponsors, partners, and organizing committees, attended by the university's vice chancellors, business community members, faculty, and students.