Latest news with #ScienceandInnovation
Mid East Info
8 hours ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University Expands Global Presence by Exploring Academic Cooperation Opportunities in Uzbekistan
As part of its ongoing efforts to expand its network of academic partnerships and foster cross-border knowledge exchange, Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU), led by its Chancellor, His Excellency Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, conducted an official visit to the Republic of Uzbekistan. During the visit, H.E. Dr. Al Awar met with H.E. Shuhrukh Hajji Akbarovich Daliyev, First Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, along with senior officials and academic leaders from across the country. The discussions focused on establishing a strategic cooperation framework in the fields of smart learning, the development of joint academic programs at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, launching collaborative research initiatives, and promoting the use of digital education technologies to support the educational transformation in Uzbekistan. Dr. Al Awar also presented an overview of HBMSU's 23-year journey in pioneering smart education and its strategic approach to integrating advanced technologies and artificial intelligence into interactive learning environments aligned with the needs of the future. The visit included a series of productive meetings with senior representatives of leading Uzbek universities, including the National University of Uzbekistan, Tashkent State Pedagogical University, and Tashkent State University of Economics, in addition to high-level discussions with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, and the Agency for Innovative Development. In his official meeting with H.E. Daliyev—one of Uzbekistan's most prominent academic figures and policy-makers—both parties emphasized the importance of exchanging expertise and drawing on successful educational models. The Uzbek side expressed appreciation for HBMSU's leadership in digital transformation and smart learning and voiced their interest in adopting best practices from the UAE to enhance the quality of higher education in Uzbekistan. H.E. Dr. Mansoor Al Awar reaffirmed that building sustainable knowledge partnerships is a core pillar of HBMSU's strategic vision, highlighting that collaboration with Uzbekistan's academic sector represents a significant milestone in the University's efforts to amplify its international impact and reinforce the UAE's status as a global hub for educational innovation. This visit reflects the University's steadfast commitment to its strategy as a globally oriented institution, placing smart learning at the heart of its mission while building knowledge cooperation frameworks that prepare academic communities for the challenges of the future.
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Political favour not a factor in appointing Mantashe's son
Higher Education Minister Dr Nobuhle Nkadimeng has denied claims of political interference in recent Seta board appointments. Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, has denied allegations that political connections influenced the appointment of individuals to leadership positions within the Sector Education and Training Authorities (Setas) — including the son of ANC chairperson Gwede Mantashe and a former Mpumalanga premier. Speaking during a presentation to parliament's portfolio committee on higher education on Friday, Nkabane stressed that the selection of chairpersons for Seta boards was grounded in legal compliance and merit-based evaluation. 'No candidate was given any preference or suffered any prejudice due to political affiliation or association with any political party,' she said, citing the constitutional right to freedom of association and political choice. From nomination to backlash The minister's remarks followed a firestorm of public criticism over the initial appointments, particularly after it emerged that Gwede Mantashe's son, Buyambo Mantashe, and former Mpumalanga premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane were among those recommended. According to the minister, the process began with a public call for nominations in November 2024. This was outlined in Government Gazette 51625. A selection and evaluation panel reportedly reviewed more than 500 candidates, assessing them against criteria such as leadership experience, qualifications (minimum NQF Level 8), and demographic representation. Nkabane stated that, following consultation with the National Skills Authority (NSA), the panel's recommendations were forwarded to the minister on 6 May 2025. She said the NSA responded with an advisory note supporting the appointments on 8 May. However, days later, outrage followed the revelation of politically linked appointees. ALSO READ: Department scrambles to fix curriculum chaos at Gauteng school after delayed start Reopening the process Acknowledging the backlash, Nkabane confirmed she had reopened the process. A new call for nominations was issued on 23 May and will remain open until 13 June. 'Taking heed of the public call and concerns, the nomination process has since been reopened […] to afford stakeholders reasonable time,' she told MPs. The DA welcomed the withdrawal of the appointments, stating it was a necessary reversal of cadre deployment. However, the party insists the minister must still be held accountable. Parliament's portfolio committee also cautioned that the withdrawal 'does not absolve the minister' of accountability. ALSO READ: Gauteng education announces 2026 school admission dates: Here is what you need Integrity and oversight Nkabane reiterated the importance of integrity and impartiality in appointments, asserting that the process followed the Skills Development Act and the King IV governance principles. She added that consultation with the NSA does not equate to seeking approval. 'The decision to appoint the chairpersons and boards ultimately rests with the executive authority, the minister,' Nkabane explained. She reaffirmed her commitment to transparent governance, stressing that all future appointees will undergo induction to ensure they fully understand their roles and responsibilities. NOW READ: Higher Education and Nsfas vow action amid Durban student protests
7NEWS
19-05-2025
- 7NEWS
Dingo attack on fisherman at tourist hotspot sparks fresh warning
A fisherman bitten in knee-deep water by a dingo used his fishing rod to scare off the animal at a popular tourist destination. The dingo was nearly fully submerged when it bit the man on the back of the leg while he was fishing at K'gari, formerly Fraser Island, in southeast Queensland, rangers said. The man was fishing alone in the water when he was approached from behind by the dingo near Eurong at about 11.30am on Friday. 'It bit him on the back of the leg, resulting in two puncture wounds and a small superficial laceration which required basic first aid treatment,' the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DESI) said. 'He was wearing a fishing bag containing a fish, and rangers believe the dingo may have been attracted by the smell,' the statement said. Rangers have also received reports of dingoes loitering around people fishing on the island 'in the hope of getting a free feed'. They warned dingoes were known to steal fish and bait from anywhere they could scavenge, including vehicles and straight off someone's line. Rangers reminded people fishing on the island to stay close to the water's edge when reeling in a catch and to avoid dragging it across the sand. People fishing at K'gari should also use a protective cover on their hook when removing bait and store it out of a dingo's reach, they said. 'Dingoes are opportunistic predators and will strike when they see a chance to do so,' Ranger Dan Novak said. 'To avoid a dingo incident, it's always a good idea to have a mate stand guard, preferably holding a dingo stick.' He reminded people fishing on the island that it was an offence to hang bait or berley bags — a tool that helps attract fish — outside vehicles, in trees or have them lying around. Anglers came to the rescue of a boy during the previous dingo attack on the island. The 12-year-old was bitten on the back in February while playing in shallow water before people fishing nearby ran over to scare the animal off with a stick. It followed two dingo attacks over the Australia Day long weekend. A woman was bitten on the leg when she tried to stop a dingo from taking her bag at Lake McKenzie. The following day, a two-year-old was attacked in a Lake McKenzie car park. More than 20 dingo incidents were reported on the island in 2024.
Perth Now
19-05-2025
- Perth Now
Fisherman bitten in latest dingo attack at tourist spot
A fisherman has been bitten in knee-deep water by a dingo before using his rod to scare off the animal at a popular tourist destination. The dingo was nearly fully submerged when it bit the man on the back of the leg while he was fishing at K'gari, formerly Fraser Island, in southeast Queensland, rangers said. The man was fishing alone in the water when he was approached from behind by the dingo near Eurong about 11.30am on Friday. "It bit him on the back of the leg, resulting in two puncture wounds and a small superficial laceration which required basic first aid treatment," a Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation statement said. The man used his fishing rod to push the dingo away after being bitten, rangers said. "He was wearing a fishing bag containing a fish, and rangers believe the dingo may have been attracted by the smell," the statement said. Rangers have also received reports of dingoes loitering around people fishing on the island "in the hope of getting a free feed". They warned dingoes were known to steal fish and bait from anywhere they could scavenge, including vehicles and straight off someone's line. Rangers reminded people fishing on the island to stay close to the water's edge when reeling in a catch and to avoid dragging it across the sand. People fishing at K'gari should also use a protective cover on their hook when removing bait and store it out of a dingo's reach, they said. "Dingoes are opportunistic predators and will strike when they see a chance to do so," Ranger Dan Novak said. "To avoid a dingo incident, it's always a good idea to have a mate stand guard, preferably holding a dingo stick." He reminded people fishing on the island that it was an offence to hang bait or berley bags - a tool that helps attract fish - outside vehicles, in trees or have them lying around. Anglers came to the rescue of a boy during the previous dingo attack on the island. The 12-year-old was bitten on the back in February while playing in shallow water before people fishing nearby ran over to scare the animal off with a stick. It followed two dingo attacks over the Australia Day long weekend. A woman was bitten on the leg when she tried to stop a dingo from taking her bag at Lake McKenzie. The next day a two-year-old was attacked in a Lake McKenzie car park. More than 20 dingo incidents were reported on the island in 2024.
West Australian
19-05-2025
- West Australian
Fisherman bitten in latest dingo attack at tourist spot
A fisherman has been bitten in knee-deep water by a dingo before using his rod to scare off the animal at a popular tourist destination. The dingo was nearly fully submerged when it bit the man on the back of the leg while he was fishing at K'gari, formerly Fraser Island, in southeast Queensland, rangers said. The man was fishing alone in the water when he was approached from behind by the dingo near Eurong about 11.30am on Friday. "It bit him on the back of the leg, resulting in two puncture wounds and a small superficial laceration which required basic first aid treatment," a Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation statement said. The man used his fishing rod to push the dingo away after being bitten, rangers said. "He was wearing a fishing bag containing a fish, and rangers believe the dingo may have been attracted by the smell," the statement said. Rangers have also received reports of dingoes loitering around people fishing on the island "in the hope of getting a free feed". They warned dingoes were known to steal fish and bait from anywhere they could scavenge, including vehicles and straight off someone's line. Rangers reminded people fishing on the island to stay close to the water's edge when reeling in a catch and to avoid dragging it across the sand. People fishing at K'gari should also use a protective cover on their hook when removing bait and store it out of a dingo's reach, they said. "Dingoes are opportunistic predators and will strike when they see a chance to do so," Ranger Dan Novak said. "To avoid a dingo incident, it's always a good idea to have a mate stand guard, preferably holding a dingo stick." He reminded people fishing on the island that it was an offence to hang bait or berley bags - a tool that helps attract fish - outside vehicles, in trees or have them lying around. Anglers came to the rescue of a boy during the previous dingo attack on the island. The 12-year-old was bitten on the back in February while playing in shallow water before people fishing nearby ran over to scare the animal off with a stick. It followed two dingo attacks over the Australia Day long weekend. A woman was bitten on the leg when she tried to stop a dingo from taking her bag at Lake McKenzie. The next day a two-year-old was attacked in a Lake McKenzie car park. More than 20 dingo incidents were reported on the island in 2024.
