As a university with a global presence, our recent collaborations with organizations worldwide have been instrumental in fostering mutual benefit, innovation, and productivity. Our university has established partnerships with international educational institutions, such as the International Foundation Group, UK. These collaborations provide students with a diverse and enriching educational experience, while faculty members benefit from exposure to different teaching methodologies and research perspectives, shares Dr. Richa Arora, Head of Institution and COO, University of Stirling, Ras Al Khaimah Campus, UAE in an exclusive interaction with Elets News Network (ENN). Edited excerpts:
I n what ways the university prepares students for a globalised workforce ensuring they possess the skills and perspectives needed for success in an interconnected world?
The interconnected world of the 21st century demands graduates who are more than just technically skilled; they need to be adaptable, culturally fluent, and equipped to thrive in a diverse and interconnected landscape. The University of Stirling, RAK Campus, recognizes this, weaving a tapestry of experiences and perspectives that prepare its students to become confident architects of a global future.
Stirling RAK’s holistic approach to education encompasses an internationalized curriculum exposing students to diverse perspectives and offering language proficiency workshops. Through semester abroad programs and internships, students gain real-world experience in global hubs. Soft skills development and diversity initiatives prepare them for a connected world. Global networking opportunities and career services ensure their success in a globalized job market. This comprehensive approach shapes Stirling RAK graduates into adaptable, culturally aware, and ethically responsible leaders ready to thrive in an interconnected world.
As a university with a global presence, could you provide insights into some of your most recent collaborations with organisations worldwide? Please elaborate on how these partnerships have proven mutually beneficial, innovative, and productive for your university.
As a globally engaged university, we have established impactful collaborations with organizations worldwide, including educational institutions like the International Foundation Group, UK, which involve student progressions and faculty exchanges, enriching the educational experience for all. In the field of technology and innovation, our partnership with Red Hat, USA, has led to cutting-edge research and workshops, benefiting both our students and industry advancements.
We’ve also partnered with CTU, Creative Technology Universitas, South Africa, resulting in innovative solutions to industry challenges. Additionally, our collaborations with Capacity Africa, Kenya, aim to enhance education for the disadvantaged, while partnerships with the Institute of Business Executives, South Africa, and Strategia Netherlands showcase our faculty’s expertise globally. These collaborations reflect our commitment to a globalized education, promoting academic excellence, interdisciplinary innovation, and personal and professional development for our students and faculty, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and societal well-being.
Given the importance of sustainability and global challenges, how does the university incorporate the themes of environmental consciousness and social responsibility into its academic programs and campus initiatives?
The University of Stirling’s Ras Al-Khaimah (RAK) campus exemplifies how an academic institution can seamlessly incorporate sustainability and social responsibility into its core programs and initiatives. Sustainability is integrated across disciplines, preparing students to be responsible global citizens. Research focuses on regional challenges, informing academic programs and campus operations. The campus prioritizes green initiatives like solar panels and community engagement, fostering a sense of responsibility. Beyond the campus, partnerships with businesses and policy advocacy ensure a commitment to sustainability and social responsibility extends into the broader community. Stirling RAK empowers its students to be responsible global citizens, addressing the challenges of the 21st century.
What are your thoughts on Global collaborative platforms like the World Education Summit, which aims to improve the education landscape worldwide?
The World Education Summit is not just a gathering; it’s a celebration of potential where global educators, policymakers, and innovators unite to ignite a shared passion for progress. It prioritizes inclusivity, breaking language and financial barriers, and enabling voices from all corners of the world to be heard. It catalyzes action, with follow-up mechanisms ensuring innovative ideas translate into practical plans. Measuring impact goes beyond numbers, focusing on empowerment and meaningful change. Embracing diversity and open dialogue, the summit transforms disagreements into opportunities for innovation. It’s a torch lighting the way to a brighter future for education, embodying hope and collective brilliance, and our commitment is to nurture the flames of progress it ignites to ensure access to empowering education worldwide.
Could you share recent instances of impactful research conducted by your university, emphasizing its commitment to making a difference in society?
At the University of Stirling, RAK, research is not confined to academic journals; it’s a dynamic force that empowers lives and shapes our world. Guided by our “REACH” philosophy (Research with Emphasis and Application to Complex and Human-centered Challenges), our diverse research endeavours, from healthcare innovations to climate solutions, address the needs of individuals, communities, and the planet. Examples include a patented healthcare management system streamlining patient care and a patented device for revolutionizing customer feedback. We bridge the industry-academia gap through faculty internships, enhance outdoor comfort, and utilize machine learning to predict comfort system performance. These efforts demonstrate our commitment to translating research into practical solutions for realworld impact.
How does the university ensure that its curriculum aligns with industry trends and prepares students for successful careers?
In today’s dynamic job market, the University of Stirling, RAK, takes a proactive approach to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry needs. We actively seek industry insights through advisory boards, ensuring our curriculum aligns with real-world demands. We offer practical learning experiences through internships, apprenticeship programs, and dedicated career services, empowering students for successful careers. Our commitment to holistic development is embodied by University Relations and Student Affairs (URSA), which fosters leadership skills, work readiness, and meaningful partnerships. Regular curriculum reviews, technology integration, and feedback mechanisms ensure our graduates are not just academically qualified but wellprepared with real-world skills and experiences, ready to excel in the competitive job market of tomorrow.
