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MUSCAT, Oman – Believing that local companies can get involved in education and close the gap between the needs of industries and the skills of graduates, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (IIEE) – Oman section gathered together administrators of universities and colleges as well as business executives and industry leaders on 1st December 2015 to discuss how “to scale-up and institutionalize” an industry-academe linkage.

This activity was co-organized by IEEE Oman with the Oman Society of Engineers (OSE) and the Military Technological College (MTC), who hosted and took the lead role in facilitating the preparations and organizations of the event. In general, the event seek to establish the foundation of an interactive forum between industry and academia through a more concrete approach in exchanging opinions, sharing ideas, discussing real world problems, and exploring ways to utilize the advantages of multidisciplinary engagement to enrich research, innovation and development (RID) in the Sultanate.

The one-day event was packed with series of presentations from the industry sector, poster presentation and interactive session with the representative from the academe. Experts from the Oman Drydock, Oman Railways, Oman Power and Water Procurement Company, Glass Point, and the Research Council clearly manifested the need for a greater and more appropriate industry involvement in the education system. Furthermore, they suggested that clearly defined human resource requirements in industry road maps, more one-to-one partnerships among colleges, universities and companies, more effective on-the-job training (OJT) and internship programs, collaboration on research innovation and the development of students’ general competencies are key to achieving global competitiveness.

The academe-industry day concluded with high hopes that partnership and the corresponding collaboration between the academe and industry can bring about the kind of education that will drive inclusive and sustainable growth and development in Oman.

By: Engr. Arnold N. Santos
Secretary, IEEE Oman

MUSCAT, Oman. Seven teams from different colleges and universities in the Sultanate competed in this year’s Oman Robotics Challenge (ORC 2015). The event was held at the Modern College of Business and Science last November 30^th under the sponsorship and direct supervision of the officers and representatives from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) – Oman Section.

ORC 2015 aims to inspire creativity and encourage team spirit, as young Omani students are given the opportunity to solve problems, transform abstract concepts to practical resolutions and strategies and compete in an environment different from the usual.

The challenge consists of 6 rounds and a two-hour window time is allocated for participants to build, program and test their robots before starting the actual competition. Hybrid-programmed and remote-controlled robots should be designed using both open source and commercial platforms. The robots should be able to move and carry light objects and autonomously drive them through different types of terrains and obstacles.

After the grueling rounds, the team from Sultan Qaboos University was declared winner by the panel of expert jurors both from academe and industry.

The winning team and coach received 400 USD cash prize, plaque and certificates of participation, round-trip airfare and hotel accommodation to Holiday Inn Downtown in Kuwait, where the GCC Robotics Final Round is slated to be held on 12^th December 2015.

• By Engr. Arnold N. Santos
  Secretary, IEEE Oman

IEEE Global Humanitarian Technology Conference (GHTC)

October 8-11, 2015        Seattle, Washington USA

www.ieeeghtc.org

Registration Now Open!

Early registration discount ends September 6, 2015

IEEE Global Humanitarian Conference (GHTC) is the perfect venue for enthusiasts from all backgrounds to connect, share and address critical issues for the benefit of the humanitarian endeavor worldwide. Join us in Seattle, WA, USA as we:

• Enable a global sharing of skills, knowledge, networking in the humanitarian and emergency management fields
• Highlight humanitarian technologies that promote successful practice, attract practitioners, and guide future research
• Positively impact billions of people around the world

IEEE GHTC is the place to be whether you have experience to share, are looking for opportunities to join, or simply want to understand humanitarian work. In its 5^th year, sponsored by IEEE Region 6 and IEEE Seattle Section, the conference is dedicated to “Advancing Technology for Humanity” with a focus on essential areas including energy, health, disaster management, connectivity, agriculture, and education.

Conference highlights include:

• Maurizio Vecchione, Sr. Vice President of Global Good & Research plenary
• “The Future of Humanitarian Technology” with a panel of experts from NGOs, the United Nations, and the Red Cross
• “The Internet of Things (IoT) for Humanity” with a panel of industry partners
• IEEE SIGHT Gaetano Borriello Memorial Symposium on Humanitarian Technology
• UNESCO 70^th anniversary celebration.
• IEEE Smart Village workshop on Energy, Education, and Empowerment

Interactive special sessions that support in-field humanitarian efforts:

• Open Data Kit Workshop – learn to collect data and build data services for many humanitarian efforts
• Entrepreneurship and Education – engage in workshops with interactive dialogue on grass-roots business development and collaborative educational strategies for entrepreneurs and practitioners
• Demonstrations and Exhibitions – see and experience new technologies in water and sanitation, energy, and communication and connectivity technologies

Register today to participate in an extensive, vibrant, and innovative technical program with likeminded individuals across the world.

Advanced Discount Registration ends September 6: www.ieeeghtc.org/registration/

Regular Registration ends October 7

On-Site Registration & One Day Passes Available

For more information, contact [email protected]

IEEE Hashemite University Student Branch had the honor of hosting the largest IEEE event in Jordan; 2 nd
IEEE JSBC.

IEEE JSBC was a wonderful opportunity to gather hundreds of students, Engineers, Professionals and even
school students to share their passion of advancing technology for the benefit of humanity.

The congress played an essential role in bridging the gap between IEEE members from all over Jordan (11
Universities) and the attendees approved that IEEE mission and vision will be taken forward in their
universities via their further engagement.

After welcoming the participants and the guests on behalf of Hashemite University, IEEE Jordan Section
and HU student branch, Husam Momenah (IEEEHU SB Chair) asked the attendees to exploit this
opportunity and network with their IEEE fellows to get the maximum benefit out of the congress.

The congress aimed to inspire the participants to take their experience and interests to the next level by
inviting 15 professionals; IEEE EMBS Distinguished lecture, professional speakers, experts, Jordanian
entrepreneurs and young leaders, those who gave a number of diversified workshops and lectures about
Nanotechnology, Leadership, Motivation, User experience design and an IEEE workshop. Not to mention
the field trip to the 5MW PV system project at Hashemite University.

After a full day of inspiration and positive energy and with warm applause by the audience, Ahmed Al-
Omoush (IEEE JSBC 2015 Chair) closed the congress by sharing his thankfulness with the attendees for
their remarkable engagement to thank the organizing committee and volunteers for their efforts.

By Mustafa Almomani
IEEEHU SB Mentor

IEEE Smart Tech Metro Area Workshops provide participants with a unique learning experience with topics on the cutting-edge of technical innovation today. Each workshop is a springboard to a deeper understanding of technology and its myriad applications and potential for innovation.

Choose one Track Sunday and one Track Monday. Sessions under each track run in succession.

Communications Track: 

• Long Term Evolution (LTE) Systems
• Long Term Evolution (LTE) Implementation
• RF Propagation Models
• RF Simulation Software
  

Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems Track

• Specifications of Solar PV Systems
• Fundamentals of Grid-Connected PV System Design
• Commissioning of PV Systems
• Grid Impact Studies
• Mega-Scale PV Plants
• Panel Discussion: Local Renewable Energy Regulations
  

Computer Engineering & Big Data Track

• Secure Software Development
• Cloud Computing
• Big Data

View the full day agenda and course descriptions for IEEE Smart Tech in Amman

Registration opens on Sunday at 8:30 a.m, followed by a General Serssion at 9:30 a.m. and Coffee Break at 10:00 a.m. Track sessions then begin at 10:30 a.m.

Dress code for the workshop series is business casual.

Follow us on Twitter! @IEEEMetroEvents

Landmark – Amman Hotel and Conference Center
1118 Al Huseen Bin Ali Street
P.O. Box 6399
Amman, Jordan
Jordan
Sunday, September 13, 2015 at 8:30 AM – Monday, September 14, 2015 at 5:30 PM (EEST)

Registration and Hotel Information

* Join IEEE now to be eligible for the member rate. Only active IEEE members will qualify for the member rate. Society Affiliates are not eligible for the member rate.

Not ready to join IEEE right now? You may still register at the non-member rate. Then, if you choose to join IEEE onsite at the conference you will receive a US$30/20JOD credit toward your first-year professional membership dues. Be sure to bring a copy of your registration receipt.

Hotel Accommodations 

Landmark Amman Hotel & Conference Center  http://www.landmarkamman.com/en/index.php is offering a special rate to conference attendees. Use code JEASEP2015 when you make your reservation.

 Al Huseen Bin Ali Street| P.O. Box 6399 | Amman | Jordan | Phone: (866) 599-6674

 View Additional Area Hotel Information

Questions? E-mail [email protected].

Have questions about IEEE Smart Tech: Metro Area Workshop Series – Amman, Jordan? Contact IEEE Jordan Section

AIYEHUM is a project competition where young scientists and engineers (between ages of 16 and 35 years) submit proposals of projects which are oriented around humanitarian issues. These proposals can be their curriculum projects or other projects that are developed out of passion.

The short-listed project proposals will be given a a grant of up to US $500 for prototype development. IEEE will assign a mentor for all short-listed teams. All successfully completed projects will be evaluated again and top teams will be partially funded to go to the IEEE Humanitarian Technology Conference to present their work. In addition, IEEE will also give prize money to winning teams.

For more information, please go to http://bit.ly/aiyehum2015

Deadlines: 

• Project proposal submission: June 21st
• Notification of short-listed project proposals: July 12th
• Announcement of top teams: November 10th

2nd AFRICAN WINTER SCHOOL ON INFORMATION THEORY AND COMMUNICATIONS
August 16-21, 2015
Protea Hotel Kruger Gate Skukuza, South Africa

Call for Participation

It is with great pleasure that we announce the 2nd African Winter School on Information Theory and Communications to be held
at the Kruger National Park from 16 to 21 August, 2015. The goal of the winter school is to increase co-operation and knowledge
sharing between African students and universities. Doctoral students and young staff members, from Africa and other continents,
are encouraged to present and discuss their ongoing research with international experts. Students are welcome to make
presentations irrespective of the phase of their research. All submitted abstracts will be scrutinized by the technical chairs for
suitability. The number of topics will not be limited and we hope to have a wide range of presentations in the Information Theory
and Communications field. Study leaders are also encouraged to attend in order to establish more high-level co-operation
between African and other universities.

This event will be held in parallel with the First IEEE Seminar on Future Directions in Information Theory and Communications
(see previous post for details).

Speakers

• Jian Song, Tsinghua University, P. R. China
• Yuan Luo, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, P. R. China
• Jos H. Weber, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands
• Ivan Fair, University of Alberta, Canada
• Bella Bose, Oregon State University, USA
• Luca Tallini, University of Teramo, Italy

Important Dates

If you would like to participate in this event, please send a short one-page paper (using the IEEE template) of your work in
progress to [email protected] by 18 May 2015. Notification of acceptance will be on or before 22 May 2015.

Organizing Committee

Conference Co-Chairs:
Theo Swart (University of Johannesburg)
Ling Cheng (University of the Witwatersrand)

TPC Co-Chairs:
Jos H. Weber (Delft University of Technology)
Ulrich Speidel (The University of Auckland)
Ivan Fair (University of Alberta)

Local Arrangements:
Wendy Smith (University of Johannesburg)
Allan Emleh (University of Johannesburg)
Lucia Pelser (University of Johannesburg)

Sponsored by the University of Johannesburg and the IEEE South Africa Information Theory Section

For more information go to http://telecoms.uj.ac.za/ieee-2015-kruger/