Category: Literacy

SEOUL: The South Korean government will focus on developing home-grown technologies in five major science sectors by 2030 in a strategic move to secure cutting-edge technologies and bolster long-term growth, Yonhap News Agency reported.

The Presidential Advisory Council on Science and Technology approved a mission-oriented strategic road map aimed at achieving advancements in five areas: next-generation nuclear power, aerospace and ocean engineering, next-generation communication, advanced robotics, and cybersecurity, according to the Ministry of Science and ICT.

With the previously announced plans for seven strategic sectors, including semiconductors, secondary batteries and advanced biology, the government has completed a comprehensive road map for 12 strategic technologies.

The strategic road map outlines core technologies essential for ensuring technical sovereignty, sets up missions to be achieved by 2030, and maps out a course for pathway technologies derived from these missions.

Under the latest ro
ad map, the country will concentrate on developing and commercialising light-water small modular reactors (SMRs), innovative SMRs, and technologies essential for creating an advanced nuclear power system.

For the aerospace and ocean engineering industry, the government aims to secure technologies related to large-scale staged combustion cycle liquid rocket engines, space observation and sensing, moon landing and surface exploration, advanced aviation gas turbine engines, and exploration of marine resources.

The plan also includes a mission to develop a 1.8-ton spacecraft to land on the moon in 2032.

South Korea also plans to secure core technologies for the sixth generation (6G) network by 2026. It will make effort to develop technologies for low-power consumption and weight lightening to apply the network in data-heavy industries, such as self-driving cars.

It also envisions advancing its fifth-generation network technologies, securing 6G standard patents and pushing ahead with on-device application of A
I technologies to lead the global 6G market.

The country will also work to adopt AI-based self-functioning robot technologies in the manufacturing industry to maximise its productivity and advance its cybersecurity technologies.

Source: Emirates News Agency

AL AIN: Abu Dhabi University’s (ADU) College of Engineering – Al Ain campus has concluded the first-ever RoboCar Maze Competition with the participation of over 72 students representing 18 schools from Al Ain City.

The competition, held under the theme “Mechatronics: The Future of Mechanical Engineering”, was sponsored by the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and was attended by TII representatives impressed by the student’s innovation and creativity.

Through the competition, students had the opportunity to enhance their programming skills and foster a sense of teamwork by assembling and building robotic cars with the guidance of ADU’s experts and faculty members.

The event served as a platform for students to immerse themselves in the dynamic fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, critical thinking, and programming. It also aimed to inspire the next generation of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) leaders by providing hands-on learning experiences in a collaborative an
d competitive setting.

In the conclusion of the event, students presented their projects to jury members who announced the three winning teams. The first place went to Baraem Al Ain School, Future International Academy claimed the second place and the third place was awarded to Tawam Private Model School.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Muscat Municipality launched today the first stage of the electronic certification service for lease contracts, which includes new residential lease contracts only.

The subsequent stages of the service will include the electronic certification process for various other types of lease contracts. In the first stage, the service targets all members of society, with the exception for agencies and government entities, which will be dealt with according to the previously followed procedures.

This step stems from the importance of regulation of the rental relationship and documenting rental contracts between the owner (lessor) and the beneficiary (tenant), and in an effort to simplify and simplify the procedures for providing services and digital transformation in completing service transactions.

The implementation of this service comes within Muscat Municipality’s plan for electronic transformation of services, re-engineering some municipal services procedures, simplifying them, and reducing the time to complet
e transactions. This move comes is in line with the country’s approach towards achieving the goals of e-government.

Source: Oman News Agency

DUBAI: The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) today announced that the second analog study of the UAE Analog Programme is set to commence, as part of NASA’s Human Exploration Research Analog (HERA). The analog study will hold 180 days of research work across four phases (45 days each) where the analog crew members will study how they adjust to isolation, confinement, and remote conditions on Earth before sending astronauts on long duration missions.

All four phases of the second analog study of the UAE Analog Programme will include studies provided by local universities, with the first phase scheduled to begin on 26 January 2024. The Emirati analog crew members will begin their participation from the second phase, which is scheduled for 10 May 2024, while the third and fourth phases, will commence on 9 August 2024 and 1 November 2024, respectively.

As part of NASA’s HERA, analog crew members from the UAE will be part of the research team at the Johnson Space Center, where they will carry out various s
cience and maintenance tasks inside the HERA habitat.

By replicating space-like conditions on Earth, HERA is a unique three-story habitat designed to serve as an analog for isolation, confinement, and remote conditions in exploration scenarios while simulating a journey to Mars. The set of activities onboard this unique habitat will include testing augmented reality and monitoring their mock environment. The analog crew members will also face scenarios such as increasing communication delays with their ground control support staff outside their habitat as they ‘approach’ Phobos.

These activities assist researchers design strategies to help the analog crew members become more autonomous, work as a team, and communicate effectively to accomplish tasks. With this data, scientists can develop strategies to better prepare astronauts for interplanetary missions and eventually for ventures to Mars, a long-standing vision of the UAE under the Mars 2117 Programme.

UAE universities are also playing a pivotal role in
the second analog study of the UAE Analog Programme through their diverse research studies. United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) is focusing on three major areas. The first study will investigate glucose metabolism dysfunctions caused during the isolation period, using metabolomics. Another study aims to detect deficits in brain function due to cognitive fatigue, while the third project will be an optical-based cardiovascular vital signs monitoring, exploring new methods to assess heart health in isolated environments.

Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) is contributing with two critical studies, including assessing changes in whole-body energy consumption, energy content, bone density, and muscle mass before and during isolation, and another study which examines the effects of prolonged exposure to a space analog environment on cardiovascular variability and cardio-postural interactions.

The American University of Sharjah (AUS) is also participating with a significant st
udy that will assess mental stress in isolation and confined environments. This research is vital for understanding the psychological challenges faced during long-term space missions and developing strategies to mitigate these stresses.

Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General, MBRSC said: ‘The UAE Analog Programme is instrumental in deepening our understanding of the challenges and nuances of long duration space missions. They are also pivotal in shaping the scientific methodologies and technological innovations required for future expeditions to the Moon and beyond. Under the visionary leadership of the UAE, we continue to enhance Emirati capabilities and technologies with the goal of sending our astronauts on long duration missions. Through the UAE’s second analog study, we are laying a robust foundation for our nation’s ambitious journey across the cosmos, driven by a commitment to enhance human understanding and capability in the realm of space exploration.”

Adnan AlRais, Mars 2117 Programme Manager, MBR
SC said: “The analog missions provide us with invaluable insights into the physical, psychological, and technological challenges of long-duration space travel. As we simulate the conditions of space here on Earth, we are not only testing human endurance and adaptability but also refining the technologies and strategies that will be pivotal for the success of future expeditions to the Red Planet. Each discovery and lesson learned from these analog missions also bring us a step closer to turning the ambitious vision of the Mars 2117 Programme into a reality. It’s a testament to the UAE’s commitment to being at the forefront of space exploration and to contributing significantly to the global understanding of human capabilities in space.”

The first analog study of the UAE Analog Programme, a part of the SIRIUS-21 programme, was successfully concluded in 2022, and focused on understanding the effects of isolation on human psychological and physiological conditions.

The UAE Analog Programme is one of the project
s managed by MBRSC under the UAE’s National Space Programme and funded by the ICT Fund of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), which aims to support research and development in the ICT sector in the UAE and promote the country’s integration on the global stage.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Amman, Jordan: Jadara University’s Acting President, Habes Zboun, met with the French Cultural Attaché in Amman, Billy Trois, and Lina Qdeimat, Director of the Languages Department at the French Institute of Jordan (IFJ), to discuss ways of enhancing collaboration between the university and the French Cultural Mission.

According to Jordan News Agency, During the meeting, Zboun highlighted the existing cooperation between Jadara University and the French Cultural Mission. He emphasized the university’s progress in various academic areas, including its advancements, programs, specializations, and its standing in regional and global rankings. Zboun also spoke about the university’s strategic plan and infrastructure improvements.

Trois expressed admiration for Jadara University’s position among Jordanian universities, particularly noting its modern and unique specializations that align with labor market demands. He provided an extensive overview of the activities and role of the French Cultural Office in Amman. The attaché indicated a commitment to providing diverse cultural support and cooperation, especially in enhancing the French language offerings at Jadara University’s language center.

The two parties agreed to deepen their collaborative efforts across various cultural domains. One of the key points discussed was the possibility of establishing a dedicated office for French cultural representation on Jadara University’s campus. This move would significantly enhance the cultural and educational exchange between Jordan and France.

Additionally, the meeting concluded with an agreement to facilitate connections with prestigious French universities. This collaboration will include exchange visits between professors and students, support for master’s and doctoral degree scholarships, and assistance in securing admissions for Jadara University delegates to pursue doctorates in various specializations. These initiatives are poised to create substantial educational and cultural benefits for students and faculty at Jadara University.

IRBID – Yarmouk University (YU) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) are set to strengthen their cooperation, focusing on the development of early education. This collaboration was the subject of discussions between YU’s President, Dr. Islam Massad, and USAID’s Director of Education Programs, Cameron Mirza.

According to Jordan News Agency, Massad emphasized YU’s commitment to effectively implement the USAID-approved Early Education “ASAS” Project. This initiative aims to develop a bachelor’s program in early education, enhancing the quality of early education and classroom teacher programs. Massad expressed confidence in Yarmouk University’s distinguished campus environment and its ability to make this project successful, advocating for broader cooperation to ensure the program’s sustainability. Mirza affirmed USAID’s confidence in YU’s capabilities and expressed the agency’s readiness to collaborate in various fields to achieve sustainable development.

MADABA – Dr. Osama Nusair, President of Al al-Bayt University (AABU), met with the Mexican Ambassador to Jordan, Roberto Rodriguez-Hernandez, and his delegation on Sunday to discuss potential frameworks for academic and cultural cooperation.

According to Jordan News Agency, Nusair presented AABU’s future programs and plans, emphasizing the significance of cultural and scientific exchanges between Jordan and Mexico. The Mexican Ambassador commended the university’s achievements and expressed enthusiasm for joint cooperation in various fields and specializations, along with promoting mutual cultural exchange and scientific research. During his visit, the Ambassador delivered a lecture to the students of the Spanish Language Department, providing insights into Mexico’s civilization, history, culture, customs, and traditions, further fostering the cultural and educational ties between the two nations.

AMMAN – The King Abdullah II Fund for Development (KAFD) announced the launch of the 19th edition of its Research and Creativity Support Project for University Students on Sunday, aiming to foster innovation and practical problem-solving among Jordan’s youth.

According to Jordan News Agency, the project offers financial and technical assistance to Jordanian university students to implement their projects and research initiatives. These initiatives are designed to address national issues and challenges, aligning with the 2022 development plan and the Economic Modernization Vision (EMV) for Entrepreneurship and Creativity Axis. The project underscores the importance of supporting sustainable, qualitative, and applicable research or initiatives that can lead to patents or solutions to societal problems. The initiative also aims to foster a productive and effective scientific community, encouraging positive competition among university students. This competition is expected to enhance their scientific and practical skills and contribute to sustainable development by improving human resources and evolving higher education to focus on creative projects and research. University students can apply for support through the KAFD’s platform until December 4, with winning proj

ects eligible for financial backing of up to JD5, 000. Since its inception in 2004, the project, in partnership with the Jordan Design and Development Bureau (JODDB), has supported 380 graduation and research projects, creating over 1,600 direct and indirect opportunities.

Paris – Azmi Mahafzah, Jordan’s Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Scientific Research and Chairman of the Jordanian National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, participated in the 42nd session of UNESCO’s General Conference.

According to Jordan News Agency, the event is currently underway in Paris. During a public policy discussion session at the conference on Friday morning, Mahafzah delivered a speech addressing the challenges faced in the region. He highlighted the prolonged occupation as the primary cause of the hardships endured by the Palestinian people, including bloodshed, suffering, and oppression. Mahafzah underlined that these circumstances test the moral and ethical standards and values that UNESCO has historically upheld.

In his address, Mahafzah also stressed Jordan’s position on the necessity for UNESCO to fulfill its responsibilities within its scope of authority. This includes initiatives to rejuvenate educational institutions, restore cultural heritage, and reduce risks faced by journalists working in conflict zones. His remarks underscored the urgent need for international involvement in mitigating the effects of long-standing conflicts and supporting the educational and cultural development in affected areas.

Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Ayman Ashour confirmed that Egypt’s university hospitals are fully prepared to receive and treat individuals wounded in the Gaza Strip.

According to State Information Service Egypt, On Saturday, Ashour emphasized that the hospitals have implemented plans to swiftly handle emergency cases and are equipped with the necessary strategic reserves of medical supplies and medications. The minister instructed the preparation of periodic reports detailing the number of patients and their conditions, as well as the hospitals administering care, to be submitted to the Supreme Council of University Hospitals’ crises and disaster management committee.

AMMAN — Senator Yassin Al Husban, deputizing for HRH Princess Muna Al Hussein, launched the 11th International Congress of Graduates from Romanian Medical Universities on Thursday, an event orchestrated by the Association of Romanian Medical Graduates.

According to Jordan News Agency, during his opening address, Husban stressed the significance of such congregations in reinforcing Jordan-Romania relations, particularly in the fields of science and medicine, and in the exchange of medical expertise. He commended the role of Romanian-educated professionals in bolstering bilateral ties and underscored Jordan’s esteemed standing and credentials in medical sciences, which attract those seeking high-level medical and nursing care.

The President of the Association of Romanian Medical Graduates, Abdul Karim Abbadi, underscored the organization’s pivotal role in solidifying medical connections between Jordan and Romania, aiding student exchange programs, and facilitating professional conferences. He elaborated on the positive influence of Romanian alumni in scientific and administrative capacities, which nurtures communication and cultural exchange.

Romanian Ambassador to Jordan George Maior acknowledged the Association’s commitment to the advancement of medical and scientific discussions through regular conferences, thereby ensuring knowledge is current and relationships between Jordan and Romania are fortified. He lauded Princess Muna Al Hussein’s dedicated efforts in overcoming challenges to achieve substantial medical cooperation and ongoing development between the nations, celebrating the congress’s successful commencement and her relentless dedication to enhancing Jordanian-Romanian relations.

President of Yarmouk University (YU) Islam Massad met with the Iraqi Cultural Attache in Amman, Khair al-Din al-Amin, to delve into avenues for enhancing bilateral cooperation in academic and research realms.In a statement released by YU on Sunday, Massad emphasized the remarkable achievements of the university over its nearly 47-year journey.He highlighted the university’s academic excellence, scientific contributions, and the dedication of its faculty, staff, and students.Furthermore, Massad provided an overview of the University’s history, development, diverse faculties, programs, and research centers, underscoring its commitment to community service and its ongoing collaboration with various entities and institutions to benefit society.The head of the University expressed enthusiasm for fostering cultural and academic relations with Iraqi universities, aiming to achieve common goals and aspirations.Additionally, he emphasizedthe university’s readiness to welcome Iraqi students, particularly for postgr
aduate studies, across its various faculties and programs.In turn, the Iraqi attache praised the esteemed position of Yarmouk University and commended its diverse faculties and academic programs, which adapt to scientific advancements and emphasize rigorous research activities.

Source: Jordan News Agency