The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the first graduate-level, research-based artificial intelligence (AI) university in the world, has held its first official advisory board meeting.
The meeting reviewed and discussed ongoing activities as the university gears up to welcome the first class of graduate students in September, a statement said.
The meeting was attended by Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of State and chairman of the board of trustees at MBZUAI, Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Higher Education and Advanced Skills, Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Sciences, Jassim Al Zaabi, chairman of the Department of Finance, Professor Sir Michael Brady, interim president of MBZUAI, and Peng Xiao, MBZUAI board of trustees member.
During the meeting, members discussed the importance of ensuring that the university directly engages with industries to ensure the proper integration between the output of the university and the needs in the marketplace.
Research published earlier this week revealed that many UAE bosses fear their company’s growth will be hampered by a skills gap in the country.
The advisory board provides recommendations to the university and will support in securing external financial aid, potential internships, training, and employment opportunities for the MBZUAI students.
Al Jaber said: “With thousands of applications coming in, I have great confidence that MBZUAI will foster exceptional talent in the field of AI. These great minds will create a long-term integral ecosystem that introduces a new era of innovation, productivity, and growth across the UAE, the region, and globally.
“With every success of MBZUAI, we get closer to realizing the wise vision of our leadership and their aspirations for the future of our world.”
The University has already begun the process of vetting the applications for the 2020 intake with over 1,000 applications reviewed and in the final stage before acceptance into the MSc and PhD programs that include Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing and Computer Vision.
Brady added: “The MBZUAI looks to create a symbiotic relationship between academic research and the industry; thus, espousing a culture of free-flowing ideas between universities and industries. A formula of success.”
MBZUAI will offer Master of Science (MSc) and PhD level programs while also engaging policymakers and businesses around the world so that AI is harnessed as a force for positive transformation.
Graduate students can apply to MBZUAI via the University’s website for 2020 registration.
The university will provide all admitted students with a full scholarship, plus benefits such as a a monthly allowance, health insurance, and accommodation. MBZUAI will also work with leading local and global companies to secure internships, and will also assist students in finding employment opportunities.
© Arabian Business