Voices Magazine Vol3 Issue 2

VOICES Bi-Monthly Magazine of the University of Technology, Jamaica | August - September 2019 10 T he University of Technology, Jamaica was among partnering organisations with which the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) on October 1, 2019 signed memoranda of understanding (MOU) to develop and provide increased access to services to the micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSME) sector through small business development centres (JBDC). The JBDC, in partnering with a number of other organisations at which JBDC have also been located, such as Caribbean Maritime University (CMU), Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, Northern Caribbean University (NCU), Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) to increase access to MSMEs with the training and support they need to grow and properly develop into viable businesses. Professor Colin Gyles, Deputy President, UTech, Jamaica who signed on the institution’s behalf, said the University welcomes the opportunity and look forward to great things coming out of the partnership. “UTech is happy to be partnering with the JBDC, and to be a part of such a network as the SBDC project for us is exciting, because it strengthens what we have been trying to do for some time. The more of us working towards the same objective, the more we’ll be able to accomplish; and so we look forward to contributing in terms of preparing more businesses and also providing the research support that will enable tracking of the success of this venture,” he stated. T he University of Technology, Jamaica and Sagicor Group Jamaica signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation on research and information sharing on Information Communication Technology (ICT) initiatives at a ceremony on July 31, 2019 at the Papine Campus. MoU with JBDC to Support Outreach to MSMEs UTech, Jamaica and Sagicor Partner on IT Initiatives Chief Executive Officer, Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), Valerie Veira (second right), signs a memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with (from left) University of Technology Deputy President, Professor Colin Gyles; Small Business Development Centre Network Manager, JBDC, Dionne Palmer, and Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts Vice Principal , Administration & Resource Development, Kerry-Ann Henry, at the JBDC offices, in Kingston, on October 1, 2019. L-R: Mr. Christopher Zacca, President & CEO, Sagicor Group Jamaica Limited, Professor Stephen Vasciannie, President, University of Technology, Jamaica and Professor Nilza Aples participate in the signing of a signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation on research and information sharing on Information Communication Technology (ICT) initiatives. Under its scope, the partnership will enable the integration of resources to support research and development on financial technology platforms and the eventual establishment of the Sagicor Innovation Lab at UTech, Jamaica. The project is the latest in a number of recent collaborations by the University with an emphasis on research and innovation, with impact on both government and private sector agencies. Mr. Zacca and Professor Vasciannie both expressed excitement at the prospects for innovation and research under the partnership. Professor Vasciannie noted that the UTech-Sagicor project, which will be anchored in the Faculty of Engineering and Computing, would act as a catalyst for wealth creation and economic development. For UTech, it will provide both undergraduate and graduate level students with opportunities for training and internships, while providing Sagicor with access to “an expert team of experienced and knowledgeable educators and researchers.” Mr. Zacca said, “We have embarked on a journey of innovation at Sagicor, and are constantly seeking ways to unlock creativity and research to further the development of techniques and applications, for digitization of our business.” Mr. Zacca further predicted that the Sagicor Innovation Lab, would become a landmark on the campus, and redound to the benefit of the students and the university.