Ours is a generation of technological revolution, and students of The UWI, its future masters. The St Augustine Campus is now home to the English- speaking Caribbean’s first innovation hub of its kind. The bmobile-UWI Innovation Laboratory, Powered by Huawei is currently under construction at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
A media launch and ceremonial MOU signing marking the official partnership of the three entities was held on September 26 at the Office of the Campus Principal.
Dr Fasil Muddeen, Head of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering served as Master of Ceremonies. He reminded the audience that in 2015 The UWI had signed on to Huawei’s Seeds of the Future Programme, and that the latest innovation lab in 2019 would see the tech company’s continued commitment to student research and development.
Delivering opening remarks, Professor Stephan Gift, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Graduate Studies and Research, and former Dean of the Faculty of Engineering gave context to the negotiation process for this “truly momentous occasion.”
Talks began in March 2015 between himself and Dr Ronald Walcott, CEO of TSTT, who he said did not hide his enthusiasm “to explore network-improving ideas and new frontiers in technology.” Chinese telecom giant Huawei – today the world’s number one telecom equipment supplier and number two smartphone manufacturer– soon joined the discussion.
“This agreement represents an important step in fulfilling its objective. It is consistent with the strategic direction of the university, and the Pro-Vice Chancellor’s vision for its development,” Professor Gift said.
Next, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Campus Principal Professor Brian Copeland brought welcome remarks stating that: “The UWI’s commitment to the positive transformation of the Caribbean has been a constant theme and its driving force for more than 70 years,” and that the agreement “fit nicely into the Access, Alignment and Agility themes of ‘The UWI Triple A Strategy 2017–2022’ with the theme ‘Revitalizing Caribbean Development.’
Noting the “immense possibilities for innovation and entrepreneurship,” Prof Copeland said that The UWI was “already exploring the work plan agenda for the lab.” Key areas identified for research and development are ICT for disaster recovery; security and safety; education; finance; and agriculture.
CEO Jeff Jin took the floor next to deliver remarks on behalf of Huawei Technologies T&T with his theme “A Single Spark Can Light a Fire.” Jin likened Huawei’s involvement in the project to “the power of one small action to inspire other actions, which then cause a chain of actions and reactions.” The 32-year-old ICT company has, in 2019, captured 29 per cent share of the global telecom equipment market.The company has announced a global R&D budget of US$20 billion, and “has already begun research into 6G.” Jin pointed to collaboration with universities as the way “to revolutionize this industry so fast.” This thrust is consistent with Huawei’s mission and vision “to bring digital to every person, home and organization for a fully connected, intelligent world.”
Huawei has “invested over US$2 million worth of equipment” for the facility. When completed, it will be equipped to “facilitate commercial and academic research and development in the areas of fixed and mobile networks, optical transmission, IP networks, and core IT infrastructure.”
TSTT is no stranger to the UWI St Augustine Campus either. The company has supported the Guild of Students and invested in campus-wide tech and student activities, among others. The signing of the MOU, according to Dr Muddeen, “demonstrates a deepening of The UWI’s relationship with TSTT.”CEO Dr Ronald Walcott took to the podium to bring remarks. There is a “direct correlation between ICT development including high-speed broadband penetration and economic growth,” he said, and “the need to accelerate digital competence and capabilities of the human capital in Trinidad and Tobago.”
He noted that as the world has entered a technological revolution where new technologies are replacing older ones with rapid application and diffusion, the lab would lead the way in TSTT’s “quest for digital competence.” The lab is “a replica of TSTT’s mobile, fixed, wireless, cloud and enterprise networks,” called an ‘out of band’ network. This will allow for “innovation, simulations, testing and learning.” In addition to contributing access to TSTT’s network model, the company has pledged approximately US$2.5 million, which includes support for three years. Miss Nicolette Duke, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Utilities delivered the feature address on behalf of Senator Robert Le Hunte. “The Government of Trinidad and Tobago applauds TSTT’s unwavering commitment to improving the lives of citizens through the provision of technology that continues to bridge the digital divide.” The development of the Innovation Lab, she said, is consistent with Trinidad and Tobago’s National ICT plan and ICT Blueprint 2018–2022, which “declares a bold vision...characterised by the theme ‘Empowered People. Competitive Businesses. Transformational Government.’”
The moment of anticipation having arrived, the MC invited Prof Copeland, Mr Jin and Dr Walcott to the MOU signing table which stood next to a 3D scale model of the lab.
After the signing, guests viewed a virtual walkthrough presentation of the lab. The first of its kind in Trinidad and Tobago, the 1,600 sq ft training facility features a smart classroom with a 55” interactive touchscreen whiteboard for presentations and video conferencing, and seating for 15.
The bmobile-UWI Innovation Laboratory, Powered by Huawei will welcome its first students after its opening launch slated for November 2019.
