(MENAFN- Mid-East.Info) The Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE) Abu Dhabi Office proudly announces the successful completion of its summer internship program, where 13 Emirati students underwent internships at 7 prestigious Japanese companies and a university. Coordinated by JICE, these internship programs were exclusively designed to foster the development of promising Emirati talent specializing in the fields of chemical, electrical, mechanical, engineering, petroleum engineering, and renewable energy.
The unique 8-week internship programs not only provided participants with invaluable work experience and research opportunities at Japan's cutting-edge technological companies but also offered a cultural immersion in both Japanese society and corporate environments. The interns also had the opportunity to undertake Japanese language classes, enhancing their intercultural acumen.
Sponsored and entrusted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, JICE has been committed to implementing the Internship Program for Emirati university students since 2012. While the program was conducted online in 2021 and 2022, the 2023 program resumed in-person implementation and aimed to expand its scale by accommodating a greater number of interns and hosting companies while diversifying its contents.
Now in its 12th year of operation, the internship program has hosted over 100 Emirati students to date. This year's cohort comprised 13 Emirati students, including 7 talented female students, from esteemed institutions such as Khalifa University of Science and Technology (KU), Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), and Zayed University (ZU). The program offered three patterns of internship experiences: entirely in Japan, in the UAE, or a combination program with 4 weeks in Japan and 4 weeks in the UAE.
The hosting Japanese organisations for the internships were:
Daikin Middle East and Africa FZE HORIBA, Ltd. INPEX CORPORATION/ Japan Oil Development Co., Ltd. JFE Steel Corporation / AL Gharbia Pipe Company (AGPC) Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Compressor Corporation Takenaka Seisakusho Co., Ltd. / Takenaka Middle East LLC Yokogawa UAE Industry – Sole Proprietorship LLC
Through JICE's meticulous coordination, the program aimed to benefit both the individuals hosted and contribute to the establishment of long-lasting industry-academia collaboration under the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Initiative (CSPI) between the UAE and Japan, agreed upon in April 2018, forging ties for the mutual benefit of both societies.
The program commenced with introductory courses held online by the JICE headquarter covering basic Japanese language skills, business manners, and etiquette. After the 8-week internship period at the hosting organizations, the students are now preparing for the final reporting session scheduled on August 9th at Bab Al Qasr Hotel in Abu Dhabi where they will deliver presentations about their research and experiences. During this event, the certificate of completion for the internship program will be awarded, with the presence of the representatives of the UAE government, Embassy of Japan in the United Arab Emirates and the hosting organisations.
Feedback from both the intern participants and the Japanese corporations has been overwhelmingly positive. The hosting companies praised the Emirati students for their preparedness, eagerness to learn, and dedication throughout the program.
Ms. Ayesha Abdulnaser Arfan Awadh Alkatheeri, an undergraduate mechanical engineering student from KU, expressed her profound transformation through the internship experience, both on a personal and career level. She shared her insights on her time at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Compressor Corporation (MCO):
“This internship has been a life-changing experience that has significantly impacted my perspective, both personally and in terms of my career aspirations. Working alongside and learning from the diverse group of engineers at MCO, I gained a deeper understanding of various engineering roles and topics, allowing me to identify the areas that truly resonate with my interests.
Being actively involved in and contributing to different divisions within the company expanded my knowledge and skill set. I had the privilege to contribute my ideas and efforts to meaningful projects, which further fuelled my passion for engineering.
In particular, this internship has solidified my strong inclination towards studying turbomachinery and fluid dynamics related topics in my future academic pursuits. The hands-on experiences and exposure to real-world applications have confirmed that this is the path I want to pursue.
I am immensely grateful for the support and guidance provided by my mentors at MCO, who not only encouraged my growth as an engineer but also made my stay in Japan enjoyable and fulfilling.
Overall, this internship experience has been a turning point in my academic and professional journey, and I am excited to carry the valuable lessons and experiences gained here into my future endeavours.”
Mr. Ahmed Abdullah Banaeimoon, an undergraduate electrical engineering student from HCT, cherished his enriching journey as an intern at JFE Steel Corporation, one of the largest manufacturers in Japan. While he was stationed in Fukuyama city, nestled in the picturesque western region of Japan.
He reflects:“As I reflect on my internship experience, I am motivated to bridge the gap between Japan and the UAE. Each country has something that the other doesn't, and working together fills in the gaps and builds opportunities, and that's the beauty of it. I am extremely passionate about fostering international connections. I believe it can create brighter futures and make a positive impact on the global stage.”
Throughout his internship journey, Mr. Banaeimoon not only honed his engineering skills and learned about the cutting-edge technologies at JFE Steel, but he also embraced the essence of Japan's cultural heritage.
He remarked,“My internship at JFE Steel Corporation was truly transformative. It provided me with invaluable insights into the world of electrical engineering and the workings of Japan's largest manufacturing company. The experience of living and working in Fukuyama city was something I will forever cherish. I had the privilege of exploring the beauty of Osaka during my weekends, and each day felt like a thrilling adventure as I absorbed the sights and sounds of this vibrant city.”
He continued,“The tea ceremony at JFE Steel was a profound gesture that emphasized the significance of tradition and hospitality in Japanese culture. It was a heart-warming moment that further strengthened my appreciation for the cultural exchange that took place during my internship.”
Mr. Banaeimoon expressed his gratitude towards his mentors at JFE Steel for their support and encouragement throughout the internship, which allowed him to gain valuable industry insights and foster meaningful connections with professionals in his field.
As he concludes his internship, Mr. Banaeimoon looks forward to applying the knowledge and experiences gained during his time in Japan to further his academic pursuits and contribute to the advancement of electrical engineering in the UAE. He remains eager to continue fostering mutual understanding and collaboration between Japan and the UAE, nurturing the enduring ties established through the JICE Internship Program.
Mr. Tokuya Kanamori, Managing Director of JICE Abu Dhabi Office, lauded the success and growth of the JICE Internship Program, affirming that the UAE's brightest students furthered their technical, educational, and intercultural acumen at some of Japan's most prestigious corporations. He expressed his hope that the knowledge gained in Japan would be applied for the benefit of the UAE, and he looks forward to further mutually developing human expertise and ties between the two countries.
For more information about Japan International Cooperation Center's activities and coordination, please contact the JICE Abu Dhabi office via email: , visit the official website: follow us on Instagram: @jice_koho, or call: 02 406 9704.
Image 1: Internship Program at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Compressor Corporation
Image 2: Internship Program at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Compressor Corporation
Image 3: Internship Program at JFE Steel Corporation
Image 4: Farewell Tea Ceremony at JFE Steel Corporation
Image 5: Internship Program at INPEX CORPORATION/ Japan Oil Development Co., Ltd
Image 6: Internship Program at INPEX CORPORATION/ Japan Oil Development Co., Ltd
Image 7: Internship at Takenaka Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
Image 8: Internship at Takenaka Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
Image 9: Logo, Japan International Cooperation Center
About the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE):
Ever since its establishment in 1977, Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE) has supported the growth of human resources in partner countries. The purpose of its organization is to contribute to the development of the international community through investing in various activities which strengthen mutually beneficial relations between Japan and other countries. Following the JICE's motto of 'Share knowledge and experience. For our world. For the future.' JICE will work together toward achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). JICE will constantly move forward by planning, proposing, and creating projects based upon the flexible mindset to respond to the social issues in changing society across the world.