Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) and Emirates Talent Association (ETA) has celebrated a new cohort of graduates from its ‘Emirati Programmer – Summer 2020’.

The 2020 edition of ‘Emirati Programmer’ comprised two offerings: Cloud Computing and IoT in collaboration with the leading cloud computing provider Amazon Web Services (AWS), and the 3D Printing Program in cooperation with Signify, the global leader in IoT lighting and building automation. Participants were trained via virtual sessions that utilised the AWS platform and HBMSU’s Smart Campus.

Participants went through a number of training stages where they learned how to use the basic tools of cloud computing and IoT through self-education via the AWS Educate program. They also explored the use of theoretical and practical training in virtual classes, under the supervision of AWS experts. The students culminated their training journey by completing projects using the new techniques. The learners have demonstrated their ability to use IoT technologies to develop solutions that benefit their community, such as aiding in responding to emergencies, in addition to projects that can be used in our day-to-day lives.

Since its launch four years ago, the ‘Emirati Programmer’ has qualified 400 students, enabling more talented young Emiratis to excel in the areas of coding, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. The current edition was unique in offering training entirely online and virtually, enabling participants to learn anytime and anywhere at their own pace, as well as to attend virtual classes with highly qualified experts and trainers.

The program also featured digital presentations, interactive courses, educational videos and worksheets, along with direct access to quality educational and knowledge resources. The training schedule concluded with the evaluation of final projects by a jury of high-level experts and live announcement of the top three winners from each program. In the virtual graduation ceremony, certificates of completion were awarded to 45 participants using Blockchain technology.