SIP hosts Nouvelle-Aquitaine academic region delegation

The Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships (SIP) Unit recently hosted a delegation from the Nouvelle-Aquitaine academic region in France at the Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering (DEECE).

The purpose of the meeting which was held at the Bellville Campus was to define proposals, promote and strengthen the development of long-lasting partnerships between Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, universities and vocational training institutions in South Africa and institutions in New Aquitaine. The delegation from the Nouvelle-Aquitaine academic region, included Fabrice Methee, Inspector of National Education Industrial science and technology; Jean-Pierre Meau, Inspector of National Education Industrial science and technology; Franck Cazaurang, Director of Evering Aeronautics Engineering Bordeaux University; Yoann Gac, Chief Operating Officer of the Campus of Trades and Qualifications of Excellence Aeronautics and Space, Aérocampus Nouvelle Aquitaine; Laurent Marche, Franco-South African 3DEXPERIENCE Academic Centre and Philippe Senechal, Acting Inspector of National Education Industrial Science and Technology.

The visit included a meeting at the DEECE Block A, in which Prof Suresh Ramsuroop, Dean of Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE), provided a presentation and overview of the faculty and a presentation and overview by the French delegation. The two delegations also identified common areas of interest and synergy between the two institutions. This was followed by a campus tour to Satellite facilities, Energy labs, Mechanical Engineering laboratory and The South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre.

Dr Tasmeera Singh, Manager: International Relations, SIP, who was part of the CPUT delegation, said the meeting was successful based on the objectives of the visit and the outcomes thereof. "I think a striking aspect of the meeting is how close the university, TVET and industry are linked in the present set up with our visiting delegation."

Assistant Dean: Research, Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, Prof Veruscha Fester, said she was impressed with the integration of French universities, TVET colleges and companies to ensure student success. "We can certainly learn from this model."

Singh added: "We strive to ensure that all delegation visits objectives are met and closely aligned to the intended outcomes."

Assistant Dean: Teaching and Learning: FEBE, Prof Bingwen Yan said the French delegation visit had been "truly enriching for our staff, faculty members, and various departments from our university community". "The insights and perspectives that you have shared with us have opened new horizons and possibilities for collaboration and mutual learning."

In his closing remarks, Yan said: "Your remarks have been thoughtful, insightful, and inspiring, and we are fortunate to have had the opportunity to listen to them. The presentation of your research findings and our dialogue on best practices in engineering and the built environment have been stimulating, and the exchange of ideas will certainly yield tangible results."