Huawei handed over several types of equipment to the VTDI, the tertiary institution for the HEART /NSTA. The VTDI is the second academic institution in Jamaica that the Tech Company has partnered with to establish its Huawei ICT Academy, the first being the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona.

Under the MOU Huawei will also provide training in PV Solar Technician, IP Certification, Fibre Optics Technology and Telecom Frequency and Technology.

“Huawei will be providing over US$100, 000 worth of equipment and training to HEART and to the VTDI to be able to deliver this training to young Jamaicans develop ICT talents.
We believe that there is a great demand for the ICT skillset in Jamaica and around the region” said Courtney Hamilton, Director Enterprise Business Group at Huawei.

Bo Zhou, country manager, Huawei Technologies Jamaica said the Huawei ICT Academy will contribute to the digital transformation of the country through the use of ICT
technology.

“The ICT industry and the green energy industry are growing rapidly and so talent is key for the country’s development. There is a huge demand for the ICT professional talents in
the industry and we realize that and as a company in Jamaica Huawei would like to contribute to this country’ development,” Zhou said.

The Huawei team was joined by Minister without Portfolio in The Office of the Prime Minister, Floyd Green along with members from HEART who witnessed the historical and
celebratory moment.

For the past 15 years Huawei has been working with local communication service providers here in Jamaica, so that innovative ICT solutions can be provided leading to the
digital transformation and ICT growth of the country.

Zhou also added, “So, today the collaboration between VTDI and Huawei is a mutual beneficial partnership that will provide students with more practical experience and
employment opportunities. The VTDI and Huawei ICT Academy is going to play an important role in Jamaica’s digitalization.”

“The government sees this as a tremendous opportunity in the ICT space for small identical space to be able to take advantage of the changes that are happening.to leverage
technology to ensure that the people are at the forefront of the changes. We believe in order to embrace the change that is happing across the world and order to develop a digital
society, then a foundation must start with training,” Minister without Portfolio in The Office of the Prime Minister, Floyd Green said.

Delize Williams Director Principal VTDI echoed similar sentiments, saying that the VTDI is excited about this partnership and grateful to Huawei for the opportunity.

“This partnership with Huawei therefore is very important to us. The partnership we’ve been brought upon today will provide opportunity for the VTDI and Huawei to
collaboratively promote the development of Jamaica’s local ICT talent it will provide a bridge between industry and the institution and create employment opportunities for
certified talent. This partnership aligns with VTDI’s mandate, to train and certify professionals”, Williams explained.

Huawei now provides employment for more than 50 persons with 80% of them being Jamaicans. The company believes that solar energy will take off in Jamaica in a huge way,
with such assertation the decision was made to partner with the institution to train technicians sighting that they will be needing hundreds of them to be employed in the field.

The Tech company has been contributing to ICT development and contributing Education through the Seeds for the Future programme as well as making donations of
their Idea Hub and technology devices in schools across Jamaica.