Huawei, a leading global provider of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices, recently sponsored the fourth batch of top ICT undergraduates studying at local universities of Sri Lanka, providing them with an opportunity to study and gain work experience at Huawei’s headquarters in China, under their global CSR flagship program Seeds for the Future. A graduation ceremony to show appreciation for the students that participated in the program was held recently at the Huawei CIS, Colombo.

The 2019 batch of Sri Lankan students that participated in Huawei’s Seeds for the Future CSR program travelled to China where they spent two weeks from the 30^th of November to the 14^th of December. The students gained a clear understanding of how cutting edge technologies such as 5G, LTE and cloud computing work, whilst getting a hands-on experience in such technologies through Huawei’s most advanced laboratories.

This year, Anura Dissanayake, Secretary to Ministry of Higher Education, Technology and Innovations, Liang Yi, CEO – Huawei Sri Lanka, Yang Zuoyuan Counsellor, Economic and Commercial Office of the Embassy of China in Sri Lanka, and Officials from Ministry of Information & Communication Technology participated at the Graduation Ceremony. Huawei’s efforts have been praised immensely in launching the program to enhance the technical talent of the youth in Sri Lanka.

“This year’s students showed prominent potential and utilized their opportunity to the maximum through Huawei ‘Seeds for the Future’ program. We are honored to reward them at this graduation ceremony and we express thanks to Huawei for the wonderful opportunity granted to enhance the skills of the youth to reach new heights within the ICT and Innovation sector,” stated Anura Dissanayake, Secretary to Ministry of Higher Education, Technology and Innovations.

“It is believed in the Chinese culture that future lies in younger generations. Just as the name of the Project indicates, I am sure that you will cultivate both the seeds of science and technology and the seeds of China-Sri Lanka friendship in the years to come. And I am confident that the friendship between our two countries and peoples will last forever,” commented Yang Zuoyuan Counsellor, Economic and Commercial Office of the Embassy of China in Sri Lanka.

“We believe that local ICT talent is one of key elements to drive digital economy, who are globally recognized and who possess internationally acclaimed qualifications required by the local and international ICT industry.  Access to education is vital to create opportunities that support fair and sustainable development in this beautiful country, that’s why we focus on education and knowledge transfer by bringing in the Seeds for the Future program to Sri Lanka in 2016,” CEO Huawei Sri Lanka, Liang Yi commented, “At last, having been in operational in Sri Lanka for over 20 years, we continuously work as enabler of digital transformation, and trustworthy industrial advisor, by bringing cutting edge ICT technologies, providing digital solutions to every person, home and organization for a fully connected and intelligent Sri Lanka. In Sri Lanka, for Sri Lanka, it’s our commitment.”

Talent is central for the growth and development of any industry and the rapidly growing ICT industry has greatly changed business models and customer requirements. As a result, across the ICT ecosystem there is an urgent need for large numbers of technical staff who can address the challenges posed by this transformation. The program helps cultivate ICT professionals that are crucial to industry development, thus boosting ICT industry growth and contributing to lower unemployment rates over the long term. It also helps local universities improve their teaching and scientific research capabilities in the ICT sector and provides students with high-quality courses and opportunities for hands-on experience. Students in the program were provided the opportunity to enhance their abilities to adapt to the ICT industry as they learn more about state-of-the-art technologies and skills, as well as the innovation needs of the local market. By acquiring skills, students are able to gain confidence, which helps them to excel in their careers and in multi-cultural business environments.

These students were rewarded at the graduation ceremony for the engagement that they displayed throughout this ICT and cultural education trip to China. The program agenda included studying ICT technologies, operating equipment in labs, studying Huawei's corporate culture and management experience, visiting Huawei's exhibition halls and campuses, learning about Chinese culture, and visiting local historical scenic spots.

Originally launched in Sri Lanka in 2016, together with Government of Sri Lanka, the Huawei Sri Lanka Representative Office fully sponsors 10 Sri Lankan University students to China for an ICT and culture trip once a year through the Huawei Seeds for the Future program. With a MoU signed at Huawei Headquarters with the Sri Lankan Government in 2016, Huawei contributes immensely to boost Sri Lanka to a digitally empowered nation.

Photo Caption - Graduates with dignitaries and Huawei Sri Lanka Management at the ceremony