THE TARLAC State University recently forged a partnership agreement with Huawei Philippines to develop practical skills for the information and communication technologies through the Huawei ICT Academy.

The Academy delivers ICT technologies training and lets students earn Huawei certifications while developing their talents and skills.

TSU President Dr. Arnold Velasco emphasized that the collaboration will benefit both students and faculty members.

“I am very positive and confident that we will have more collaborations with you, Huawei Philippines, and that you will be of help in realizing our vision for TSU, particularly in making us known as a globally competitive [university] recognized for excellence and in all sciences and emerging technologies,” Velasco said.

Andrei Manuel, talent ecosystem manager of Huawei Philippines, said that the ICT Academy is a CSR (corporate social responsibility) of Huawei Technologies “because it is our way of giving back to the community by developing a talent ecosystem,”.

Through the partnership, TSU was appointed as a Huawei Authorized Information Network Academy.

TSU will receive free training materials and will be able to offer Huawei certification courses to students through the HAINA platform.

These certifications attest to students’ credibility and expertise in their chosen field, which can be considered an investment highlighting acquired knowledge and skills, the university said.

Morever, TSU will assign one laboratory with Wi-Fi access that could accommodate at least 25 to 55 students for practical skills training.

Before offering the certification courses, selected faculty members will undergo training on the use and content of HAINA via simulator software.

Huawei Philippines will shoulder the training expenses.

College of Computer Studies dean Dr. Alvincent Danganan said that Huawei ICT Academy will play a vital role in bridging the skills gap and preparing students as the future workforce in the industry.