Emirates College for Advanced Education partners with Singapore’s National Institute of Education to upskill UAE educators

The Emirates College for Advanced Education (ECAE) has partnered with the National Institute of Education (NIE) in Singapore to offer academic and training programmes to ECAE students and UAE educators. This partnership aims to enhance the skills of these educators and equip them with the necessary tools to achieve excellence in education, aligning with the country’s vision and ambitions to prioritize education and its development.

Under the agreement, which was signed on the sidelines of the 14th Abu Dhabi – Singapore Forum and in the presence of Her Excellency Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, UAE Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology, Chairwoman of the Emirates Schools Establishment (ESE), and Chairwoman of ECAE's board of trustees, ECAE and NIE will collaborate to improve existing academic programmes and offer opportunities for students and educators to participate in NIE’s training programmes, student exchange initiatives, and joint events such as workshops, seminars, and conferences. This partnership broadens the scope of research opportunities and enables the creation of professional development programmes that meet global standards.

Her Excellency Al Amiri said that the strategic partnership with NIE would promote educational growth in the UAE by enhancing the skills of educational professionals to meet the highest standards in the teaching field. The partnership is a major step towards fulfilling the country’s ambitions and commitment to advancing and developing the UAE.

Her Excellency noted that the partnership included joint initiatives aimed at empowering ECAE students through access to Singapore’s renowned education expertise. Moreover, Singapore recognises the importance of - empowering educators as the foundation for a successful educational revolution, which has earned them recognition globally.

Her Excellency also stated that the collaboration between ECAE and NIE set the stage for further cooperation that would enhance the quality of education in the UAE and achieve their shared mission and goals. These goals include upgrading the qualifications and knowledge of educators, equipping them with the best educational tools, and enabling them to perform their teaching duties effectively.

Dr. May Al Taee, Vice Chancellor of ECAE, said that the agreement highlighted ECAE’s commitment to strengthening its partnerships with prominent global organisations and educational institutions, as well as sharing expertise and knowledge with them.

She said: “This is consistent with the institution’s mission of improving the quality of education in the UAE through the development of educational professionals’ skills, competencies, and qualifications, consequently propelling the UAE’s education sector forward.”

Professor Christine Goh, Director of NIE, pointed out that the partnership would foster educational collaboration between the UAE and Singapore. Emphasising the significance of the collaboration, she said: “This partnership promotes cooperation among the two countries in critical areas including governance, policymaking, training programmes, and capacity building.”

Professor Goh praised the UAE’s high level of education and noted that both Singapore and the UAE had progressed through investing in human capital and educating their youth.

She said: “Both nations share a strong commitment to education, excellence, and innovation. In light of this, NIE is eager to strengthen its partnership with ECAE to achieve their common goal of elevating the education sector in both nations to the highest international standards and best practices.”

Professor Paul Teng, Managing Director of NIE, highlighted the UAE’s remarkable strides in education, saying that they paralleled with its overall progress. He said: “Education forms the backbone and key driver for any country’s growth. In a rapidly changing world, having a top-notch education sector that incorporates innovation and competitiveness throughout the educational process is imperative.”

Professor Teng further explained that the collaboration between ECAE and NIE aimed to improve teachers’ and students’ abilities by providing advanced skills, information, and curricula. He said: “This will lead to higher educational outcomes and the development of a workforce capable of driving success in both the UAE and Singapore. These are the goals for which we are striving.”