GE Lighting, AU Dubai Sign MoU To Provide Short-term Training

The American University of Dubai (AUD) and GE Lighting signed an MoU on Wednesday to provide students who study architecture and interior design at AUD with an opportunity to learn about designing eco-friendly lighting.

As part of the joint partnership GE Lighting will provide the students with a ‘light experience laboratory’ and three- to seven-day short-term courses by 20 GE professionals at the AUD campus.

The MoU was signed by Agostino Renna, President and CEO of GE Lighting, and Dr Lance De Masi, President of AUD.

Renna told Gulf News that providing such training for the students is vital to GE Lighting’s growth and development in the region.

“This region is strategically important because it is one of the fastest growing in the world in terms of lighting; this is attributed to the big projects which are being implemented here as well as the region’s quickness in adopting technology.”

Renna also added that 20 per cent of electric energy goes towards providing lighting and there are currently technologies available that can reduce this by 70 per cent. For this reason the MoU also hopes to provide students with an opportunity to learn about efficient lighting designs.

“Through the lab we want students to touch, feel and learn how to design lighting that is high in quality and low on energy consumption and cost.
We will also build a series of curriculum classes that teach the basics of design and leadership.”

De Masi commented on the partnership adding that it is will cover a number of components: “The MoU will cover a number of industry components that range from classroom learning to promoting innovation.

It will significantly add to their skill as students and professionals in the field.”

A lighting design competition will also be launched as part as the MoU as well as a conference focused on the student community.