Absa Bank Seychelles partners with SIT to drive cloud computing education   |21 September 2023

Mr Barbe (left) and Mr Mahmood signing the MoU in the presence of SIT board members and Absa Seychelles representatives

Absa Bank (Seychelles) Limited and the Seychelles Institute of Technology (SIT) have joined forces to equip students with cloud computing skills, fostering digital innovation and career readiness.

This was formalised through the signing of a groundbreaking memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the director of SIT, Hubert Barbe, and the managing director of Absa Bank Seychelles, Nazim Mahmood.

The partnership aims to enhance the educational experience by introducing cloud computing skills into the curriculum, empowering students with practical knowledge aligned with the demands of the modern digital landscape.

In a transformative move, lecturers from the SIT recently underwent comprehensive training in Amazon Web Services (AWS), a globally acclaimed cloud computing platform. This strategic endeavour sets the stage for educators to equip students with hands-on skills that are essential for the evolving job market.

Benefitting students through AWS Learning

The introduction of AWS into SIT's curriculum presents an array of benefits for students. Cloud computing has become a cornerstone of modern technology, shaping the digital transformation across industries. By learning about AWS, students gain a competitive edge, as these skills are highly sought after by employers worldwide. Cloud computing proficiency not only enables them to contribute to technological advancements but also opens doors to a myriad of career opportunities in cloud engineering, application development, data analysis, and more.

Additionally, AWS provides students with a practical platform to experiment with real-world projects, fostering creativity and problem-solving capabilities. Cloud-based solutions enable seamless collaboration, which is crucial in the current remote working environment. As students harness the power of AWS, they are better equipped to innovate and adapt to the ever-changing technological landscape.

Linking digital transformation and AWS expertise

Nazim Mahmood, managing director of Absa Bank Seychelles, highlighted the profound connection between digital transformation and the adoption of AWS skills.

“In an era where digitalisation shapes every aspect of our lives, cloud computing plays a pivotal role. Our collaboration with the Seychelles Institute of Technology reflects our commitment to driving digital innovation. AWS is not only a powerful tool but a gateway to a world of possibilities. It aligns perfectly with our vision of creating a digitally empowered society.”

He added that cloud computing proficiency equips students with the skills needed to navigate the future job market and contribute to the nation's growth.

“By partnering with SIT, we are investing in our youth, fostering digital literacy, and propelling Seychelles towards a tech-savvy future.”

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the director of SIT, Hubert Barbe, said, “I believe that the signing of this important document today is a step in the right direction as we as an institution have recently finalised our five-year plan which constitutes emphasis on digitalisation which is one of our main pillars at the SIT.”

Mr Barbe added that the institution has adopted a National Diploma in Information System Engineering and hopes to incorporate Cloud Studies as part of the modules.

Also attending the event was the chairman of the SIT board, Philippe Morin, who expressed his satisfaction at the commitment between Absa Seychelles and the SIT.

“This signing is an indication of our commitment to fostering improvement in technical education especially in our capability to deliver what is expected of us at SIT,” he said.

The MoU between Absa Bank Seychelles and SIT signifies a remarkable stride towards equipping students with skills that bridge the gap between academia and industry. By embracing cloud computing through AWS, students are not only prepared for the challenges of tomorrow but are also empowered to become catalysts of innovation and progress.

Also present at the signing were Thomas Dauban, the vice-chairman of the SIT board; Jeanne D’Arc Camille, liaison for professional centres in Seychelles; Radhawa Bandara, the head of programme of IT and Electronics at SIT; Paul Omiti, IT lecturer at SIT and Absa Seychelles representatives.

As the partnership paves the way for a new era of education, it reflects Absa Bank Seychelles' dedication to nurturing talent, advancing technology, and contributing to Seychelles' journey into the digital age.

Contributed