RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan and his delegation visited several educational institutions and universities in Canada and met with officials and investors, on a recent trip to the North American nation.
During the visit, the minister held talks related to investment opportunities in education, attracting investment to Saudi Arabia, strengthening existing research and scientific cooperation, and developing partnerships between the ministry and Canadian colleges and universities, according to Arab News.
Al-Benyan met with the president of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons and its leaders in Ottawa, where opportunities for cooperation were discussed in the areas of medical training and plans to accredit medical programs in the Kingdom’s universities.
The delegation also visited the Heritage Academy, working to educate students with learning issues such as hyperactivity, dyslexia, and autism.
At the University of Ottawa, the delegation discussed plans with college deans and leaders for cooperation with the ministry and Saudi universities on innovation, research, student and academic exchange, and investment opportunities in the education sector of Saudi Arabia.
The delegation toured the stem cell research centre at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and learned about the therapeutic applications of research and the latest technologies in the area of regenerative medicine.
In Toronto, the delegation called on the minister of immigration, and labor, and the president of the University of Toronto, to discuss cooperation opportunities and the exchange of students and faculty members.
Modern Educational Methods, Theories
During its tour of the Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study, the delegation learned about the practical applications of modern educational methods and theories. They also called on training and technical companies working in the sector of education at the university headquarters.
Moreover, the delegation was briefed on the work mechanisms at the Digital Media Zone — an incubator established by Toronto Metropolitan University, which is deemed as the best university business incubator globally to support tech startups and talented student entrepreneurs.
