Government & University Announce Creation of New Technologies Courses

Gibraltar - 18 October 2018 - The Government of Gibraltar today announced the launch of a new advisory group that will focus on the creation of new technology related education courses, such as blockchain. The New Technologies in Education (NTiE) group will be a joint initiative between the Government and the University of Gibraltar in collaboration with some of the leading new technology companies based in Gibraltar.

The advisory group will aim to address the growing demand for related skills as the sector continues to expand in Gibraltar. Minister with responsibility for the University of Gibraltar, The Hon Gilbert Licudi QC MP said, “Today’s announcement is a strong indication that we are on the right path towards delivering our objective of addressing the skills requirements that will be needed to fully realise the potential of new technologies. Providing access to innovative courses with expert input from those using this technology in the private sector is a vital component in the development of a sustainable DLT commercial community in Gibraltar.”

Ms Nadine Collado, Group Chair and Director of Professional Development & Short Courses at the University of Gibraltar said, “The University is committed to developing and enhancing expertise in technologies such as blockchain, distributed ledger technology, coding and smart contracts across the education sector. We are already scheduling a variety of offerings, to include a Professional Certificate of Competence within this area”.

The courses will equip individuals with knowledge of the workings and potential applications of blockchain technology. Significant input into course material will come from companies based in Gibraltar who are in the process of becoming regulated license holders of the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (GFSC). The courses offered are expected to commence later in 2018.

The launch of the NTiE advisory group continues to build momentum for Gibraltar as a hub for new technologies, following the announcement in January 2018 that Gibraltar would be the first jurisdiction globally to introduce legislation around Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT). In addition to Nadine Collado, the advisory group will include the following members: Professor Catherine Bachleda, Vice Chancellor (Ag), University of Gibraltar; Dr. Joey Britto, former Director of Education; Mr Christian Celecia, Director of Information Communications and Technology, University of Gibraltar, Dr. Darren Fa, Director of Academic Programmes and Research, University of Gibraltar; Mr David Parody, Chair of GANT; Ms Keri Scott, Senior Education Advisor; and Mr Paul Astengo, Senior Executive, Gibraltar Finance.

Minister for Education John Cortes MP, in full support of this initiative commented, “The Department of Education is very happy to be a partner in this initiative. Improving the way we prepare our young people within the schools in digital technology in all its forms is a critical part of our plans for Education.”

Minister for Commerce, The Hon Albert Isola MP, commented, “New York University recently became the first university in the United States to offer students the chance to major in blockchain, so the evidence is strong that interest in the subject is growing. In fact, half of the top 50 universities worldwide provide courses in this technology and cryptocurrencies, but these are predominantly based in the United States. Only 27% of international universities offer any type of course and Gibraltar wants to help change that. We continuously punch above our weight when it comes to promoting new technology opportunities and so provision of higher education will be no different. For us to achieve our goal of a successful, long-term and sustainable business sector for Gibraltar, it is imperative that we educate all different levels. The creation of this advisory group is a key step in achieving this”

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Minister Albert Isola is available for interview

Media Contacts
Liam Murphy Account Supervisor // Wachsman
liam@wachsman.com
+353 87 119 2107

David Revagliatte
Lead for Communication and Marketing // University of Gibraltar
David.Revagliatte@unigib.edu.gi
+350 20071000 Ext: 827

About Gibraltar
A British Overseas Territory, Gibraltar is a self-governing and self-financing democracy that has established itself globally as a reliable centre for the blockchain and digital assets industry. In January 2018, Gibraltar became the very first jurisdiction globally to introduce legislation around Distributed-Ledger-Technology (DLT), and has since asserted its position as a leading blockchain and cryptocurrency hub. With Gibraltar’s core values of regulation, reputation and speed to market at the foundation of its efforts, Gibraltar is now globally renowned for its commitment to creating a sustainable and secure regulatory framework for DLT, as well as being one of the leading proponents in the advancement of the technology.

For more information, please visit http://www.gibraltarfinance.gi/en/home

About The University of Gibraltar
The University of Gibraltar is a not-for-profit tertiary institution established under The University of Gibraltar Act 2015, which was passed by the Gibraltar Parliament on 30 March 2015. The University’s principal mission is to respond to current societal needs as well as shape personal and professional futures through the pursuit of education, training, and research. It is committed to high-quality teaching and learning, world-leading research, and academic freedom, as well as to the sustainable development of Gibraltar, and the region. Partnerships with business, government, charitable foundations, healthcare and educational institutions lie at the heart of the University’s mission.

The University’s longer-term objective is to build expertise of new technologies in tertiary education (Undergraduate, Masters and PhD Research), including the possibility of offering modules or majors within existing and planned degrees and supporting PhD students to explore this exciting new world through research.

For more information on NTiE, please visit: https://www.unigib.edu.gi/new-technologies-in-education/