A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aiming at fostering collaboration between the Academy of Design and Innovation (ADI) and Ciel Textile Ltd (CTL) with a view to aligning education programmes with the needs of the textile industry, was signed, this morning, in Ebène.
The MoU also aims at promoting exchange of knowledge and expertise regarding student placement, upskilling/reskilling and research initiatives, amongst others.
The signatories were the Director of the ADI, Dr Sabrina D. Ramsamy-Iranah; the Chairperson of the ADI, Mr Sunael Singh Purgus; and the Chief Executive Officer of CTL, Mr Eric Dorchies. The ceremony was held in the presence of the Minister of Industrial Development, SMEs and Cooperatives, Mr Soomilduth Bholah.
In his address, Mr Soomilduth Bholah highlighted that the MoU between CTL and ADI would foster collaboration and mutual benefits in aligning the educational programmes with the needs of the industry to produce graduates with industry-relevant skills. According to him, strengthening the bridge between industry operators and academic institutions would lead to increased innovation, job readiness for students, and growth.
The Minister also underlined the objective of creating valuable partnerships aimed at developing the workforce to be more competitive to operate in a global market.
Minister Bholah recalled that the country’s textile and clothing sector provided direct gainful employment to more than 21,700 persons, with multiplier effects by creating job opportunities for an even greater number of people. He added that the textile and clothing sector was evolving on a strong base, driven by creativity and design, innovation, technology uptake, product development, niche marketing and sustainable practices.
He expressed confidence that the collaboration between CTL and ADI could have a positive economic impact and contribute to the sustainable growth of the fashion and textile industry as well as create a new workforce capable of driving the sector forward by supporting the development of highly skilled students and graduates. “In addition to enhancing students’ learning experience, it can boost research and innovation within the industry,” he stated.
For her part, the Director of ADI, Dr Sabrina D. Ramsamy-Iranah, underlined that the MoU symbolised a crucial public-private partnership for innovation, and had the potential to redefine the landscape of education and the industry. It will benefit both students and industry professionals, by inviting young graduates to real-world exposure, challenges, opportunities, and acquisition of professional knowhow.
As for the CEO of CTL, Mr Eric Dorchies, he qualified the collaboration with the ADI as a significant step for his Group. “We are teaming up with an esteemed academic institution specialised in our field, and this partnership will not only benefit the young graduates but will also energise the CIEL Textile Group and the whole industry,” he said.
Furthermore, he applauded the visionary foresight of the Government in the elaboration of the MoU and its recognition of the crucial role of education in supporting the industry which, he underlined, would open up new possibilities, and bridge the gap between the academia and the industry, by translating theoretical knowledge into practical application.
