Ahead of the forum, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Barzan University College (BUC) and Vodafone Qatar, announced by Australian Ambassador Shane Flanagan. The agreement represents a strategic step toward industry-academic collaboration focused on applied learning, innovation, and employability-driven education.

Distinguished guests included Ambassador Shane Flanagan, Prof. Dr. Hassan Al-Derham, Vice Chairman of BUC; Sheikh Sultan Al Thani, Head of Public Sector at Vodafone Qatar; and Prof. Pascale Quester of Swinburne University of Technology.

In his remarks, Ambassador Flanagan underscored the growing strength of Australia–Qatar educational ties, highlighting this partnership as a model for integrating academic excellence with industry relevance. Sheikh Sultan Al Thani reaffirmed Vodafone Qatar’s commitment to advancing education through direct engagement with students on cutting-edge areas such as telecommunications engineering and artificial intelligence.

Prof. Dr. Hassan Al Derham emphasized BUC’s philosophy of merging industry and academia, ensuring that students gain practical exposure and real-world readiness from the outset of their studies.

Reflecting on the collaboration, Prof. Pascale Quester described the partnership as “fabulously exciting,” commending the alignment of both institutions in preparing students for a tech-rich future through industry-infused education.

The forum concluded with shared optimism for Qatar’s ascent as a global innovation hub, driven by continued investment, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to equipping youth for emerging industries of the future.