The Huawei ICT Competition global finals came to an end in Shenzhen, China. The team that represented Kenya in the finals in the different categories bagged numerous prizes. A Kenyan team was among their peers in Malaysia, Morocco, and Uganda that won the Women in Tech Award.
Many participating Kenyan students were also awarded for their outstanding performance in other categories in the 2023–2024 global finals that saw 19 teams competing.
This year’s competition attracted more than 170,000 students from over 2,000 universities and colleges across more than 80 countries and regions, making it the largest offline competition since its launch. More than 160 teams, adding up to a total of 470 contestants from 49 different countries and regions, made it through national and regional competitions to reach this year’s global final, in China.
“To make sure everyone can truly enjoy the benefits of digitalization while such technologies are making radical progress, Huawei believes it is crucial to guarantee that digital technologies are accessible to all,” said Zhou Hong, President of Huawei’s Institute of Strategic Research
Stefania Giannini, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education, said in a video message: “UNESCO works to uphold the basic rights and agency of every learner and teacher when using digital technology and AI, and promote an inclusive, equitable, open, and secure digital future for all. Many thanks to our partners like Huawei for their longstanding support.”
On his part, Ritchie Peng, President of Huawei’s ICT Strategy and Business Development Department, noted that ICT is the cornerstone of the intelligent world.
“Through the Huawei ICT Competition, we aim to provide students with a global platform to compete and exchange ideas,” stated Peng
On the same day, Huawei also held the ICT Accelerating Education Transformation Summit. At the summit, Huawei awarded 24 instructors the title “Huawei ICT Academy Global Most Valuable Instructor.” The awards, given out for the first time this year, aim to show gratitude for the important contributions the instructors have made to talent development and mark them as role models showing how the brightest minds can grow even brighter.
“These role models will help drive the sustainable development of the ICT talent ecosystem,” said Huawei in a statement
The Huawei ICT Competition is an annual contest held by Huawei for global university and college students. Through the competition, Huawei aims to provide students with an international platform for healthy competition and exchange of ideas. Since its launch in 2015, the competition has helped students enhance their ICT knowledge and practical skills, while also increasing their ability to innovate by using new technologies and platforms. The ultimate goal is to advance technological development and facilitate digital inclusion around the world.
Kenya was represented by 18 students and lecturers in the finals.
Esther Muoria, the Principal Secretary, State Department for Technical, Vocational Education and Training – Ministry of Education attended the ceremony.
Before the close of the ceremony, the Kenya School of TVET (KS TVET) was awarded the Academy Authorization plaque and will henceforth become the Huawei Instructor Academy Support Center for TVETs in Kenya.
“KS TVET will be a hub for ICT Training supported by Huawei with the aim of advancing ICT cutting edge technology in technical and vocational institutions in Kenya,” noted PS Muoria.
Kenya School of TVET Chief Executive Officer Dr. Edwin Tarno described the award as a milestone achievement.
“As we move towards more advanced digital technologies in TVET teaching and learning,” he said
