Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) and the Ateneo de Manila University recently launched their two new programmes—MSc Data Science and MSc Innovation through Media Arts Technology—under the Joint Development of Niche Programmes through Philippine-UK Linkages at the Areté, Ateneo’s new creative hub, last 20 November 2017.
In his opening messages, Ateneo president Fr Jose Ramon Villarin emphasised the growing need for competencies on big data, creativity and innovation in this digital age—which they aim to achieve with their partnership with QMUL.
As taster sessions to the programmes, which are slated to be offered in 2018, a talk on innovation and digital media led by QMUL Director for Media & Arts Technology Dr Nick Bryan-Kinns was featured, exploring the relationship between creativity and technology. To illustrate the intersection of art and science, an exhibition was held that showcased some of QMUL’s technologies such as vibrating ‘mood’ gloves, an interactive auditory map, wearable technology, and 3d printers among others.
Explaining the future of big data was CEO of Cobena Business Analytics & Strategy Inc. Francis Del Val. In this fast-paced and hyper-connected era, Del Val shared that 1.7 million data scientists are needed by 2020 and that the Philippines poses a huge potential to provide a significant supply of this emerging profession.
Also present during the event were British Ambassador Daniel Pruce, Ateneo Vice President for University and Global Relations Fr Jose Cruz and CHED Team Leader Dr Fay Lauraya.
Prior to the launch, QMUL President and Principal Prof. Colin Bailey and Fr Villarin sat down in an interview with ANC to talk about their partnership.
Explaining the relevance of the two new programmes, Prof. Bailey shared how these degrees can help Filipinos prepare for the 21st century job market.
“We got artificial intelligence that’s going to transform a lot of sectors,” Prof. Bailey said. “It’s going to transform the health sector, the media sector, the engineering sector, so we need to train students… so they can adapt to the changing job market in the future,” he added.