Antonine University (UA) and Huawei Technologies Lebanon signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on October 12, 2026, to establish the Huawei ICT Academy at UA, marking a new step in cooperation between higher education and the technology industry.
The partnership aims to equip students and faculty members with advanced digital skills, expand access to internationally recognized certifications, and create new opportunities for professional development, practical training, and technological innovation.
The signing ceremony was held in the presence of H.E. Mr. Chen Chuandong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Lebanon; Fr. Michel Saghbiny, UA Rector; Mr. Li Ke, CEO of Huawei Lebanon; Prof. Roger Achkar, Dean of UA’s Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FET); and Mr. Mohamad Sharara,Public Relations and Government Affairs Director at Huawei Lebanon, alongside members of the University’s governance and academic community and representatives of Huawei.
Connecting Academic Learning With a Changing Technological Landscape
In his welcoming address, Fr. Michel Saghbiny highlighted UA’s commitment to preparing students for a rapidly evolving technological landscape. He emphasized that higher education must go beyond the transmission of knowledge by fostering critical thinking, creativity, adaptability, and ethical awareness.
With artificial intelligence, telecommunications, cloud computing, and cybersecurity transforming industries worldwide, the Rector underlined the importance of connecting academic learning with research, innovation, and industry needs.
Fr. Saghbiny described the Huawei ICT Academy as an important step in strengthening this connection and providing students and faculty members with opportunities to acquire relevant technical expertise. Reflecting on Lebanon’s challenges, he reaffirmed UA’s belief in education and human talent as essential foundations for national development, stressing that the partnership’s success would ultimately be measured by the opportunities it creates and its positive impact on the academic community.
Investing in Lebanon’s Digital Talent
Addressing the gathering, H.E. Mr. Chen Chuandong congratulated both institutions on the partnership and emphasized its potential to contribute to the development of Lebanon’s technological capabilities. He highlighted the value of combining UA’s academic strengths with Huawei’s industry expertise to further bridge the gap between university education and professional requirements.
The Ambassador praised Lebanon’s longstanding commitment to education and entrepreneurship, describing investment in young talent as an investment in the country’s future. He expressed hope that the Academy would contribute to Lebanon’s digital transformation while strengthening educational and technological cooperation between China and Lebanon.
Referring to the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between both countries in 2026, he also presented the initiative as a meaningful expression of the longstanding friendship between the two countries and their shared commitment to future generations.
For his part, Mr. Li Ke emphasized Huawei’s commitment to developing digital talent and supporting the next generation of technology professionals. He explained that the agreement formalizes cooperation already taking shape between Huawei and UA, with students training through Huawei platforms, including the Huawei Certified ICT Associate in Artificial Intelligence (HCIA-AI) certification program.
He also highlighted the achievements of Lebanese students in international technology competitions, noting that a Lebanese team secured second place worldwide in the Cloud and AI track at the Huawei ICT Competition Global Finals in Shenzhen in 2026. He presented this achievement as evidence of Lebanon’s technological potential and encouraged UA students to pursue professional certifications and participate in future competitions.
Expanding the Link Between Education and Industry
Prof. Roger Achkar reaffirmed the FET’s commitment to modernizing academic programs, expanding industry partnerships, and preparing students to address real-world engineering and technological challenges. He emphasized the value of combining academic knowledge with practical training, professional certifications, and innovative projects.
Prof. Achkar also reflected on his more than 10 years of professional collaboration with Huawei, describing a relationship built on mutual trust, respect, and shared achievements. He recalled previous cooperation involving the Huawei ICT Academy and Huawei Authorized Learning Partner initiatives and expressed confidence that the new partnership would build on this experience to create meaningful opportunities for UA students and faculty members.
Training, Certification, and International Opportunities
Providing further insight into the Academy’s objectives, Mr. Mohamad Sharara outlined the practical opportunities available through the partnership.
Students will benefit from free access to Huawei training courses in areas including artificial intelligence, cloud computing, networking, and cybersecurity, along with pathways toward internationally recognized Huawei certifications.
Faculty members will have access to instructor training, certification opportunities, teaching materials, and laboratory resources designed to support the integration of emerging technologies into academic programs. The partnership will also connect UA to Huawei’s network of ICT Academies and provide students with opportunities to participate in the international Huawei ICT Competition.
The collaboration had already begun producing tangible results ahead of the official signing. Artificial intelligence courses were launched, with students and instructors taking part in training activities; some have already obtained Huawei certifications, while others are preparing for their examinations.
Mr. Sharara also addressed efforts to develop Upscale Hub as a Huawei Authorized Learning Partner (HALP), extending Huawei training and certification opportunities beyond the University to graduates, professionals, and other learners seeking to advance their digital competencies.
Looking ahead, plans include certifying additional instructors, expanding student participation through the Huawei Talent platform, introducing further training tracks, and supporting students preparing for upcoming Huawei ICT Competitions.
A Partnership Taking Shape Across Campus
Following the addresses, representatives of Antonine University and Huawei Lebanon proceeded with the official signing of the MOU establishing the Huawei ICT Academy at UA.
The signing was followed by a visit across the Hadat–Baabda Campus, offering the delegation a closer look at spaces where innovation, entrepreneurship, and applied learning take shape at UA. The tour included Upscale Hub, the Center for Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (SEED), and the Dental Laboratories, including the Amann Girrbach Lab.
The establishment of the Huawei ICT Academy opens a new chapter in UA’s efforts to connect academic learning with technological development and industry expertise. By combining university education with practical training, professional certification, and access to international networks, the partnership creates additional pathways for students and educators to develop skills that respond to a rapidly changing professional landscape.
More broadly, the collaboration reinforces UA’s investment in technology as a means of expanding human potential. By strengthening the connections between education, innovation, industry, and international cooperation, the University continues to equip its community to engage responsibly and confidently with the technologies shaping the future.