Pharos University in Alexandria (PUA), Egypt, and TOI- OHOMAI Institute of Technology, New Zealand, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding intending to create a purposeful partnership and mutually beneficial cooperation in the fields of education, exchange of knowledge and collaborative research. The collaboration between both institutions is in various areas including Business Management, Hospitality and Tourism, and Information Technology.
TOI- OHOMAI Institute of Technology is a subsidiary of Te Pūkenga, New Zealand’s largest tertiary education provider, with more than 12,000 students studying across various campuses in Rotorua, Taupō, Tauranga, Tokoroa and Whakatāne. PUA is the first private university in the North of Egypt located in the heart of the Mediterranean city of Alexandria. PUA’s modern campus stretches over 50 acres to serve more than 15000 students across twelve faculties.
The relationship between PUA and TOI- OHOMAI started through the Chef Apprenticeship Project (CAP). A program that is developed by the Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management at PUA, with a particular focus on young students who aspire to have culinary training and real-world hospitality industry experience. During Spring Semester 2021, the Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management invited a distinguished Culinary Arts tutor from TOI- OHOMAI, Chef Noel Remacle, to provide level three and four students with hands-on experience to advance their culinary talents. Later, the PUA International Relations Office and the leadership team from the Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management held several meetings, endorsed by the President of PUA, Professor Mahmoud Mohy El-Din, with Professor Peter Richardson Head of International at TOI- OHOMAI Institute of Technology. During the meetings, plans were successfully set for a formal partnership between PUA and TOI- OHOMAI Institute of Technology, New Zealand.
Professor Mahmoud Mohy El-Din, PUA President, expressed his sincere delight with the agreement stating, “I warmly welcome this agreement, we truly cherish our partnership with TOI- OHOMAI Institute of Technology and value the rich history of Te Pūkenga in innovation, vocational education, and research”. Dr. Mohamed AF Ragab, PUA Secretary General, added, “This agreement with TOI- OHOMAI will contribute and reinforce PUA’s strong global ties by further collaboration in education and research”. We are very excited to extend our relationship with TOI- OHOMAI, New Zealand”, added Dr Mennatallah Gowayed, Head of International Relations Office, at PUA. “This agreement expands PUA’s network and partnership with many prestigious institutions worldwide and widen our university’s successful internationalization strategy. I would like to sincerely thank Chief Executive Officer, Dr Leon de Wet Fourie for his great effort in moving this agreement forward.”
From TOI- OHOMAI side, Chief Executive Leon Fourie emphasized that such partnerships enable knowledge sharing and foster valuable industry connections, adding “It provides students with the opportunity to learn from others while developing diverse employability skills and capabilities.” Toi Ohomai Head of International Peter Richardson added that the benefits of the agreement include sharing resources and knowledge, brand recognition overseas, and joint research opportunities.
