21 Jan 2021- Upon the renewal of my contract

Post date: Jan 21, 2021 6:17:12 AM

Letter to All Staff of UoM

Dear All,

In my end of year message, I thanked you all for your unflinching support during a tough year -the year of the pandemic and its accompanying hardships - that has led to the good work we have together accomplished. We managed to complete the year not only with minimal disruption but with a number of important achievements such as the creation of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, the launching of several entrepreneurial initiatives (the Agri-Tech Park, the Road and Safety Observatory, the Environment Observatory, the Blue Economy Forum), the completion of the promotion exercise for academic staff (SL and AP grades), the Innovation Week and more importantly managed to carry on with the activities of the University despite the economic difficulties the world and Mauritius had to endure. Despite the ups and downs, the major achievements of the University have enabled us restore our image and esteem vis-à-vis the public and private sector as well as the public at large. I have no intention here to engage in a point-by-point reply to criticisms, but thanks to all staff who had faith and trust in us and together we shall reach new frontiers.

Upon the renewal of my contract and that of the PVCs for another year, we are re-invigorated to continue the work with all of you and together take the UoM to greater heights. Consistent with the vision of a research-engaged and entrepreneurial university, we will focus in the coming yearson three major strategic objectives namely:

● Enhance the Digital Transformation of the UoM:

Digital Transformation is not only aboutdigital learning. It encompasses 3 aspects:

▪ People and Skills

▪ Tools (Technology); and

▪ Processes & Internal Operations.

● Consolidate Innovation and Entrepreneurship through Partnerships with Industry:

We will lay emphasis on the following:

▪ Developing Impactful Multi-disciplinary Research through a top-down approach

▪ Encourage Innovation

▪ Consolidate the SDGs framework set up at UoM

● Foster Partnerships with the Public Sector

▪ Respond to the national human skills needs through new/tailor-made programmes/training/short courses/etc.; further developing the Road Safety Observatory;

▪ Work closely with the Ministry of Environment to set up the ‘Observatoire de Recherche en Environnement’ at the UoM;

▪ Develop further the Blue Economy Forum launched by the UoM in October 2020.

▪ Organise conferences/workshops/seminars/talks/activities/etc. in collaborationwith the Ministries and Parastatal Bodies.

The Internationalisation of the UoM remains a major thrust and we will further promote partnerships with foreign universities through the dual degree programmes. Another one will be launched this year, the Bachelor in Climate Change and Adaptation with UPEI, an importantcontribution towards the SDGs.

Colleagues, we must always remind ourselves that no one owes us a living. It is only through hard work, collective effort, perseverance, entrepreneurial and optimistic mindset and above all positive attitude that our University will progress. Let us ensure that our students, the leaders of tomorrow, are nurtured in a serene and conducive atmosphere for the betterment of not only our beloved country but also of our planet.

For my part, I will continue my work with the highest probity and serve you the best I can. Feel free to share your views