Bow Valley College introduces an English proficiency exemption

Removing barriers for newcomers and international students

Calgary, March 20, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bow Valley College is announcing an exciting change to its admissions process for many international students and newcomers to Canada. Applicants from almost 50 countries around the world are now exempt from taking an English language proficiency test.

“Bow Valley College prides itself on removing barriers to learning. This landmark change provides students from countries where English is the primary language of education the opportunity to realize their academic dreams with a more seamless entry,” says Kara Mott, Dean, Enrolment Management and Registrar, Bow Valley College.

To qualify, applicants must provide transcripts that show completion of required secondary (high school) or post-secondary education. The change applies to virtually all Bow Valley College programs.

“As a former international student, I know firsthand what preparing for an English language proficiency test is like. An exemption for some of our prospective students means one less step, saving them time and money. It will be a game changer,” says Trisha Choudhury, Manager, International Student Recruitment, Bow Valley College.

Please visit our website for a list of countries now exempt from the English language proficiency test and details about the requirements.

About Bow Valley College 
Calgary and region’s only Comprehensive Community College — with 14,000 full- and part-time students, Bow Valley College helps Open Doors – Open Minds to in-demand jobs in Calgary, Alberta, and Canada. Our graduates contribute to the digital economy, careers in business, TV & film production, and serve on the frontlines of healthcare and social services. Bow Valley College invests in three applied research pillars: educational technology, social innovation, and health.

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Shannon van Leenen, Senior Media Relations Specialist
Bow Valley College
403-671-3274
shvanleenen@bowvalleycollege.ca

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8791681

VueReal Inc. Announces the Appointment of Kevin Soukup, a Semiconductor Industry Veteran, as a Member of the Board of Directors

WATERLOO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / March 20, 2023 / 2023 continues to see growth opportunities as VueReal builds off the momentum gained from 2022. VueReal remains focused on its vision of enabling new, innovative, and enriching products through sustainable micro-pixel fabrication.

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VueReal

The significant growth opportunity in automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics, health and medical demands detailed planning to stay focused on its vision. In addition, different fabrication scaleup opportunities for VueReal in North America require deep and tough strategic discussion and planning. To ensure that VueReal can scale up successfully and strategically, the company is excited to welcome Kevin Soukup to its Board of Directors.

Dr. Reza Chaji, CEO of VueReal, said, “We’re excited to announce that Kevin Soukup has joined VueReal’s Board of Directors. Kevin brings a wealth of semiconductor knowledge and experience and will play a key role in helping VueReal scale its business.” Kevin started his career in the semiconductor industry with Samsung in 2000, where he spent 11 years in a variety of engineering and operations leadership roles. Kevin joined GlobalFoundries in 2011, where he supported the ramp-up of its semiconductor wafer manufacturing facility in Malta, NY. He currently serves as the company’s Chief Strategy Officer, responsible for long-range planning, integrated strategy and corporate development.

With the added expertise to our Board and organization, VueReal has set its sights on establishing itself as a critical supplier of micro-pixel fabrication for strategic markets in North America and Europe.

“I’m excited to join VueReal’s board of directors at such a pivotal time for the company,” said Kevin Soukup. “Their talented team has developed innovative technologies which enable mass production of high-quality custom displays that will significantly accelerate the uLED adoption curve. I look forward to working with the VueReal team to help steward this next stage of growth.”

About VueReal

VueReal, a semiconductor and cleantech company, has developed a revolutionary semiconductor fabrication process called the microSolid Printing platform, enabling the efficient, practical, and scalable production of microLED/microSensor applications. This platform extends the use of microLED/microSensors to automotive, aerospace, smartwatch, smartphone, TV, IT, medical, and more. VueReal has established strong partnerships with leading industry players to commercialize its solutions.

VueReal also offers customized display manufacturing services for niche and mainstream markets, leveraging its state-of-the-art facilities and multidisciplinary research team. VueReal has used its platform to develop and commercialize microLED displays for different applications in North America.

Contact Information

Reza Chaji
CEO
info@vuereal.com

SOURCE: VueReal Inc.

Millions Internally Displaced Due to Severe Drought in Somalia

As the Horn of Africa enters its sixth failed rainy season, the number of internally displaced people in Somalia has reached an all-time high with millions forced to leave their homes. Abdulkadir Zubeyr visited a camp for the displaced in Dolow, Somalia, and has this story narrated by Salem Solomon.

Source: Voice of America

Sand Dune Encroachment: A Climate Disaster Threatening Lives in Shalanbood, Somalia

Sand dune encroachment is a climate disaster that is affecting the region of Shalanbood in Lower Shabelle, Somalia. The phenomenon is caused by the gradual movement of sand dunes towards inhabited areas, resulting in the displacement of people and the destruction of homes, mosques, and other infrastructure. The problem has been exacerbated by the absence of the central government, which used to take steps to hold back the sand before the civil war. As a result, the sand has encroached into the land, burying some houses and mosques halfway or fully, posing a threat to the lives and livelihoods of the locals. The severity of the situation was highlighted recently when the national media visited the area and talked to the locals. They pleaded with the government to take emergency steps to hold back the sand, as the encroachment is expanding, sometimes causing houses to collapse. One lady who spoke to the national media shared a harrowing experience of how she was rescued by the locals after her house collapsed on her due to the pressure from the sand that had collected outside. This is just one example of the numerous challenges faced by the people in the affected areas. The residents of Shalanbood have warned of an impending disaster and called for urgent help. The sand dune encroachment has already caused immense damage, and if not addressed, it could lead to the displacement of thousands of people and the loss of many lives. It is crucial that the government takes immediate action to address this issue. Some possible measures that can be taken include the construction of sand barriers, reforestation, and the use of erosion-control methods such as terracing and contour plowing. These steps can help to prevent the sand from moving towards the inhabited areas and provide some protection to the people and their properties. The international community can also play a significant role in addressing this issue. Providing financial and technical assistance to the government and the local communities can help to implement long-term solutions and mitigate the impact of sand dune encroachment in the affected areas. Sand dune encroachment is a climate disaster that is affecting the region of Shalanbood in Lower Shabelle, Somalia. Urgent action is needed to prevent further damage and protect the lives and livelihoods of the people in the affected areas. The government and the international community must work together to address this issue and provide the necessary support to the locals who are living in fear of an impending disaster.

Source: Somali National News Agency

Somali President meets his Ugandan counterpart in Entebbe

The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, HE Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, met with his Ugandan counterpart, HE Yoweri Museveni, today at the State House Entebbe. They discussed issues of mutual concern, including an upcoming conference of troop-contributing countries in Kampala, focusing on Somalia’s fight against international terrorism. President Hassan Sheikh said that the government of Somalia is committed to the eradication of terrorism so that our country can be a leader in the development of the region and the African continent as a whole. Yoweri Museveni, the President of Uganda, praised the Somali government for its achievements in the fight against al-Shabaab terrorists, which has now entered the second phase. He noted that his government will play a major role in the fight against terrorism.

Source: Somali National News Agency

Somali preachers attend training at Al-Azhar on means to expose, refute extremist ideology

A total of 22 Somali imams and preachers attended a Sunday training course at the World Organization for Al-Azhar Graduates on ‘Contemporary Intellectual Currents.’ Dr. Habiballah Hassan, Professor of Creed and Philosophy at the College of Islamic and Arabic Studies, emphasized at the training that imams should be acquainted with all intellectual currents and the position of Islam on them. Preachers meet people with diverse ideas and affiliations, so he must address people with an acknowledgement of their thought, culture, and backgrounds. Their discourse should stem from the need or the gap in the thinking of their audiences, Hassan said. Contemporary currents related to Islam, however many, do not deviate from the type of currents that came from outside Islamic countries. There are also internal currents that are extensions of Islamic currents and sects that already have roots in Islamic history, such as the currents of extremism in religion in all its forms, he added. A preacher has two duties, Dr. Hassan said. One is constructive, where he explains foundations and morals of Islam, as well as its tolerance and call to truth and peace. The second duty is defensive, where a preacher monitors all corrupt beliefs that deviate a Muslim from the core of his religion. He then reveals to people the harms and consequences of such corruption on an individual and a nation as a whole. Dr. Hassan called on the trainees to be ambassadors of Al-Azhar with its moderation and to confrton destructive ideas in a way that exposes their falsity to Muslim youth.

Source: Somali National News Agency