Two innovative initiatives of Aspire to Innovate (a2i) – 'National Intelligence Employment and Entrepreneurship (NISE)' and 'Muktopaath' – have won the prestigious 'WITSA 2023 Global Innovation and Technology Excellence Awards'. The World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA), an alliance of information technology sector organizations from various countries, gave the awards in recognition of their remarkable contribution to the skill development and education of millions of people in the country through online platforms. WITSA Chairman Dr Sean Seah handed over the award to a2i's Program Associate Alavi Zaman Disha and e-Learning Coordinator Jinia Jerin on the last day of the three-day WCIT 2023 International Conference held in Kuching, Malaysia, on Thursday night, said a press release on Monday (Oct 9).
Among 130 innovative projects submitted from different countries across the world for the prestigious award, a2i's 'NISE' project secured the first position in the Public Sector Digital Opportunity/Inclusion Award category and 'Muktopaath' became first in the e-Education and Learning Award category. This year, the awards were given in 14 categories for the government and private/NGO sectors.
Speaking on the occasion, WITSA Chairman Dr Sean Seah said that it is undoubtedly a matter of pride that the information technology sector has progressed from "Digital to Smart Bangladesh" in a short period of time.
"Congratulations to a2i for delivering technology-based services across the country through innovative innovations. I believe that technological excellence will serve as a tool to deal with our problems in this critical global moment," Dr Seah added.
According to the release, the NISE is a data platform created for all stakeholders to facilitate the concept of collective intelligence in data-based decision-making process to improve skills to solve the unemployment problem in the country.
A total of 32 divisions and departments under 23 ministries and 44 Industrial Owners Associations, Chambers of Commerce and Industry Skills Council have already been connected to this platform. Through this platform more than 2.74 lakh unemployed youths have found jobs.
Besides, the 'Muktopaath' is the largest Bangla language e-learning platform containing contents on general, technical, and vocational education.
Over 46.16 lakh students have enrolled in 280 courses through the platform. Of them, more than 28.71 lakh students have, so far, been awarded certificates for completing their courses. The platform is also used by government institutions to provide online training to government officers and employees.
Earlier, the 'Muktopaath' was awarded the Sohel Samad Award and WSIS Award in 2018. In 2021 and 2022, Bangladesh Innovation Award was given to the 'Muktopaath' for securing the third and the fourth positions in the Public Service Innovation-Citizen Co-creation Category.
