UTech, Jamaica partners with the Jamaica Stock Exchange to address training needs in the financial services sector

The MoU outlines a collaborative effort between the JSE and UTech, Jamaica in establishing joint courses and programmes, curriculum strengthening and articulation to include programme and course design and development, practical application process of course materials, especially using the Bloomberg Terminal for education, staff and student exchanges, human resource development, public education, joint seminars, conferences and publications, as well as the sharing of other resources such as computer technology and e-learning resources and library and electronic research facilities.

Dr. Kevin Brown (seated, 2nd right), President, University of Technology, Jamaica and Dr. Marlene Street Forrest (left), Managing Director, Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) on Friday, November 22, 2024, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen training needs in the financial sector. Witnessing the signing which took place at the JSE’s downtown, Kingston offices are Mr. Andre Gooden, JSE Group Business Development Manager and Dr. Janet Campbell- Shelly, Associate Vice President, Quality Assurance (Acting), UTech, Jamaica.

The University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech, Ja) and the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Friday, November 22, 2024, at the JSE’s offices in Kingston. Under the MoU, the JSE, through its e-Campus (“JSEEC”), and UTech, Jamaica will collaborate in assisting to fulfil training needs of the financial services sector.

The MoU outlines a collaborative effort between the JSE and UTech, Jamaica in establishing joint courses and programmes, curriculum strengthening and articulation to include programme and course design and development, practical application process of course materials, especially using the Bloomberg Terminal for education, staff and student exchanges, human resource development, public education, joint seminars, conferences and publications, as well as the sharing of other resources such as computer technology and e-learning resources and library and electronic research facilities.

Dr. Kevin Brown, President of UTech, Jamaica, provided an overview of the university’s history and development and its dedication to business and finance education. He noted that the College of Business and Management is the institution’s largest school, emphasizing the university’s commitment to combining academic rigor with experiential learning to produce work-ready graduates.

“We are committed to entrepreneurship and business. We believe not only in producing workers but also future business leaders, and it’s a strong commitment that we have,” Dr. Brown stated. He also highlighted the university’s transformation strategy, RESET, which focuses on becoming more research-intensive, expanding access, being student-centered, entrepreneurial, and technology-driven.

Dr. Brown highlighted the alignment of this partnership with UTech, Jamaica’s RESET objectives, emphasizing that the MoU is more than a formal agreement: “we’re going to work this MoU for the benefit of our students, but also for the benefit of the wider financial community," he concluded, expressing optimism for a long-term partnership.

Dr. Marlene Street Forrest, Managing Director of the JSE, emphasized the significance of the new partnership with UTech, Jamaica, stating, “Today we declare that this partnership will bring meaningful changes and growth in an area of the country which we know needs help - education and training. It is so vital to the improvement of life.”

She described the signing as “very important” and highlighted the need for coordinated efforts to address training challenges in the financial sector. Dr. Street Forrest elaborated on the necessity of collaboration in a globalized world, explaining how working together enables effective competition, the efficient use of shared resources, and the resolution of training gaps.

“This collaboration is expected to positively impact the areas of focus,” she affirmed. “We are committed to the success of this relationship, and by working together with the JSE e-Campus, UTech will create the opportunity for learners to contribute meaningfully to Jamaica’s human and economic development.”

Mr. Kevin Powell, Principal of the JSE e-Campus, shared his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We look forward to working together to build the capacity of the workers and the population of Jamaica as we seek to advance the welfare of the whole human race.”

The University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech, Ja) and the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Friday, November 22, 2024, at the JSE’s offices in Kingston. Under the MoU, the JSE, through its e-Campus (“JSEEC”), and UTech, Jamaica will collaborate in assisting to fulfil training needs of the financial services sector.

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Contact:

Michelle A. Beckford (Mrs.) 
Corporate Communications Manager 
Corporate Communications Unit 
Advancement Division 
University of Technology, Jamaica 
237 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6, Jamaica 
Tel: (876) 970-5299; 927-1680-8 Ext. 2299  
Email: mbeckford@utech.edu.jm