Santo Domingo.– The Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology (Mescyt) and the company Casio signed a collaboration agreement to strengthen the training of teachers and students in artificial intelligence, robotics, science, mathematics and other emerging technologies.

The alliance seeks to contribute to the preparation of human talent required by the new digital economy and to adapt the country's training offer to the transformations that the labor market is experiencing.

During the signing ceremony, Minister Rafael Santos Badía highlighted that the agreement represents an opportunity to accelerate the transformation of higher education and promote teaching more linked to the current and future needs of the productive sectors.

Training for the jobs of the future

Santos Badía pointed out that the Dominican Republic is going through a process of transforming its production model, especially in the free zones, where medical devices, electrical components and other high-tech products are manufactured that demand personnel with higher levels of specialization.

"Many people believe that free zones are still maquilas, but they stopped being that way a long time ago. Today we manufacture medical devices, electrical components and other technological products in which highly trained young people work," he said.

The minister maintained that the accelerated advance of artificial intelligence forces us to transform the way in which professionals are prepared and teachers' knowledge is updated.

“With this agreement we will be able to train teachers in artificial intelligence, robotics and other strategic areas, because the speed with which these technologies advance requires a different education,” he stated.

Professional reconversion and continuous learning

The official explained that Mescyt will continue to promote, together with higher education institutions, higher technical programs, diplomas and other short-term training modalities that allow professionals to acquire new skills and respond to changes in the labor market.

He indicated that technological transformation will modify numerous occupations, so it will be necessary to expand opportunities for continuous training and professional retraining.

Likewise, he pointed out that the increase in life expectancy will cause many people to remain actively working for longer, which will increase the need to update knowledge and develop new skills to maintain their competitiveness.

Casio bets on Dominican education

At the conclusion of his speech, Santos Badía appreciated Casio's interest in contributing to the strengthening of the Dominican educational system through the transfer of knowledge, tools and technological solutions.

"You are among the first to arrive with hands willing to contribute. Normally, many come looking for support; you have come to bring opportunities for our education. That makes me happy and I congratulate you," he said.

The agreement contemplates the development of joint initiatives aimed at strengthening the teaching of science, mathematics and new technologies, as well as the training of teachers and students in areas linked to innovation.

These actions will contribute to the formation of the human capital that the economic, technological and social development of the Dominican Republic demands.