An exciting new chapter in academy and industry collaboration began as the Kick Off event for Techlog pilot projects took place at the American University of Technology (AUT) in the presence of prominent figures and key stakeholders. The event marked the commencement of a groundbreaking partnership between AUT, renowned transport industry leaders, and local authorities, aimed at revolutionizing transportation education and practices.

The event commenced with a warm welcome from Marcel Hinain, Vice President of AUT, and was followed by insightful remarks from Rabih Sabra, Director General of the Beirut Chamber, and presentation of Techlog project by Hana Nehme, Director of Projects and concluded by intervention from Member of Parliament Ziad Hawat. The event was attended also by Dean of AUT Dr. Ghada Hinain in presence of representatives of local authorities, municipalities, , esteemed professors, and distinguished figures from the transportation and petroleum sector.

At the heart of this collaboration are TECHLOG Simulators, cutting-edge technology that promises to reshape the training landscape for students and professionals in transportation and logistics. One simulator, installed on AUT premises, will play a pivotal role in conducting pilot trainings addressing three key thematic areas: Safety, Stress, and Fatigue, Performance/Productivity and Eco-Drive.

Participants in these groundbreaking pilot projects will engage in simulation-based training utilizing truck driver simulators, offering a dynamic learning experience that bridges theory and practice. These exercises will culminate in the issuance of joint training certificates, endorsed by both AUT and the Beirut Chamber, The pilot activities are not limited to the academic sphere; they extend to enrich the experiences of the broader AUT community, including transportation studies, and municipalities trucks drivers.

During this kickoff event, Member of Parliament Ziad Hawat piloted the truck simulator to evaluate its performance on this occasion. AUT formalized 7 partnership agreements to strengthen ties with the transportation industry and ensure the continuity of these trainings. The collaborating entities include IPT Company, Adham El Khatib & Sons company, Saad Transport, CORAL, Transpetrol and two local municipalities of Halat and Zogharta.