From left: Onishi, Dr al-Midfaa, Dr Naji, Dr Sadiq and QU capital projects department project manager Ahmed al-Kashef.

Qatar University College of Education (QU-CED) recently hosted a visit by a six-member delegation from LNG Corporation (LNG Japan) and RasGas Company Limited (RasGas).
QU vice-president and chief financial officer Dr Humaid al-Midfaa and CED dean Dr Hissa Sadiq welcomed officials from both institutions.
The delegates included LNG Japan chairman and executive director Yasunori Takagi, president and CEO Norikazu Onishi, business development and operations division deputy COO Nori Kawai, gas business department 2 general manager Nobuaki Terao and Doha liaison office general manager Katsuharu Tsuda, and RasGas acting general counsel Flynn Jennings.
Also attending the meeting were QU associate vice-president for facilities and IT Dr Khalid Naji, QU capital projects department director Khalid Halabi and CED associate professor of early childhood Dr Chris Coughlin.
Discussions focused on a wide range of issues, including progress on the construction of the new Training Centre for Early Childhood Teachers (TCECT), which is jointly funded by QU and LNG Japan to the amount of $5mn. The programme agenda also included an on-site visit of the new building.
Dr al-Midfaa highlighted the importance of education from early childhood, which he said helps develop young minds towards critical thinking and problem-solving and encourages their curiosity, initiative and creativity. “I thank the College of Education, LNG Japan and RasGas Company Limited for their efforts in making this centre a reality.”
Takagi said, “We are honoured to be part of such a prestigious project, which highlights the fulfilment
of Qatar National Vision 2030.”
Jennings said: “The progress in the construction marks Qatar University’s continuing contribution towards guiding the younger generation of Qatar.”
Dr Sadiq added, “I am pleased with the progress that has been made since we broke ground in
June 2014.”
The TCECT project, which was launched in 2007, is part of CED’s Early Childhood Centre and is the focus of an agreement signed in May 2013 between QU and LNG Japan to advance training for early childhood teachers, benefiting 210 children aged two to five years. It will enhance the quality of academic programmes offered by the college and develop related research. Additionally, it will offer training courses and workshops as well as educational and psychological counselling to parents.
The new building, which covers 5,005sqm, is designed to meet international environmental and renewable energy standards. Till date, it is 42% complete and expected to be inaugurated in June 2016.