Cutting-edge Center for Innovation launched by American School of Dubai (ASD)

The American School of Dubai (ASD) recently unveiled its new Center for Design and Innovation for Public Purpose - a cutting-edge space designed to inspire students, nurture creativity, and foster a spirit of community-driven solutions.

The opening ceremony was marked by heartfelt reflections from distinguished guests including Aisha Miran, Director General KHDA, Martina Strong, the US Ambassador to the UAE, Robert Raines, US Consul General in Dubai, school leaders, and students.

Martina Strong highlighted the deep connection between education and the UAE’s progress. Drawing parallels between ASD’s journey and the US-UAE partnership, she reflected on how collaboration and shared values have propelled both forward. "Schools like ASD play a crucial role in educating future generations who will build friendships, relationships, and partnerships that shape our future," she said. 

Rashad Sinokrot, Chair of the ASD Board of Trustees, paying homage to the school's history, recalled seeing a photo from 1966 of five kids on a slide when ASD first started. “Today, those five have grown to nearly 3,000 students and staff learning and thriving together," he said. He emphasised the significance of the new center, calling it "a laboratory for hope" and a space where innovation is guided by values like compassion, integrity, and responsibility. 

Standing as a beacon for forward-thinking education, the center encourages students to merge academic knowledge with real-world applications, whether designing solar-powered gardens, creating student-led podcasts to amplify marginalized voices, or launching entrepreneurial projects to address societal challenges. 

Dr Kulangara Jacob Johnson, the newly appointed Director of the Center, who spoke to Gulf News on the sidelines of the event, is well known in academic circles for his deep commitment to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and social impact. With remarkable global experience and visionary leadership, his career spans over four decades across five continents.

An engineer, he began his career at Infosys where he worked closely with the company’s founding leaders, including Narayana Murthy, absorbing their values of humility, agility, and forward-thinking leadership, before going on to chart a career across the globe - from teaching computer science in Tanzania to leading educational initiatives in Venezuela, Romania, Germany, and the United States. Along the way, Dr Johnson embraced diverse cultures, mentored countless students, and developed a deep understanding of the transformative power of education.

“The center is built on three core pillars: design thinking, innovation, and entrepreneurship,” he said. “These principles are not just theoretical concepts but are embedded in the lived experiences of students, preparing them to tackle real-world challenges with creativity and purpose.”

Dr Johnson emphasised the importance of design thinking as a human-centered approach to problem-solving. “Design thinking is not just about creating products; it’s about understanding human needs, iterating solutions, and fostering a mindset of continuous learning,” he explained. The center uses this methodology to guide students ensuring that their solutions are both innovative and impactful.

The center goes beyond traditional entrepreneurship by fostering what Dr Johnson calls “innopreneurship”— a blend of innovation and entrepreneurship. “Innovators think like entrepreneurs, and entrepreneurs innovate with purpose,” he says. This approach encourages students to think beyond profit, focusing instead on creating value and addressing pressing global challenges while becoming agents of change.

A hallmark of the center is its emphasis on real-world learning. Dr Johnson envisioned a future where students can seamlessly transition from the classroom to global partnerships with industry leaders, NGOs, and governments. “We want to create opportunities for students to work on projects that have a tangible impact,” he said. For instance, students might collaborate with experts in space exploration, healthcare, or sustainable development, gaining hands-on experience that bridges theory and practice.

His mantra for integrating technology into education revolves around the “3 Es”: Educate, Engage, and Empower. “We have a responsibility to educate students about these technologies, engage them in meaningful ways, and empower them to use these tools for impactful learning,” he explained. By embracing AI and other technologies, the center aims to prepare students for a future where adaptability and innovation are key.

True fulfillment, he believes, comes from making a difference in the lives of others and fostering a sense of joy and purpose in everything we do. His mantra for this: “Aspire to inspire, and never forget the importance of happiness in everything you do.”