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Asidua continue investment in local talent

24th February 2010

Belfast based IT integration specialists, Asidua, today continued their investment in Northern Ireland’s young talent, with the confirmation of three new scholars who join their prestigious scholarship programme.

Launched in 2008, in co-operation with both Queens University and the University of Ulster, the Asidua Scholarship Programme aims to attract fresh talent into the IT sector and to also support new IT and engineering students, both professionally and financially, during their academic studies.

During a recent award ceremony, held at Asidua’s head offices in Belfast, the Asidua Scholarship Programme was awarded to three new local IT students, Barry Haughey & Matthew Wilson (Queen’s University of Belfast) and Dinuka Wijesinghe (University of Ulster).  During the gala event, Barry, Matthew and Dinuka, who join current Asidua scholars Sean Carlin, Niall McAllister & Andrew Ruddell, were congratulated on their achievements and were formally welcomed to Asidua by its management team.

“Asidua is delighted to welcome Barry, Matthew and Dinuka in joining the expanding Asidua Scholarship Programme.” said Angela Canavan, Asidua Chief Operations Officer.  “Despite the downturn in the economy, Asidua is once again proud to continue its investment in the future of Northern Ireland with the extension of its Scholarship Programme.” Angela continued; “The Asidua Scholarship Programme gives students like Barry, Matthew and Dinuka a helping hand, both professionally and financially, throughout their university courses and provides them with the best possible chance of achieving their full potential.”  

Representatives from both Queen’s University Belfast and the University of Ulster, who were also in attendance, extended their congratulations to the 2009/2010 scholarship winners.  “Queen’s warmly congratulates both Matthew and Barry on their receipt of a prestigious Asidua scholarship.” said Dr Philip Hanna, Assistant Director of Education for the School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Queen’s University Belfast. “The dynamic and progressive ethos within Asidua will, without doubt, enable our students to develop and foster skills of great benefit to their respective degrees”. Phillip continued; “We would also like to thank Asidua for offering these scholarships, investing in the future, and providing three lucky students with an outstanding opportunity for growth and development.”
 
In addition to welcoming Dinuka’s award, Dr Paul Hanna, Head of School of Computing & Mathematics, University of Ulster went on to say; “The Asidua Scholarship Programme allows students to place their academic study in an industrial context, allowing them to have some of the benefits of their third year placement from the outset of their studies.”

When asked for comment on their recent award, all three scholars were visibly delighted.  Dinuka Wijesinghe from the University of Ulster said; “I am really proud to be one of the recipients of the Asidua scholarship.  This is a wonderful opportunity to gain knowledge in a real working environment.” A view which was shared by fellow scholarship winner Barry Haughey from Queen’s University Belfast; “The Asidua Scholarship is a fantastic opportunity, for which I am very grateful. I’m really looking forward to beginning my work experience with Asidua this summer.”  Fellow Queen’s University Belfast scholarship winner, Matthew Wilson also agreed; “The Asidua scholarship is a brilliant opportunity and has encouraged me to work harder at developing my IT skills.”

The scholar’s outstanding achievements were also shared by family members and friends, who were in attendance at the recent award ceremony.  “I was very impressed with the warm relationship that exists between the management and employees I have met from Asidua, it certainly gives the impression of a ‘family’ environment” said Ian Wilson, father of scholarship winner Matthew.  “I am delighted that my son has been given an opportunity to be involved with this prestigious organisation.” he continued.

Mark Laverty, Dinuka’s sponsor, was also delighted; “I was honoured to be invited to the presentation of the Asidua Scholarship.  I enjoyed the presentation and learning about Asidua and the type of work it does.”  Mark concluded; “Their scholarship programme is a terrific opportunity for students to gain practical work experience and work alongside a mentor from Asidua.”

The new Asidua Scholars, who have since returned to university to complete the first year of their studies, will commence their work placements with Asidua this summer.  During this time, Barry, Matthew and Dinuka, along with the current Asidua scholars, will once again be welcomed back into the Asidua ‘family’.   

 

Photograph Caption
Angela Canavan, Asidua COO (left centre), presents the Asidua Scholarship award to Dinuka Wijesinghe, University of Ulster (left), Barry Haughey, Queens University Belfast (centre right) and Matthew Wilson, Queens University Belfast (right) during the recent award ceremony held at Asidua’s Belfast offices.

 

NOTES TO EDITORS

About Asidua
Asidua, who employ over 120 staff, is headquartered in Belfast and has offices in Dublin and Birmingham. The company delivers world-class software consultancy and services to clients across a broad spectrum of business sectors through two specialised divisions;

• Business Services - provide Application & Data Integration (ADI) services to large enterprises and public sector organisations.
• Device Services - provide specialised WinPath^TM Expert Services (WES) to the telecommunications market.

About Asidua Scholarship Programme
The Asidua Scholarship Scheme, launched in co-operation with both Queens University and the University of Ulster, aims to attract fresh talent into the IT sector and to also support new IT and engineering students financially during their academic studies and beyond.  The scheme will see several successful students from both universities each receiving a scholarship package worth up to £25,000. 

Further information on the Asidua Scholarship programme can be found at http://www.asidua.com/portal/careers/our-scholarships


Media Contacts
Kieran Mitchell
Marketing Manager
Asidua Limited, 10 Weavers Court, Belfast
Tel:  +44 (0) 28 9072 5000
Fax: +44 (0) 28 9072 5001
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)