PRODIGY Issue #5

Redefining Education

Editor'sNote

Welcome to a new trimester!

Welcome to the summer semester!

This month's edition is a combination of philosophical, technical and thoughtprovoking features

Fintech is the latest big thing in the world and we have a highly informative article on this topic this time Articles discover the themes of perspectives and nostalgia Just A Thought is more than that this time - a comprehensive understanding of how the education system right from the nursery level needs revamping.

So, sit back and savour each section of this magazine!

Until next time, stay safe and keep racing!

SULEIMAN ALTAF

Editor-in-chief

Article Writing

Our Article Writing section caters to your opinionative writing needs Do you have any opinions to share on a subject matter? Are you a budding writer who can get your readers thinking? This section is for you!

Arts

At PRODIGY, we believe that every student has an art Art is not just the skill of drawing or painting, but actually is any skill such as poetry or photography or even comic strips! Which one do you prefer?

Submit your entries with your full name and degree enrolled in by emailing student magazines@curtindubai ac ae and get featured!

PRODIGY AWARDS

Issue # 5

May 1, 2022 | Trimester 1 2023

The Squad

Suleiman Altaf

Editor-in-chief

Alister John Saldanha Content Writer

Jasmina Ulugbekova Comms & Relations Officer

Sharier Alam Marketing Team Head

Fiction Writing

Storytelling is a prized art form whether done in writing or verbally and who doesn't love to read a story! One catchy title and introduction can take your readers on a journey never travelled before We love to hear your stories, so send them in!

**All written entries are passed via Turnitin

Sara Altaf Designing Team Head

Fathima Abdul Hameed Designing Team Assistant

Find the details of the upcoming PRODIGY Awards!

www issuu com/prodigymagazine

For editorial, contact Suleiman Altaf: suleiman.altaf@student.curtin.edu.au

HOW AI IS CHANGING

Over to you

Best

Congratulations, !

Best Letter Contest

To be considered for the next issue, please send in your entries for the opinions, fiction, poems, artworks, and photography sections to student magazines@curitndubai ac ae

A representative from AIESEC visited Curtin Dubai in February and spoke to students about the platform and how they could benefit from it AIESEC is an international, non-government and notfor-profit organisation run by the youth of every generation It supports young people in their efforts to develop leadership skills, and secure internships and global volunteer exchange experiences Being an AISEC member means being a part of a network that is approximately 40,000 members strong and across 120+ countries. For more information, view their Instagram profile: @aiesecuae.

On World Biometrics Day, Curtin Dubai hosted a conference where the concepts and opportunities from the use of biometrics in everyday life was discussed The event also included a friendly debate with scientists, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts of Biometric Technology Solutions

Another MBA

Masterclass was held at Curtin Dubai, this time focusing on Business Operations

The class was attended by several MBA aspirants and people already working in the industry

Curtin Dubai's engineering student, Keerthana Reddy, and TAG's CEO, Mr Daniel Adkins, were invited to the STEM LEADherSHIP Conference as panel speakers The conference took place on Saturday, 7 January 2023, at Dubai Cambridge International School, Dubai, a GEMS school The event aimed to promote awareness and action concerning local gender issues with the goal of eradicating gender inequality whilst guiding the new generation toward a better future

Celebrating every milestone is what makes university life memorable The high achievers of Curtin Dubai's Foundation Program were awarded and appreciated in a special ceremony on campus The students who scored higher than 80% were recognized in the presence of their family and friends The ceremony was also attended by Professor John Evans, Dr Daniel Adkins and organized by Ms Shahra Jafar, Foundation Program Coordinator.

Business student and Business School Officer in the Student Council, Leandri Hayton, had the opportunity to visit the CNBC Africa and Forbes Africa offices in Johannesburg, as part of an industry interaction organised by Curtin Dubai's Careers Hub. Here she is with Roberta Naicker, Group Managing Director at the CNBC Studios, and outside the offices with other colleagues

Program Coordinator & Senior Lecturer of Psychology, Dr. Sonakshi Ruhela, attended the BeingShe event with Curtin students in a bid to promote their learning and networking opportunities The students met Her Excellency Farida Kamber AlAwadhi, Chairperson of the Emirates Business Women Council, Ms Aparna Bajpai, Founder of BeingShe, and Ms Rashi Verma and Ms Monica Punjabi, Cofounders of The Ojas Project The students secured internship opportunities and had a great time learning the dynamics of the business industry in UAE This is among the many interactions promoted by Curtin Dubai to further the women empowerment movement

IT students got a chance to visit the Intel Innovation Centre located on Sheikh Zayed Road. The short tour included an exhibition of the latest technologies Intel had to offer

Curtin Dubai students got an exclusive opportunity to attend a 'Smart Money Management Program' in association with the Dubai Islamic Bank The 2-day program taught students key financial management skills and the importance of savings in today's world Students were also able to share their own personal experiences with the DIB professional

Curtin Dubai students were invited to Fakeeh University Hospital for a Panel Discussion on the Healthcare industry The university hospital's management and supporting team hosted the students and shared their valuable insights with them in a bid to enhance their learning experience

Hamza Hazem Qaffaf B Com, Finance

Financial technology, commonly referred to as fintech, is rapidly changing the way businesses operate Fintech is a technological innovation that helps companies manage their financial processes more efficiently and effectively In the past, businesses relied heavily on traditional financial services, such as banks and insurance companies However, the rise of fintech has brought about new possibilities and has completely revolutionized the financial industry In this article, we will explore how fintech is transforming the way corporations do business

Increased Efficiency in Financial Operations

Fintech has brought about an increase in efficiency in financial operations, enabling businesses to streamline their financial processes With the help of automation and digitalization, businesses can now carry out their financial processes more quickly and accurately For instance, companies can use fintech software to track expenses, manage payroll, and carry out financial analysis, reducing the amount of time and effort spent on manual bookkeeping.

Additionally, fintech software can help businesses automate tasks like invoicing and bill payments, reducing the risk of errors and delays. By doing so, businesses can also improve their cash flow management, ensuring that they have enough funds to cover their expenses and pay their employees. This is particularly important for small businesses that have limited financial resources and need to optimize their financial operations

Moreover, fintech software can provide businesses with real-time access to financial data, enabling them to make better decisions By having access to accurate financial data, businesses can identify areas that need improvement, such as reducing costs and increasing revenue This, in turn, can help businesses optimize their financial performance and drive growth

Overall, increased efficiency in financial operations through fintech is a significant advantage for businesses that want to optimize their financial processes and make better decisions By automating tasks, reducing errors, and providing real-time access to financial data, fintech is enabling businesses to improve their financial performance, drive growth, and gain a competitive advantage

Better Access to Financing

Fintech is transforming the way businesses, especially SMEs, access financing Traditional financial services often require high credit scores, collateral, and extensive paperwork, making it challenging for SMEs to access funding However, fintech lenders offer a faster and more straightforward application process with lower interest rates, making it easier for SMEs to access financing

By leveraging data analytics and alternative data, fintech lenders can offer customized financing solutions tailored to the specific needs of each business. This way, SMEs can access financing that best meets their requirements, whether it’s short-term loans, lines of credit, or working capital. Additionally, fintech platforms provide an excellent opportunity for SMEs to build their credit history and reputation, increasing their chances of securing future financing from traditional lenders Therefore, by providing better access to financing, fintech is empowering SMEs to grow their businesses and contribute to the overall economic growth of the country

Improved Customer Experience

Fintech has not only improved the efficiency of financial operations but also the customer experience by providing a more personalized and accessible service For instance, fintech has enabled businesses to offer tailored financial products based on the needs of their customers This includes customized loans and investment opportunities, which can provide better value to the customers

Furthermore, fintech has brought about greater access to financial services for customers Traditional financial services often require customers to visit a physical branch or use complicated phone services to manage their accounts With the rise of fintech, customers can now manage their finances from the comfort of their homes using user-friendly mobile apps or web-based platforms

Additionally, fintech has enabled the integration of various financial services onto a single platform, making it easier for customers to manage all their financial needs in one place For instance, customers can now manage their bank accounts, investment portfolios, and insurance policies through a single app

To summarize, fintech has brought about a significant improvement in the customer experience by providing personalized financial services and enhancing accessibility to financial products As fintech continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative solutions that will further revolutionize the way businesses interact with their customers

Fintech is revolutionizing the way corporations do business, bringing about significant changes in the financial industry that cannot be understated From increased efficiency in financial operations to better access to financing, improved customer experience, and greater security and data protection, Fintech is impacting businesses that embrace this technology and positioning them to compete in the digital age As fintech continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly bring about new possibilities and further transform the way businesses manage their finances and other areas of business operations beyond finance, such as marketing and customer service. Corporations must remain agile and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of financial technology to stay ahead of the curve in this exciting time for the financial industry, where fintech is at the forefront of this change.

Students in the School of Psychology, under the guidance of Dr Sonakshi Ruhela, did a photoshoot

They all wore blue to highlight the importance of mental health and the subject of psychology Of the photoshoot, Dr Ruhela commented on her LinkedIn: "A dynamic batch of Psychological Sciences enthusiasts, the World is looking out for Psychology at Curtin is ranked in the top 126-150 of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for 2022, The group of young passionate students are the real pride of the Department of Psychology at Curtin University Dubai "

An outdoor event is organized every trimester by the Curtin Life Team and this time, students were taken for a hiking trip to Hatta Some of the places that were visited around Hatta included the Heritage Village, the Hatta 360 Observatory, the Hatta Dam and the Wadi Hub Students engaged in various activities like kayaking and hiking,

Curtin Dubai hosted Professor Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of the United Nations University in Tokyo - Japan, for a talk on 'Artificial Intelligence and its applications'. Students, faculty and staff had an engaging and thought-provoking Q&A to address the pros and cons of AI

Attention Social Club Heads!

If you wish to get your club featured on this section of the magazine, please send the relevant workshop/event/session details along with pictures to student magazines@curtindubai ac ae and promote your clubs! Please mention the date of the same and add a suitable subject line The next section of this magazine is specifically for write-ups/articles/how-tos of social clubs which should also be sent on the above email Make note of the deadlines so your club doesn't miss out!

5 must-try restaurants in Dubai 5 must-try restaurants in Dubai

The below list comprises of restaurants and cafes that have great profile in terms of flavor and innovation It is in no way the top 5 in Dubai However, it acts as a beginner’s guide to the diverse world of culinary delights that exist in this city

AlSafadi:(Sheikh Zayed Road, Goldcresttower)

Are you a Shawarma lover? Be prepared to be blown away at this Lebanese Gem, a truly amazing restaurant that is single-handedly competing in the best dish category for all their menu items. Al Safadi offers Arabic food like no other, with their delightful Hummus and mixed grill platter being out of this world This restaurant will always feature itself on all awardwinning lists for Arabic restaurants

Recommended Dishes – Kunafa, Mix Grill Platter, Hummus with Meat and Pine, Chicken Shawarma!!!!!!!

Arabica(DubaiMall, Mall of the Emirates . Citywalk)

A bit controversial on this list as this particularly targets coffee lovers, but if you ' re in the quest for finding the best café Dubai has to offer then look no further They offer a range of coffee with professional methods that complement the flavour of each bean Every sip becomes tastier, and you can never have enough of one cup

P S It’s better than Starbucks by a mile :)

Recommended – Latte, Macchiato, Piccolo, Cortado

Recommended beans- Ethiopian, Brazilian, Indonesian

PFChang ’ s ( Dubai Mall)

PF Chang’s strikes the balance perfectly while introducing Asian cuisine into your palette for the first time While there are better Asian restaurants out there (a list for another time ��), PF Chang’s is perfect for starting out They offer an array of dishes; however, the Dubai Mall restaurant has an extensive menu as compared to other outlets and is a fine dining edition of the restaurant. The PF Chang’s at the Mall of the Emirates makes for a more budget-friendly dining experience A decent spot for sushi lovers as well, though options are limited

Recommended Dishes – Dynamite Shrimp, California Roll, Miso Glazed Salmon, Lo Mein, Pad Thai

Gazebo(DIFC, Ibn Battuta, Mankhool , JLT)

A moderately-priced Indian restaurant that offers a traditional Indian menu A unique selling point here would be for all biryani lovers Gazebo truly offers the best biryani in Dubai Their menu also includes a wide range of vegetarian options Their starter items especially are a gem

Recommended Dishes – Aatish e Ginga Biryani, Mutton Boti Biryani, Panner Tikka, Butter Chicken

HafizMustafa (DubaiMall)

More of a dessert shop rather than a restaurant, Hafiz Mustafa offers a distinctive range of Turkish desserts and confectioneries They have a variety of Baklava, each unique with delicate flavour profiles A must-visit for all Arabic dessert lovers

Recommended Dishes – Kunafa, Ice-cream, Baklava

What is there to life?

Ruvimbo Moyo B.

Com, Accounting

When reminiscing, I realize how much more I would have enjoyed past experiences had I been more present and grateful You have no idea how something or someone is important to you until you lose them That has made me want to do more for the people I love and enjoy every moment while it still lasts Also, give certain deserving opportunities a try

Being far away from my family and friends has given me ample time to reflect and realize some of the things that matter in life. Before I share my revelations following my constant reflections, you might not share the same ideology as me I might not have the required statistical data to prove my point but lend me the benefit of doubt I cannot share all my self-reflections in this article dear reader (perhaps in another article) but in this one, I will talk about gratitude

We tend to complain a lot We wake up in the morning ready to find everything wrong with every situation and be so open about the dislikes and the negatives We whine about our problems like that is all there is to life I am quite guilty myself I am not going to be the kind of writer to guilt trip you with the words “Someone out there would do anything to have a life like yours” I would want to tell 'the someone out there' to be optimistic, look on the bright side, and hold on I know it might seem hard because some situations seem unbearable and unlivable, but it all comes down to choices Your problem might be long-term or short-term, but the fact that it is there stands You have the choice to focus wholly on the problem or work towards the solution and focus on the remaining things to be grateful for. Something as simple, yet uncertain as life. Your life and the lives of the people around you.

When last did you go out for an experience big or small and enjoyed it? The last I did, I forgot my phone at home but that made me enjoy it even more I was more invested in what was happening I was not thinking about everything wrong in my life Not worried and not overthinking, I was just present We should be able to be grateful for our experiences as well With family, friends, or alone, flashy or simple. Even when something is missing, make it worthwhile. Find a solution or compromise; just make sure you are focusing on making the best out of itmaking it memorable.

We do not realize it but sometimes thinking big and expecting more kills gratitude For instance, expecting something big as a gift or an outing and in turn getting something smaller makes it somewhat undesirable to you The effort counts, and the thought counts - do not disqualify the effort We envision it big but when it comes in a small package we complain Sometimes not even from others but from ourselves When you wanted to be the best but achieve only as best as the second, we tend to not celebrate at all

What if we changed the impulse to our perspectives and expectations? I am not implying to think small but waking up every morning and focusing on the good, saying thank you wholeheartedly when you get any gift whether you like it or not, and focusing on sharing smiles, love, and kindness can take you a long way If you are an introvert like me, do not overdo it, it will drain you Appreciate more, everyone and everything that deserves appreciation. Paying too much heed to problems causes unhealthy stress, rather focus on the solution. This will not only eliminate the bad days, but it will make the good ones aplenty.

Conclusively, life is all about choices Choose how you want to live yours The power to live your best life or your worst lies in the choices you make

5 most wanted skills in today's world

By Curtin Dubai Careers Department

University education is not only about developing skills and knowledge in the context of your subject, but it is also about acquiring skills that will help you adapt and equip for the future life ahead In today's ever-changing world of work, one needs to develop certain skills that he/she can transfer in any work environment or role leading to career success There are many transferable skills However, the 5 top skills that I recommend developing while in university are:

Professional verbal and written communication help in maintaining good work relations, and helps convey ideas with clarity, and effectiveness One can improve their communication skills with experience in the classroom, by delivering presentations, and even participating in various clubs to interact with more people.

Digital literacy refers to the use of computer and other computer software such as Microsoft Office to its highest potential This can be developed by being creative and using as many applications as possible to do your assignments and projects

Employers always appreciate employees who can juggle many commitments all at once Just by making sure to meet deadlines at university and properly balancing schoolwork with personal commitments or extra-curricular activities, one can develop this skill If you are facing difficulty balancing, then make it a habit to use planners, reminders and task lists

Leadership and teamwork include skills such as patience, decision-making ability, problem-solving, team building and motivation One can develop these skills by volunteering to take up leadership roles at social clubs, team projects, and community groups.

Management of your money shows how responsible and mature you can be This skill is valued at the workplace and shows someone that you can be responsible and trustworthy One can get good at this skill, by managing their own finances and making a proper budget at the start of the month for basic needs and wants

At Curtin, we have already taken care of developing these skills by incorporating it in the Employability Series. These skills help you to approach your future work life with confidence and prepare you to adapt and survive in any ups and downs in your career in the future

For any Careers related queries and concerns, please visit the Careers Hub or drop an email to careers@curtindubai ac ae

1 Communication Skills

2. Digital Literacy

3. Time Management

4. Leadership & Teamwork

5. Money & Financial Management

PRODIGY AWARDS

Where talent is awarded

CATEGORIES

Writing:

> Best Overall Write-up

RULES

The second PRODIGY Awards will take place in June 2023 Voting lines will be open through June 1 to June 7, 2023 The participants will be taken from Issue #4 (previous issue) and Issue #5 (this issue)

> Best Writer > Best Photographer

Arts:

> Golden Pen Appreciation Award

*Subject to change.

The Awards will take place at the end of every trimester Every trimester, two editions of PRODIGY will be published and the submissions made in those will be considered for the Awards

The voting process will be conducted online where Curtin Dubai students will be able to vote for their choice in each category

Visit the following link to take part in the voting process or scan the QR code below:

https://forms gle/dZ1iyZx31zrDccvS6

Prodigies @ Curtin Prodigies @ Curtin Prodigies @ Curtin

Meet Irtiqa Khan, an aspiring businesswoman. PRODIGY's Relations and Communications Coordinator, Jasmina Ulugbekova caught up with her to find out more.

"I always try to stay driven "I always try to stay driven and motivated..." and motivated..."

Q: Your name, school and major?

A: Irtiqa Khan, Curtin Business Foundation in 2nd Trimester.

Q: One word that others would use to describe you and why do you think it's relevant?

A: Driven. I would say this is relevant since I always try my best to stay driven and motivated to achieve the best results with the hard work and efforts that I put forward.

In this brand-new special section of PRODIGY, we interview, as the name suggests, prodigies at Curtin Dubai. Who will be next in the roll of honour?

Q: How did you start your journey with Curtin Dubai?

A: I started my journey with Curtin [Dubai] through familiarity of the university and its well-known ranking among the top 1% of universities. I was informed about this university through [different] university fairs and social media posts which intrigued me to know more about Curtin University.

Q: Why did you choose the major you are doing?

A: I have chosen International Business as my major that I would like to pursue since I find myself [already] knowledgeable regarding plenty of business operations and find business [in general] an interesting field to study

Q: How has your journey at Curtin Dubai impacted you so far?

A: My journey at Curtin Dubai [so far] has opened endless doors of opportunities which I look forward to pursuing in the near future

Q: Where do you see yourself in the near future?

A: In the near future, I see myself [completing] a Bachelor of Commerce in International Business, as well as applying for internships to gain experience within the business field.

Q: What is your natural talent and how does it apply to you in your life?

A: I would say my natural talent is that I am able to write [and express myself] very well, which has helped me showcase my skills and knowledge successfully when needed as well as being able to communicate well and provide input of opinions and advice that can be beneficial. I also sketch occasionally which helps me in relaxing and diverts my attention if I feel overwhelmed by my studies.

Q: What is one advice that you think everyone should live by?

A: My favorite advice is that when one door closes for you, a thousand new doors open too, and it is never too late to start and prove yourself worthy If you’re able to put in the effort, time and patience into what you want to achieve so dearly, then you will be able to achieve it and overcome any obstacles that come on the way

Mumbai Skyline

Salonee Kulkarni B. Com, International Business

Mumbai is a city where you don’t have to wait to write stories. The stories write themselves. It is something about the people Their hearts have a lot of stories Out of which, one story is their very own The people in the city are the characters, the city is like the pages filled by its inhabitants who live in compact houses There isn’t enough space to move but enough to breathe

Inhale and the memories of the city flood in

The busy railway lines – miss one platform and you might reach another destination When you do so, the city will gift you another memory, you won’t forget - neither your passengers nor your stolen wallet They call it the city that never sleeps and the city where people satisfy their hunger through an ambitious dream The dwellers are reluctant to share their dreams with their close ones, often because of resistance, but the city knows. With the scorching heat during the afternoon and while the sweat beads form on the foreheads, best friends sitting in the corner of the class can be heard venting out their misery. From a distance, it may all look fine, but a few steps closer and the misery will bleed your ears - only if you care to listen. If you do bleed, the city will heal you.

The city looks different at night, and despite its inability to sleep it carries with it a strange abandonment, a child understanding the aloofness of an adult The birds begin chirping in the morning as the dawn breaks and the evening sky summarizes the story of the people, hues of red and orange - each brushstroke a magnificence of their existence

Madhav's favourite jewellery, though, are the Mumbai rains The city looks different as the rain pitter-patters on the ground Each raindrop is a musical tune, its pitch lowering or increasing as the cloud desires A raindrop falls on the bus stop roof, it slides competing with its siblings and reaching the end it falls anticipating its destination Its destination - Madhav’s cheek He closes his eyes and relishes the smell of rain hitting the untilled soil as memories of walking to school, the bicycle chases, the childhood chocolates, the TV program and his mother flood his mind

Another raindrop falls on Pranjal’s neck. She opens her umbrella. The raindrop settles on her neck waiting for her story to unfold. Observing a family in the car, she misses home. She misses the sweet flatbread stuffed with lentils- puran poli, as they call it. She is travelling all the way to another city to become an entrepreneur. She contemplates her decision. She looks up. The night sky and her dreams are similar The stars hide, their shine unnoticed The raindrops patter against the corporate buildings wanting to get inside but just like some sections of society, they too are uninvited

A raindrop seeps through the cracked walls of a house The sewage system is broken The house is weak The people living inside the house are weaker The house is dark waiting to light up The cold winds embrace the house No utensils can warm the house Soft blankets and a clean bed are a fantasy they cherish Today an empty stomach is their favourite dessert Some sections of society call it a house within a slum

A mischievous raindrop clings to the window ceiling of a school bus

“The world is complex, but Mama says to be a human first Mama says we are all unique ”

Traffic and the honking of the cars do not bother the kids sitting inside Their uniform is an ornament to their innocent hearts yet unaware of the differences in the world, waiting for an instructor to highlight them. A vada pav stall enriches the aroma of the rainy environment- a bride waiting for her groom to take her to her in-law’s house.

“Dada ek vada pav dya (Brother, please make a vada pav)."

Madhav craves a vada pav - who wouldn’t? Anyone would leave a little space in their tummy for this spicy delicacy

He waited underneath the stall umbrella A little boy around five or six years old approached him He was bare feet He wore an untidy shirt and pants He had enough layers of clothes to keep him warm for the day His unkempt hair resembled a lotus in muddy water His skinny stomach growled with bits of bread he ate from a trash can His dusky skin glowed despite the darkness His tiny pinky finger entangled with Madhav’s He pointed at the delicacy

Madhav cherished the delicious snack with him They didn’t talk An ambulance siren was wailing The jammed road was a hurdle for the patient inside the white car who could be saved or buried. The little boy hid a small piece of the snack in his pocket. He walked across the street jumping over the muddy puddles. One step. Two steps. Three steps. The muddy water didn’t trouble him just like a frog jumping out of the well, waiting to be kissed by a princess. His princess was a strangled opportunity. He gently pulls out the piece of bread and hands it to his father. The father releases the blue balloon in his hands. He kisses his child on the forehead and feeds him the remaining half Eight eyes swell up with tears - Madhav’s, the father, his son and Pranjal’s

Exhale and it's the reality

Life's a beach!

Beach, Ras Al Khaimah Azkha Midkhar

Dubai Mall

Muhammad Omaid

RECIPE OF RECIPE OF RECIPE OF THE MONTH THE MONTH THE MONTH

Alister John Saldanha Culinary Expert

Ingredients

·2 cups Penne

·2 Chicken Breasts

·2 to 5 Tbsp Olive Oil

¼ Tsp Black pepper

¼ Tsp Salt

2 Tsp Paprika

·100ml Light cream/ Heavy cream.

·150ml Milk (Optional)

·1 Tbsp Flour (Optional)

·25g Parmigiana Reggiano (Optional)

·Truffle oil (Optional)

Baby Spinach

6 to 8 Cherry Tomatoes.

Method:

Penne Pollo Picante

Cook penne in a pot of boiling water seasoned generously with salt

In a small bowl, mix 5 tbsp of olive oil with paprika, pepper and salt

Flatten the chicken breasts or cut the thickness in halves if it is too much

Use half the mixture to marinate the chicken breasts for 15 minutes.

On a pan placed on medium-to-high heat sear the chicken, and cook each side for 3 to 4 minutes.

Take the chicken breasts out and turn off the heat. Add in heavy cream to your pan along with the other half of the paprika mixture. Mix well and turn on the heat, keep the flame low!

Slice the chicken pieces into strips and add to the cream mixture. Next, add in your cooked penne pasta. Let the pasta and cream combine.

When the cream is just beginning to boil, turn off the heat and add in baby spinach and tomatoes.

Keep the flame on low for about a minute or two.

Turn the flame off and add in the parmesan cheese. Keep mixing until all ingredients have been incorporated well Serve by grating some parmigiana on top along with a gentle drizzle of truffle oil and enjoy!

Tips:

This recipe can also be made using bechamel sauce To do so make a normal bechamel sauce and as it thickens, pour in half your mixture of olive oil and paprika.

If using the bechamel version, you can also reduce the amount of olive oil used and directly add your paprika to the sauce. Use a whisk to incorporate it and prevent lumps.

There is really no need to use parmigiana in the heavy cream sauce; it is optional.

You can also use shallots in this recipe if you prefer; it changes the taste slightly.

Truffle oil is also an optional ingredient, the recipe is just as good without it

Redefining education and academic institutions

Suleiman Altaf Editor-in-chief

In a dynamic job market, one question is raised often: do academic institutions equip their graduates with the required, often transferable skills? An erudite might say yes but most graduates are negative We will explore more in this month's and upcoming articles

At face value, one finds many graduates struggling to transfer their theoretical knowledge into real-life scenarios. It is not that the theory being taught in schools and universities is incorrect, but the fault lies in the absence of explanations for 'how' and 'why' that theory exists

Students are constantly required to 'memorize' Even if that's not the requirement, that is what students resort to ' pass ' their exams/units/modules But it all does not begin at the high school, college or university level, it begins right from the start - the kindergarten level

When I was in kindergarten, there was an emphasis on handwriting and rightly so We were asked to write in cursive, or at least encouraged to The four-lined notebooks were a key component of every school bag and sharpened pencils were an imperative Printouts were a distinct reality By comparison, today's kindergarten involves merely circling the right answer or matching A to B etc which may not be wrong but the standards expected of students have been lowered, often unnecessarily.

Ultimately the things being taught may not be a problem, but the things that aren't is where the crux of the matter lies The other day I was calculating the amount of hours/days I had spent learning histories of Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome and Ancient Egypt while I was in Grades 4, 5 and 6 We had two 40 minutes periods a week with approximately 36 weeks an academic year. That adds to 6 days of learning something of which I don't remember one bit! And this is just the class timings, let alone the countless hours spent doing homework, projects and exam preparations! If I was learning Chinese instead with this dedication, I would probably be writing poetry in Chinese by now!

I am not against learning ancient histories at all In fact, I love it But the entire argument is that this should not be taught as a primary subject, let alone students being tested on it, but rather a weekly general knowledge class which incorporates it and makes it fun for students while utilizing the saved time to learning a new or many new languages or other subjects

This approach also creates a true learning environment for students, alleviates study pressure off them and equips them with something which will be used for the rest of their lives As well as how that impacts their learning during secondary and high school and university, is something for next month's article

To be continued