Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1163619
EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA REGION DIRECTOR, CONTINUED Phillip states that as a member of BICSI, we have seen a growth in international membership. Having traveled extensively in the EMEA Region and worked with individuals from 70 different nationalities here in Dubai, he has noticed that in the MEA Region there seems to be a hunger to have their unique country issues addressed. Being a volunteer in several organizations, his ability to listen and respond to member concerns addressing the cause, instead of the symptom, has allowed him to help those who would otherwise never understand why their requests went unan- swered. Phillip currently speaks to universities to promote the BICSI and ASIS credentials as a way to enhance graduates' bachelor's and master's degrees. He says we see their concern as they approach graduation and seek to find a job that can utilize their education and talents. In the United Arab Emirates, we have several universities that are from America, Great Britain, Germany, Australia, India or other countries with expatriates living in the region. Phillip believes that the students are the future leaders of our global society. They are our future RCDDs, DCDCs, OSPs and RTPMs. The world is connected through the telecommunications channels we in BICSI have helped to design and build. The global commitment of BICSI members coming together, listening to similar problems in their own countries and returning with solutions or promises of support has given them hope. We have seen in the EMEA region poor countries transformed into world participants on the global stage simply because of evermore communication channels opening up. Phillip says he can only hope that if selected as EMEA Region Director, he can continue to assist in some capacity to continue the growth of BICSI in our region. Phillip John Johnson, RCDD, CT Manager Ospray Systems Dubai, United Arab Emirates ospray01@aol.com If elected, Werner will use his professional relationships with cabling manufacturers, consultants and even end users to elevate the value that BICSI brings to ICT projects in the field. He has relationships in not only Middle East and Africa, but also in Eastern Europe, Russia, Belgium, the Netherlands,... Werner's goal would be to make BICSI the One-and-Only associ- ation to go to for ICT professionals. Just Like CISCO certification is THE reference for the higher layers in the OSI-7 layer model, BICSI certification should become the norm for OSI physical layer 1 certifica- tion and above. Werner believes that BICSI needs to make sure that knowledge about infrastructure technology is shared and preached to help prog- ress the world. BICSI's certification program will keep the world moving forward. BICSI members should work together to accelerate the pace of progress and to make a difference in this world. He states that we need to increase brand recognition for poten- tial sponsors in events. Werner can bring his profes- sional sales experience into the BICSI community. Werner Heeren Regional Sales Director Fluke Networks Dubai, United Arab Emirates werner.heeren@ flukenetworks.com FEATURE Page 6