Current News

Innovative thinking in BusinessChance Competition

anna.sjoholm@puv.fi (Anna Sjöholm) — 2012-05-15T12:11:42+00:00

The Jury consisted of specialists from companies, business life support organizations and Business Mentors. The Jury gave the competitors valuable feedback on how to develop their business ideas.
The sponsors of the competition were The Foundation for Finnish Inventions, Vaasa Region Development Company Vasek, Mervento Oy and VNT-Management Oy. Then the Three best teams were rewarded:

1. prize 600€ (+ 400€ developing money in BusinessFactory)
Vaasa University Team Jaakko Nieminen, Toni Savolainen, Jami Pasanen, Hanne Salomaa, Hannu Muje ja Tiina Kaarniemi with the Idea ”The grocery store in Internet”.

2. prize 400€ (+ 200€ developing money in BusinessFactory)
Vaasa UniversityTeam Jussi Järvenpää Kasperi Järvinen, Mikael Komulainen, Hermanni Lyyski, Åsa Nyman ja Anssi Virtanen with the idea “The non-stop accommodation service”.

3. prize 200€ (+ 200€ developing money in BusinessFactory)
Vaasa University of Applied Sciences Team Henri Aaltonen and Turkka Rantanen with the idea ”(SpecialDrink).

Back row: Timo Malin, Turkka Rantanen, Henri Aaltonen

Front row: Jami Pasanen, Toni Savolainen, Jaakko Nieminen, Hannu Juhe, Hanne Salomaa ja Jussi Järvenpää

The winning team

Further information:
Timo Malin, BusinessFactory coordinator, timo.malin@puv.fi , 0400-113950

Text and pictures: Timo Malin

Innovative thinking in BusinessChance Competition

anna.sjoholm@puv.fi (Anna Sjöholm) — 2012-04-26T12:28:07+00:00

Business Idea Competition Chance was established now for the fourth time as a common competition by The Consortium of High Education in Vaasa. The competition was organized by BusinessFactory IdeaLab (www.businessfactory.fi) The competition was meant for students from Hanken, Vaasa University and Vaasa University of Applied Sciences. These Universities have signed the agreement of “Common innovation services in High Education in Vaasa”.

By the launch of the competition (BusinessChanceRegulations) in Autumn 2011, there were two competition categories – Energy and Open. But in spite of hard marketing, only 14 teams had registered by the end of the registration time (30.3.2012). Because of this all the teams went directly into the Final.

The awards:

1. prize 600€ (+ 400€ developing money in BusinessFactory)
Vaasa UniversityTeam Jaakko Nieminen, Toni Savolainen, Jami Pasanen, Hanne Salomaa, Hannu Muje ja Tiina Kaarniemi with the Idea ”The grocery store in Internet”.

2. prize 400€ (+ 200€ developing money in BusinessFactory)
Vaasa UniversityTeam Jussi Järvenpää with the idea “The non-stop accommodation service”.

3. prize 200€ (+ 200€ developing money in BusinessFactory)
Vaasa University of Applied Sciences Team Henri Aaltonen, Ilkka Kittilä, Turkka Rantanen ja Stefan
Jungar with the idea ”(SpecialDrink).

Open rewarding ceremony will be held on Friday the 4th of May at 9.00-10.30 am. in Vaasa University of applied sciences Auditorium WB106. Coffee will be available. Guiding to the right auditorium will be available at the main entrance in Wollffintie 30.

Wellcome!

Further information:
Timo Malin, BusinessFactory coordinator, timo.malin@puv.fi , 0400-113950

Text:Timo Malin

He got the dream summer job in Vaasa

sari.makisalo@puv.fi (Sari Mäkisalo) — 2012-04-18T07:22:53+00:00

PRESS RELEASE VASEK 18.4.2012

The Energy Ambassador has been chosen

Tuomas Vanhanen, student in energy technology at the Tampere University of Technology, has been chosen for the summer job position as the Vaasa region Energy Ambassador, a position that received more than 1,600 applications. Vanhanen, who is currently completing supplementary studies at the Vienna University of Technology, will earn 30,000 euro by working for the 12 top companies in the Vaasa region during the summer. His task is also to spread the word about the Vaasa region’s energy technology concentration’s significance for Finland and to tell about his experiences in the social media.

The Vaasa Region Development Company VASEK and the representatives for the other employer companies describe Vanhanen as a dynamic young professional with excellent skills. He jumped out from the group of applicants at an early stage.

The Energy Ambassador was announced in Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel in Helsinki. Vanhanen was also handed the keys to his hybrid car and a hotel room, both being his job benefits. He signed the employment contract with the mayor of the City of Vaasa Tomas Häyry. Also present at the press conference was the U.S. Ambassador to Finland Bruce J. Oreck who gave his view on the opportunities the position brings.

Vanhanen is familiar with the Vaasa region and has acquainted himself with some of his employer companies through studies. He received information on the recruitment of the Energy Ambassador when a fellow student recommended applying for the position in Facebook.

The Energy Ambassador will start working in the end of May. You can follow his summer at the ambassador's own EnergyVaasa web site www.energyvaasa.fi/lahettilas.

More information:

www.energyvaasa.fi/lahettilas
www.facebook.com/EnergyVaasa

Suvi Markko
Communications Manager, Vaasa Region Development Company VASEK
+358 50 534 1911
suvi.markko@vasek.fi

Robert Olander
Marketing Director, Technology Centre Merinova
+358 40 743 4647
robert.olander@merinova.fi

More than 1,600 have applied to become Vaasa Region’s Energy Ambassador

sari.makisalo@puv.fi (Sari Mäkisalo) — 2012-03-05T08:26:32+00:00

Vaasa Region Development Company´s press release March 5, 2012

Application period for the Vaasa Region Energy Ambassador has expired. The recruitment has received major attention. The person chosen will receive a salary of 30,000 euro for the summer job plus benefits including a car, hotel accommodation and meals, arranged by the campaign partners. The Energy Ambassador will get to know 12 companies in the region’s energy concentration and share the experiences mainly in the social media.

The recruitment criteria emphasized technological background, interest in the field of energy and experience in using social media. A total of 1624 persons considered them as suitable for the job and applied. The organizer of the summer job, Vaasa Region Development Company VASEK, is pleased both with the number of applicants as well as their high level of competence.

The information collected reveals that a typical applicant is 20-30 years of age, studies technology, works fluently in English and gets along in Swedish as well. Information about the recruitment process was found on Facebook or elsewhere on the web. Companies in the Vaasa region’s energy concentration are constantly looking for future workforce in this target group.

20 candidates will proceed to the next round and the best five of them will be presented on the campaign page on March 30. The Vaasa Region Energy Ambassador is selected by VASEK and the ambassador’s employers and will be presented to the public on 18 April.

More information:

www.energyvaasa.fi/lahettilas (in Finnish)
http://www.energyvaasa.fi/en/home_en/project

Internal auditors are on the move on 14.-15.2

2012-02-13T12:01:29+00:00

Vaasa University of Applied Sciences annual internal audit will be carried out on Tuesday and Wednesday 14-15.2.2012.

The internal audit themes change each year, this year the themes are the pedagogic program, RDI activity and its integration to teaching, as well as external communication and marketing performance.

The internal auditing is developing evaluation, which aim is to provide development areas, as well as the best practices. Observations are made mainly by interviewing the members of staff and students. This year, the findings of the marketing theme will also be collected from all our the students with a web-questionnaire. Interviewers will work in pairs of a teacher and a student. There are 9 teachers and 9 students working as internal auditors altogether.

The departments to be audited change each year, this year the departments are Information Technology, Data Processing and Social Services.

The purpose is to gain a comprehensive view of how we work and study in VAMK and how we could develop our performance and quality.

VAMK yourself! Apply now for degree programmes in English

2012-02-06T06:08:24+00:00

Vaasan ammattikorkeakoulu (VAMK), University of Applied Sciences offers three degree programmes in English during the application period of 9th January -14th February 2012. The application period is same for both Finnish and foreign students, only one application. Studies begin in autumn, 2012.

Apply at www.admissions.fi.

- Information Technology, Bachelor of Engineering, 240 ects
Specialised know-how in embedded systems, software engineering and telecommunication engineering as well as project learning in robotics and robosoccer.

- International Business, Bachelor of Business Administration, 210 ects
Specialisation in International Marketing and Foreign Trade or Asian Business, both including a three-month stay abroad.

- Tourism, Bachelor of Hospitality Management, 210 ects
The Degree gives the preconditions to work within the field of tourism- and restaurant management. Possibility to study Asian hospitality in Thailand.

Eligibility:

Those who have completed or are completing Finnish Matriculations examination, IB-, RP-examinations, vocational qualification of three years or non-Finnish qualification.

50 % of the applicants will be admitted on the basis of the combined points for previous school performance and the entrance examination (applicants with Finnish Matriculation Examination and IB-examination). Points in this admission group are 30 points from the school performance and 70 points from the entrance examination = 100 points.

50 % of the applicants will be admitted on the basis of the entrance examination (applicants with non-Finnish certificates and Finnish applicants with vocational education). Points in this admission group are max. 100 points from the entrance examination.

More information:
http://www.puv.fi/en/prospective_degree_students/applying/
or
admissions@vamk.fi

Finland’s Most Energetic Summer Job – Vaasa Region’s Energy Ambassador gets 30,000 Euro

sari.makisalo@puv.fi (Sari Mäkisalo) — 2012-02-03T13:23:57+00:00

The Best Summer Job in Finland: Energy Ambassador

VAMK University of Applied Sciences, Vaasa Region Development Company VASEK and the EnergyVaasa network are looking for an Energy Ambassador from June to August 2012. The energy ambassador's job consists of getting to know the Vaasa region and its top energy technology companies by working one week for each company and to share the experiences mainly in the social media. For the three-month job, the ambassador will earn 30,000 euro plus a number of benefits including four-star accommodation, car, occupational health care, banking and investment services and daily consumer goods, arranged by the campaign partners.

– Vaasa region is the Nordic leader in energy technology and it has the best employment situation in all of Finland as well as all elements needed for a happy life. Not everybody knows about this and that is why we need an energy ambassador, says Suvi Markko, the Vaasa region’s Communications Manager at VASEK.

– The companies in the region offer challenging and international work duties for competent persons especially in the field of technology. It is of great importance for us to attract skilled and competent workforce to the region, tells Robert Olander, Marketing Director at Technology Centre Merinova.

A number of top companies and organizations in the region participate in the campaign with the common goal of bringing the region and its energy technology cluster the attention it deserves. The ambassador’s employers will be ABB, Wärtsilä, Vaasa Energy Institute (VAMK University of Applied Sciences and University of Vaasa), Mervento, Citec, Wapice, VAMP, VNT Management, Vaasan Sähkö, Leinolat Group, Stormossen and VASEK.

The campaign partners are: Anvia, Promedi, Minimani, Käyttöauto, Vaasan Osuuspankki, Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Tapiola, Vaasa TE Office, Pohjanmaan Expo, UpCode, City of Vaasa, Municipality of Korsholm, Wasa Sports Club, Technology Centre Merinova, Ernst & Young, the Ostrobothnia Chamber of Commerce, Vasabladet.

More information

www.energyvaasa.fi/lahettilas
www.facebook.com/energyvaasa

Suvi Markko, Communications Manager, Vaasa Region Development Company VASEK
suvi.markko@vasek.fi
+358 50 534 1911

Robert Olander, Marketing Director, Technology Centre Merinova
robert.olander@merinova.fi
+358 40 743 4647

Vaasa EnergyWeek 19-22 March – A New International Event Focusing on Energy

sari.makisalo@puv.fi (Sari Mäkisalo) — 2012-01-23T07:46:13+00:00

The heart of the most important energy technology centre in the Nordic Countries – Vaasa – will be the venue for the international event Vaasa EnergyWeek, held from 19th to 22nd March 2012. The occasion combines three events from the energy industry that have already become something of a tradition. Concentrating the national Energy and Environment Seminar, the Vaasa Wind Exchange forum and the international Renewable Efficient Energy II conference all on the same week brings a synergy for both visitors and organisers of the Vaasa EnergyWeek.

19 March 2012, Energy and Environment Seminar

The national Energy and Environment Seminar kicks off this energetic week. Organised annually since 2005, the seminar this year will focus on the issues of energy efficiency from the environmental point of view and offer a fascinating opening for researchers, business representatives and political decision-makers. Traditionally, decision-makers both at national and EU level have held lectures at the seminar and this year is no exception. In addition to Anette Rothberg from the EU Commission’s Directorate-General for Energy, the seminar boasts speakers such as the Finnish Minister of the Environment, Ville Niinistö, and the Director-General of the Ministry of Employment and the Economy’s Energy Department, Esa Härmälä.

20 March 2012, Vaasa Wind Exchange

Last year, Vaasa Wind Exchange drummed up more than 50 exhibitors and over 600 visitors and its popularity seems to continue. The exhibitors in this networking event include companies operating within the wind power sector, as well as municipalities and authorities, which is sure to create exciting discussions about issues concerning zoning and licence practices, business opportunities and wind power construction.

From 21 to 22 March 2012, Renewable Efficient Energy II Conference (REE II)

This international conference will deal with issues such as the various alternatives for renewable energy, distributed energy production and energy self-sufficiency. The subjects will be examined from the point of view of a sustainable and more efficient energy supply than ever. The topics will be discussed by such eminent specialists as Dr Alagappan Narayanan from India (specialism: bioenergy and biofuels) and Dr László Dinya from Hungary (specialism: regional energy self-sufficiency).

More Information

VAMK yourself! Application for degree programmes in English begins on January 9th, 2012

2011-12-30T07:33:25+00:00

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

sari.makisalo@puv.fi (Sari Mäkisalo) — 2011-12-22T12:51:35+00:00

Pre-reading material for International Business entrance exam published

juha.vierola@puv.fi (Juha Vierola) — 2011-12-21T06:49:52+00:00

Pre-reading material for the International Business entrance examination has been published. In the exam there will be one essay and 15 multiple choice questions based on the Metso Annual Report 2010.

Graduation ceremony on December 21st

2011-12-13T10:35:32+00:00

Graduation ceremony

Time: on December 21st, 1 p.m.
Place: Wolffintie 30, Assembly Hall

Biomass West and Central Africa Congress 2011

2011-12-02T09:01:01+00:00

The Biomass West and Central Africa Congress 2011 was held in Accra, Ghana on the 24th and 25th November 2011. Highlights of the congress included discussions on understanding the bioenergy markets and investment opportunities, and role of bioenergy in the human and economic development of West and Central Africa.

Dr. Adebayo Agbejule, project manager of EXIMIN, a key speaker at the congress presented paper on key innovation policies that needs to be put in place to assist in the development of bioenergy business in West and Central Africa countries.

Read more: Biomass West and Central Africa Congress 2011 (pdf)

For more information about congress, please contact Dr. Adebayo Agbejule at: ade@puv.fi

World View Day: Interesting Partner University Presentations

2011-11-24T10:48:35+00:00

The traditional World View Day was held on November 16, 2011 in the Festival Hall at the City Campus. 18 different partner universities in 12 different countries were presented by exchange students currently studying at VAMK.

Exchange students from Spain, Lithuania, Poland, Hellas, Belgium and the Netherlands.

The students presented their institutions, cities and countries. This way the audience got a picture of which study programs are available, but also what kind of free time activities are possible. On the basis of the information it can be stated that VAMK’s students have several excellent partner universities to choose between when planning to go abroad.

The presentations attracted a good number of students.

Welcome to Innovation sessions

2011-11-10T06:15:22+00:00

Time: on Thursdays 10.11., 17.11. and 24.11 at 12.30
Location: VAMK, Business Factory (C141), Wolffintie 30

Each session will last only 20-30 minutes and they are organized on a weekly basis.

The aim is to increase interest towards different aspects of innovations, active students, and give them a possibility to participate in the development processes of innovations. Through the activities it is also possible to gain active business contacts and consequently increase opportunities for recruitment. Emphasis of the sessions will be on case examples and timely topics.

Please check out the program from here (pdf).

Information about education conducted in English at Vaasa region 15.11.

2011-11-09T10:07:48+00:00

Information about education conducted in English at Vaasa region

Time: November 15th, 2011, 13–15
Place: Opintori, Employment Office (Wolffintie 35, 3rd floor)

E.g.
> Applying for the Bachelor Degrees conducted in English at Vaasan ammattikorkeakoulu, University of Applied Sciences. Application period for the academic year 2012–2013 is 9th January - 14th February 2012 at the address www.admissions.fi.

Vaasa UAS offers 3 different degree programmes conducted in English:

• Information Technology
• International Business
• Tourism

> Information about education conducted in English at Novia
> Information about Open Studies in English at Vaasa region

Are you ready for Africa? Seminar Nov 4, 2011

sari.makisalo@puv.fi (Sari Mäkisalo) — 2011-10-24T08:30:31+00:00

The seminar arranged by the EXIMIN network provides you with the information on challenges and opportunities of doing business in Africa.

Time: November 4^th, 2011 8 a.am to 13 p.m.
Place: VAMK Vaasa University of Applied Sciences, Wolffintie 30, auditorium WC134.

The seminar is free of charge. More information attached.

VAMK students brainstormed how to attract teenagers to the wooden house industry

2011-10-20T09:48:48+00:00

Event Management, a course offered at Vaasan ammattikorkeakoulu (VAMK) University of Applied Sciences, gave students a chance to plan a fair stand with which to make the wooden house industry more popular in the eyes of junior high school students. The KnowHow Fair arranged yearly in Vaasa focuses on education, working life and recruitment, and 14-16 year olds form one of the target visitor groups.

Read more.

Energy Day Nov 2, 2011

sari.makisalo@puv.fi (Sari Mäkisalo) — 2011-10-17T09:38:06+00:00

Vaasa Energy Institute (VEI) arranges for the fourth time an Energy Day for students at Vaasa University on Wednesday, the 2nd of November 2011 at 10.30 - 15.00. Companies will present themselves at their stands in the entrance halls of restaurant Mathilda and scientific library Tritonia. Short company presentations will be held at Tritonia's auditorium Nissi.

More information: http://www.vei.fi/content/en/11501/475/475.html

Questions about Vaasa? Turn to the Civic Forum website

2011-10-05T05:19:07+00:00

The Vaasa Civic Forum network service gives the inhabitants of the municipality an easy platform for asking questions at http://vaasa.kansalaiskioski.fi/en. The website can also be browsed to find other people's questions and the answers to them.