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The conference brought together global professionals, academics, and experts to discuss the challenges and opportunities that digital transformation presents in the context of sustainable management.
Presenting at the conference was AUK assistant professor of management, Dr. Ahmad Al-Saber, who discussed his research on Kuwait’s banking sector and the recruitment of Kuwaiti nationals in small and medium private enterprises in Kuwait.
Dr. AlSaber also assisted and supervised the research papers of four AUK students: Yousef Al-Khashem, Ali Al-Mass, Maen Al-Mutairi, and Fatma Al-Khoder. Their papers explored various facets of digitalization, cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
The students showcased their proficiency in statistical analysis, and their work exhibited a strong grasp of various statistical techniques. They demonstrated the ability to apply these techniques to real-world datasets, transforming raw data into actionable insights.
AUK's support of its faculty and students reflects its commitment to fostering the next generation of innovators and change-makers in digitalization and innovation, providing a stepping stone for their future career prospects.
The Office of Research and Grants (ORG) also played a vital role in supporting the students with their research. It provided a wide range of support, workshops and training, mentoring, feedback, and access to resources such as research databases, software, and equipment. All these resources are crucial for students who are working on research projects and trying to complete their requirements for presenting their papers. As a result of ORG's support, students were able to improve the quality of their research, gain valuable skills and experience, and successfully presented their work at the conference.
The following papers were presented:
"The Influence of Governmental Support on the Cybersecurity Adoption and Performance: The Mediation of Security and Technological Readiness."
Presented by Student Yousef Alkhashem and supervised by Dr. Ahmad Alsaber
"The Use of Structural Equation Model (sem) to Evaluate the Effectiveness of ISO 9001 Quality Management System in the Banking Sector of Kuwait"
Presented by Dr. Ahmad Alsaber
"Factors influencing recruitment of Kuwaiti nationals in private Small & Medium Enterprises in Kuwait"
Presented by Dr. Ahmad Alsaber
"A Structural Equation Modelling Approach to Assessing the Factors That Influence Kuwaiti Entrepreneurs' Intention to Use Technology: Based on UTAUT Model"
Presented by Presented Students Ali Al-Mass and supervised by Dr. Ahmad Alsaber
"Factors of competitive advantage through Influence of Digital Transformation in Private Sector in Kuwait"
Presented by Students Maen Al-Mutairi, and Yousef Alkhashem and supervised by Dr. Ahmad Alsaber
"Development of a Structural Model for Sustainable Environment Training and Knowledge Transfer for Kuwaiti Private Organizations"
Presented by Presented Students Fatma Alkhoder and supervised by Dr. Ahmad Alsaber
AUK students presenting their papers
During the opening ceremony, AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad gave a speech where she prompted the audience to consider the implications of emerging technologies and rapid changes in the future of education, “As experts, innovators, academicians, industry people, public and private sector stakeholders, we must come together much more often, as we are doing here in the next serval days, to share the significance of innovation and its impact, while holding onto the interdisciplinary importance of solving complex challenges we face today. As we move towards an era of rapid technological advancement, it is essential that we prepare ourselves and our students to navigate the changing landscape, with the introduction of AI only accelerating this process.”
The dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS) and co-chair of EDUCON 2023, Dr. Amir Zeid, followed with a speech where he expressed his delight at the diversity of backgrounds and expertise represented in the conference, “We are honored to welcome around 200 participants from above 50 countries, across five continents to this year’s event. As we continue to provide high quality technical content and collaboration opportunities, we are confident that EDUCON will be an enriching and informative experience for all attendees.”
Representing the premier sponsor, KIPCO senior vice president of Communications and Investor Relations at KIPCO, Ms. Eman Al-Awadhi, underscored the company’s commitment to education, “Education is an important pillar of KIPCO’s portfolio. The establishment of the American University of Kuwait in 2003 marked our entry into this sector. Since then, we have been contributing to the education of young people in Kuwait through our network of K-12 schools and this university, shaping the future of the country through the quality of learning that we offer. We pride ourselves on upholding a culture of freedom of thought and expression, respect for individual rights and cultural diversity in our institutions.”
The conference featured a lineup of distinguished international keynote speakers who shared their expertise and insights on timely and pertinent topics in the field of engineering. They provided unique perspectives on emerging trends, new technologies, and best practices in the field.
Workshops, paper presentations, and roundtable discussions also took place to inform, inspire, and challenge attendees to broaden their knowledge and engage in meaningful conversation about the latest developments.
The IEEE EDUCON 2023 is the fourteenth in a series of conferences that rotate among central locations in IEEE Region 8 (Europe, Middle East, and Africa).
Held every year since 2010, EDUCON provides an opportunity to scientists, professional engineers, and students to present their work, publish their results, exchange ideas, and network for future scientific and industrial collaborations.
Visit the official IEEE EDUCON website for comprehensive information about the Conference's topics, sessions, and proceedings: https://2023.ieee-educon.org/
The women's futsal team secured first place, displaying exceptional skills and teamwork. Having also secured first place in the Universities Athletic Association of Kuwait (UAAK) tournament, the women’s futsal team reached a significant milestone by winning two consecutive gold medals in one year.
The student athletes' dedication paid off, as they also reached the finals in four sports and secured second place in the women's basketball and men's padel teams.
Mohammad AlSaleh, senior sports coordinator, praised the student athletes, "I think this generation of student athletes has set a great example on how students can enjoy their journey by managing their time to gain the best academic knowledge and sports experience."
The success of AUK's student athletes is a testament to their hard work and highlights the University's commitment to fostering a well-rounded student experience that encourages both academic and athletic excellence.
Among the activities were multiple "Iftar Sa'im" events to distribute meals to fasting people. Different Ghabga and Gergean events were also organized by over 11 campus clubs in collaboration with the Office of Student Life, Division of Student Affairs.
An Iftar and musical awards night event also brought together members of the campus community in celebration of their achievements in the past academic year. These events strongly showcase the strong bonds and sense of togetherness that exists within AUK.
AUK instructor of French language, Ms. Layal Jaber participated in the exhibitions along with several students who were enrolled in French courses. Visitors had the chance to learn more about the French language, culture, and about studying in France.
Also in the Open House were academic resource vendors and publishers such as Naseej and Virtus who provided live demos on certain resources and showcase the latest in terms of research databases and products. Students from the AUK chapter of the International English Honor Society—Sigma Tau Delta were also present to talk to students and test their knowledge on various literature.
The event also showcased a social robot named Furhat, which had human-like expressions and advanced conversational artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. Students interacted with the robot and asked general and specific questions to experience a new form of communication with AI.
Attendees participated in educational games and activities developed by librarians and learned about academic resources, information literacy and research skills that they can apply to their research.
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) women's soccer team won 3rd place at the American University in Dubai (AUD) International Sports Tournament. The tournament aimed to engage university students in physical activities while promoting social and multicultural interactions. Also participating in the tournament were the AUK men’s and women’s basketball teams, who also showcased admirable athletic camaraderie.
The women's soccer team displayed their skills and teamwork throughout the tournament. Their success is a testament to the quality of coaching and training they received, as well as their commitment to teamwork and perseverance.
Mohammad Al-Saleh, senior sports coordinator at AUK, commented on their achievement, “The AUK women's soccer team have once again proven their mettle with their third-place win at the AUD sports tournament. They displayed exceptional skills and resilience throughout the competition, overcoming several challenges to earn their much-deserved place on the podium. Congratulations to the team on their outstanding achievement, and we look forward to witnessing their continued success in the future.”
Sara Al-Agbar, the team’s star player, expressed her gratitude at having the opportunity to participate in the tournament, “Playing soccer abroad for my university is an experience that I will never forget. Everything was new, from the different styles of play to the cultural differences. It was an opportunity to test my skill, learn and grow as a soccer player. The tournament was intense, with teams from all over the world competing. The games were challenging, but my team and I rose to the occasion. We played with passion and determination, and despite being in a new and unfamiliar environment, we managed to make it to the semi-finals and win third place.”
These achievements highlight AUK athletes’ excellence. It is a testament to the University’s commitment to providing a well-rounded education that prioritizes physical as well as intellectual fitness.
Held at the AUK auditorium, Ambassador Hans-Christian discussed what the word ‘security’ entails, which he defined as a state or condition free from unwarranted risks. He also touched upon the different levels of threats and challenges to individual and collective human security, domestic internal security, external security, and global security.
The Ambassador also highlighted how the security of human beings as citizens of a state are defined by political, technical, ecological, legal, cultural, social, and economic factors. Taking Germany and the Gulf region as examples, he concluded that security perceptions and their mitigation may not only change across borders but depend on how individual perceptions are politically transformed into national security policies.
The event was attended by the AUK campus community and concluded with a Q&A session.
The IEEE EDUCON 2023 is the fourteenth in a series of conferences that rotate among central locations in IEEE Region 8 (Europe, Middle East, and Africa). EDUCON is one of the flagship conferences of the IEEE Education Society.
Held every year since 2010, EDUCON provides an opportunity to scientists, professional engineers, and students to present their work, publish their results, exchange ideas, and network for future scientific and industrial collaborations.
The conference will be an opportunity to host 200 attendees from 40 countries consisting of a diverse and global group of scientists to discuss the latest research topics in engineering education including artificial intelligence, developments in STEM education, among others.
This partnership brings together more than two decades of management expertise of GATES and the academic experience of AUK to provide a world-class learning experience for leaders and healthcare professionals who are seeking to advance their skills and knowledge in all healthcare management-related fields.
Commenting on the MOU, AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad said, “Our Center for Continuing Education, is committed to providing our adult learners with the best possible learning experiences and preparing them for success in their careers. Signing an MOU with GATES Group is a testament to our commitment to providing our learners with practical experience and exposure to global industry leaders. This partnership will enable us to leverage the expertise and resources of GATES Group to create meaningful opportunities for our learners and help them build the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in today's competitive job market.”
As part of the partnership, GATES will provide industry insights and guidance to help shape the curriculum and ensure that it remains relevant and up-to-date, as well as offer networking opportunities and access to their extensive network of industry professionals, giving students the chance to connect with multi-national experts in the field.
The professional education programs offered through this partnership will be the Diploma in Healthcare Management & Leadership (approved by PAAET), Certified Accreditation Surveyor (accredited by ISQua-EEA), Healthcare Business & Entrepreneurship, in addition to other programs designed to meet the evolving needs of healthcare industry professionals, with a focus on practical, real-world knowledge and skills.
CCE director, Nehal ElShafei, commented on the significance of this partnership, “Kuwait's healthcare system has huge capabilities in terms of highly qualified doctors, technology infrastructure, and facilities, which can contribute to a healthy country all through effective and evidence-based management. By establishing a professional school of healthcare management, we are aiming to enhance the healthcare system in Kuwait through quality education and accreditation. The healthcare sector in Kuwait is undergoing reforms and our mission is to equip leaders with the right capabilities to lead the change. We believe that together we can make a great difference!”
High quality healthcare with holistic and integrated services with an open and collaborative approach is a paramount goal of various healthcare institutions in Kuwait. While they thrive on providing excellent patient-centered medical experience with several specialties and supporting services, the pursuit of advancing quality towards an international standard with its system and people has become imperative.
Throughout the four-day convention, dynamic discussions took place with students from around the world. Under the guidance of their supervisor, Dr. Hanan Muzaffar, associate professor of English literature, the students displayed their in-depth understanding and critical thinking at the international event. Focused on readings of this year’s spotlight author, Toni Morrison, Athraa Al-Ghadhban presented her research titled, "Hannah's Actions Shaped Sula's Personality," Amanda El-Naggar delved into the theme of "Madness & The Bottom," and Noora Al-Sabah explored the topic of "The Proper Lady vs. the Women in Sula." In recognition of her outstanding work, Noora Al-Sabah received the third-place award in the Author Spotlight category.
Dr. Hanan Muzaffar expressed her pride in their accomplishments, saying, "Their outstanding performance at the Sigma Tau Delta Annual Convention is a testament to their dedication and hard work. I am confident that Athraa, Amanda, and Noora will continue to be exemplary representatives of AUK and inspire their peers to strive for academic success."
Commenting on the convention, Noora Al-Sabah said, "Hearing various diverse voices further cemented my pride in being a member of the Sigma Tau Delta English honor society, as it has opened up a new world of opportunities for me. It was truly inspiring to be among so many passionate scholars. The experience has further ignited my passion for literature and language."
Sigma Tau Delta is an esteemed international honor society that recognizes the academic achievements of students in the fields of English language, literature, and writing. With over 900 active chapters around the world, Sigma Tau Delta encourages a spirit of camaraderie and intellectual exchange among its members. The AUK chapter, Alpha Rho Eta, established in 2009, has been dedicated to upholding the society's core values of excellence, integrity, and community engagement, while providing its members with unique opportunities for academic and professional growth.