News
19, Dec 2018
AUK Hosts Leadership Workshops for Student Clubs and Organizations in Collaboration with EN.V
AUK recently hosted a series of leadership workshops organized by the Clubs and Organizations Coordinator from the Office of Student of Life, Division of Students Affairs at AUK in collaboration with EN.V. T
The workshops which took place in the University’s student lounge, were tailored for AUK by EN.V, and were designed to help students gain an added cooperative and results-based approach towards teamwork, while enhancing the synchronicity and harmony between the clubs and organizations at AUK.
Facilitated by the management team from EN.V, Eleanor Burton and AUK Alumni Layan Al Dabt, the workshops were attended by presidents and treasurers of each of the 25 university student clubs and two student organizations. The students walked through various informative tactics and collaborative projects to assist them in defining their values, realizing and expanding their communication styles and skills to instill a deeper sense of community between the student clubs & organizations and the rest of the AUK community.
The workshop series titled, Building Collaborative Process, Teamwork, Leadership and Results-Based Activity Planning, consisted of three intense sessions which commenced with a three-hour orientation, followed by four and a half-hour sessions: Leadership and Communication Styles, and concluded with a five and a half-hour closing session: Planning for Impact.
Commenting on the workshop series, Dean of Student Affairs at the American University of Kuwait, Dr. Hanan Muzaffar, expressed her delight, “Everything was professionally planned and tailored precisely to match our AUK community’s character and what our student clubs and organizations strive to accomplish. We have received positive feedback from the workshop attendees and look forward to more inspirational and informative activities which enrich our student body and their overall holistic experience at AUK. Congratulations to the students who completed the workshops, and thank you to EN.V for tailoring the workshops to suit AUK’s vision, for their time and effort, and most importantly and for their admirable mentorship and motivational workshops,” she said.
Student clubs and organizations’ leaders during the Building Collaborative Process, Teamwork, Leadership and Results-Based Activity Planning workshop
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The workshops which took place in the University’s student lounge, were tailored for AUK by EN.V, and were designed to help students gain an added cooperative and results-based approach towards teamwork, while enhancing the synchronicity and harmony between the clubs and organizations at AUK.
Facilitated by the management team from EN.V, Eleanor Burton and AUK Alumni Layan Al Dabt, the workshops were attended by presidents and treasurers of each of the 25 university student clubs and two student organizations. The students walked through various informative tactics and collaborative projects to assist them in defining their values, realizing and expanding their communication styles and skills to instill a deeper sense of community between the student clubs & organizations and the rest of the AUK community.
The workshop series titled, Building Collaborative Process, Teamwork, Leadership and Results-Based Activity Planning, consisted of three intense sessions which commenced with a three-hour orientation, followed by four and a half-hour sessions: Leadership and Communication Styles, and concluded with a five and a half-hour closing session: Planning for Impact.
Commenting on the workshop series, Dean of Student Affairs at the American University of Kuwait, Dr. Hanan Muzaffar, expressed her delight, “Everything was professionally planned and tailored precisely to match our AUK community’s character and what our student clubs and organizations strive to accomplish. We have received positive feedback from the workshop attendees and look forward to more inspirational and informative activities which enrich our student body and their overall holistic experience at AUK. Congratulations to the students who completed the workshops, and thank you to EN.V for tailoring the workshops to suit AUK’s vision, for their time and effort, and most importantly and for their admirable mentorship and motivational workshops,” she said.
Student clubs and organizations’ leaders during the Building Collaborative Process, Teamwork, Leadership and Results-Based Activity Planning workshop
19, Dec 2018
CCE Celebrates The Completion of Al-Amiri Hospital Employees Leadership Training Programs For The Year
The Center of Continuing Education (CCE) at AUK celebrated the graduation of the final class of the iCARE Development Programs—a series of 6 program launched in April in collaboration with Al Amiri Hospital focusing on 125 executives and staff from the hospital. The integrated training programs were designed for senior management and their medical staff in an effort to improve the hospital’s working culture. The ceremony was held at AUK’s Auditorium and was attended by the the Director of Al Amiri Hospital, Dr. Ali Alalanda; Assistant Undersecretary of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Health for Supporting Medical Services, Dr. Fawaz Al-Rifai; and Director of CCE Mrs. Buthaina Al-Khubaizi, who presented the graduates with their certificates.
Al-Khubazi explained, “The iCARE Development Programs have been designed with change and leadership skills in mind, inspired by the combined vision of Al-Amiri Hospital and the Center for Continuing Education at AUK. The program will help contribute to the creation of the iCARE culture throughout the hospital. This journey of learning will continue through the Al-Amiri Hospital management team leading by example - what you do is so much more important than what you say.”
The Leadership Development Certificate Program aimed to train 25 executives on how to analyze and develop their personal leadership styles to become leaders who support, challenge, and inspire commitment to the organization’s vision of excellence. This was accomplished through 2 customised leadership modules: The Leader Within, which focused on helping leaders analyze and strategize their personal leadership styles to motivate and inspire their teams to maximum performance; and Leading Change, which developed a mindset of growth in leading and managing change, from strategy to implementing changes in a work system. The program relied on collaborative exercises and guided discussions to help participants relate to the challenges they face at work. One of the participants recognised the successful outcome of the program, saying, “This program changed my perception about leadership and has helped me to think and lead in a new and more inspiring way!”
The iCARE Program provided over 100 medical and non-medical professionals with the opportunity to enhance their principles of social and self-awareness required to effectively communicate with people, and provide patients and visitors with the best healthcare service. After exploring topics such as emotional intelligence, self-awareness and communication styles, the participants planned an post-course work-based project that will facilitate continuing work on interpersonal skills, and iCARE service excellence.
In recognizing the significance of the program, Dr. Alalanda said, “Education and staff development is our number one priority and we always seek development and self-improvment. Our main goal is to be a better version of ourselves in delivering the best healthcare services possible. ”
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Al-Khubazi explained, “The iCARE Development Programs have been designed with change and leadership skills in mind, inspired by the combined vision of Al-Amiri Hospital and the Center for Continuing Education at AUK. The program will help contribute to the creation of the iCARE culture throughout the hospital. This journey of learning will continue through the Al-Amiri Hospital management team leading by example - what you do is so much more important than what you say.”
The Leadership Development Certificate Program aimed to train 25 executives on how to analyze and develop their personal leadership styles to become leaders who support, challenge, and inspire commitment to the organization’s vision of excellence. This was accomplished through 2 customised leadership modules: The Leader Within, which focused on helping leaders analyze and strategize their personal leadership styles to motivate and inspire their teams to maximum performance; and Leading Change, which developed a mindset of growth in leading and managing change, from strategy to implementing changes in a work system. The program relied on collaborative exercises and guided discussions to help participants relate to the challenges they face at work. One of the participants recognised the successful outcome of the program, saying, “This program changed my perception about leadership and has helped me to think and lead in a new and more inspiring way!”
The iCARE Program provided over 100 medical and non-medical professionals with the opportunity to enhance their principles of social and self-awareness required to effectively communicate with people, and provide patients and visitors with the best healthcare service. After exploring topics such as emotional intelligence, self-awareness and communication styles, the participants planned an post-course work-based project that will facilitate continuing work on interpersonal skills, and iCARE service excellence.
In recognizing the significance of the program, Dr. Alalanda said, “Education and staff development is our number one priority and we always seek development and self-improvment. Our main goal is to be a better version of ourselves in delivering the best healthcare services possible. ”
Graduation picture of the last batch of Al-Amiri Hospital participents
From the right: Assistant Undersecretary of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Health for Supporting Medical Services, Dr. Fawaz Al-Rifai ; Director of Al Amiri Hospital, Dr. Ali Alalanda; and Director of CCE Mrs. Buthaina Al-Khubaizi
Class photo of Al Amiri Hospital participants, including the Director of Al Amiri Hospital, Dr. Ali Alaland
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17, Dec 2018
AUK Launches LEAD Program
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) launched its leadership program—LEAD@AUK, Fall 2018, with Level 1–Foundations of Leadership, through a set of workshops by AUK faculty serving a total of 26 students.
Level 1 of LEAD@AUK–Foundations of Leadership has been tailored to inspire students, instill leadership qualities, and provide them with helpful knowledge of how to lead effectively in the workplace and in their everyday life.
The month-long sessions covered four main areas that were tailored for the program by AUK faculty experts in the following fields: Developing Identity Through Performance with Dr. Yasmine Jahanmir; Leadership Skills for Life with Dr. Salime Mehtap (Smadi); Leading with Emotional Intelligence with Dr. Stavros P. Hadjisolomou; and Effective Communication: Using Your Voice to Change the World with Dr. Candace Dominique.
LEAD is a collaborative program initiated by the Division of Student Affairs and designed to enhance leadership traits. It is comprised of multiple levels which will be introduced throughout the academic year, and will include workshops, trainings, discussions, and much more. The program is part of AUK’s Holistic Student Engagement initiative and reflects the University’s ongoing commitments to its slogan— LEARN. THINK. BECOME.
Commenting on the program, Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Hanan Muzaffar said, “It has been a rewarding and profound launch and experience, I commend all our participating students for their eagerness to develop themselves and grow their leadership skills. We look forward to the continuation of LEAD@AUK, as we continue to enrich the students’ experience at AUK. Congratulations to those who have completed Level 1, and thank you to our faculty members for sharing their expertise and for their graceful mentorship and inspirational workshops.”
Level 1 of LEAD@AUK–Foundations of Leadership has been tailored to inspire students, instill leadership qualities, and provide them with helpful knowledge of how to lead effectively in the workplace and in their everyday life.
The month-long sessions covered four main areas that were tailored for the program by AUK faculty experts in the following fields: Developing Identity Through Performance with Dr. Yasmine Jahanmir; Leadership Skills for Life with Dr. Salime Mehtap (Smadi); Leading with Emotional Intelligence with Dr. Stavros P. Hadjisolomou; and Effective Communication: Using Your Voice to Change the World with Dr. Candace Dominique.
LEAD is a collaborative program initiated by the Division of Student Affairs and designed to enhance leadership traits. It is comprised of multiple levels which will be introduced throughout the academic year, and will include workshops, trainings, discussions, and much more. The program is part of AUK’s Holistic Student Engagement initiative and reflects the University’s ongoing commitments to its slogan— LEARN. THINK. BECOME.
Commenting on the program, Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Hanan Muzaffar said, “It has been a rewarding and profound launch and experience, I commend all our participating students for their eagerness to develop themselves and grow their leadership skills. We look forward to the continuation of LEAD@AUK, as we continue to enrich the students’ experience at AUK. Congratulations to those who have completed Level 1, and thank you to our faculty members for sharing their expertise and for their graceful mentorship and inspirational workshops.”
Group picture of the student attendees and professor from the opening session of Foundations of Leadership: Developing Identity through Performance with Dr. Yasmine Jahanmir
Student attendees and professor during the opening session of Foundations of Leadership: Developing Identity through Performance with Dr. Yasmine Jahanmir
17, Dec 2018
NASA Space Apps Challenge (Kuwait) Winners Chosen Among 25 Finalists Worldwide
The first place winners of the NASA Space Apps Challenge that was held in Kuwait in October have qualified to compete in the final round as one of top 25 global finalists (out of 400). The world’s largest hackathon was hosted in Kuwait by the Center for Research in Informatics, Sciences, and Engineering (RISE) at the American University of Kuwait (AUK), in collaboration with the University’s strategic partner, Kuwait Projects Company (KIPCO).
The international competition occurred over the span of 48 hours in 200 cities around the world, with over 2700 teams competing. The Kuwait competition brought together 80 people from all backgrounds, ages, and professions to solve problems related to Earth and space.
The winning team—Team Tempest, successfully tackled ‘The Polar Quest’ challenge, where they designed a quest-like game called Ice Blink, which is a 4-dimensional systems-based augmented reality puzzle game that simulates the interaction between entities in a given localized ecosystem to predict its future along a timeline. They utilized NASA’s data-set to help adventurers plan their quest and present them with challenges along the way. The application intends to raise awareness about polar environments and how they are changing.
Team Tempest are the only team from the GCC region, and one of two teams from the MENA region to qualify to the top 25.
Director of RISE Center, Professor Amir Zeid highlighted the importance of establishing links with international technology events of high relevance and the benefits to the local community, “Kuwait’s team advancing to the top 25 finalists proves that there is great potential among young innovators and entrepreneurs in Kuwait. We are proud of their achievement,” he added.
Team Tempest included the following students:
- Omar Khalil (Team leader)
- Noureldin Khalil
- Mohammed Hazem
- Islam Khaled Al-Toukhy
- RouNan Wang
- Hind Al-Nusif
About RISE
The AUK Center for Research in Informatics, Sciences, and Engineering (RISE) serves as AUK's primary source for multidisciplinary research and development (R&D) activities. The Center employs a holistic approach to R&D by integrating academic disciplines, and forging connections between local & international innovators, academia & industry, and technology & society.
About KIPCO
Kuwait Projects Company (KIPCO) is an investment holding company with operations that extend across the Middle East and North African region, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Arabian Sea. With holdings in sectors such as financial services, media, manufacturing and real estate, KIPCO Group comprises over 60 companies and employs over 12,000 people in 24 countries. Founded in 1975, KIPCO has since become one of the MENA region’s most successful companies.
NASA Space Apps Challenge (Kuwait) Winners, Team Tempest with RISE Director, Dr. Amir Zeid
16, Dec 2018
AUK Students Participate in ‘Our Environment, Our Humanity’ Initiative
Students from the American University of Kuwait (AUK) participated in the “Our Environment Our Humanity” initiative where they were able to collect more than 120 kg of waste across Shuwaikh’s beach. Held in December, this was organized as a joint collaboration alongside Omniya, 6eyond.co, and other local volunteer organizations, under the auspices of the Environment Public Authority.
Besides cleaning up, AUK students were also collecting field notes to later use as a primary source for their research papers on the various aspects and perceptions of recycling in Kuwait. Practicing these skills contributed to their efforts in becoming more qualified researchers who are concerned with modern issues.
This collaboration was supervised by Dr. Inas Mahfouz, Assistant Professor at the Department of English at AUK, who said, “Such collaborative efforts are indispensable for creating a better environment. As a liberal arts institution, AUK is always keen on encouraging students to participate in community service programs and give back to their country,” she stated.
Besides cleaning up, AUK students were also collecting field notes to later use as a primary source for their research papers on the various aspects and perceptions of recycling in Kuwait. Practicing these skills contributed to their efforts in becoming more qualified researchers who are concerned with modern issues.
This collaboration was supervised by Dr. Inas Mahfouz, Assistant Professor at the Department of English at AUK, who said, “Such collaborative efforts are indispensable for creating a better environment. As a liberal arts institution, AUK is always keen on encouraging students to participate in community service programs and give back to their country,” she stated.
AUK volunteers during the Shuwaikh beach cleanup
11, Dec 2018
AUK Team Receives Excellent Academy Award in China
A team of students from AUK, Haider Asim and alumna Farah Al-Mutairi achieved first place in the Huawei Information and Communication Technology (ICT) National Final. The competition was first hosted by the Huawei Center for Innovation and Training at Al-Hamra Tower. This qualified them to represent Kuwait in the regional finals that took place in Huawei’s headquarters in China where they earned the Excellent Academy award.
The final competition featured the participation of thirteen teams across ten countries in the Middle East who underwent three months of qualifying rounds, including a selective national exam. Following this, the final teams were selected for an all-expense paid trip to China, where a sum of 39 talents were represented. This competition offered the students a competitive platform where the region’s finest ICT talents were nurtured and encouraged to contribute to national efforts towards digital transformation and economic growth. To prepare, participants worked in laboratories alongside experts where they tackled challenges related to computer networks such as cloud computing, routing, network security, and other future trends in communication technology. After competing in the finals, the participants attended a technology workshop facilitated by international ICT experts, followed by a high-level panel discussion by senior delegates from the Middle East and China.
Dr. Ashraf Zaher, Chair of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, praised the team’s qualification in the competition as he elaborates, “It is a nice opportunity for AUK students to get exposure to the state-of-the-art technologies in the field of information and communication technology, in addition to demonstrating their competency level, while competing with other students. AUK winners were able to explore potential opportunities for international scholarships, internships, and further collaborations with research-based institutions.”
For their efforts, the national winners were granted traineeships or employment opportunities with Huawei, where they will gain further insider access to Huawei’s combination of programming and coding for data communication and computer networks. Similarly, the team received the Excellence Award in the regional finals in recognition of their outstanding participation, as well as an assortment of Huawei’s latest laptops and smartphones.
Dr. Zaher further commented on the support the students received to win this competition, “AUK winners dedicated a lot of time and effort to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to win this competition. The excellent program structure of the ABET-accredited computer engineering program at AUK, with its well-chosen core and elective courses, in the concentration of data communication and computer networks was the key factor of this success, along with the state-of-the-art labs and other resources provided by AUK to its students.”
This marks AUK’s first participation and qualification in Huawei’s ICT Competition.
The final competition featured the participation of thirteen teams across ten countries in the Middle East who underwent three months of qualifying rounds, including a selective national exam. Following this, the final teams were selected for an all-expense paid trip to China, where a sum of 39 talents were represented. This competition offered the students a competitive platform where the region’s finest ICT talents were nurtured and encouraged to contribute to national efforts towards digital transformation and economic growth. To prepare, participants worked in laboratories alongside experts where they tackled challenges related to computer networks such as cloud computing, routing, network security, and other future trends in communication technology. After competing in the finals, the participants attended a technology workshop facilitated by international ICT experts, followed by a high-level panel discussion by senior delegates from the Middle East and China.
Dr. Ashraf Zaher, Chair of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, praised the team’s qualification in the competition as he elaborates, “It is a nice opportunity for AUK students to get exposure to the state-of-the-art technologies in the field of information and communication technology, in addition to demonstrating their competency level, while competing with other students. AUK winners were able to explore potential opportunities for international scholarships, internships, and further collaborations with research-based institutions.”
For their efforts, the national winners were granted traineeships or employment opportunities with Huawei, where they will gain further insider access to Huawei’s combination of programming and coding for data communication and computer networks. Similarly, the team received the Excellence Award in the regional finals in recognition of their outstanding participation, as well as an assortment of Huawei’s latest laptops and smartphones.
Dr. Zaher further commented on the support the students received to win this competition, “AUK winners dedicated a lot of time and effort to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to win this competition. The excellent program structure of the ABET-accredited computer engineering program at AUK, with its well-chosen core and elective courses, in the concentration of data communication and computer networks was the key factor of this success, along with the state-of-the-art labs and other resources provided by AUK to its students.”
This marks AUK’s first participation and qualification in Huawei’s ICT Competition.
AUK alumna Farah Al-Mutairi receiving a certificate from Huawei
AUK student Haider Asim receiving a certificate from Huawei
AUK alumna Farah Al-Mutairi, and AUK student Haider Asim at the Huawei ICT Competition
09, Dec 2018
AUK Students Showcase Recycled Designs at Re.Create
Thirteen students from the Department of Arts & Graphic Design at the American University of Kuwait participated in Re.Create, a recycling art competition and exhibition. The exhibition was held at Promenade Cultural Center, and was attended by a number of AUK students and their families, given that a majority of thirteen out of thirty selected projects on display were submissions from AUK students.
Using a range of recycled materials, students created furniture units, interior décor, product designs, lighting designs, accessories, and sculptures. One of the participating students Munira Al Majdali describes her design, “Salai (Sadu-Sarai-Light), a light fixture and a backpack is inspired by cultural objects that were used in Kuwait' history. The overall form represents a traditional Kuwaiti lantern, contrasted with a modern Sadu pattern at the bottom. Three Mihrab arches (found in center of mosques where people meet for prayers) are structured from recycled steel rods to create the lamp's form, which is wrapped with faux leather which represents leather water bottles 'Jirba' that were used to keep water cool. The finished product is multifunctional, serving as a light piece and a backpack, thereby paying homage to the travelers and nomads who settled in AlKout (fort) and who made the Kuwait we know today.”
Aside from contextual ingenuity of concept, 'Salai' is made completely from recycled metal, fabric, and faux leather. Students agree that events such as Re.Create provide them with opportunities to experience the relevance of their ideas in the public eye. It also encourages them to narrate their ideas critically before a jury panel, thereby developing communication skills, while at the same time raising public awareness on the critical environmental issue of creative recycling and recreating.
Participating students:
Farah Al Shaya
Abdullah AlDuraie
Mais Al Muhailan
Munira Al Majdali
Nervana Mohamed Salah Bakr
Shaikha Al Mousa
Hafsa Shabbir Hafiz
Louna Shareef
Abdullah F Al Duraie
Basmah F Al-Qatami
Rounan Wang
Dania G Al Marjeh
Taiba M Al Nafisi
Using a range of recycled materials, students created furniture units, interior décor, product designs, lighting designs, accessories, and sculptures. One of the participating students Munira Al Majdali describes her design, “Salai (Sadu-Sarai-Light), a light fixture and a backpack is inspired by cultural objects that were used in Kuwait' history. The overall form represents a traditional Kuwaiti lantern, contrasted with a modern Sadu pattern at the bottom. Three Mihrab arches (found in center of mosques where people meet for prayers) are structured from recycled steel rods to create the lamp's form, which is wrapped with faux leather which represents leather water bottles 'Jirba' that were used to keep water cool. The finished product is multifunctional, serving as a light piece and a backpack, thereby paying homage to the travelers and nomads who settled in AlKout (fort) and who made the Kuwait we know today.”
Aside from contextual ingenuity of concept, 'Salai' is made completely from recycled metal, fabric, and faux leather. Students agree that events such as Re.Create provide them with opportunities to experience the relevance of their ideas in the public eye. It also encourages them to narrate their ideas critically before a jury panel, thereby developing communication skills, while at the same time raising public awareness on the critical environmental issue of creative recycling and recreating.
Participating students:
Farah Al Shaya
Abdullah AlDuraie
Mais Al Muhailan
Munira Al Majdali
Nervana Mohamed Salah Bakr
Shaikha Al Mousa
Hafsa Shabbir Hafiz
Louna Shareef
Abdullah F Al Duraie
Basmah F Al-Qatami
Rounan Wang
Dania G Al Marjeh
Taiba M Al Nafisi
AUK student Munira Al-Majdali with her light and backpack product design ‘Salai’
Group photo of some of the participating AUK students at the exhibition
09, Dec 2018
AUK’s Arabic Debate Team Wins Second Place in the National Championship for Universities and Colleges Debates in Arabic
AUK's Arabic Debate Team won second place at the National Championship for Universities and Colleges Debates in Arabic, which took place at Kuwait International Law School.
Coached and trained by AUK Associate Professor of Arabic, Dr. Khitam Al-Khouli, and AUK Associate Professor of Near & Middle Eastern Studies, Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Farhan, the group of AUK students competed with 15 other universities and colleges from all over Kuwait in an intense 2-day event.
Some of the topics discussed included social, medicinal, economic, and environmental topics. AUK’s participating students included: Mona Singer, Amal Singer, Rawan Bou Taiban, Ali Al-Qallaf, Zahraa Mohammed, Yousef Al-Sahhaf, Sabah Al-Sabah, Ahmed Bin Sleem, and Nasser Al-Mutairi.
Dean of Student Affairs at AUK, Dr. Hanan Muzaffar, attended the closing ceremony to support the AUK team; she expressed her happiness with their outstanding performance, “The success of our students is admirable, I am truly proud of their level of sportsmanship, commitment, and overall achievements throughout the 2-day debate. We look forward to future progress and wish the AUK team the best of luck at the competition in Qatar,” said Dr. Muzaffar.
The team is among four other qualifying teams to represent Kuwait in the 5th annual International Universities Arabic Debate Competition that will take place in Qatar in March, 2019.
One of the members of the AUK Debate Team during the competition
Group photo of the AUK Debate Team with their coach, Professor Khitam Al-Khouli
27, Nov 2018
AUKMUN Receive 5 Awards at the Malaysia United Nations Conference
Members of the Model United Nations at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) attended an international MUN conference at the University of Malaysia where they represented both Kuwait and the United Kingdom. This conference was distinctive from other conferences as it emphasized inter-council interactions—a new addition to the MUN system.
The multilateral issues discussed throughout the conference included tackling topics such as global terrorism, the refugee crisis, and the use of weapons of mass destruction. AUK’s delegates returned from the MalayaMUN conference winning the Best Delegation in Diplomacy award. By showing their exceptional knowledge in foreign policy and dedication to resolving the global issues presented at the conference, all six delegates contributed to winning this award.
By sticking to UNSC priorities, AUKMUN’s President, Ali K. Al-Qallaf, was awarded with an honorable mention. Representing Kuwait, he proposed a ceasefire in Idlib to deliver humanitarian aid and to act as a mediator to find a political solution in Syria. Through mediating between the committees, AUKMUN’s Vice president, Ali Al-Khuraibet, was also awarded with an honorable mention. As a delegate representing Kuwait, he stressed the importance of economic support to refugees and reshaping the misconceived perception that ties refugee influx to rising terrorism. By investigating the uses of chemical weaponry, AUKMUN’s Secretary, Nada El-Gamal, proposed Kuwait’s solutions to the matters of creating and obtaining nuclear-free zones with regards to the use of WMDs.
With active contribution, AUKMUN’s Judicial Affairs Committee Chair, Hussain Khashab received an honorable mention award for representing the United Kingdom, as he advised the committee to have NATO intervene in the Syrian crisis. By accurately sticking to foreign policy, AUKMUN Member, Layan Al Ayoubi, won the Outstanding Delegate award at the EU committee, representing the UK. By calling upon the act of international real-time intelligence sharing to counterattack terrorism on a global level, the delegate highlighted the UK’s policies and managed to win this coveted award. With prodigious diplomacy, AUKMUN Member, Ridaab Marzuq, instructed the process of refugee societal integration as a means to aid in the future plans of the refugee resettlement program in the United Kingdom.
In AUKMUN’s successful conference in Malaysia, our delegates managed to win five awards for their exceptional excellence. Each delegate was granted a medal for their contribution to winning The Best Diplomacy Award in the international MalayaMUN 2018 conference.
Our AUKMUN delegation was accompanied by its faculty advisor, Dr. Gholamreza Vatandoust, Professor of Near Eastern Studies and History; he commented on the delegates’ performance in the conference, stating, “Our delegates performed exceptionally well, displaying their knowledge, teamwork, efficacy, and finesse, with grace and distinction, for which they earned The Best Diplomacy Award.”
Members of AUKMUN have previously won titles in other international conferences, and will continue their successful streak by participating in more meetings in the future.
The multilateral issues discussed throughout the conference included tackling topics such as global terrorism, the refugee crisis, and the use of weapons of mass destruction. AUK’s delegates returned from the MalayaMUN conference winning the Best Delegation in Diplomacy award. By showing their exceptional knowledge in foreign policy and dedication to resolving the global issues presented at the conference, all six delegates contributed to winning this award.
By sticking to UNSC priorities, AUKMUN’s President, Ali K. Al-Qallaf, was awarded with an honorable mention. Representing Kuwait, he proposed a ceasefire in Idlib to deliver humanitarian aid and to act as a mediator to find a political solution in Syria. Through mediating between the committees, AUKMUN’s Vice president, Ali Al-Khuraibet, was also awarded with an honorable mention. As a delegate representing Kuwait, he stressed the importance of economic support to refugees and reshaping the misconceived perception that ties refugee influx to rising terrorism. By investigating the uses of chemical weaponry, AUKMUN’s Secretary, Nada El-Gamal, proposed Kuwait’s solutions to the matters of creating and obtaining nuclear-free zones with regards to the use of WMDs.
With active contribution, AUKMUN’s Judicial Affairs Committee Chair, Hussain Khashab received an honorable mention award for representing the United Kingdom, as he advised the committee to have NATO intervene in the Syrian crisis. By accurately sticking to foreign policy, AUKMUN Member, Layan Al Ayoubi, won the Outstanding Delegate award at the EU committee, representing the UK. By calling upon the act of international real-time intelligence sharing to counterattack terrorism on a global level, the delegate highlighted the UK’s policies and managed to win this coveted award. With prodigious diplomacy, AUKMUN Member, Ridaab Marzuq, instructed the process of refugee societal integration as a means to aid in the future plans of the refugee resettlement program in the United Kingdom.
In AUKMUN’s successful conference in Malaysia, our delegates managed to win five awards for their exceptional excellence. Each delegate was granted a medal for their contribution to winning The Best Diplomacy Award in the international MalayaMUN 2018 conference.
Our AUKMUN delegation was accompanied by its faculty advisor, Dr. Gholamreza Vatandoust, Professor of Near Eastern Studies and History; he commented on the delegates’ performance in the conference, stating, “Our delegates performed exceptionally well, displaying their knowledge, teamwork, efficacy, and finesse, with grace and distinction, for which they earned The Best Diplomacy Award.”
Members of AUKMUN have previously won titles in other international conferences, and will continue their successful streak by participating in more meetings in the future.
Members of AUKMUN with their faculty advisor, Professor Gholam Vatandoust
26, Nov 2018
AUK Holds its Annual Media Exhibition
The Department of Communication and Media at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) held its annual Media Exhibition—an academic event showcasing more than 20 media projects of AUK’s students and alumni. The exhibition was held in an effort to support and recognize the participants for their academic excellence.
Dr. Mohammad Akbar, Associate Professor of Communication and organizer of the exhibition, commenced the event by noting the variety of featured projects that are related to advertising, media translation, broadcast journalism, and documentary production. He highlighted the event’s significance to both participants and attendees in, “broadening their knowledge by showing what the students have been doing, promoting their work, and creating incentives for other students.”
Following this, Dr. Akbar introduced two of AUK’s alumni, Ali Al-Ansary and Bassma Akbar, to discuss a selection of their locally and internationally-acclaimed projects. Here, Ali elaborated on his award-winning short films, None Missing Parts and The Mother, whereas Bassma discussed the business projects she completed upon pursuing her master’s degree.
This event enabled alumni to have a platform to network with students and share their experiences with the students to prepare them for professional life upon graduation.
In organizing this exhibition, Dr. Akbar also commended the Department’s commitment towards opening its first studio in 2019 on campus, which will elevate their practical learning initiative.
Dr. Mohammad Akbar, Associate Professor of Communication and organizer of the exhibition, commenced the event by noting the variety of featured projects that are related to advertising, media translation, broadcast journalism, and documentary production. He highlighted the event’s significance to both participants and attendees in, “broadening their knowledge by showing what the students have been doing, promoting their work, and creating incentives for other students.”
Following this, Dr. Akbar introduced two of AUK’s alumni, Ali Al-Ansary and Bassma Akbar, to discuss a selection of their locally and internationally-acclaimed projects. Here, Ali elaborated on his award-winning short films, None Missing Parts and The Mother, whereas Bassma discussed the business projects she completed upon pursuing her master’s degree.
This event enabled alumni to have a platform to network with students and share their experiences with the students to prepare them for professional life upon graduation.
In organizing this exhibition, Dr. Akbar also commended the Department’s commitment towards opening its first studio in 2019 on campus, which will elevate their practical learning initiative.
