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On Wednesday October 23, 2013, the Center for Gulf Studies at the American University of Kuwait hosted a joint-lecture entitled "Kuwait's Energy Profile: Present-Day Challenges and Future Outlooks" by Dr. Osamah Alsayegh and Dr. Bassam Shuhaibar from the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR). The lecture focused on what current economic and energy trends say about the state of Kuwaitâs energy capacity, what challenges to the energy security of Kuwait exist, and how these challenges may be resolved.
Dr. Alsayegh introduced the energy status quo in Kuwait and providing a background to contemporary energy issues and expanded upon the challenges currently facing Kuwait and the potential means of addressing these issues, primarily through the development of alternative energy sources, the diversification of Kuwait's economy, and increasing domestic energy efficiency. He concluded by highlighting the need to balance what he termed the energy triangle in order to achieve a sustainable and secure future for Kuwait and the planet.
Dr. Shuhaibar explained what potential alternatives exist to crude oil and petroleum, focusing primarily on nuclear energy as a solution to Kuwait's energy crisis. After emphasizing the importance of exploring other potential sources of energy, he listed the specific alternatives, their advantages and disadvantages compared to petroleum, as well as their implications on the environment. Finally, he concluded by highlighting the need for a nuanced approach to alterative energy that uses a combination of solutions in order to achieve sustainability.
Following the lecture, a lively question and answer period took place, allowing both lecturers to expand upon some of their previous thoughts and introduce new points as well. Some audience members asked the presenters to comment on specific forms of sustainable energy, such as the potential for solar power and wind power in Kuwait. Others took the time to highlight additional points relevant to the lecture, such as the possibility of raising energy prices as a means of discouraging overconsumption as well the capacity for integrating sustainable energy solutions in urban planning and design.
Both lecturers answered each question thoughtfully, taking the opportunity to emphasize the need to reform not only energy infrastructure within Kuwait, but human behaviors as well. Dr. Alsayegh poignantly highlighted that traditions such as desert camping in Kuwait, though often regarded as benign pastimes, have the power to irreversibly damage the ecosystem and only work to stymie sustainable energy developments. Dr. Shuhaibar added how organizations such as KISR interact with legislative bodies, and after which he reaffirmed the importance of creating a national energy oversight council responsible for keeping issues like energy security and sustainability relevant within the policy agenda of the nation.
The Center for Gulf Studies (CGS) at the American University of Kuwait aims to promote greater cultural understanding of and increased intellectual interest in the Gulf, by facilitating free and open academic discourse on a range of issues that both shape and challenge this critical region of the world. The goal of CGS is to enable scholars as well as political and civil society actors both within and outside the region to contribute and add value to the burgeoning field of Gulf Studies, while at the same time informing and engaging the general public. To this end, the CGS encourages, supports, and cultivates interesting and original research on the Gulf, while regularly organizing a variety of public academic events such as lectures, roundtable discussions, and conferences.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 3rd November 2013
The Kuwait Media Club at the American University of Kuwait invited the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Information, Mr. Yousef Mustafa, to give a lecture entitled "Why and What is Media", during which Mr. Mustafa walked the attendees through his personal experiences when he first embarked on a career path which ultimately led to his establishment of the soon-to-be launched "Youth and Sports" channel.
Mr. Mustafa emphasized the importance of hands-on experience for media and communications students in Kuwait, adding that the department of Radio and Television at the Ministry of Information supports AUK students through offering fieldtrips and internship opportunities.
Dr. Mohammed Akbar, Assistant Professor of Mass Communication and Media, and Advisor to the Kuwait Media Club, shared his knowledge and experiences with media students and guests. Shedding light on future career prospects for media students, Dr. Akbar stressed that "Private media channels give more freedom for the new generations for self-expression when compared to government channels, which are family oriented and highly censored,"
At the end of the talk, students were given the opportunity to raise questions related to media field, and enquire about opportunities for students to join Kuwait Radio and TV stations at the Ministry of Information.
To encourage students to further explore the nature of Media, Mr. Mostafa has invited students for a workshop in the Ministry of Information, in which the students can learn more vocational aspects in reporting and broadcast journalism in the field of radio and TV.
This event was the kick-off activity of the Kuwait Media Club this year. The club intends to hold a variety of events this year, "aiming to promote media activities at AUK and Kuwait for the benefit of students, especially those majoring in Communication and Media", said Ahmad Al Refai, Kuwait Media Club President.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 3rd November 2013
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2013
Associate Professor of International Studies at the American University of Kuwait, Dr. George Irani, participated in a panel organized by the Casa Arabe in Madrid, Spain, entitled The Role of the Gulf Countries in the Syrian Crisis.
During his panel, Dr. Irani discussed how the GCC monarchies are currently facing a new Cold War, which he illustrated by axis politics; the first being Iran and its unconditional support of the Syrian regime using the Revolutionary Guards and Hezbollah, while the other is represented by the GCC, Jordan and Morocco.
"There are two scenarios regarding the outcome of the Syrian quagmire. The first is that Assad survives and it will be a win to Iran and its regional allies.. The second scenario is that the war drags on for the few more years empowering the various Qaida and jihadist groups," he explained.
In his conclusion, Dr. Irani added that the GCC monarchies will continue to sail on, strengthened by a deep sense of survival that merchant states have always had.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 24th October 2013
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2013
For the first time in the past six consecutive years, the MIT Enterprise Forum (MITEF) Pan Arab will launch the 7th MITEF Arab Startup Competition in partnership with Abdul Latif Jameel Community Initiatives from 20 Arab cities at the same time, on October 28 at 3 PM GMT. In Kuwait, The American University of Kuwait and Injaz Kuwait in Kuwait City will provide the electronic platform for the Kuwaiti entrepreneurs to attend the launch of the competition.
The launching will occur on Google hangout, and will be initiated by a 10-minute introduction to the competition and speaker, by Mrs. Hala Fadel, Chair of the MITEF Pan Arab.
"The Arab world is interrelated and at the same time each country is disconnected from one another when it comes to trade, politics and simply knowing what is going on in another Arab country," says Fadel. "Connecting 20 Arab cities, from Beirut to Sanaa, from Alexandria to Jeddah, From Amman to Casablanca, Gaza to Manama is a one-of -a-kind event connecting over 2,000 Arab entrepreneurs to two distinguished entrepreneurs. We want to connect Arab entrepreneurs to one another and also connect them to the rest of the world."
The following 60 minutes will allow for the thousands of entrepreneurs gathered in physical viewing sites in Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, KSA, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Sudan, Tunisia, and UAE, to connect with major entrepreneur speakers.
The launching will round off with a 20-minute session for questions and answers from the public; one question per viewing site, and a handful of questions asked via twitter in advance. Mr. Fady Jameel, President of Abdul Latif Jameel Community Initiatives International, said: "Our endeavour to launch the Pan Arab MIT Enterprise Forum (MITEF) competition for the 7th consecutive year with our partners MITEF highlights ALJCI's commitment to support future young generations by providing them a platform to excel in their careers locally and internationally."
Local supporters will help in organizing physical viewing sites in their respective cities, and will assist with the promotion and spreading the word to universities, incubators, media, and entrepreneurship related entities/centers in their ecosystems. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to use hash tag #MITEFarabconnect on twitter and Facebook for the launching event.
The competition gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to receive training from top speakers in the region and globally. Besides the prize money, entrepreneurs chosen as semifinalists can also receive networking, mentorship, and visibility. The MITEF Arab Startup Competition offers entrepreneurs three tracks that they can apply to. The Ideas track is for entrepreneurs with ideas, while the Startups track is for entrepreneurs generating revenue. The Global track, introduced this year, is for globally established companies seeking to raise funds from international VCs. The application process will open on October 28 at www.mitarabcompetition.com .
Last year's competition saw 5,000 applicants from 21 Arab countries. Moreover, 250 established companies with the competition's support lead to 2,000 knowledge-based jobs.
About MITEF Pan Arab: Founded in 2005, the MIT Enterprise Forum of the Pan Arab Region (www.mitefarab.org) is one of the 28 worldwide chapters of the MIT Enterprise Forum Global, an avid promoter of entrepreneurship and innovation worldwide. The MIT Enterprise Forum- Pan Arab has a proven record in promoting MIT-style entrepreneurship by organizing each year the MIT Enterprise Forum Arab Startup Competition (www.mitarabcompetition.com), in partnership with Abdul Latif Jameel Community Initiatives (www.aljci.org), targeting 21 countries of the Arab region and bringing in more than 5,000 applications a year.
Abdul Latif Jameel Community Initiatives: In 2003 Abdul Latif Jameel Community Initiatives (ALJCI) was founded as the Community Services arm of the ALJ Group. Today ALJCI runs a considerable set of initiatives. From individual, community and Arab life as a whole in Saudi Arabia and beyond, ALJCI has the welfare of its people at heart. By promoting Arab arts and culture in the Middle East and around the world, working against the unemployment epidemic, enabling research for poverty alleviation, and providing education and training opportunities, ALJCI has successfully promoted positive social change.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 24th October 2013
On October 21, Dr. Raymond Farrin, Chair of the Department of Arabic and Foreign Languages, was interviewed on Kuwait's Al-Rai TV about his book on classical Arabic poetry, Tharwa Min Al-Badiya (Abundance from the Desert). He was hosted by Dr. Muhammad Al-Awadhi on the show "Hadith Al-Shubuhaat" ("Speaking of Doubts.")
Dr. Al-Awadhi began the program by asking about Dr. Farrin's background of Arabic study in Cairo and later at Berkeley, expressing curiosity about what enamored him especially of the Arabic language. Dr. Farrin explained that he was attracted initially by the Arabic language's strange sounds (to an American ear), its rigorous grammar, its wonderfully rich literature, and its challenging nature "...such that one feels that there is always more to learn and new vocabulary to master, particularly in older texts."
The interview also tackled Dr. Taha Husayn's surprising1925 attack on pre-Islamic poetry, in which he contended that most of what the public considers as "pre-Islamic poetry" was actually forged at a later date. Dr. Farrin pointed out that recent scholarship has rendered this position untenable. "For example, it is clear that the early Umayyad poet Umar ibn Abi Rabi'a patterns himself after the pre-Islamic poet Imru' al-Qays- but could he have done so if Imru' al-Qays' poetry was invented later?" In the end, though, Taha Husayn's skepticism proved useful, as Dr. Farrin emphasized, since it stimulated new research and led to even greater confidence about the authenticity of pre-Islamic poetry.
During the interview, Dr. Al-Awadhi also asked about the contention by some Western scholars that classical Arabic poetry, beautiful as it may be, is not arranged coherently. Dr. Farrin responded with examples of ring composition (according to which the beginning connects to the end and the main element lies in the center, similar to the arrangement of a necklace) in works by Imru' Al-Qays, Al-Khansa', and Al-Mutanabbi.
The interview concluded with some remarks about the structure of the Holy Qur'an. Dr. Farrin referred to the assertions by various Western critics that the Holy Book is not put together cohesively. Against this claim, he mentioned earlier works in the field of 'Ilm Al-Munasaba (The Science of Correlations) that highlight the connectedness of the Qur'an, and gave examples of adjacent suras being closely linked structurally. Indeed, as Dr. Farrin contended, "close examination of the Qur'an from a structural perspective leads to the conclusion that the Book possesses a magnificent design."
The interview may be seen in full by clicking on the link below: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4hfciTII5A
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 23rd October 2013
Ms. Ghaidaa Mohamad, Instructor of Arabic at the Department of Arabic and Foreign Languages, conducted a 3-day workshop on creative writing at Iris Media headquarters in Selmabad, Bahrain. The workshop was entitled: Gates to the Soul: Mechanics of Creative Writing, and was hosted by the Bahraini Majaaz Cultural Group, and sponsored by Iris Media, Bahrain.
During the workshop, students were introduced to the subject of creative writing through exercises that emphasized new ways of thinking, and paying attention to descriptive details. The workshop stimulated students to explore their creative potential by discussing short films and paintings, as well as by critiquing each other's creative pieces in a supportive and welcoming atmosphere. Students found assignments such as detailed description of paintings, and visiting and describing new places on their own particularly interesting.
On the final day of the workshop, students read their final drafts of poetry, short stories, and creative essays to their classmates, who responded back with written critiques. According to Mohamad: "When the students started to focus their attention on the creative task, sudden joy transpired in the workshop. They started to understand that creative writing is an enjoyable hard work."
Upon completing the workshop, participants received certificates of completion, and Ms. Ghaidaa Mohamad received an appreciatory certificate from Poet Karim Radhi of the Majaaz Group for conducting the workshop.
Majaaz Cultural Group was founded by a group of Bahraini poets, theatre directors, and intellectuals. They hold ongoing cultural activities such as poetry evenings, scenario-writing workshops, and book review nights, in addition to owning bookstore (@majazculture).
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 23rd October 2013
Photo courtesy: Majaz Culture Group
Ms. Ghaidaa Mohamad, Instructor of Arabic at the Department of Arabic and Foreign Languages, conducted a 3-day workshop on creative writing at Iris Media headquarters in Selmabad, Bahrain. The workshop was entitled: Gates to the Soul: Mechanics of Creative Writing, and was hosted by the Bahraini Majaaz Cultural Group, and sponsored by Iris Media, Bahrain.
During the workshop, students were introduced to the subject of creative writing through exercises that emphasized new ways of thinking, and paying attention to descriptive details. The workshop stimulated students to explore their creative potential by discussing short films and paintings, as well as by critiquing each other's creative pieces in a supportive and welcoming atmosphere. Students found assignments such as detailed description of paintings, and visiting and describing new places on their own particularly interesting.
On the final day of the workshop, students read their final drafts of poetry, short stories, and creative essays to their classmates, who responded back with written critiques. According to Mohamad: "When the students started to focus their attention on the creative task, sudden joy transpired in the workshop. They started to understand that creative writing is an enjoyable hard work."
Upon completing the workshop, participants received certificates of completion, and Ms. Ghaidaa Mohamad received an appreciatory certificate from Poet Karim Radhi of the Majaaz Group for conducting the workshop.
Majaaz Cultural Group was founded by a group of Bahraini poets, theatre directors, and intellectuals. They hold ongoing cultural activities such as poetry evenings, scenario-writing workshops, and book review nights, in addition to owning bookstore (@majazculture).
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 23rd October 2013
Photo courtesy: Majaz Culture Group
The growing collaboration between The American University in Kuwait and the Mubarak Al-Abdullah Command and Staff College (MAJCSC) in the area of non-military academic courses and lectures was sealed recently with an agreement allowing the military students' access to the AUK Library for the provision of information resources to 130 students and staff working on their research papers. The agreement provides MAJCSC with access to the AUK Library's extensive print and electronic resources, which include borrowing privileges and access to full-text scholarly e-content via the library's on-line databases.
This initiative was instigated by MAJCSC Directing Staff, Colonel Stephen Kilpatrick, Wing Commander Mark Presley, LT. Col Abdullah Al-Dosari, LT. Col Jassem Nasrallah. The initiative received the support and approval of Brigadier Abdullah Dashti, who endorsed the idea of extending MAJCSC students' access to a wider array of information resources. Proposing this initiative to the Interim President of AUK, Dr. Nizar Hamzeh, he wholly supported it and worked with the AUK Library Director, Ms. Asma Al-Kanan, to translate the initiative into actual collaboration between the AUK Library and the MAJCSC. Following the signing of the agreement, the College students and staff visited the AUK Library for an orientation session and a chance to explore the facilities and to talk to the Library personnel.
The collaboration between the AUK Library and MAJCSC comes as part of AUK's policy to reach out the wider Kuwaiti community and support the national interest. The new agreement will enable MAJCSC students to access world-class academic publications needed for their research in the area of defense and security. Both AUK and Mubarak Al-Abdullah Command and Staff College look forward to extending and deepening their growing collaboration.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 9th October 2013
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2013
Since their launch in December, 2012, TESOL Kuwait, the local association of teachers of English to speakers of other languages, has become very popular, with approximately 500 members. On Saturday, October 5, 2013, they held another highly successful open meeting, this time at the American University of Kuwait (AUK).
Educators had the chance to participate in a free event called "Network Connecting: Common Challenges and Sharing Successes." The many teachers who attended this session had the chance to find out how professional development can be more than just workshops and presentations. The purpose of this 'Job-Alike' session was to provide an opportunity for teachers and administrators with similar job responsibilities to join together in a facilitated, highly interactive way. Participants in similar jobs gained the chance to network and develop connections with other professionals focusing on common challenges and successes.
TESOL Kuwait has a number of special interest groups, and one of them is unique in that it is the first in the world to combine the goals of TESOL and the international association for public speaking, leadership, and communication: Toastmasters. At the Saturday event, TESOL Toastmasters hosted an organizational meeting of Toastmasters. Distinguished Toastmasters provided highly entertaining demonstration speeches, and teachers had the opportunity to improve their public speaking skills.
Members who attended TESOL Kuwait's open meeting at AUK included educators of all academic levels ranging from pre-school teachers to university instructors. TESOL President, Yvonne Johnson, led the event with detailed information on their upcoming conference, which promises to be an event not to be missed! International key note speakers are flying in from the USA, and other experienced TESOL specialists will be offering workshops, presentations, and poster sessions at the Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) over a two day period from November 15 - 16, 2013. There is also a pre-conference at Australian College of Kuwait on 14 November, as well as a conference dinner with the keynote speaker at the newly refurbished Radisson Blu Hotel (formerly the Radisson SAS) on November 15.
For further information about on how to become a TESOL Kuwait member or to attend their conference please go the following website: tesolkuwait.org.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 9th October 2013
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2013
"This academic year is very unique for all of us because it marks the 10th Anniversary of the American University of Kuwait. On this day, we would like to renew our commitment to academic excellence in teaching, research and service," said Dr. Nizar Hamzeh, Interim President of AUK, speaking to a crowd of 400 students at the AUK Convocation Ceremony for the incoming Class of 2017.
Organized by the Division of Student Affairs, the annual Convocation Ceremony serves as a ceremonial rite of passage for new undergraduate students entering the AUK Community.
The ceremony introduces new students to key components and symbols representative of AUK including the AUK Motto "Learn...Think...Become...", as well as, the AUK Seal, Logo, Mascot, and Colors.
AUK embraces a profound belief in life-long learning, which Dr. Rawda Awwad, Interim Dean of the College Arts and Sciences, described as "an honest, self-reflective, and humble endeavor that should be motivated by a passion for knowledge and the desire to pursue that passion." As she addressed the students, Dr. Awwad recalled the story of Wally Taibleson, a 90 year old graduate of California State University San Marcos, who became the icon of life-long learning.
Dr. John Russell, Interim Dean of the College of Business & Economics, spoke to the incoming class about thinking, another higher order value of AUK, which he analogized to "an electric spark or key that unlocks the potential in knowledge."
Become - the last word of the motto and the end goal of AUK - was what Dr. Carol Ross-Scott, VP for Student Affairs, urged the students to achieve. "To BECOME, you must act on the opportunities and possibilities," she said "Your college education is an opportunity to BECOME someone better...For the past decade, AUK students have been on a journey of excellence and this year we celebrate a decade of accomplishments. It is now your turn to BECOME a part of the journey."
As a tradition of the ceremony, AUK faculty representatives, Athmar Al Salem , Neamat Mosaad , Craig Loomis , Mohsen Bagnied, Shoma Munshi, and Chris Ohan, along with the undergraduate and alumni representatives Maryam al-Faudari and Haya Al-Qassar, respectively, took turns in explaining the connotations of the AUK icons and symbols.
The AUK Seal, the most significant symbol of the University, was described in detail reviewing all four major components of the Circle of Life including the Book-which represents liberal arts and dedication to knowledge; Dhow-historical Kuwait's aspiration, exploration and tradition; Falcon-representing vision, courage and leadership; and the Torch of Wisdom that represents the freedom to purse the big questions of life.
Concluding the event, the Deans and the VP of Student Affairs ignited the flames of knowledge and wisdom, as a symbol of their significant partnership and commitment to the success of students. Candles were lit along the aisles of the celebration hall marking the transfer of knowledge to the next AUK generation.
The Convocation Ceremony is the pinnacle event for the Annual Orientation and Welcome Week festivities for incoming students. During this week, many events were organized to welcome all students to campus including the Welcome Back Barbeque and Get Involved Fair. In addition, specific events were held to help First Year students get familiar with their surroundings. The Convocation ceremony in particular, is designed to promote community unity and help students in their transition to University life at AUK.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 8th October 2013
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2013
