Knowledge Exchange: Outreach and Community Engagement

Introduction

The American University of the Middle East (AUM), within the efforts to shape a generation of active citizens, carries out different activities under the concept of social responsibility and civic engagement, which has been a fundamental part of the university's mission. Therefore, this philosophy is instilled in the campus life to build a socially responsible generation.

Activities in various aspects are carried out not only for the university community but also for the local and international communities that wish to participate in these projects and events.

Education, AI and Entrepreneurship

AUM AI Summit 2024 “AI Impact on Businesses and Jobs in Higher Education, Healthcare, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Finance”

AUM organized its first summit on Artificial Intelligence under the theme “AI Impact on Businesses and Jobs in Higher Education, Healthcare, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Finance” in collaboration with AMENA Center for Entrepreneurship and Development at UC Berkeley, on Monday 4 March 2024 at AUM Cultural Center.

This summit brought together AI experts, leaders in higher education and industry, faculty, and researchers to embrace future technologies especially that AI is becoming integrated into all disciplines and professions. Discussions tackled the role AI is playing across different industries and businesses, such as healthcare, engineering and manufacturing, finance, and others. In addition, attendees discussed the importance of creating environments that allow students and graduates to gain the most in-demand skills in AI.

The summit brought together AI experts, industry leaders, and academics to discuss AI’s transformative role in reshaping industries and workforce skills.

Through panel discussions and networking sessions, attendees including AUM students and graduates gained insights into emerging AI trends and industry-aligned skill sets. The event also featured a Student Exhibition, where students showcased AI-driven projects, demonstrating their ability to integrate AI into real-world applications. The summit reaffirmed AUM’s commitment to advancing education through AI integration, fostering industry partnerships, and leveraging technology for sustainable innovation.

Link to the summit website: https://aisummit.aum.edu.kw/

AUM Partnering as Host of the QS EduData Summit 2024

In line with AUM’s dedication to advancing higher education in the evolving landscape of technology, AUM partnered with QS as the host partner of the QS EduData Summit 2024, held in Washington, D.C., under the theme “The role of AI and digital transformation in education”.

The summit served as a premier global platform, bringing together experts and thought leaders from education, AI, employment, and ethics to discuss the transformative role of AI in shaping the future of education. It offered valuable insights into how higher education institutions can adopt AI technologies and integrate them into educational ecosystems to enhance learning experiences. The event showcased best practices and successful AI implementations, offering participants innovative approaches to preparing students and educators for the rapidly evolving, AI-driven digital landscape.

Hosting of QS Higher Ed Summit: Middle East & Africa 2023

AUM hosted the QS Higher Ed Summit Middle East & Africa 2023 under the theme “Envisioning a meaningful future: Purpose-driven higher education in the Middle East and Africa” from March 12 to 14, 2023. During these three days hundreds of higher education leaders discussed Higher Education trends and challenges in the region.

Reference: Summit video

AUM Innovation Fair 2024

AUM Innovation Fair 2024 was held on 15 May 2024, a flagship event that promotes innovation and creativity through the showcase of over 100+ student-led projects across a variety of disciplines. This innovation fair was organized to foster a spirit of innovation, entrepreneurship, and research among students, providing them with valuable opportunity to present their projects to a wider audience, including peers and faculty.

AUM Hosts a Pioneering Robotex Competition

In November 2024, AUM hosted the first-ever Robotex Competition, bringing together 15 public and private schools to compete in a dynamic, technology-driven challenge. Designed for students aged 14 and above, the competition focused on innovation, programming, problem-solving, and teamwork, providing young participants with an opportunity to apply STEM concepts in a hands-on, competitive environment.

By organizing this event, we reaffirm our commitment to technology education, digital skills development, and fostering the next generation of innovators. The competition not only encouraged technical excellence but also promoted collaboration, strategic thinking, and a problem-solving mindset; key skills for success in the evolving digital economy.

The Robotex Competition highlights AUM’s dedication to expanding access to technology-driven education and inspiring future leaders in engineering, robotics, and artificial intelligence.

Hosting the Global Symposium for Entrepreneurship Educators (SEE) – First MENA Region Edition

AUM hosted the Global Symposium for Entrepreneurship Educators (SEE) - First MENA Region Edition in collaboration with Babson College in January 2023. In total 46 participants received certificates among whom 8 local corporate partners from banking, oil and gas and holding sectors, and 7 representatives (dean and faculty) from regional business colleges in 4 countries (UAE, Lebanon, Bahrain, and Qatar).

Participants learned how to integrate the complementary logics underlying Entrepreneurial Thought & Action, experienced a variety of pedagogies that can help the learners to practice entrepreneurship, co-created innovative ways of teaching entrepreneurship.

Reference: https://www.alanba.com.kw/1167313

Kuwait Top Entrepreneurs 2023 Forum by Forbes Middle East and Qabas in collaboration with AUM

On 16 March 2023, the Kuwait Top Entrepreneurs 2023 Forum by Forbes Middle East and Qabas in collaboration with AUM was held at the Cultural Center. This forum followed the recognition of the top entrepreneurs at a gala ceremony on March 15, 2023. The forum convened interdisciplinary visionaries and stakeholders to discuss challenges faced by businesses and key disruptive trends that will shape 2023.

Health and Well-being programs in various topics

In collaboration with various partners, AUM delivers outreach programs and projects in the local community to improve and promote their health and well-being, which is at the center of all social responsibility initiatives undertaken by the university:

- Awareness campaigns and activities in various topics related to health and hygiene (breast cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Covid-19, etc.)

- Creating volunteering opportunities for students and faculty

- Being a focal point for sports, exercise and athletics

- General education program offering courses on nutrition, physical education, psychology, Child Development and Family Studies, etc.

1. Breast Cancer Awareness Campaigns Initiatives during October

AUM organizes events and activities to raise awareness about Breast Cancer as part of its annual "Pinktober" Campaign. The campaigns aim at stressing on the importance of raising awareness and early detection, coinciding with international efforts that have taken October as an official month to raise awareness of the disease, which can affect both males and females alike. In addition to the campaign’s primary objective of spreading awareness and explaining the main causes of the disease and ways to prevent it, in collaboration with Dar Al Shifa Hospital, the university secures discounts for the MRI Breasts, Mammography and other services for students, faculty members and staff, to encourage them to go and do the check-up.

1. World Diabetes Day Awareness Yearly Campaigns Initiatives at AUM

On the occasion of World Diabetes Day, AUM runs a series of activities on campus in order to raise awareness about the disease and encourage healthy living among the campus community.

According to International Diabetes Federation (IDF), around 1 in 6 adults (73 million) are living with Diabetes and the number is expected to reach 95 million by 2030. It is also worth noting that 1 in 3 adults living with diabetes is undiagnosed as per IDF. In this respect, AUM partners with Dar Al Shifa hospital who conducts glucose tests on campus.

Since diet and physical activities are considered important pillars when it comes to diabetes care, AUM collaborates with famous diet centers in Kuwait and offers a dedicated space during the event. Dietitians from these centers answer students’ questions and offer them advice on how to combat diseases with a healthy diet.

On the athletic front, a cross-fit challenge are conducted at the football pitch where students competed in different forms of sports such as squats, pushups, lunges, jumping jacks, crunches, running, and hurdles. Nurses from the AUM clinic are available in case any injury happened. From nutrition and exercise to medical care and advice about handling complications, the community benefits from the opportunity to learn more about diabetes and healthy diet from experts across the country.

1. Blood Donation events

AUM collaborates on a recurrent basis with Kuwait Central Blood Bank, the only blood bank in Kuwait being operated by the government, to organize a blood drive at the university so that students, faculty, and staff can volunteer to donate blood and help save lives.

Reference: https://www.aljarida.com/articles/1579107586554789400

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