Knowledge Exchange: Outreach and Community Engagement

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 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.

AUM - Coursera Career Academy

The American University of the Middle East (AUM) has announced a strategic partnership with Coursera, a global online learning platform. Through this collaboration, AUM students will gain access to Coursera’s Career Academy, a curated learning experience designed to equip learners with in-demand skills and industry-recognized professional certificates, in addition to their comprehensive university educational experience through the academic programs.

AUM is the first university in Kuwait to offer Coursera Career Academy, reinforcing its commitment to embedding practical, job-aligned education into academic pathways to better prepare students for the evolving demands of the global workforce. The initiative reflects the university’s commitment to enhance graduate employability and empower students with critical job-ready skills across key sectors, including business, technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and project management.

Through the collaboration, students will have the opportunity to explore potential career paths, build hands-on skills using workplace tools, and earn Professional Certificates from leading global companies such as Google, IBM, and Meta.

“We are excited to work with AUM to empower students with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in the job market.”, said Kais Zribi, Coursera’s General Manager for the Middle East and Africa. “As economies continue to transform and skill-based hiring gains momentum, industry-recognized professional certifications are playing a pivotal role in improving employment prospects. We’re proud to support AUM’s mission to align academic learning with industry needs and empower students with practical, career-relevant education.”

This partnership also aims to foster a culture of lifelong learning among AUM students. The flexible, online model allows learners to study at their own pace, across web or mobile, while pursuing their university degrees, helping shape a future-ready generation of graduates equipped to thrive in an increasingly digital and competitive global economy.

https://aum.edu.kw/english/news-and-events/news/strategic-partnership-between-aum-and-coursera