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BAHRAIN is dedicated to incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into the education sector in the kingdom, according to a top official.
However, efforts are also under way to prevent the misuse of AI, said Higher Education Council (HEC) secretary-general and board of trustees deputy chairperson Dr Diana Aljahrami.
She was speaking at the Arab AI Forum, organised by Gulf University in co-ordination with the HEC, at the Gulf Convention Centre in Manama yesterday.
The one-day conference, which brought together university leaders, researchers, programmers and industry experts, was dedicated to the practical implementation of AI in higher education.
More than 150 participants from around 80 organisations discussed AI-related topics through lectures, hands-on sessions, discussions and case studies.
Underscoring that the forum was being held at a “pivotal moment”, Dr Aljahrami said: “This is a time of digital revolution.
“AI is becoming a driving force, whether we like it or not, making it crucial to stay ahead of the curve.
“It opens new horizons in education, such as the opportunity for personalised flexible learning approaches.”
She added that the HEC was expecting to play a bigger role in not just the implementation of AI in educational institutions, but also its moderation.
“The HEC is playing a proactive role to not only include AI in universities and places of higher learning, but also its development.
“We also moderate and license AIs to not only ensure its use to its fullest potential, but also to avoid misuse.
“This forum is a step forward towards realising Bahrain’s potential when it comes to AI, as well as that of the region’s.”
Gulf University president Dr Mohannad Al Firas highlighted the importance of hosting such an important forum.
“This is the chance to create a powerful platform,” he said.
“AI is no longer the future, it is here and now, being used in sectors such as healthcare, finance and media.
“This is our opportunity to advance AI in education, and enhance the sector rather than replace educators.”
The forum included talks on ‘Integrating AI into Higher Education’ by University of Applied Sciences Osnabruck Professor Thomas Hoffman, ‘AI Driven Social Innovation’ by Gulf University associate professor Mohammed Al Shekhly, and ‘Tackling Deepfakes and Privacy Breaches’ by Interior Ministry financial crimes division head Major Mohamed Al Abdulla.
Last month, Bahrain’s Labour Fund (Tamkeen) launched its largest-ever AI training package, which aims to upskill 50,000 Bahrainis in AI by 2030.
The initiative will offer training along three specialised tracks – AI Skills for Executive Leadership, General AI Skills, and Specialised AI Training.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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