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News

24, Oct 2024
CBE Hosts Financial Literacy Talk for Women Entrepreneurship Week
The College of Business and Economics (CBE) at AUK hosted a pivotal event on Financial Literacy and Awareness as part of Women Entrepreneurship Week. Dr. Salime Smadi, professor of organizational behavior at AUK, collaborated with Montclair State University on this event as part of their Women Entrepreneurship Week which takes place at the end of every October. The event also aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality), which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls by ensuring they have equal rights and access to opportunities, including financial resources, education, and economic participation.

The lecture was given by Mrs. Yasmine Salamah, the General Manager of the Multinational Corporates and Structured Finance Department at Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK), who shared her wealth of experience in the banking industry. Dr. Smadi gave the event's opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of financial literacy as a cornerstone for entrepreneurship and personal empowerment.

The lecture was divided into four segments where Mrs. Salamah discussed the importance of financial literacy, spending and saving strategies, understanding income, and investment opportunities. Her guidance provided valuable knowledge for those looking to enhance their financial skills in both personal and professional contexts.
 
Mrs. Yasmine Salamah, a seasoned banking professional with over 19 years of experience, captivated the audience with her in-depth knowledge and practical approach to managing finances. Her career journey, from a credit officer to overseeing strategic projects at ABK, served as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and finance professionals. Her leadership in spearheading projects related to cash management, transaction banking, and corporate online banking added significant real-world insights to the discussion.
 
This event marked a significant step toward promoting financial empowerment among all students, regardless of gender, reinforcing AUK's commitment to providing valuable educational resources for all students. It also aligned with the College’s PRME (Principles for Responsible Management Education) UN initiative, of which they have been signatories since 2018. This commitment emphasizes responsible management education, sustainability, and integrating these values into both teaching and research. The success of the event highlighted the importance of financial literacy as a tool for personal growth and professional success for all attendees, contributing to broader societal progress.
   
   
   

General photo of the lecture
   

Dr. Salime Smadi introducing the speaker
   

Mrs. Yasmine Salamah giving her lecture
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CBE Hosts Financial Literacy Talk for Women Entrepreneurship Week
23, Oct 2024
Spanish Ambassador Visits AUK
AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad, welcomed the Spanish Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E. Manuel Hernandez Gamallo, to the University’s campus. They discussed potential outreach initiatives and addressed the varied educational requirements of students on a local and international level.

AUK has a longstanding commitment to collaborating with various embassies, maintaining a dedicated effort to uphold regular meetings that strengthen relationships and foster mutual support for scholastic opportunities.
    
   
   

From left to right: Ms. Wafa Sweidan, administrative officer at the Spanish Embassy; Ms. Carmen Bravo, deputy chief of mission at the Spanish Embassy; H.E. Manuel Hernandez Gamallo, Spanish Ambassador to Kuwait; Dr. Rawda Awwad, AUK president; Ms. Farah Jouhar, acting director of AUK PR & Marketing
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Spanish Ambassador Visits AUK
Showing 10 Articles of 1528
22, Oct 2024
AUK Students Show National Pride in Muscat: Supporting Kuwait’s World Cup Journey
AUK recently completed a two-day trip to Muscat, Oman, where 16 members of the AUK Football Club proudly cheered for the Kuwait National Team during their FIFA World Cup Qualification match against Oman. Organized by AUK’s Office of Student Life, the trip offered students a chance to combine their passion for football with national pride at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex.

Accompanied by staff from the Office of Student Life, the students enthusiastically supported their national team, showcasing their dedication to both their country and the sport. This trip was part of AUK's ongoing efforts to provide students with enriching experiences beyond academics.

Omar Mehdi, director of student life, highlighted the broader significance of the trip, stating, “AUK has 46 active student clubs that provide unique opportunities for our students to learn, think, and become. This experience was about much more than just attending a football match; it was about building a sense of community and national pride among our students.” 

AUK’s Office of Student Life continues to champion such impactful experiences, fostering unity and engagement through sports and extracurricular activities. 
  
  
   

Group photo of AUK Football Club members
AUK Students Show National Pride in Muscat: Supporting Kuwait’s World Cup Journey
21, Oct 2024
AUK Professors Ranked Among Top 2% Global Researchers by Stanford University
Two professors from the American University of Kuwait (AUK) have been recognized among the top 2% of global researchers in the 2024 list published by Stanford University and Elsevier BV. Dr. Mohammed El-Abd, dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS), and Dr. Muhammad Ikram, assistant Professor of electrical engineering, were acknowledged for their significant career-long contributions in their respective fields.
 
Dr. El-Abd has been recognized for the fifth time under the domain of Artificial Intelligence. He expressed his gratitude, stating, “This recognition is not only a personal milestone but a testament to the hard work, perseverance, and collaborative spirit of everyone I’ve had the privilege to work with over the past 20 years.”
 
With over 100 publications, Dr. El-Abd’s research interests include meta-heuristics, evolutionary computation, swarm intelligence, cooperative algorithms, and smart cities. He remains committed to advancing science and mentoring future generations of engineers.
 
Dr. Ikram, who joined AUK in early 2024, was ranked among the top 2% in the field of Networking and Telecommunications. His contributions include more than 50 refereed journal articles and conference papers. Dr. Ikram’s research focuses on integrated antennas, phased arrays, and 5G/6G communications. He has served as an associate editor for several prestigious journals and actively contributes to the global scientific community.
 
Reflecting on this prestigious recognition, Dr. Ikram expressed, “This recognition highlights my dedication to advancing research in electrical, electronics, and telecommunication engineering, especially in the subfield of networking and telecommunications, where I rank 2,952 out of 206,482 authors. It motivates me to keep contributing to the scientific community.” 
 
This recognition underscores AUK’s unwavering commitment to excellence in research and education, with faculty members whose expertise continually inspires the next generation of students. 
  
  
  

Dr. Mohammed El-Abd and Dr. Muhammad Ikram
AUK Professors Ranked Among Top 2% Global Researchers by Stanford University
19, Oct 2024
Celebrating Innovation: AUK Hosts NASA Space Apps Challenge Winners' Ceremony
AUK hosted a special ceremony celebrating the first-place winners of the NASA Space Apps Challenge. This globally renowned competition brings together creative minds to tackle real-world challenges. The winners' innovative solutions were honored in the presence of prominent figures in science, education, and technology.
 
The ceremony was attended by NASA Deputy Administrator, Ms. Casey Swails, whose visit underscored the event's significance in fostering global innovation. Also in attendance were representatives from the U.S. Embassy; AUK President Dr. Rawda Awwad; Kuwait College of Science and Technology (KCST) President, Professor Khalid Al-Begain; and Ms. Eman Al-Awadhi representing the event sponsors, KIPCO. Each contributed to making the event a memorable celebration of talent and creativity. 
 
Commenting on this event’s importance, Dr. Rawda Awwad stated, “We were honored to welcome the U.S. Embassy and Ms. Casey Swails, NASA Deputy Associate Administrator, to our campus. It gave the winning team of students of the NASA Space App Challenge a unique chance to engage directly with NASA professionals and see firsthand the value of their teamwork and success. Events like this highlight how inter-institutional student collaboration at an interdisciplinary level can make a real impact through education, exploration, and discovery, and it shows just how important global experiential learning is for the future of our planet. AUK looks forward to more collaborations of this sort in the future.”
 
Dr. Marwa Sharawi, assistant professor of computer science at AUK and NASA’s local lead, along with the dedicated organizing team, also played a crucial role in the event's success, reflecting AUK’s ongoing commitment to fostering innovation.
 
By emphasizing innovation and technology, AUK inspires the next generation of thinkers and creators while remaining at the forefront of advancing STEM education, all within the enriching environment of a liberal arts framework. 
 
  
  

First place winners with Ms. Casey Swails and AUK faculty
  

Ms. Casey Swails and Dr. Rawda Awwad
  

First place winners discussing their project
  

Professor Khalid Al-Begain talking to students
 
 
 First place winners receiving certificate from Ms. Casey Swails
   

Celebrating Innovation: AUK Hosts NASA Space Apps Challenge Winners' Ceremony
17, Oct 2024
AUK Continues to Foster Global Connections through International Exchange Programs
AUK remains a leader in promoting global education and cross-cultural understanding, welcoming students and interns from prestigious international institutions to its vibrant campus. As part of its ongoing commitment to providing diverse educational experiences, AUK is hosting several interns from Dartmouth College this fall semester.

Yasmine Marrero, a government major at Dartmouth, is interning with AUK’s International Relations Department and the Oral History & Documentation Project. Driven by her passion for international relations and Middle Eastern politics, Yasmine chose AUK because of the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in these areas. Yasmine is particularly looking forward to exploring Kuwait City’s rich history, museums, and beaches. 

Sophie Chadha, an English major and Neuroscience minor at Dartmouth, has found an ideal fit at AUK through her primary placement with the English Department, AUK Review, and the Writing Center, as well as her secondary role at the Counseling Center. Sophie is eager to apply her academic interests in both teaching and mental health. Sophie is enthusiastic about learning Arabic and how translingual practices influence both academic and social settings at AUK.

Alexandra Aguilar, a double major in Government and Middle Eastern Studies with a minor in International Studies, saw AUK as the perfect opportunity to deepen her understanding of the Middle East while experiencing life in the Gulf region. Alexandra hopes to expand her studies and explore potential careers in international relations during her time at AUK.

These distinguished students from Dartmouth College bring diverse perspectives and academic passions to AUK’s campus, enriching the learning environment for both themselves and the AUK community. By continuing to host international interns, AUK reinforces its dedication to fostering cross-cultural exchange and preparing students to engage with the global community.
  
   
  

From left to right: Yasmine Marrero, Sophie Chadha, Alexandra Aguilar
AUK Continues to Foster Global Connections through International Exchange Programs
17, Oct 2024
AUK Hosts Global Expert for Insights on Conflict Data
Dr. Federico Velez, associate professor of international relations at AUK, recently hosted a virtual talk featuring Dr. Nanar Hawach from Uppsala University. Speaking from Sweden, Dr. Hawach engaged AUK’s International Relations majors in a dynamic discussion on global conflict data and analysis.  Dr. Hawach’s presentation, titled “Mapping Global Conflict: Insights from Uppsala University’s Conflict Data Program (UCDP),” provided a deep dive into how this globally renowned database tracks and analyzes armed conflicts around the world.

The UCDP is a comprehensive resource, respected for its detailed information on wars, violent incidents, and conflicts. Dr. Hawach explained how the database serves researchers, policymakers, and international organizations, helping them better understand conflict trends and explore solutions for peacebuilding.

Dr. Hawach also elaborated on the UCDP’s reach, which includes monitoring current conflicts and archiving historical events dating back to the post-World War II period. This extensive database covers a range of conflicts, including state and non-state actor disputes, as well as genocides. He highlighted the program’s rigorous data verification process, which ensures that the information remains accurate and timely.

By bringing in global experts like Dr. Hawach, AUK continues to offer its students unique international perspectives that enrich their understanding of global issues.
  
  
  

Website screenshot of the Uppsala Conflict Data Program
AUK Hosts Global Expert for Insights on Conflict Data
16, Oct 2024
Exploring Global Finance at AUK: Dr. Maxime Izoulet Discusses Monetary Policies and Economic Shifts
The College of Business and Economics (CBE) at AUK recently hosted Dr. Maxime Izoulet, associate researcher at the European Institute for Development Studies (IEED), for two thought-provoking presentations that explored key topics in global finance and economic policy. Dr. Izoulet, who brings over 15 years of experience in the French public sector and holds a PhD in Economics, shared his expertise with both students and faculty during his visit to campus.

In his first presentation, titled "The Monetary Policy of China's Central Bank," Dr. Izoulet provided an in-depth analysis of the role played by the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) in maintaining the country's financial stability. He discussed how the PBOC's policies are designed to manage liquidity, control inflation, and support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Dr. Izoulet emphasized how China’s unique approach to monetary policy has allowed the country to navigate global financial crises more effectively than many Western nations.

For faculty members, Dr. Izoulet delivered a second presentation titled "Shift in Financial Hegemony: A Historical Perspective." This session examined the shifts in global financial power over time, focusing on the historical rise of financial institutions like the Bank of England in the 17th century and how these developments laid the foundation for the modern financial system. He also touched upon the influence of major financial crises in shaping monetary policies worldwide.

Both presentations were followed by lively Q&A sessions, where participants had the opportunity to engage with Dr. Izoulet on the topics covered, gaining deeper insights into the complexities of global financial systems.

At AUK, the commitment to enriching the academic experience is evident through the invitation of distinguished experts like Dr. Maxime Izoulet. By fostering such collaborations, the university empowers its students and faculty to engage with leading voices in their fields, enhancing their understanding of global issues and promoting critical discussions. 
 
 
  

Dr. Maxime Izoulet during his presentation
  

Dr. Maxime Izoulet with AUK members
Exploring Global Finance at AUK: Dr. Maxime Izoulet Discusses Monetary Policies and Economic Shifts
15, Oct 2024
CCE-AUK Official Partners of the Digital Marketing Institute
The Center for Continuing Education (CCE) at AUK has officially been accredited as a partner of the Digital Marketing Institute (DMI). This prestigious partnership enables the Center to offer a suite of internationally recognized certifications to both AUK and CCE students, significantly enhancing their digital marketing skills and career opportunities. 

Through this accreditation, CCE will provide access to DMI’s renowned certification programs, equipping students with cutting-edge knowledge and credentials in the field of digital marketing. This collaboration underscores CCE’s commitment to delivering high-quality, impactful education that aligns with global industry standards and best practices. 

As an accredited partner, CCE will offer several Digital Marketing Institute (DMI) certifications, including the DMI PRO Certified Digital Marketing Professional, which validates a comprehensive understanding of digital marketing practices and strategies. Additionally, CCE will provide the DMI Specialist Social certification, focusing on expertise in social media marketing and management; as well as the DMI Specialist Search certification, which demonstrates proficiency in search engine optimization (SEO) and search engine marketing (SEM). Lastly, the DMI Specialist Strategy certification highlights advanced skills in digital marketing strategy development and implementation.

These certifications are designed to equip learners with the skills needed to excel in the dynamic field of digital marketing. Through partnerships with esteemed international organizations and industry leaders, CCE ensures that all courses align with current industry standards and best practices. CCE’s experienced instructors and industry experts bring practical insights and real-world knowledge into the classroom, guaranteeing that participants receive relevant and up-to-date education. 

CCE is committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth, supporting individuals in achieving their career goals and adapting to the ever-evolving demands of their professions.
 
The Center for Continuing Education (CCE) at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) is committed to delivering exceptional educational opportunities for individuals and organizations throughout Kuwait. Our mission is to empower our community by providing high-quality programs that promote professional development and lifelong learning. As a key component of AUK’s dedication to lifelong education, CCE offers a diverse array of programs designed to enhance skills, knowledge, and career prospects. Our offerings include professional certifications, workshops, and training courses spanning various fields such as digital marketing, business management, languages, career and self-development.

The Digital Marketing Institute (DMI) is a leading and global provider of digital marketing education and certification, globally recognized for its comprehensive training programs and expertise in the digital marketing field and has certified over 75k people with 300k+ members worldwide. Its mission is to support marketers achieve their learning ambitions and help them realize their full potential. DMI collaborates with industry leaders ensures that DMI certification courses are built and validated by the industry, for the industry. This approach enables to address the latest skills and adoption needs of marketing professionals globally. The certifications cover various aspects of digital marketing, including strategy, social media, search marketing, and analytics. This holistic approach equips learners with the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving digital domain.
   
   
   

CCE-AUK Official Partners of the Digital Marketing Institute
14, Oct 2024
AUK and Playbook Collaborate to Connect Women with a Global Network of Opportunities
AUK has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Playbook, a global networking and mentorship platform for women, to offer 100 scholarships to eligible members of the AUK community. This partnership — led by AUK alumna Taiba Al-Humaidhi, a 2006 graduate of AUK with a degree in management — will provide students, faculty, staff, and alumni with access to Playbook’s masterclasses, networking opportunities, workshops, and mentorship programs.
 
Playbook, known for its award-winning, all-female leadership team, is a leading edtech platform transforming the careers of women globally. The platform offers a cinematic library of masterclasses, executive speaker sessions, and one-on-one mentorship opportunities. With over 6,000 members across 200+ cities in 50+ countries, Playbook is at the forefront of advancing women’s career and personal growth. This MOU highlights Playbook’s mission of democratizing access to world-class professional development resources, ensuring women across industries are equipped to succeed.
 
Through her initiative Lei Wa Lakom, Taiba Al-Humaidhi has secured these scholarships to ensure that AUK community members can benefit from the diverse offerings of Playbook. This partnership not only reflects Taiba’s dedication but also underscores Playbook's commitment to fostering inclusive and impactful networks for women.
 
The Office of Alumni Affairs and Career Development (AACD) expressed their appreciation for Taiba’s dedication to giving back, “We extend our deepest gratitude to our esteemed alumna for her unwavering commitment to the AUK community through her partnership with Playbook. This initiative represents a powerful opportunity for career-driven individuals to access unparalleled resources for personal and professional growth. It is through these meaningful partnerships that we continue to foster an environment of opportunity and support for the next generation of leaders.”
 
Taiba’s continued involvement with AUK reflects the lasting impact that alumni can have on their alma mater. Through the MOU with Playbook, AUK is once again providing valuable opportunities for its community, fostering growth, and enabling its members to excel both locally and globally.
 
 
 

Group photo of AUK and Playbook representatives
   

AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad, with Taiba Al-Humaidhi
AUK and Playbook Collaborate to Connect Women with a Global Network of Opportunities
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