KUALA LUMPUR: Kuwait’s contributions to promoting Arabic language education in Southeast Asia have been widely praised by regional educators and academics, highlighting the positive impact of Kuwaiti charitable initiatives in strengthening Arabic learning across the region. President of the Indonesian Arabic Language Teachers Union (IATUI), Prof. Dr. Oriel Baharuddin, commended Kuwait’s support, particularly through organizations such as the Joud Charity Society, which operates an Arabic teaching center and institute in Bogor, West Java.

Speaking to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on the sidelines of the International Conference on Arabic Language and Literature at Sultan Azlan Shah University in Malaysia, Baharuddin noted that Kuwait’s initiatives have significantly enhanced the quality and presence of Arabic education in Indonesia. Baharuddin, also a professor at Maulana Malik Ibrahim State Islamic University, emphasized that Kuwait’s support extends across multiple organizations, contributing to the promotion of both Arabic and Islamic studies. He expressed appreciation for Kuwait’s sustained efforts, noting their regional and international impact.

Presenting his research paper during the conference’s third session, titled “Teaching Arabic to Non-Native Speakers on the Basis of Love: Creativity, Innovation, Communication, Technology and Adaptation”, Baharuddin highlighted the opportunities offered by Indonesia’s vast educational infrastructure, despite challenges such as limited interest in some areas and scarce job prospects for Arabic graduates. He underscored the need for a vision that links Arabic education with social and professional realities, while promoting creativity, innovation and technological integration. He also stressed the role of digital platforms and social media in expanding Arabic learning and embedding it into daily life.

Over two days, the conference examined key pillars of Arabic language teaching in Southeast Asia, presenting local experiences, challenges and successful models from the region. The Indonesian Arabic Language Teachers Union, a national professional body, represents Arabic educators across all educational levels and plays a pivotal role in advocating for the language within Indonesian society.

President of the Cambodian University of Management and Technology, Dr Mohamed Hussein

Meanwhile, Dr. Mohamed Hussein, President of the Cambodian University of Management and Technology (CUMT), praised Kuwait’s longstanding support for education and orphan care in Cambodia. Speaking to KUNA during the same conference, he highlighted Kuwaiti initiatives that have established over 30 orphanages and Islamic education centers, providing scholarships and financial aid to students. Dr. Hussein singled out the Islamic Heritage Revival Society, affiliated with the Kuwaiti Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, as a key supporter of these projects. He also noted contributions from other Islamic countries, including Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and Indonesia, emphasizing the broader spirit of Islamic cooperation in advancing education in Cambodia.

Presenting his research paper, “The Reality of the Muslim Minority in Cambodia and Arabic Education”, Dr. Hussein stressed the need for Arabic programs aligned with national policies to safeguard religious freedoms while promoting integration. He advocated for cultural and linguistic immersion approaches to strengthen the religious and cultural identity of Cambodia’s Muslim youth. Parallel sessions at the conference addressed curriculum development, teaching Arabic to non-native speakers, applications of artificial intelligence in education, specialized Arabic programs, and the production of digital Arabic content, showcasing innovative models and best practices from across Southeast Asia. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance Aseel Al-Munifi on Thursday reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting private sector initiatives aimed at advancing technology, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence (AI) in Kuwait. Al-Munifi made the remarks following her attendance and sponsorship of the 3rd Kuwait International Competition for Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Artificial Intelligence, and Technology, organized by Ecosystem for Administrative and Economic Consulting.

The event honored a group of award-winning innovators in economic diversification through innovation and digitization, with participants from Gulf, Arab and international countries. “The ministry’s participation reflects our belief in the importance of this event and its role in promoting digital transformation and AI applications to drive progress using modern technology,” Al-Munifi said. She also called on government agencies, educational institutions and the private sector to continuously enhance their operational systems.

She noted that the ministry is currently implementing similar initiatives through government contracts to advance technology, spearhead digital transformation in financial operations nationwide and streamline work procedures using modern technological solutions. Dr Hanadi Al-Mubarak, Director of Ecosystem Company, said the continuation of the competition, now in its third edition, stems from the company’s commitment to enhancing global competitiveness in innovation, entrepreneurship, and AI, as part of the Gulf and Arab Economic Initiative 2020. She added that this year’s edition will honor 100 winners from 22 Gulf, Arab and international countries.

Dr Al-Mubarak explained that the competition supports economic diversification in the Gulf and Arab region, fostering long-term investment and positioning the countries among the ranks of developed nations. The initiative aligns with global sustainable development goals for 2030 and serves as a platform for regional cooperation, facilitating the exchange of expertise, best practices and successful international applications. She stressed that the initiative also strengthens partnerships, develops skills and empowers the digital economy across the region.

A section of the audience attending the honoring ceremony of a group of award-winning innovators in the field of economic diversification.- KUNA photos

Debt collection

In another development, Minister of Commerce and Industry Khalifa Al-Ajeel on Thursday affirmed that the National Fund for Small and Medium Enterprises Development has been undertaking comprehensive measures since last March to collect debts and financial dues from a number of troubled projects, as part of its commitment to preserving public funds and enhancing financial and administrative discipline. Al-Ajeel, who also serves as Chairman of the Fund’s Board of Directors, said in a press statement that these measures are being implemented in accordance with the legal frameworks regulating the Fund’s work and in line with National Fund Law No (98) of 2013.

He added that the Fund has launched an organized collection and settlement plan designed to secure public rights without harming entrepreneurs. The Board of Directors had previously approved an amendment to the loan repayment mechanism, extending repayment periods to 15 years. This does not include the legally allowed grace period of up to three years, or the exceptional postponements of up to four years granted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Al-Ajeel explained that the amendment responds to the needs of SME owners seeking greater flexibility in managing their financial obligations, balancing the empowerment of entrepreneurs with the Fund’s financial sustainability.

He emphasized that the National Fund continues to support SME owners, who form a key pillar of the national economy. “Collection procedures aim to ensure justice and protect public funds, while providing ongoing technical and financial support to viable projects with real economic potential,” the minister said. Al-Ajeel also noted that the Fund’s Board of Directors convened today at the ministry’s headquarters to review progress on key financial and administrative files. He stressed that these efforts align with the government’s vision to establish a fair and sustainable financial environment that strengthens entrepreneurs’ confidence and encourages their contribution to the national economy. — KUNA

WASHINGTON: Acting Minister of Finance, Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, and Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment Dr. Sabeeh Al-Mukhaizeem met with World Bank Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Ousmane Dione.

During the meeting, Dr. Al-Mukhaizeem highlighted the importance of strengthening relations with the World Bank’s local office in Kuwait, especially following the appointment of a new office director. He stressed the need for the new director to possess the necessary expertise, knowledge, and flexibility to engage effectively with local entities, ensuring that the office’s presence delivers tangible added value.

He also underlined the importance of holding an early meeting with the newly appointed director to set clear priorities for cooperation between Kuwait and the World Bank.On his part, Dione expressed appreciation to Kuwait for recently completing the payment of its contribution to the general and selective capital increase of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD).

He said this reflects Kuwait’s commitment to its international obligations and its support for the World Bank’s efforts in advancing sustainable development.Both sides reaffirmed the importance of further enhancing cooperation between Kuwait and the World Bank, particularly in the fields of education, health, energy, and water.

The meeting was attended by the Executive Director at the World Bank Group (WBG) Abdulaziz Al-Mulla, the Director of Public Debt Management Faisal Al-Muzaini, Director of International Economic Cooperation Department Saad Al-Rashidi, Acting Director of Macroeconomics and Fiscal Policy and Director of Financial Planning and Follow-up Department Ahmad Al-Omran.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of Kuwait’s participation in the Annual Meetings of the Boards of Governors of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), held in Washington from October 13 to 18, 2025. — AFP