KUWAIT: The Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) at the Australian University (AU) held its sixth annual Teaching and Learning Excellence Forum, titled “The Future of Higher Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence”, under the patronage of the Private Universities Council in Kuwait.

The forum was attended by various distinguished guests from universities, schools, training centers, international and local companies’ leaders as well as representatives of ministry of education in Kuwait. This year’s forum aimed to explore the evolving role of artificial intelligence in higher education, and its theme reflected AU’s commitment to exploring emerging technologies and their implications on the educational landscape in alignment with Kuwait Vision 2035 and global sustainable development goals.

The insightful forum included a series of keynote speeches by distinguished members of academia and industry that tackled various aspects of artificial intelligence and its growing influence on the academic world. Speakers presented diverse perspectives, including how AI can redefine institutional priorities, unlock new possibilities in education, and offer innovative solutions to current challenges. Contributions also addressed AI’s role in transforming the student learning experience and the responsibilities of educational institutions in adapting to technological change. The forum further included a panel discussion on the role of AI in shaping the future of higher education, along with a workshop on AI Applications.

Commenting on the role of AI in education, keynote speaker Khalid Al-Zanki, Founder and CEO of ETLAQ Consulting firm, said: “AI has changed a lot of sectors, including the educational sector. This is why today at the forum we are discussing about how the educational sector can benefit from AI. We are exploring how we can use practical applications of AI in the education and how we can get students to familiarize themselves with the technology and use it in a positive way that can change their future for the better.”

Rola Ismail, Manager of the Teaching and Learning Center at AU, said: “Education plays a pivotal role in the development of nations, but the question is will education be the education we knew and know currently. This forum aimed to discuss and contribute to shaping the future of higher education in the age of AI. Malcom X said: ‘Education is the passport to the Future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.’”

KUWAIT: The court of cassation on Monday ordered a freeze on the implementation of a 14-year jail term against former interior and defense minister Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled Al-Sabah and set June 23 to start hearing the case. The decision was issued after Sheikh Talal gave himself up to the court and demanded that the jail term be frozen until the court of cassation, the highest court in the country, had ruled on his appeal.

The special court for ministers in January sentenced Sheikh Talal to 14 years in jail, ordered him to repay KD 10 million to the two ministries and fined him KD 20 million over a graft totaling KD 10 million. During the session, Sheikh Talal denied the charges and any wrongdoing. The court convicted the former minister of embezzling KD 9.5 million from the defense ministry and KD 500,000 from the interior ministry.

Sheikh Talal was appointed in the Cabinet for the first time as defense minister in Dec 2021 and continued until Jan 2024. He was also given the interior portfolio during that period, either separately or together with the defense post. In recent years, Kuwaiti courts have jailed several ministers and senior officials over corruption cases and ordered them to repay embezzled funds and imposed hefty fines on them. The ministers’ court is currently trying former defense minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah over alleged corruption of KD 400,000. He has denied the accusations.

Separately, the ministry of health said on Monday it has shut five private health facilities and referred 23 others, including hospitals and medical centers, to investigation for allegedly violating rules governing advertisements and medical practice. The ministry explained that the decision was based on search campaigns by ministry teams, which found that advertisements by those facilities contradicted the principles of the medical profession.

KUWAIT: The Embassy of the Republic of Turkey to Kuwait hosted a reception on Sunday at Kuwait Marina Hotel, in collaboration with the Turkey Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey, to celebrate the annual Turkish Cuisine Week. In her opening remarks, Turkish Ambassador Tuba Nur Sonmez emphasized Turkish cuisine’s unique place among world cuisines, highlighting its deep-rooted history, health-conscious nature and sustainable qualities.

The ambassador underlined the shared values of hospitality and culinary appreciation between Turkey and Kuwait, expressing her belief that such events further strengthen the bonds of friendship and cultural ties between the two nations. The event featured a presentation on the historical development of Turkish culinary culture, its regional diversity, and traditional cooking techniques. Guests had the opportunity to taste a wide array of meticulously prepared Turkish dishes, desserts, and beverages at various tasting stations. They also received information about the recipes and preparation methods of the dishes served.

The Turkish ambassador poses for a group photo with Ambassadors and officials.

Additionally, a special exhibition showcasing visuals and recipes from Turkish cuisine was presented to visitors, offering a deeper insight into Turkey’s rich culinary heritage. A traditional Turkish folk dance performance by students from the Kuwait Turkish School was among the highlights of the evening, drawing great interest and appreciation from the audience. At the conclusion of the event, a raffle was held in which several fortunate attendees won round-trip flight tickets to Turkey. The event was attended by Sadiq Marafi, Assistant Minister for Europe Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait, as the Guest of Honor.