KUWAIT CITY, Feb 2: The Fourth Kuwait Award for Educational Technology Conference and Exhibition (Sheikh Abdullah Al- Mubarak Al-Sabah Award) commenced Monday at the Scientific Center, under the patronage and in the presence of Education Minister Jalal Al-Tabtabaei.

The two-day event witnessed the broad participation of educational and academic officials, experts, and educational and technological institutions, underscoring the strategic priority of education in Kuwait’s development journey. This year’s conference, themed “Artificial Intelligence … A Cornerstone for Educational Development and Building the Future,” reflects the national focus on leveraging modern technologies and artificial intelligence to develop the educational system, improve the quality of educational outputs, and cultivate generations capable of meeting the demands of the modern era.

Affirmed

In his speech at the opening ceremony, Al- Tabtabaei affirmed that the Sheikh Abdullah Al- Mubarak Al-Sabah Award is a shining national model in supporting excellence and stimulating creativity, in line with Kuwait’s New Vision 2035, which puts human capital and the knowledge economy at the heart of its priorities. He stressed the importance of building a modern, flexible educational system capable of keeping pace with the changing times, indicating that the theme of the conference embodies a profound awareness that the future of education can only be built on innovation and conscious investment in people and knowledge.

He added that the ministry has given considerable attention to integrating the concepts of technology, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity into the new curricula in a systematic manner, starting at the early educational stages. He said this aims to promote responsible technology use and solidify awareness on its educational and ethical dimensions. He stressed that technology remains a supportive tool, not a replacement for the role of the teacher and the authentic educational values. He revealed that the ministry launched several AI-powered educational applications and services, most notably the ‘With Hamad Chat’ service and the interactive ‘Salem and Abeer’ application, which were developed by specialized Kuwaiti professionals. He asserted that these initiatives aim to support academic achievement and enrich the learning experience within a clear framework of educational standards and guidelines.

He underscored the importance of the conference and the award in celebrating pioneering educational initiatives and projects, and in motivating innovators to continue their contributions and development, thereby, fostering a culture of creativity and strengthening the partnership between the educational and technological fields. On the other hand, Jamal Jassim Al-Nasrallah, President of the Public Relations Association and Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee for the conference, stated that organizing this event is based on the belief that educational development is no longer an option but a national necessity imposed by rapid digital transformations.

He pointed out that the conference serves as a comprehensive national platform for dialogue, the exchange of expertise, and highlighting the latest educational technologies. He added that the award conveys a message of appreciation for all those who strived, innovated and excelled in the fields of education and technology. He explained that naming the award after Sheikh Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah is a tribute to his national legacy and his pioneering contributions to building the Kuwaiti people.

Sheikha Intisar Al-Sabah, a member of the Supreme Committee for the conference and head of the Executive Council of the Bright Educational Initiative, pointed out that artificial intelligence in education should not be limited to enhancing academic performance as it should be designed to restore the balance between knowledge and humanity.

Challenge

She stated that the real challenge today lies not in introducing artificial intelligence into education, but on how to design and harness it to better serve humanity. She emphasized the importance of building smart educational systems that consider psychological well-being, and develop social and emotional skills alongside cognitive abilities.

Sheikh Abdullah Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah, representing Dar Suad Al-Sabah, confirmed that Sheikh Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah (may Allah have mercy on him) believed from the very beginning of the State’s establishment that education is the foundation for building societies and guaranteeing the future.

He pointed out that linking education with artificial intelligence today is considered foresight, praising Dr. Suad Al-Sabah’s role in supporting education and culture as a sustainable national project and emphasizing that the award embodies Kuwait’s established approach of investing in people and knowledge.

Meanwhile, head of the judging committee,

Dr. Hussein Fulad, announced the winners of the Sheikh Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah

Award for Educational Technology as follows:

- Educational Robotics Category Award: PLOTOIT

- Smart Government School Award: Imam Malik Secondary School

- Smart Private School Award: Rawdh Al-Saleheen School

- Smart University/College Award: Kuwait College of Science and Technology (KCST)

- Best Educational Application or Platform Award: ALEF EDUCATION Platform - Best Digital Idea Award, First Category: Zahraa Abel – ICAREER.PATH Project

- Second Place Best Digital Idea Award: ‘Qadar’ Project, Fatima Al-Mutairi and Fatima Al- Hamad