Innovation Arabia 11 Continues for the 2nd Day in Dubai

The second day of Innovation Arabia 11 continued at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, with the active participation of a number of world class speakers, experts and leading industry professionals, while focusing on how innovation is impacting ‘Health and Environment’, ‘Islamic Banking and Finance’, ‘Smart Learning’ and ‘Quality and Business Management’, the 4 main tracks for this year’s Conference and Exhibition.

On the second day, a MoU was signed between Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) and Tsinghua University, Beijing, focusing on two key areas of collaboration including Student Exchange Programs, specifically related to the areas of Entrepreneurship, Systematic Innovation and Faculty Exchange in the area of Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain Technology. The MOU was signed by Prof. Nabil Baydoun, HBMSU’s Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, HBMSU and Prof. Hsueh-Yung Benjamin Koo, Director of International Relations of iCenter-Professor of Tsinghua University.

Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of HBMSU and the Chairman of the Conference’s Higher Committee, noted that the signing a memorandum of understanding with the Tsinghua University of China is a welcome and positive move, and explained that it plays a key role in enhancing the extensive experience of HBMSU in various aspects related to the models and processes of the smart education system. He added: “These models are compatible with the future requirements of learning, which the HBMSU shares across academic communities in the UAE and around the world--citing both smart models and the advanced teaching methods of these countries. This cooperation is also aimed at forging a global strategic partnership in launching a unified model of learning in the world that changes the current educational system to one that meets the requirements of the next phase of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.”

Prof. Hsueh-Yung Benjamin Koo said: “It is my great pleasure to see HBMSU being the first educational establishment to adopt XLP-based knowledge management methodology in the Middle East. It is also my sincere wish that this initiative will bring many extensible capabilities to both individuals and institutions in this era of Artificial Intelligence and big data.”

In addition, a press conference was held on the sidelines of the conference unveiled details about a research study conducted by Professor Samer Hamidi, School of Health and Environmental Studies, HBMSU, under the title: ‘Life expectancy and main causes of mortality in UAE: A systematic analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 1990 – 2016’.

Commenting on the launch of the study during the conference Prof. Nabil Baydoun said: “The scientific study released by the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), University of Washington in 2017 and conducted by Professor Samer Hamidi highlights HBMSU’s strategic position composing of pioneers in the modern development of the education sector in the Middle East. This study reflects the university's vision of employing the latest advanced technologies and encouraging scientific research to develop the skills and competencies of learners under the guidance of experienced faculty to become entrepreneurs and innovators rather than passive recipients of education. By developing their abilities and skills and with the use of smart learning tools, this helps them build a better future. This latest achievement motivates us to increase our efforts to make the UAE a model of advanced learning based on innovation and scientific research to reshape the education system and create a knowledge-based and technology-based society.

While commenting on his study, Prof. Samer Hamidi, said, “The scientific study released by the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), University of Washington in 2017, proves to be very significant and important as it serves as a reliable reference to measure the burden of different diseases, based on a comprehensive and adequate data on diseases and mortality globally. I am honored to be one of the co-authors participating in this study, which focused on assessing the global burden of disease and measuring the extent of health deterioration due to diseases during specific periods of time, age, gender and geographical distribution. According to the Global Burden of Disease report, the UAE has achieved significant developments over the past 20 years—demonstrating the country’s remarkable progress in reducing the mortality rate and extending the average of life expectancy from 64 years in 1971 to 76 years in 2016.”

He added, “The Innovation Arabia 11 congress, which is organized by HBMSU in cooperation with INDEX Conferences & Exhibitions, is a leading platform to explore new prospects for the health sector, based on innovation and knowledge, and with the participation of a number of researchers, decision-makers and regional and international leaders. We will continue pursuing excellence in scientific research, as we believe in the importance of sharing and enriching knowledge that is the cornerstone to promote the decision-making process in order to provide world-class healthcare services for all.”

On her part, Professor Asha Kanwar, President and CEO of Commonwealth of Learning, a keynote speaker attending Innovation Arabia’s ‘Smart Learning’ track said, “Innovation Arabia has established a reputation of being an exciting hub of ideas and networking opportunities. This is my first conference and I look forward to getting first-hand knowledge of the emerging trends in higher education, especially in the region.”

She added, “My keynote looks at how disruptions in higher education have emerged in the past to address the gaps that mainstream education did not pay attention to. This gives us very clear lessons and directions for what institutions need to do to stay competitive in the future.”

Meanwhile, a number of key discussions were held by industry experts in the UAE and abroad on the 2^nd day, which included, ‘A Digital Journey to National Transformation: Under the Focus Area of Innovation, Transformation and Future Studies’ and ‘Innovation, Digital Transformation and Quality as Pillar to the Future Knowledge Based Economy’, Industry/Business Updates, Competing in Turbulent Environment, Emergent Issues in Smart Learning, Improving Global Environmental Governance in the UAE, Islamic & Ethical Finance Role in the Global Innovation amongst many others.