SDG9: INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG 9) in Bahrain
Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG 9) aims to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation. In Bahrain, the government recognizes that robust infrastructure and industrial growth are essential for economic development and diversification, particularly as the country seeks to reduce its dependence on oil.
Government Initiatives for SDG 9
Infrastructure Development: The Bahraini government has been investing significantly in infrastructure projects, including transportation, telecommunications, and utilities. Major initiatives such as the Bahrain Metro project and upgrades to the road network aim to improve connectivity and enhance the overall quality of infrastructure.
Industrial Diversification: Bahrain is working to diversify its industrial base by promoting sectors such as manufacturing, information technology, and logistics. Through the establishment of industrial parks and free zones, the government encourages local and foreign investments, facilitating the growth of innovative industries.
Innovation and Technology: The government supports innovation through various programs aimed at fostering research and development (R&D). Initiatives such as the Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 emphasize the importance of technology and innovation in driving economic growth.
Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): The government promotes partnerships between the public and private sectors to finance and implement infrastructure projects. These collaborations leverage private sector expertise and funding, enhancing project efficiency and effectiveness.
Sustainability Standards: Bahrain is integrating sustainability into its industrial policies by implementing regulations that promote environmentally friendly practices. This includes encouraging industries to adopt cleaner technologies and sustainable production methods.
SDG 9 at Applied Science University (ASU) in Bahrain
Applied Science University (ASU) in Bahrain plays a critical role in advancing SDG 9 through its educational programs, research initiatives, and community involvement.
Curriculum Focus: ASU emphasizes the importance of innovation and technology in its engineering and business programs. Students are educated on sustainable industrial practices, infrastructure development, and the role of technology in enhancing productivity and efficiency.
Research and Development: The university encourages faculty and students to engage in R&D projects that align with SDG 9. This includes exploring new technologies, sustainable manufacturing processes, and innovative solutions to local and regional infrastructure challenges.
Collaborative Initiatives: ASU collaborates with industry partners and government agencies to work on projects that promote industrial growth and infrastructure development. These partnerships often provide students with practical experience and exposure to real-world applications.
Innovation Hubs: The university is involved in establishing innovation hubs and incubators that support startups and entrepreneurs in the technology and industrial sectors. These hubs foster creativity and provide resources for developing new products and services.
Community Engagement: ASU actively participates in community outreach programs that promote awareness of sustainable industrial practices and infrastructure development. Workshops, seminars, and events are organized to engage the public and encourage discussions on innovation and sustainability.
Conclusion
Bahrain is making significant strides toward achieving SDG 9 through targeted government initiatives focused on infrastructure development, industrial diversification, and innovation. Applied Science University plays a vital role in supporting these goals by fostering education, research, and collaboration with industry. Together, these efforts contribute to the sustainable development of Bahrain’s economy and infrastructure, positioning the country for a resilient and innovative future.
The University Launches Innovative Master’s Programme in Computer Science
https://www.asu.edu.bh/the-university-launches-innovative-masters-programme-in-computer-science/
Professor Hatem Masri, President of Applied Science University, affirmed that since its establishment, the University has focused on the quality and excellence of its programmes. It is distinguished by adopting the principle of placing the student at the heart of the educational process, focusing on intellectual enlightenment through curricula. These curricula are designed to keep pace with the latest changes and modern studies across various fields.
He made these remarks during his speech on the launch of Applied Science University’s latest master’s programmes, including the Master’s Programme in Computer Science. This programme was introduced to align with global technological advancements and to meet the growing demand in the job market for graduates with higher degrees in computer science and its various branches.
The University president explained that computer science specializations are among the fastest-developing fields in the Bahraini, regional, and international labour markets. He emphasized that the new programme aims to integrate a strong theoretical foundation with extensive practical experience in areas such as data analysis and computer security. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to undertake applied projects or research theses, highlighting the programme’s focus on training, practical experience, and personal skill development.
Dr. Omar Al-Zoubi, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Applied Science University, emphasized that the programme was designed based on the latest standards supported by market studies and benchmarking with prestigious academic institutions. This ensures that students graduate with academic qualifications aligned with global standards, enhancing their career prospects in the job market.
The Dean noted that the Master’s Programme in Computer Science covers a broad spectrum of computer and system development and interaction, including programming, software design, data analysis, software engineering, computer networks, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and related fields. He further highlighted that the programme’s most distinctive feature is its comprehensive and applied nature – equiping students with systematic and effective software development skills, network design and management capabilities, and cybersecurity knowledge to protect against cyber threats.
Regarding the programme’s objectives, Dr. Omar Al-Zoubi stated that it aims to provide graduates with critical knowledge and understanding of specialized theories, current issues, and methodologies in computer science and scientific research, and it prepares them to apply these theories and methodologies in conducting advanced studies and addressing complex business-related problems in computer science. Additionally, the programme enhances graduates’ skills in critical thinking, analysis, interpretation, and creative problem-solving to support business institutions in formulating and implementing strategies, while also preparing graduates to communicate efficiently, collaborate in team settings, maintain accountability, and use their skills effectively in unpredictable work environments.
International Conference on the Leadership and Management of Projects in the digital age(IC:LAMP 2022)
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT OF PROJECTS IN THE DIGITAL AGE:
- To provide a forum for international researchers and practitioners to discuss, share and exchange their latest research findings in the area of sustainable futures.
- To develop and promote a network of like-minded people who are passionate about the future of technology, innovation and entrepreneurship and its sustainability.
- To empower GCC and oil dependent economy countries by providing them with research findings that help decision makers cope with difficult economic conditions.
The Bahrain Business Incubator Center
https://www.dropbox.com/s/x7l0g23piv9ggip/1.%20Application%20Form.pdf?dl=0
Impact of Technology on the Workplace
https://www.asu.edu.bh/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Booklet-N12.pdf
Prof Saad Darwish, President’s Advisor for Special Projects attended a discussion forum about “Impact of Technology on the Workplace: Implications for Education and Training, as part of Community Engagement activities. The purpose of the forum was to share ideas, identify opportunities and challenges associated with technology and its influence on the future of education and training in Bahrain.
Geoff Stead, one of the world’s thought leaders on new technologies provided an overview of how they can be used for learning, communication and collaboration. He and his team of technical inventors and educational wizards build mobile apps, tools and websites to serve learners and educators across the world.
Virtual Conference about the “ASU Model SPIN-OFF in Bahrain”
ASU on behalf of the president of the university Ghassan Fouad Aouad on July 16, 2021 I held a virtual conference to teach the new model developed by ASU at the end of 2020 for SPINOFF and Patents to all members of the university including staff and Students with the purpose of informing about the created model. This new process model will allow generating new products, research, or services based on the knowledge acquired by the members of the university [1].
Civil and Architectural Engineering Programmes Advisory Boards Meetings
https://www.asu.edu.bh/category/news/page/10
After the formation of the industry advisory boards for both the Architectural Design Engineering Programme and the Civil and Construction Engineering Programme, the meetings were held respectively on 29 January 2020 and 6 February 2020 at 6:30 P.M. The meetings were attended by the Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr Assem Al-Hajj, the Dean of the College of Engineering; Dr Ashraf Hendy, the Head of the Civil and Architectural Engineering Department; Dr Islam Abohela, the Coordinator of the Architectural Design Engineering Programme; Dr Mohamed Mahgoub, the Coordinator of the Civil and Construction Engineering Programme; Dr Mohamed Assiadi, the Director of the Foundation Year, Mr Noel Lavin and all faculty in both programmes. The external members of the Architectural Design Engineering Programme Advisory Board are Eng Manar Sirriyeh (Founder and Managing Partner of Design Studio Architects), Dr Mohamed Abdul Aziz (Chief Architect, IKA Associates) and Eng Simon Dennison (Architect, Director-Partner, SSH). As for the external members of the Civil and Construction Engineering Programme Advisory Board, they are Mr David Anthony (General Manager, Nass Contracting), Mr John Barnes (Principal Engineer/ Associate Senior Consultant, Hill International Inc.) and Mrs Reem Alotaibi (Civil Engineer at Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company). The board members elected Eng Reem Alotaibi and Eng Manar Sirriyeh as the chairs of both boards. The boards discussed the main responsibilities and different ways in which they can contribute to the development of both programmes. Other agenda items included the institutional accreditation the University is going through, an overview of the programme advisory board policy, an overview of the offered academic programmes in collaboration with LSBU, discussion on the labour market and employers needs in the field of Architectural and Civil Engineering and discussion on enhancing the students’ skills for better employability. The boards’ members were very enthusiastic about contributing to the continuous development of the offered programmes.
Bahraini Chinese SME Conference 2020
https://www.asu.edu.bh/category/news/page/13
Prof Saad Darwish attended the Bahraini Chinese SME Conference 2020 in coordination with SME’s Bahrain and Dragon City. The Conference took place in Manama at Gulf Hotel on 16 November 2017. The Conference addressed issues on how to increase business with China and to reflect it in the Kingdom of Bahrain economy in the future. Both the Chinese and Bahrain government supports the Bahrain Dragon City project to invite Chinese enterprises to operate in Bahrain. The project is invested and constructed by Diyar Al Muharraq and operated by CHINAMEX. Bahrain Dragon City, is a key project in the plan of Bahrain’s Vision 2030, widely draw attention in both the Kingdom of Bahrain and neighbouring countries. Many institutions from the service industries of logistics, finance, e-commerce, insurance and law attended the Bahrain Investment Environment and Dragon City Project. Participants paid great attention to the progress of the project implementation and expressed willingness to cooperate in the project and provide service for tenants together with CHINAMEX. The organizers gave insights about Foshan City in China, which is an attractive area for investment. The GDP of Foshan has been growing at an average rate of over 19% for three consecutive years. The city’s manufacturing industry keeps prospering, and its logistics, exposition and commercial service sectors are all booming and obtain unlimited business opportunities. Overseas buyers can purchase high quality and cost-effective commodities in Foshan, and the Foreign Investors could enjoy low investment costs, excellent industrial complementation and seek partners for cooperation in the city. Foshan is being a penetrating access to explore the huge Chinese market, foreign investors should fully share the benefit of the soaring Chinese economy.
Principle of Sustainability
https://www.facebook.com/ASUBAHRAIN/posts/732046100169469
Based on its role as a leading educational institution, the University of Applied Sciences is keen to promote the principle of preserving the environment in the hearts of its students and employees. Where the design took into account a set of environmentally friendly principles and considerations through the materials used in construction, which guarantee the university the principle of sustainability through thermal insulation and allow the maximum amount of natural lighting to reach inside the university and take advantage of solar energy to supply the building with some of its energy needs. Finally, the university distributed environmentally friendly waste bins in which paper waste is placed alone and liquid waste alone, where this waste is recycled to be recycled into materials that serve the Bahraini community and economy.
Opening Ceremony of ICITEE 2019
https://www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery/conference/opening-ceremony-of-icitee-2019
Under the patronage of HE Dr Majid bin Ali Al Nuaimi, Minister of Education, the Applied Science University and London South Bank University, held the opening ceremony of the International Conference on Innovation, Technology, Enterprise and Entrepreneurship 2019, at The Grove Hotel & Conference Centre, Amwaj Islands.