KCST hosts EU Ambassadors in Kuwait to strengthen Academic-Diplomatic cooperation

• The event intended to strengthen Kuwait-EU strategic relations in education, research, and diplomacy.

• It featured KCST’s achievements, advanced laboratories and state-of-the-art facilities, recognized as some of the most innovative in the Middle East.

The Kuwait College of Science and Technology (KCST) had the honor of hosting European Union (EU) Ambassadors to Kuwait, on Tuesday, November 26th, 2024, during an event that aimed to strengthen cooperation between academic institutions and diplomatic entities.

The event, held under the Presidency of Hungary in the Council of the European Union for the second half of 2024, aimed to highlight the strategic relationship between Kuwait and the EU, across various sectors, including education, research, and fostering collaboration between academic institutions and European diplomacy.

The distinguished guests were welcomed by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of KCST, H. E. Nabeela Abdulla Al-Mulla, and the President of KCST, Professor Khalid Al Begain.

The EU delegation was led by the Ambassador of the EU to Kuwait, H.E. Anne Koistinen and; Ambassador of Hungary to Kuwait, H.E. Mr. András Szabo, along with a EU delegation consisting of EU Ambassadors, Heads of Missions, and Diplomats.

The visit featured about the college’s achievements, followed by a tour of its advanced laboratories and state-of-the-art facilities, which are among the most innovative in the Middle East.

Additionally, the visit also aimed to highlight KCST’s key focus areas, including its commitment in advancing scientific and technological fields, the role of modern technology and innovation in societal development, and promoting collaboration with global academic institutions.

The discussions covered key topics such as; Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), Renewable Energy, and the use of technology and AI to enhance food security, all aligned with the college’s forward-looking vision.

Moreover, the visit emphasized about the increasing leadership of women across various sectors and their pivotal role in driving development and innovation in science and technology, both locally and globally.

The visit also underscored KCST’s commitment in promoting higher education and international collaboration in technology and scientific research, reflecting the strong academic and scientific ties between Kuwait and the European Union.

In her opening speech, Chairman of KCST, Nabeela Al-Mulla welcomed the EU Ambassadors, stating that ‘KCST is pleased to host the EU Ambassadors, led by the EU Ambassador, and the Hungarian Ambassador, during Hungary’s Presidency of the EU for the second half of 2024’.

Chairman Al-Mulla also mentioned that ‘KCST is honoured to share with the Ambassadors about the college’s achievements and their various advanced facilities. The college has earned an exceptional standing, placing it at the forefront of academic institutions, and hoped that this meeting will open doors for scientific collaboration with distinguished European centres’.

Furthermore, Chairman Al Mulla expressed pride in KCST’s selection for this visit, emphasizing the institution’s exceptional value despite its relatively short history. She also highlighted her pride in the KCST President, who represented the college at the World Science Forum in Budapest, Hungary, the previous week. As he was the only individual raising the Kuwaiti flag and representing Kuwait at the Forum.

On the other hand, President of KCST, Professor Khalid Al Begain, expressed his gratitude for hosting the significant event, stating that it is an honour for KCST to host this event, which marks the first time EU Ambassadors have met within a Kuwaiti academic campus. This event reflects the college’s ambitious vision of enhancing academic and scientific cooperation with EU member states.

Through this meeting, KCST reaffirmed its commitment in advancing higher education and fostering innovation in modern technological fields such as; cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy, stated Al Begain.

Moreover, Professor Al Begain expressed that KCST takes pride in this collaboration, which opens new doors for knowledge exchange and strengthens international partnerships, which will contribute to sustainable development and help enhance the skills of Kuwaiti youth in science and technology.

Professor Al Begain expressed also emphasized that KCST looks forward to more joint research projects with European universities and institutions, with the support of the EU, as they currently have more than 14 ongoing collaborative projects.

On her part, the EU Ambassador to the State of Kuwait, H.E. Anne Koistinen, emphasized the importance of empowering youth and building the skills of the next generation, stating, that empowering the youth and building the skills of the next generation is a core priority for the European Union.

Ambassador Koistinen shared that she is pleased to join EU Member States Ambassadors in this visit to the Kuwaiti College of Science and Technology, initiated by the Embassy of Hungary in Kuwait in the context of the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Since the opening of the EU Delegation in Kuwait five years ago, they have been actively engaging with students and academics across universities in Kuwait.

This collaboration with academic institutions has been a source of pride for us, and this visit is yet another step in furthering these valuable connections with the Kuwaiti society, Ambassador Koistinen concluded.

H.E. András Szabo, Ambassador of Hungary to the State of Kuwait, highlighted the strong collaboration between Hungary and KCST through three significant scientific projects:

1. AI: A MoU was signed with Tengr.AI company for AI-generated images; with a workshop conducted by the Founder of Tengr.AI on how machine learning works and its potential benefits.
2. Cyber Security: A MoU was signed with Quadron Cyber Security, a renowned consulting and technology solutions provider, marking a significant step towards mutual cooperation.
3. Vertical Digital Framing: KCST and the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) signed a MoU to undertake joint research and development projects focused on using advanced technologies in agriculture that will contribute in strengthening food security.

Ambassador Szabo added, that currently, Hungary holds the EU Presidency with the aim of working for the peace, security, and prosperity of a truly strong Europe. They are proud to have a Hungarian Book-Corner at the KCST Library, offering a window into the knowledge and culture of Hungary. Their goal in this collaboration with KCST is to expand educational services and equip graduates with practical skills that meet the demands of the job market.