Amid its wide recognition of its groundbreaking achievements in harnessing technology for reshaping education future

December 14, 2020- Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) threw the spotlight on its unique smart learning system, which was created based on key initiatives aimed at harnessing and adapting advanced technology and AI applications. The move was aimed towards creating a new educational culture that veers away from the traditional educational model used to graduate empowered and qualified generations that are globally competitive. This came during the HBMSU's participation at this year’s edition of GITEX Technology Week, the largest technology exhibition in the Middle East region, amid widespread praise for the university’s exceptional achievements that strengthened its pivotal role as an influential force in reshaping the future of the educational system regionally and globally.

Dr. Souma Alhaj Ali, Associate Professor in Industrial Engineering, Artificial Neural Network and Robotics, and Director for Excellence and Governance at HBMSU, was one of the featured speakers in the webinar, ‘Artificial Intelligence in Education,’ which was hosted alongside the event to explore the prospects of utilizing AI for enhancing education quality and enriching learners’ experience. During the webinar, Dr. Souma gave a presentation entitled, ‘HBMSU Smart Learning Ecosystem: Harnessing AI to extend learning beyond place and time,’ which highlighted HBMSU’s leading efforts to promote AI-inclusive education, supported by leading initiatives including Cloud Campus, Smart Advising System, EduGame, IT Support Chatbot, and Library Chatbot, among others.

“HMBSU is committed to drive transformation in educational systems and provide optimal education for future innovators and creators, while capitalizing on the latest technological innovations. We will continue our efforts to make AI one of the pillars of education development, adopting a proactive approach based on smart and distance learning in line with the directives of H. H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and President of HBMSU, to empower the graduates and provide them with the tools of a knowledge-based economy, thereby ensuring their readiness to shape the nation’s future to reflect the wise leadership’s ambitious vision,” Dr. Souma added.

The HBMSU Director also pointed out, “Our participation in GITEX Technology Week gave us the opportunity to highlight the importance of deploying artificial intelligence on a large scale within various vital sectors, mainly education, to keep pace with the requirements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and support the goals of UAE Centennial 2071.”

Dr. Alhaj concluded: “We are proud that HBMSU is recognized as a leader in laying solid foundations to achieve the goals of the UAE National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031, which is aimed at developing an integrated system that employs artificial intelligence in vital areas in the UAE, by focusing on training, qualifying and investing promising talents and minds and providing them with the necessary knowledge and capabilities to occupy the jobs of the future, thus will contribute to reshaping the future of education in accordance with the requirements of the 21st century.”

Dr. Souma explained that the management of the educational process will witness a radical change in the future, with the inclusion of advanced technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of things (IoT), Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and Cloud Computing--noting that the radical change will include efforts to restructure the approach of managing students and faculty alike, curriculum management and educational environments, seeking to transform the learner from being a mere recipient to a major contributor to the creation of knowledge.

HBMSU is widely recognized as a pioneer in the move to make AI and other leading technologies a fundamental pillar in the provision of quality education, away from the constraints of time and place. It offers exceptional opportunities to provide lifelong learning away from traditional learning models. The university’s smart learning system depends on several platforms and is based on AI and other advanced technological solutions, including Smart Campus, robotic conversation applications known as ‘Chatbot’ and Smart Building.

Through its leading initiative, ‘Emirati programmer,’ and in partnership with Emirates Talent Association, the university has succeeded in bringing the total number of the participants graduating under the programme now to 400 Emirati students who are qualified to excel in the fields of coding, AI and cybersecurity. This achievement is a great step forward toward achieving the future vision of the UAE.