SDG 17

The Cybersecurity Education and Research Conference (CERC). The Sixth Cybersecurity Education and Research Conference (CERC 2024) took place on October 21-22, 2024, at the Kuwait College of Science and Technology (KCST). This event was held under the patronage of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), in collaboration with the UK Government represented through the British Embassy to the State of Kuwait, Kuwait College of Science and Technology and Kuwait University. The conference brought together a range of cybersecurity experts, researchers, and students, all united in their mission to exchange knowledge and address the pressing issues in the field of cybersecurity. This year's conference focused on several topics under the theme: Advancing Cybersecurity in the Age of AI and Education. 

The International Conference and Forum on Assistive Technologies for Special Needs (ASTN). Under the patronage of Dr. Amthal Hadi Al Huwailah, Minister of Social Affairs, and in partnership with the Office of the United Nations Secretary-General Representative and Resident Coordinator in Kuwait, UNESCO, and sponsored by the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), the Kuwait College of Science and Technology (KCST) organized the first International Conference and Forum on Assistive Technologies for Special Needs (ATSN) on December 9th and 10th, 2024. The conference, held under the theme "Artificial Intelligence in the Service of Equality and Inclusion," is the first of its kind in Kuwait and the region, focusing on the development and research of assistive technologies, especially for individuals with disabilities. The conference was headed by Her Excellency Ghada Al-Taher Moudawi, UN Representative and Resident Coordinator in Kuwait, Mr. Salah Khaled, Director of UNESCO Office in Qatar, and Professor Khalid Al Begain, President of KCST. The event was jointly organized by Kuwait University, the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), IEEE - Kuwait Branch, and Mada Qatar Center for Assistive Technology. The conference also received distinguished participation from Kuwaiti special needs activists  

The S4IoT'24 symposium on Smart, Sustainable, and Secure Internet of Things (IoT) S4IoT. The S4IoT symposium stood out as one of the first conferences in the Gulf region to comprehensively address the intersection of intelligent IoT systems, Sustainability, and Cybersecurity. Unlike traditional technical gatherings, S4IoT brought together a diverse audience of academics, industry leaders, and policymakers to explore the evolving role of IoT in shaping a resilient and connected future. While hosted in Kuwait, the conference has gained global recognition, serving as a key platform for knowledge exchange between regional experts and international researchers. 

Soliya Program - Climate Change and Inequalities: The Soliya Connect Program, held for the fourth time in Kuwait through KCST, was organized in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait and the Stevens Initiative Organization. This initiative brought together college-aged youth from the United States and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) for an online dialogue focused on global and social issues. Participants engaged in both live (synchronous) and recorded (asynchronous) discussions, facilitated by trained experts. The Fall Semester program, which took place in October and November, centered around the topics respectively “Artificial Intelligence and Human Ethics” Its goal was to promote understanding of key issues such as privacy, bias, and accountability while considering how AI can impact societal norms. The discussion encouraged diverse perspectives and collaboration, helping students explore universal and region-specific ethical concerns. The other topic was “Climate Change and Inequalities” which concentrated on exploring how climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable communities across different regions. The conversation focused on understanding the social, economic, and environmental inequalities exacerbated by climate change, such as access to resources, healthcare, and migration. It also encouraged students to share perspectives on local and global solutions, along with fostering collaboration to address climate-related disparities.  

Earth Day Event: In celebration of the World Earth Day, which occurs annually in April, an event aimed to raise awareness of the importance of preserving natural resources was held at KCST. This event aimed to raise awareness of the importance of preserving natural resources. KCST hosted Weather Forecast Specialist, Mr. Essa Ramadhan, to speak about the environmental issues that affect Kuwait's weather and land. Followed by students’ presentations about water, land, and air pollution in Kuwait. 

Workshop on Smart City Technologies: Inspiring the Future Innovators of Kuwait: In collaboration with the UN-Habitat, KCST hosted a workshop on Smart City Technologies: Inspiring the Future Innovators of Kuwait, which targeted the special needs students who participated in the World Robotic Olympiad. The workshop was designed to introduce students to the latest advancements and real-world applications of smart city technologies. It aimed to spark creativity and innovation among the Future Innovators teams and support their journey in the WRO 2025 season, under the theme "Smart Cities, Space & AI". The workshop offered a valuable exposure to global challenges and technological solutions, ultimately inspiring students to develop meaningful, innovative projects that contribute to a smarter and more sustainable future. 

EU Ambassadors Visit to KCST: Kuwait College of Science and Technology (KCST) had the honor of hosting the European Union (EU) Ambassadors to Kuwait in an important event aimed at strengthening cooperation between academic institutions and diplomatic entities. The event was held under the Presidency of Hungary in the Council of the European Union for the second half of 2024, with the goal of highlighting the strategic relationship between Kuwait and the EU across various sectors, including education, research, and fostering collaboration between academic institutions and European diplomacy. The visit aimed to showcase the key areas of focus for KCST, including its commitment to advancing scientific and technological fields, the role of modern technology and innovation in societal development, and fostering collaboration with global academic institutions. The discussions included key topics such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), renewable energy, and the use of technology and AI in enhancing food security as part of the college’s forward-looking vision. Additionally, the visit emphasized the growing leadership of women across various sectors and their role in driving development and innovation in the fields of science and technology, both locally and globally. The visit also underscored KCST’s dedication to promoting higher education and international collaboration in technology and scientific research, reflecting the strong academic and scientific ties between Kuwait and the European Union. 

Modern Power Electronics for Clean Energy Transition, Bidirectional Electric Vehicles, and Green Hydrogen Production Seminar: A series of scientific events were held at KCST as part of ongoing efforts to promote scientific and academic exchange and to highlight recent innovations in technology and renewable energy. A seminar was held which targeted students, alums and attendees from the industry to learn about smart charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, discussing recent advancements in EV charging technologies, grid integration, and the role of renewable energy in supporting sustainable transportation. The seminar also covered smart charging strategies, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems, and emerging trends in electric mobility, drawing interest from professionals across Kuwait’s clean and renewable energy sectors. 

UK-GULF Women in Cybersecurity Fellowship Visit: As part of the UK-Gulf Women in Cybersecurity Fellowship’s visit program, supported by the British government, the Kuwait College of Science and Technology (KCST) had the honor of welcoming a delegation of women fellows from various Gulf countries, Jordan, and the UK. The program aimed to raise awareness and enhance understanding among participants about efforts in cybersecurity capacity, education, and training within the GCC countries. KCST was chosen as a key visit destination due to its recognized expertise and efforts in building capabilities and promoting cybersecurity awareness in Kuwait and the broader region. 

World Robot Olympiad Training: Kuwait College of Science and Technology (KCST) delivered a seven-day training program in collaboration with the World Robot Olympiad – Kuwait, preparing students for the “Future Innovators” category who participated in the World Robotic Olympiad Competition. The program focused on empowering over 35 students with disabilities, aged 14 to 19, who were divided into 13 teams. Supervised by Dr. Abdullatif Baba and supported by KCST academic, the training used interactive tools tailored to various disabilities, including mobility and hearing challenges. Participants gained essential skills in robotics, programming, teamwork, and problem-solving, while also building self-confidence and preparing for future local and international competitions. The initiative is part of KCST’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusion and equal access to technology education in support of national goals. 

KCST Summer Bootcamp for Special Needs: The “Inclusive & Secure Future” bootcamp was Kuwait’s first technical training program in artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity designed specifically for youth with special needs. Held over two weeks at Kuwait College of Science and Technology (KCST), and sponsored by the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS). The camp was held on the college campus in the Doha area from August 4 to 13, 2025, and included two specialized training workshops in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, along with interactive educational activities specifically designed to meet the needs of students with disabilities. This event is part of a broader initiative launched by the college in collaboration with several national and international organizations, including the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, the United Nations Office in Kuwait, and UNESCO. The initiative was introduced as one of the key outcomes of the First International Conference and Forum on Assistive Technologies for Persons with Disabilities, which was hosted at the college in December of last year. Since then, a number of programs and training sessions have been implemented for this group, with the second edition of the conference scheduled to take place this coming December. The program aimed to break down barriers in accessing advanced STEM education by providing inclusive, accessible, and hands-on learning in a supportive environment. In the AI component, participants were introduced to foundational concepts, explored machine learning tools, and worked with generative AI platforms to understand their practical applications—particularly tools that enhance accessibility, such as text-to-speech systems, AI-based sign language recognition, and intelligent assistants. The cybersecurity component addressed the growing risks in the digital world, equipping students with essential online safety skills while inspiring interest in cybersecurity as a potential career path. Through interactive workshops, guided exercises, and collaborative projects, participants were empowered to apply what they learned immediately, build technical confidence, and develop their own simple AI models and digital projects. The bootcamp reflected KCST’s commitment to innovation, social responsibility, and equal opportunity, while also aligning with global efforts to create inclusive technology education that prepares young people of all abilities to contribute to a secure and inclusive digital future. 

Young Ambassadors Program: Kuwait College of Science and Technology (KCST) hosted a specialized cybersecurity workshop as part of the third edition of the "Young Ambassadors" program, a joint initiative by the British and Canadian Embassies in Kuwait and the United Nations Office in Kuwait. The program targets youth aged 14 to 18 and aims to build their technical and leadership skills across ten months. This year’s theme focused on peace and sustainable security, which aligns with the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly Goal 16, which promotes peace, justice, and strong institutions. The workshop was held at KCST’s Cybersecurity Lab and delivered by Dr. Basil Al Othman, Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering and Head of the Cybersecurity Center at KCST. It introduced participants to key concepts in cybersecurity, including digital threats, data protection, and online safety, helping them understand the importance of cybersecurity in today’s fast-paced digital environment. 

U.S. Embassy Cybersecurity Workshop: Kuwait College of Science and Technology (KCST) hosted a series of cybersecurity lectures featuring experts from the U.S. Department of Defense and the Economic Section of the U.S. Embassy.  The event marked the second cybersecurity lecture series held in collaboration with KCST, aimed at highlighting Cybersecurity Awareness Month.  The lectures provided valuable insights into emerging trends and best practices for securing digital environments, with a focus on U.S.-Kuwait cooperation in the field.  The cybersecurity lecture series has the ultimate goal of strengthening critical infrastructure network resilience and building a digital economy for the future, unlocking new levels of collaboration and more broadly promoting network security and digital growth. The event was attended by representatives from the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Education, the National Cybersecurity Center, the Central Authority for Information Technology, and KCST students.  U.S. Embassy Economic Counselor Brad Stilwell opened the lecture series with remarks emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence in fostering future cooperation between the United States and Kuwait.  Following this, U.S. military cybersecurity expert Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CW3) Carmona delivered a presentation entitled “Securing the Future: Cybersecurity Best Practices,” which provided practical strategies for safeguarding information systems. 

The Fadyah Alsaad Science Competition for Innovation - Teachers Training: Under the patronage of Sheikha Fadyah Al Saad Al Sabah, Kuwait College of Science and Technology (KCST) organized specialized training for middle and high schools’ teachers participating in the Sheikha Fadyah Al Saad Science Competition for innovation. The training took place over three days in February and focused on advanced topics such as Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT). The goal of this training was to enhance the teachers' skills and enable them to better guide their students in the rapidly evolving fields of science and technology. This initiative aimed to strengthen their ability to educate students and provide support in these vital technological areas, ensuring that they are well-equipped to foster the next generation of innovators. 

The Fadyah Alsaad Science Competition for Innovation - Middle and High School Students and The Fadyah Alsaad Science Competition for Innovation - Middle School Students Consultation: Under the patronage of Sheikha Fadyah Al Saad Al Sabah, Kuwait College of Science and Technology (KCST) provided comprehensive training for students participating in the Sheikha Fadyah Al Saad Science Competition for innovation for three days in February. The training covered advanced topics including Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT). In addition to these technical subjects, students also participated in a workshop focused on research skills. This workshop aimed to equip students with essential research tools and methodologies to excel in the competition and enhance their academic abilities. The training was designed to provide students with both practical knowledge in emerging technologies and the research skills needed to succeed in future scientific challenges. Also, KCST provided a consultation session to the students in March to review their work progress and assist them in editing the research. 

Building and installing solar-powered lighting systems in public spaces. 

Developing low-cost sensors for monitoring air or water quality. 

Creating educational resources on responsible e-waste recycling. 

Designing a smart irrigation system for a community garden. 

Towards the Internet of Senses: Integrating Human Mind, Body and 6G! Seminar: In collaboration with the IEEE – Kuwait Section, KCST hosted a distinguished guest speaker, Dr. Sudhir Dixit from Basic Internet Foundation & University of Oulu, to give a talk about: “Towards the Internet of Senses: Integrating Human Mind, Body and 6G!”. This talk focused on the convergence of technologies to combine the human body and mind holistically as the next generation Internet evolves into the Internet of the senses. The key technologies enabling this transformation are: 6G, web, wearables, access to the Internet, AI, and crowd-sourcing of knowledge. At the same time, there are many business models in the play that present vast opportunities to the "would-be entrepreneurs" and disrupt the current market. Dr. Sudhir Dixit presented the drivers for these opportunities, what needs to happen, and what technologies would dominate its enablement. As well as how the technologies affect the human body and mind in a positive way which will potentially dominate the social movement 10 years from now or sooner. 

Kali Linux Workshop: A Kali Linux workshop was held at KCST aimed to provide students and alumni with essential skills in using Kali Linux tools. Participants were introduced to some areas like: how to effectively utilize Kali Linux tools, write terminal commands, and navigate through the 13 categories of tools available within Kali Linux. The outcome of the workshop was a significant enhancement of attendees' technical skills, as well as increased motivation to participate in future workshops related to cybersecurity and ethical hacking. 

EC-Council's Certified Incident Handler (E|CIH) Workshop: For the 3rd time, the Cybersecurity Center at Kuwait College of Science and Technology (KCST) recently hosted its certification workshop for the EC-Council's Certified Incident Handler (E|CIH). This workshop was organized in collaboration with EC-Council, a globally recognized leader in cybersecurity and penetration testing certifications. KCST is the exclusive accredited academic partner of EC-Council in Kuwait. The three-day, intensive program featured eight hours of both lectures and practical training each day. The E|CIH certification is a specialist-level course designed to provide participants with the skills necessary to manage and mitigate the impact of security breaches, with an emphasis on minimizing financial and reputational damage. By the conclusion of the workshop, participants had gained comprehensive knowledge of key issues in information security. They learned how to address various cybersecurity threats, identify attack vectors and threat actors, and apply the principles of incident management. The training also covered how to recognize signs of incidents, assess their costs, manage vulnerabilities, conduct threat assessments, and automate incident response. Additionally, attendees explored anti-forensics techniques used by attackers to hide evidence of cybersecurity incidents. 

Develop technical solutions that consider societal and environmental impacts (SDG 3, SDG 9, SDG 11),  

Acquire leadership and management skills critical for driving positive change, and  

Apply business and marketing principles to foster ethical, sustainable, and inclusive innovations.