“University Excellence in All its Forms” Conference Launch Under Patronage of HE Minister of Education

200 Experts Discuss Higher Education Quality and Competitiveness

Around 200 scientists, educational leaders, academics and researchers have discussed academic accreditation, global recognition, internationalization of education, quality assurance and entrepreneurship during the 8th QS-MAPLE Conference, entitled the “Middle East and Africa’s Annual Strategic Summit for the Advancement of University Excellence in all its Forms.” The conference is held under the patronage of HE the Minister of Education and Chairman of the Higher Education Council, Dr. Majed bin Ali Al Nuaimi, and organized by the Ceccarelli Simons Foundation (QS), the world’s leading institution for university rankings. The University of Bahrain as a strategic partner in the Conference.

During the conference sessions, questions were raised concerning finding solutions, alternatives and adopting new strategies suitable for higher education, and in line with the rapidly changing world of technology.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Kevin Downing, Chair of QS-MAPLE International Academic Advisory Committee for the QS Middle East and Africa Conference (QSMIB), pointed out the conference in its eighth edition discuses vital educational issues. He also added that choosing the Kingdom of Bahrain to host this conference reflects the strong ties between Ceccarelli Simons Foundation (QS). Dr. Downing concluded his remarks saying: “We are delighted to host the 8th QS-MAPLE Conference, which brings together professionals from all over the world, especially from the Middle East and North Africa, at a time when the region is witnessing a remarkable development in education.”

Prof. Hamzah: University must Achieve Excellence through Quality Management Education

President of the University of Bahrain, Prof. Riyad Yousef Hamzah, said he was delighted that Bahrain is hosting this conference, which is similar in its objectives to Bahrain Economic Vision 2030, by focusing on a knowledge-based economy, technological innovations and a flexible workforce.

Prof. Hamzah said that the National Higher Education Strategy (2014 -2024) has attempted to achieve several goals, the most important of which is to help students have the best possible educational experience.

“Higher education in Bahrain has witnessed the development of local and international partnerships through joint research agreements and programs,” he added. “The hosting of this conference is a great proof of what has been achieved in higher education to better prepare and teach students.”

““University Excellence in all its forms”, as the focal point of this conference, comes at a time when the world is moving at a high speed. The rapidly changing world of technology puts millions of jobs at risk in the next decade. On us lies the responsibility of preparing students for the labour market by emphasizing lifelong learning as a crucial educational mindset.” Prof. Hamzah also stressed the importance of understanding that universities are competitive markets where students are offered today more choices than before. Universities must now achieve excellence through quality management education based on providing students with the best educational and research experiences in line with the changes shaping the labour market.

During the first session of the Conference, CEO of Bahrain Education and Training Quality, Dr. Jawahar Al-Mudhaki, reviewed the importance of the concepts and standards of university quality as part of the Reform Project of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and in line with the Bahrain Economic Vision 2030.