Page 42 - SAMENA Trends - September 2023

REGIONAL & MEMBERS UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

is important to establish a trusted digital data exchange with the public and enhance that the kingdom is prepared to showcase
identity via the adoption of technologies transparency in data presentation, all within its initiatives and success stories to the
like AI, cloud computing, and others in pro- well-structured governance frameworks. world, along with successful products de-
viding government services. He affirmed Open Data Portal veloped by Bahraini startups that align with
the iGA’s commitment to this endeavor He mentioned a recent collaboration with the objectives of the event. GovTech aims
through a partnership with a specialized a leading open data company to establish to create a community of decision-mak-
digital identity company. He also discussed a national Open Data Portal that covers ers, ICT leaders, international institutions,
the significance of data and its role in shap- areas such as healthcare, population, la- academia, and global research centers to
ing policies, strategies, and decision-mak- bor, education, land, economy, investment, discuss frameworks for international co-
ing. He highlighted the iGA’s efforts in culture, marriage and divorce, agriculture, operation in digital transformation among
launching an Open Data Policy to regulate trade, tourism, and more. Al Qaed said government entities.

TDRA Announces the Conclusion of the 9th Edition of Its Virtual Camp

The Telecommunications and Digital
Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA)
announced the conclusion of the 9th
edition of "TDRA Virtual Camp", which
took place from 7 to 18 August 2023,
with the participation of 2,700 students
between 7 and 18 years old. This edition’s
activities aimed at providing a range of
digital expertise and skills to encourage the
participants to follow the tech path in their
future endeavors. The closing ceremony,
which was held virtually, was attended by
H.E. Eng. Majed Sultan Al Mesmar, TDRA
Director General. In his speech, H.E. Al
Mesmar praised the wide participation in
this year’s edition, as the number of trainees
reached 30,000 students since its launch
in 2015, in addition to the quality of ideas
presented by the participants. He said:
“Today, as we celebrate this new group of
creative minds and their inspiring ideas The camp participants implemented more medal, and the student Rawda Muhammad
that reflect the true spirit of innovation, we than 3,300 projects, with an increase of Al Mansouri won the bronze medal. As
are certain of the success of the vision of more than 20% in projects, compared to for the 13-18 age group, student Mansour
TDRA Virtual Camp, and the wisdom of our last year’s edition. The projects included 15 Muhammad Al-Shibli won the gold medal,
wise leadership directives that the future practical projects on artificial intelligence student Taif Ahmed Abdel Jalil won the
is for those who create it, not for those and machine learning, and 5 projects on silver medal, and student Aousha Khaled
who talk about it, and the bright ideas generative artificial intelligence (ChatGPT), Al-Muhairthe won the bronze medal.
presented by our students, are a reflection in addition to 12 awareness sessions The closing ceremony also included
of this wise vision.” H.E. Al Mesmar added: on how to safely use technology, the presentations by the winning students
“With the conclusion of the 9th edition of advantages of sustainable technology, and with detailed explanation of their projects.
this initiative, which always renews our 164 training videos on the main topics of “TDRA Virtual Camp” is part of TDRA’s
happiness with the achievements and this year’s edition. Participating students community awareness initiatives aiming
creative ideas that address the emerging also received 80 hours of technical support to spread awareness in the community.
technology that shape the features of our accompanying the camp’s activities and As part of this initiative, TDRA implements
future life, I assure our students that there events, and 10 hours of live broadcasting two camps per year, in summer and winter,
is no limit to creativity, that tomorrow to guide students and respond to their which focus on modern technologies and
holds limitless opportunities, and that we, inquiries. During the camp closing acquiring the necessary skills that the
at TDRA, are committed to making every ceremony, students who won the final younger generation needs in their academic
effort to pave the way towards the future prizes were honored. For the age group and professional lives, thus encouraging
of knowledge, hoping that your ideas and 7-12 years, the student Obaid Abdullah Al the spirit of innovation and driving creative
fruitful endeavors will illuminate the path Suwaidi won the gold medal, the student talents to take the initiative in this direction.
in the second fifty of the union’s journey.” Lamar Muhammad Hamza won the silver
42 SEPTEMBER 2023