University of Technology Bahrain (UTB), through its College of Computer Studies, in collaboration with International Group of Artificial Intelligence, held the virtual tech talk on metaverse, which was attended by a number of community members who are mainly representatives of local businesses, nonprofit organisations, educational institutions, and industries.

Dr. Hasan Almulla, President of University of Technology Bahrain, thanked Dr. Jassim Haji, President of International Group of Artificial Intelligence, for his efforts in support of the university’s drive of keeping up with the rapid developments in the world of technology. Commenting on partnerships with various technological sectors and organisations, he pointed out the significant role of academic programmes in addressing the evolving demands and needs of the labour markets. With this, UTB now offers Bachelor of Science in Information Technology in three majors –Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence, Networking and Cybersecurity, and Applications Development.

Dr. Jassim Haji posed a challenge to all participants to think of ideas in putting Bahrain as the leading metaverse producer in the Middle East while being vigilant enough to distinguish between real and misleading information as the metaverse is dynamic and evolving. Dr. Alezeya Sanchez, Business Strategy Director of MioGroup, shared her thoughts on the challenges and opportunities in marketing considering the shift of focus and the marketing budgets as metaverse is a costly investment but for a long run. Dr. Chan Yeun, Cybersecurity Leader of Center for Cyber Physical Systems, talked about his research works on the emerging artificial intelligence techniques such as secured biometrics, virtual reality headsets and haptic gloves to prevent potential cybersecurity threats in the metaverse. Prof. Idoia Salazar, Co-founder and President of Observatory of the Social and Ethical Impact of Artificial Intelligence, showed how metaverse excites the future in limitless opportunities through the lights and shadows of the metaverse, which allow people in their avatars to interact virtually anywhere. Mr. Ahmed Albalooshi, Managing Director of Fintech IT Services & Consultations in Bahrain, put forward metaverse to revolutionize the future of business and investment with the use of the multiple elements of technology including 5G, virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, extended reality, multi-dimensional engines, videos, avatars, artificial intelligence, blockchain and cloud.

As a university that envisions to inspire more students and the future generations to come, UTB continues to keep up with the trends in technology and to inspire ideas from its students towards the future of technology, business and human interaction through the offering of Bachelor of Science in Information Technology in three majors – Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence, Networking and Cybersecurity, and Applications Development along with other new programmes such as Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance, Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering and NCUK International Foundation Year.

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