Latest news with #BahrainPolytechnic
Daily Tribune
20-06-2025
- Science
- Daily Tribune
Forum on AI in education
TDT | Manama Under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, Minister of Education and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Bahrain Polytechnic, the institution held its Annual Teaching and Learning Conference (TL2025) at its Isa Town campus, focusing on the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. The conference brought together a distinguished group of academics, researchers, and experts from Bahrain and abroad, creating a platform for knowledge exchange and dialogue on the latest innovations and challenges in integrating AI into the educational landscape.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Internal and external readings tools of film: Viewing from within and beyond
Dr. Nithin Kalorth is an Associate Professor of Film and Animation at Bahrain Polytechnic, Kingdom of Bahrain, with over 15 years of experience in teaching, research, and media production. He holds a PhD in Mass Communication and Journalism, specializing in screen media, film studies, and visual culture from Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala. His teaching spans digital filmmaking, editing, and documentary production, with a strong foundation in visual communication and digital media theory. Dr. Kalorth's research focuses on OTT media, rural digital literacy, media pedagogy, and the intersection of technology and culture. He has edited multiple Scopus-indexed books and led funded research projects supported by ICSSR and Internews. His scholarly work contributes to film studies, global conversations on platform studies, digital inclusion, and visual communication. Actively engaged in institutional development, Dr. Kalorth was part of the founding faculty teams at the media schools of Bennett University and Mahindra University, where he played a key role in curriculum design and academic planning. He also contributes to quality assurance initiatives in higher education. He has served as a subject matter expert and curriculum consultant for both industry and academia, including organizations such as TCS and BITS. He is a jury member at international school film festivals, including in Oman, and is affiliated with networks like South Asian Media Studies and the Asian Australian Research Studies Network. LESS ... MORE During film scholarship, one often begins by asking: How do I study a film? Is it through its story, characters, editing, and cinematography? Or is it through its relation to the world outside the screen — the people who made it, their social positions, or the cultural climate it emerges from? Both paths are valid. Both are necessary. But they serve different purposes and stem from different methodological commitments. This blog is an attempt to provide a short guide for early film scholars on how to approach a film through internal and external readings — and how balancing the two can enrich our critical understanding, while also posing certain challenges. Internal reading: Textual and narrative study An internal reading focuses on what is inside the film — its narrative structure, cinematic language, mise-en-scène, sound design, representation, and genre conventions. This kind of analysis treats the film as a self-contained text, asking questions such as: What story is the film telling, and how? How are characters represented in terms of gender, class, race, or power? What creative choices contribute to the film's tone or message? How does editing, camera movement, and sound create meaning? This method is often grounded in textual analysis, structuralism, or auteur theory, where the emphasis is on the artistry and internal logic of the film itself. It gives us tools to interpret how meaning is constructed cinematically, independent of external references. External reading: Contextual and cultural study On the other hand, an external reading steps outside the film's diegesis and narrative. It is concerned with the people and structures that create and circulate the film—production background, industry dynamics, sociopolitical climate, or the personal histories of those involved. Here, the scholar may examine: Who are the filmmakers, and what histories or ideologies do they bring? How does the film respond to current events or social movements? What is the role of the audience and reception in understanding the film? Does the inclusion of certain actors, creators, or settings carry symbolic meaning beyond the narrative? For example, a filmmaker may cast a particular figure as a symbolic act of solidarity or critique — and this casting might hold meaning regardless of the story being told. This external lens can bring forward symbolic justice, political commentary, or industrial critique that the narrative itself may not explicitly articulate. When the two merge (or collide) In practice, many scholars blend internal and external approaches — a hybrid mode that tries to contextualize films both as texts and cultural artifacts. This is often encouraged in academic study because it allows for richer, multi-layered analysis. The social media posts and comments on a film often encounter this merging which results in many 'ifs and buts' – which is fine for social media or general writing. But for a serious film researcher, it presents a risk: the lack of a clear methodological stance. Jumping between internal and external readings without a guiding framework can weaken the argument, leading to interpretations that feel speculative or inconsistent. A film may be politically radical in its story but conservative in its production context — or vice versa. As a scholar, the challenge is to acknowledge these tensions without reducing the film to either its text or its context alone. Why this distinction matters Understanding whether you're doing an internal or external reading — or deliberately combining both — is important for several reasons: It helps clarify your critical position. It keeps your methodology accountable. It prevents the erasure of material realities in the name of pure aesthetics. It allows room for ethical or political interpretations without overshadowing formal analysis. Influences and related theoretical work While this framework may seem intuitive, it resonates with some established scholarly traditions: Cultural Studies (particularly work from the Birmingham School) has long argued that films cannot be separated from their social context and audience reception. Laura Mulvey's feminist film theory bridges internal form (the gaze) and external ideology. Reception Studies and Paratextual Theory (as seen in the work of Jonathan Gray) emphasize that meaning extends beyond the text. Auteur theory, in contrast, places emphasis on internal coherence shaped by the filmmaker's signature but is now often critiqued for neglecting broader context. However, this precise formulation — the division of internal and external film readings as two distinct but equally valid methodologies — is still underexplored in contemporary pedagogy. Framing it clearly can help students better organize their critical thought. Final thoughts: A starting point, not a rule Internal and external readings are not opposing camps. They are tools. One looks at the world within the film, the other looks at the film within the world. Early film scholars can benefit from experimenting with both approaches — but should always be conscious of why they choose one over the other, and what assumptions come with each. Understanding this balance is not only an academic exercise. It is a political one. It shapes how we write about films, teach them, and engage with them as cultural texts. Let this distinction be your starting point, not your boundary. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
Gulf Insider
04-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Bahrain Wins First Place In Huawei ICT Global Finals
The Kingdom of Bahrain has achieved outstanding success in the global finals of the Huawei ICT Competition 2024 – 2025, with a joint team from Bahrain Polytechnic and the University of Bahrain securing first place in the Network Track of the competition held in Shenzhen, People's Republic of China. This achievement came after the Bahraini team competed against 40 teams from six global regions in the Practice Network Track, reflecting Bahrain's leadership in developing national talent in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at the international level. The competition featured participation from teams representing Iraq, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Pakistan, Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Uzbekistan, across multiple tracks including Network, Cloud, Computing, and Innovation. This achievement underscores the distinguished position of the Kingdom of Bahrain in the ICT sector and its commitment to nurturing and empowering national competencies to contribute to technological and innovative advancement both regionally and globally. On this occasion, Bahrain Polytechnic celebrated the outstanding achievement of its students, Mohammed AlKoofi and Sara Jawad, who were part of the Bahraini team that won first place in the Network Track of the Huawei ICT Competition 2024 – 2025 Global Finals. Professor Ciarán Ó Catháin, CEO of Bahrain Polytechnic, received the participating students and expressed his pride in their success, which reflects the high caliber of Polytechnic students and the institution's practical learning approach. He emphasised that this achievement is a clear testament to the ability of young Bahraini talents to compete and excel at the international level. Professor Ó Catháin said: 'Our students' victory in a global competition of this caliber is a testament to the quality of education at Bahrain Polytechnic and the capabilities of our youth. This success highlights our strategic focus on equipping students with the technical and professional skills required to lead in the digital age. Through strong partnerships with industry leaders like Huawei, we are creating real-world learning opportunities that prepare our students for impactful careers.' Harry Yu, CEO of Huawei Bahrain, also congratulated the students, noting: 'This achievement reflects Huawei's firm commitment to developing local ICT talent in Bahrain through strategic partnerships with leading educational institutions. We continue to provide platforms that allow young people to gain hands-on experience and exposure to cutting-edge technologies.' During the closing ceremony in Shenzhen, Ritchie Peng, Director of ICT Strategy & Business Development at Huawei, emphasized the strategic importance of the competition. He noted that it aligns with Huawei's Intelligent World 2030 vision, encouraging students to master advanced technologies such as cloud computing, big data, and AI to address real-world challenges in areas like agriculture, healthcare, and education. Bahrain Polytechnic remains committed to advancing applied education and digital skills development through immersive industry experiences and collaborative learning. This achievement marks another milestone in the institution's mission to empower students as innovators and leaders in the tech-driven future. Source Bahrain News Agency
Biz Bahrain
22-05-2025
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
Bahrain Polytechnic Hosts Over 300 Projects in ICT, Creative Media, and Engineering Project Exhibitions
Bahrain Polytechnic held a series of exhibitions featuring over 300 final-year projects from Engineering, Creative Media and Design, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) graduates, highlighting their ability to turn theoretical knowledge into practical solutions for the labour market and local community. In attendance were iGA Deputy CEO of Operations & Governance, Dr. Khalid Ahmed Almutawah, government officials, industry representatives, parents, guests representing various sectors, and Bahrain Polytechnic staff. Attendees explored the students' projects, which showcased the skills and creativity of the next generation of engineers, designers, and ICT innovators. The projects demonstrated the students' ability to offer innovative tech solutions that addressed real-world challenges across diverse sectors and aspects of daily life. On this occasion, Professor Ciarán Ó Catháin, CEO of Bahrain Polytechnic, stated: 'We are proud of our graduates and the tangible achievements they have accomplished. We remain committed to our role in instilling Bahraini talent with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the future.' He added: 'These exhibitions are a powerful reflection of our vision to prepare work-ready graduates who think critically, act responsibly, and innovate with purpose. The projects showcased at the exhibitions are the result of a learning journey grounded in applied knowledge, industry collaboration, and real-world problem solving. This demonstrates Bahrain Polytechnic's success in providing practical education that prepares graduates to contribute to Bahrain's economy and society.' During his opening remarks, iGA Deputy CEO of Operations & Governance, Dr. Khalid Ahmed Almutawah, commended Bahrain Polytechnic for its efforts in organizing the 2025 Graduation Project Exhibitions, highlighting their role in equipping youth with practical skills and mindsets for career success. Dr. Almutawa added: 'These innovative projects demonstrate the aspirations of Bahraini youth and their role in advancing the Kingdom's digital transformation. The iGA is committed to empowering Bahrain's tech talent, recognizing them as key partners in advancing digital transformation, reinforcing Bahrain's position as a regional innovation leader, and building a sustainable digital future.' He also highlighted the efforts of Bahrain Polytechnic and other universities in incorporating advanced technologies into academic curricula and enhancing students' practical skills through initiatives such as hackathons and various ICT projects. Dr. Almutawa encouraged universities and educational institutions to keep pace with rapid tech advancements by updating curricula and offering training programs that prepare students for tech careers. He highlighted the iGA's Technical Development Program, launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Labor, which offers tech graduates on-job training at the iGA's tech departments, professional development, and international certifications to enhance employment prospects. He encouraged eligible Bahrain Polytechnic graduates to join the program's third cohort. The ICT Graduation Project Exhibition was inaugurated with Dr. Almutawa and several iGA officials in attendance. Students presented advanced tech solutions in cybersecurity, app development, smart systems, and data analytics, showcasing the graduates' ability to deliver innovative, real-world solutions across daily life and industrial sectors. The ICT Graduate Exhibition, held on Sunday, 18 May 2025, saw students present advanced technological solutions in cybersecurity, app development, intelligent systems, and data analysis. The following day, the Creative Media Exhibition featured projects from Web Media and Visual Design students. Their work included visual storytelling, brand design, multimedia projects, and creative design concepts, reflecting their artistic skills and ability to communicate through design and art. The final event, the Engineering Graduate Exhibition, held on Monday, 20 May 2025, saw Engineering students present more than 100 projects focused on artificial intelligence, renewable energy, automation, and sustainability. These tackled real-life challenges through advanced engineering solutions that align with the needs of local and regional markets. The deans of the three programs emphasized that the exhibitions are the result of strong collaboration between Bahrain Polytechnic and its industry partners, who actively participated in evaluating the projects and offered feedback, enhancing students' readiness for the job market. Bahrain Polytechnic extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to the sponsors and supporters whose valuable contributions played a pivotal role in the success of the event and the achievement of its goals. The list of supporters includes ThinkSmart for Development and Training, CrediMax, Array Innovation, Veolia, and Al Nada Training Center. Their support reflects a strong commitment to community development and active participation in initiatives aimed at empowering individuals and building capacities.
Gulf Weekly
15-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Weekly
A timely initiative
Qannati Objet d'Art, in collaboration with Bahrain Polytechnic, welcomed one of Switzerland's most respected horological educators, Pierre Christe, for a week-long training residency at Qannati Lab this month. The partnership between Swiss expertise and Gulf innovation is 'the region's first hands-on horology programme', Qannati Objet d'Art said in a statement. Hosted within Bahrain Polytechnic's campus, Qannati Lab is the first hands-on watchmaking education and production facility in the Gulf. The residency by Pierre, who is renowned for his work as a certified trainer at the Fondation Haute Horlogerie and instructor at WOSTEP (Watchmakers of Switzerland Training and Educational Programme), offered Bahraini students the opportunity to learn under Swiss-level mastery in movement assembly, polishing, and fine finishing. 'We are honoured to host a figure of Pierre's standing,' Qannati Objet d'Art founder Mahmood Qannati, who established the brand seven years ago, said ahead of the programme. 'His residency symbolises a new era for horological education in the region. This partnership brings global craftsmanship to local talent and reinforces our ambition to position the GCC as a future hub for high-end watchmaking,' he added. Founded in Geneva, Fondation Haute Horlogerie is the global reference in fine watchmaking. Its mission is to safeguard and promote the art, history, and values of haute horlogerie through education, certification, and expert training worldwide. Qannati Objet d'Art creates bespoke wearable art inspired by Mesopotamian heritage and modern craftsmanship. Its educational arm, Qannati Lab, pioneers horology training in the GCC, with a long-term vision to establish the region as a centre for high-end watchmaking. Bahrain Polytechnic has played a critical role in enabling Qannati Lab's success, providing space, academic infrastructure, and cross-disciplinary collaboration with engineering, business, and design departments. The Polytechnic sees this as a step towards contributing to Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030, supporting creative industries as a driver of non-oil growth and regional innovation. 'At Bahrain Polytechnic, our mandate is to prepare a new generation of creative, technically skilled graduates who can contribute to Bahrain's economic transformation. This collaboration reflects our commitment to aligning education with future-focused industries – luxury design and watchmaking included,' Bahrain Polytechnic chief executive professor Ciarán Ó Catháin noted.
