Highlighting its commitment to localization, GE (NYSE: GE) has joined hands with the College of Engineering & Petroleum at Kuwait University to host the 2015 Engineering Innovation Forum held at the Radisson Blu Hotel Kuwait, with the objective of engaging and inspiring the younger generations in scientific and technological advancements.

Held under the patronage of the Minister of Education & Higher Education Dr. Bader Al Essa, the Engineering Innovation Forum hosted a panel of international and local experts who held workshops on how to promote interest in engineering and science among local youth to help diversify the Kuwaiti economy and create value-added jobs.

Salim Mousallam, Country Manager, GE Power & Water Power Generation Services, Kuwait & Bahrain, said: The Engineering Innovation Forum provided a platform for experts and the student community in Kuwait and the wider Gulf region to discuss best practices in engineering innovations and how they may be utilized to further develop the economy. In line with GEs commitment to the promotion of engineering innovation and local talent development, through this Forum, we aimed at sharing our expertise with the youth to underline the importance of innovation while creating awareness and an increased interest in engineering and science.

Attendees to the Forum also had the opportunity to obtain first-hand expert insights on innovation from Dr. Abdurrahman Khalidi, Engineering General Manager, GE Power & Water - Power Generation Services, Middle East & Africa. A series of panel discussions examined the current status of engineering innovation, as well as challenges and opportunities in Kuwait and how innovation can positively influence the countrys growth.

Among the topics discussed included innovation and importance of mobility in healthcare; the dip and rise in Oil & Gas sector in Kuwait and the wider Gulf region, as well as GEs Industrial Internet initiative, which focuses on integrating big data and analytics to achieve significant leaps in productivity and efficiency.

As the Innovation Partner of the Forum, GE also launched an engineering innovation competition to motivate students and participants on the possibility of applying the experience to other engineering colleges and programs in Kuwait.

Apart from its partnership on the worlds largest wastewater plant in Sulaibiya, GE has established long-term partnerships in the healthcare, aviation, energy and oil & gas sectors in Kuwait for nearly eight decades. The company is also focused on driving the competencies of the Kuwaiti professionals through dedicated training and knowledge sharing programs.