Panelists
Panel Discussion: “Navigating Change in Higher Education: A Panel on AI-Driven Innovations and Their Impact on Student Engagement and Learning Outcomes”
In an era of rapid transformation, higher education institutions must continually adapt to evolving pedagogical models, technological advancements, and shifting student needs. This panel discussion brings together leading experts, educators, and policymakers to explore innovative strategies that can drive meaningful change in higher education.
Through an engaging and thought-provoking conversation, panelists will discuss key topics such as the integration of technology in teaching and learning, the role of artificial intelligence in education, evolving student expectations, and the policies shaping the future of higher education. The session will provide valuable insights into how institutions can foster agility, inclusivity, and excellence while navigating the challenges of the modern educational landscape.
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with panelists during a live Q&A session, gaining practical perspectives on implementing sustainable and impactful changes within their own institutions. Whether you are an educator, administrator, student, or education enthusiast, this discussion will offer valuable takeaways on shaping the future of higher education.
Dr. Asim Bashir
Lecturer – Assessment Coordinator
SFHEA
University of Birmingham Dubai
UAE
Dr. Asim Bashir is a Lecturer and Assessment Coordinator at the University of Birmingham Dubai. With over 15 years of higher education experience in the UK and the Middle East, he has taught and led academic development initiatives across a range of international contexts.
A holder of a Doctorate in Education and an Advance HE Senior Fellow, he is also a trained assessor and mentor for Advance HE, supporting professional recognition for educators through the Professional Standards Framework. His research interests focus on academic literacies, formative assessment, and the pedagogical impact of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence in higher education. He has published and presented internationally on these themes, contributing to global conversations on innovation in teaching and learning.
Dean College of Arts and Applied Sciences,
Dhofar University, Oman
Dr. Khalid Almashikhi is the Dean of College of Arts and Applied Sciences (CAAS) at Dhofar University since 2017. Prior to being appointed as Dean, Dr. Khalid served Dhofar University in several positions: Assistant Dean of CAAS, Head of Education Department, Director of Center of Continuing Education and Community Service. Dr. Almashikhi is the Director of Center for Teaching and Learning and In charge of the Unit for Students with Disabilities.
Dr. Khalid has published several research articles in international peer-reviewed journal in the fields of leadership, teaching and Learning. He has presented in various national, regional, and international conferences. He is actively associated with ongoing research projects in Oman and abroad. Dr. Almashikhi has guided several masters’ thesis and has served as examiner to many masters and PhD theses in Oman and abroad.
Dr. Khalid is a passionate educator who prides himself as a classroom teacher. He has won Anderson- Gouttierre Award, USA in 2009 and the best graduate award from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, USA in 2015. Dr. Khalid is the founder of Future Leaders program (FLP) in Oman. The FLP is a youth leadership program for high school students that started in 2013. In the last 6 years, Dr. Khalid has delivered and conducted more than 100 workshops, lectures, and training sessions in schools, and at different NGOs, and government and private organizations. He serves as a member of several committees at the university and in the community.
Dr. Almashikhi is a certified reviewer for OAAA Institutional Standards Assessment and General Foundation Programs Audit. He has been invited by several HEIs to serve as an external institutional and program reviewer..
Bahrain Director of General Assembly
A global transformation leader at the intersection of tech education, enterprise growth, and people development. Known for scaling tech academies, optimizing operations, and building future-ready talent pipelines across the Middle East, Europe, and beyond. With an educational background in Telecommunications Engineering, brings a multidisciplinary foundation to a career that spans software engineering, corporate digital transformation in the banking sector, and global operational leadership. Adept at designing and leading operational frameworks that drive efficiency, manage risk, and enable sustainable enterprise expansion. Recognized for infusing innovation and creativity into strategy, empowering talent, forging strategic partnerships, and delivering data-driven impact through cross-functional collaboration, digital-first approaches, and a relentless focus on scalable excellence.
Nada Yusuf has over 20 years’ experience in government, leading key projects across infrastructure including education in support of strategic priorities. Key achievements include enhancing public transport, advancing housing programs, supporting the establishment of the Education & Training Quality Authority, and driving skills development efforts.
Her work is defined by a data-driven approach, effective cross-sector coordination, and a consistent focus on delivering measurable impact.
Mohammed Yasser is an Information Systems student at the University of Bahrain’s College of Information Technology. He previously served as the Local Committee Vice President of AIESEC in Bahrain. He is deeply passionate about youth empowerment, sustainability, and integrating technology—especially artificial intelligence—into students’ everyday lives.
Mohammed dedicates much of his time to volunteering, supporting youth, students in need, and those at-risk. He has led and managed numerous youth-focused conferences and initiatives across Bahrain, many of which attracted international participants—helping put Bahrain on the map as a hub for youth empowerment. In 2019, he participated in the INJAZ Company Program alongside a team, winning the Best Social Impact Award for their innovative, socially-driven venture—recognizing his early commitment to meaningful change.
He brings a strong student voice to the ongoing conversation about AI’s role in education and society.
Zainab Sayed Saleh Almeshal Undergraduate student at the University of Bahrain, majoring in English Language and Literature with a minor in French.
Member of the University’s debate team, with a strong interest in language, communication, and public speaking.