Goal 4. Quality Education
4.3.4 Education Outreach Activities Beyond Campus
2022-2023
AASTMT supports service to the community and students’ voluntary work through professional societies. For instance, AASTMT has multiple award-winning student branches and chapters on the local, regional and global levels. These branches and chapters regularly hold tailored lectures, demonstrations, courses, and school outreach activities among others. Most of these programs are held on a programmed basis and are periodically held. Additionally, colleges and faculties work on community service programs with educational purposes for university students and staff, and on many occasions, they are open to the public for participation. Moreover, AASTMT has a dedicated community service unit, which provides programs to the public on all levels. Also, AASTMT has dedicated centers for Entrepreneurship and Informatics, which regularly hold outreach activities.
Toward a Green and Sustainable Future - 2023 School Initiative
Type: Ad-hoc
“Toward a Green and Sustainable Future” is an initiative that involves a visit by teachers and students to the Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport (AASTMT) at the Abu Kir campus. This visit aims to raise awareness about the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The program included two professional talks, a laboratory tour, and a visit to the planetarium, during which participants engaged in discussions focused on strategies for minimizing energy consumption.
Mu Beta Kidzineers STEM outreach program page
Event announcement post on IEEE vTools:
Regional Informatics Centre (RIC) Outreach Programs
Type: On-Programmed Basis
The Arab Academy for Science and Technology (AASTMT) established the first Regional Informatics Center (RIC) in the Middle East and North Africa in 2001, situated in Alexandria, Egypt. The RIC serves as the headquarters for the International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) Foundation competitions, specifically catering to university students across Africa and Arab countries. It plays a pivotal role in hosting and organizing national competitions in collaboration with the ministries of education and telecommunications in each participating country.
AAST Regional Informatics on the AASTMT news page
AAST Regional Informatics on social media
RIC organizes the following programmed events:
Type: On-Programmed Basis
The Beaver Challenge is a global initiative designed to foster interest in informatics and computational thinking among students of all ages. Organized in over 50 countries, with approximately 3 million participants, the challenge aims to engage students in the field of computing. Each participant is allotted 45 minutes to respond to 12 questions that emphasize logical reasoning and computational skills. The Egyptian Beaver competition concluded with remarkable participation from 85,000 students across all governorates of the Republic. The event took place from March 5 to April 6. The event was sponsored by MCIT Egypt and the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport. This unprecedented achievement involved assessing over 85,000 students from the third grade of primary school through the third year of secondary school.
Beaver Egypt Info Page on the AASTMT news page
Global Finale of IEEE-YESIST12-2023
Type: Ad-hoc
The global finale of IEEE YESIST12 2023 took place on September 2nd and 3rd, 2023, at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport (AASTMT) in Alexandria, Egypt. This event is part of an international initiative aimed at promoting social responsibility and ethical practices among young engineers through innovative projects that address humanitarian and social issues. The finale was conducted in a hybrid format, allowing participants to attend either physically or virtually. Participants included students and young professionals showcased their innovative ideas, contributing to the overall goal of fostering service-oriented engineering practices with more than 450 participants from more than 20 countries.
The Egyptian Programming Competition for University Youth in cooperation (ECPC) 2023
Type: On-Programmed Basis
The Egyptian Programming Competition for University Youth (ECPC) 2023, in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and supported by the Innovators and Geniuses Fund of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, concluded at the Arab Academy in Alexandria. The 2023 edition of the competition saw participation from 96 colleges and institutes within the engineering and computer sectors, as well as various schools across Egypt. Over the course of two weeks, participants honed their skills in the Software and IT sector—an essential driver of economic development—aiming to establish their entrepreneurial ventures and shape the future of industry. The event was honored by the presence of Prof. Bill Poucher, President of the International ICPC Foundation for Programming Competitions for University Students.
AAST Entrepreneurship Center
Type: On-Programmed Basis
The AAST Entrepreneurship Center was established by the Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport in 2015, with the primary objective of empowering Arab youth to cultivate a sustainable ecosystem in the Arab region and Africa. After years of providing continuous support to the academy community and witnessing the positive impact on students and the Egyptian ecosystem, the AAST Entrepreneurship Center expanded its reach beyond the academy. It launched several programs targeting Arab youth at various stages of startup maturity. The center remains committed to supporting young entrepreneurs on their journey to becoming effective business leaders. Additionally, the center organizes a variety of public events:
AAST Entrepreneurship Center on the AASTMT news page
AAST Entrepreneurship Rally Competition
Type: On-Programmed Basis
The AAST Entrepreneurship Rally is a competition organized by the Center of Entrepreneurship at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport. This event provides a platform for individuals to cultivate a solid business idea and launch it as a real startup. Participants receive numerous training sessions designed to assist them throughout the implementation process. Following several elimination rounds, the finalists have the opportunity to present their ideas to an international panel of judges. Winners are awarded cash prizes and a place in an incubation program supported by the Center of Entrepreneurship.
In the past eight years, the AAST Entrepreneurship Center has effectively conducted multiple rounds of competition, each expanding further to provide more university students with opportunities to compete on both national and regional levels. The center organizes four competitions: Rally Accelerate, Rally AAST, Rally Egypt, and Rally Arab. The center has 300 empowered Startups, 500+ Training & Mentorship Sessions, 10 M+ Funding & Cash Awards, and 50 Partners.
Technology, Communication and Sustainable Energy
Type: Ad-hoc
The virtual session titled "Technology, Communication, and Sustainable Energy" was co-organized by Ibdaa Borg Elarab and IEEE-HKN Mu Beta Kidzineers STEM Outreach award winning initiative in preparation for the First LEGO League
Mu Beta Kidzineers STEM outreach program page
Event announcement post on IEEE vTools:
Robocop Cup Egypt 2023
Type: On-Programmed Basis
Founded in 1997, this initiative aims to create a robot soccer team that can defeat the human FIFA World Cup champion by 2050. RoboCup has established various soccer platforms for robotics research, including RoboCupJunior, which focuses on engaging primary and secondary students in educational robotic events. The Egypt Robotics Robocop Cup 2023, hosted by the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) and supported by the National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA), involved 830 students. The competition included two categories: the Junior School Students Competition (February 14-17) and the University Students Competition @Home (February 10-17).
Engineering in Baheya
Type: Ad-hoc
Women's capabilities have always been beyond all expectations and because of that, this event was proudly conducted in collaboration with Baheya Foundation for Early Detection & Treatment of Breast Cancer. The event mainly discussed biomedical engineering and all the new advancements, applications, and opportunities in the field, encompassing many engaging topics including: - Introduction to Baheya Foundation, all you need to know about it. - Volunteering opportunities at Baheya. - Researching fields and processes. - Biomedical Engineering and its applications at Baheya. Led by the best, the heroes of Baheya. Date: Wednesday, May 3rd, 2023 Time: 4:00 PM Location: Room 303 at the AASTMT Abu-Qir Campus, Alexandria, with 60 participants.
Prelim Stage of IEEE-YESIST12-2023
Type: On-Programmed Basis
The preliminary stage of the 2023 IEEE-YESIST12 challenge is now underway, providing a global platform to showcase your innovative projects and gain recognition within an international community. This initiative serves as an opportunity for participants to highlight their valuable contributions. IEEE-YESIST12 is structured as a two-tier global competition featuring five distinct tracks across two phases. The preliminary stage, organized by the Mu Beta chapter, was hosted by the College of Engineering and Technology at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport in Abu Kir, scheduled for July 16-17, 2023. Finalists from each track subsequently competed in the Global Finale, which was held in a hybrid format in Egypt in September 2023. The competition encompasses five tracks catering to various categories, including a special track for school students known as the Junior Einstein track.
Sustainable Steam Systems IEEE AAST SB
Type: Ad-hoc
With the aim of igniting a greener future! IEEE AAST Alex SB brought participants a matchless session on sustainable steam systems, their impact on our world, and the newest technologies and advancements in the field. The event was proudly held in collaboration with the AAST Electrical and Control Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Marine and Offshore Engineering Departments. As well as, the eminent Spirax Sarco Engineering, a multi-national engineering group known for its world-leading steam systems, pumps, and fluid path equipment, to engulf participants in the world of sustainable steam systems and give them a kick start on the future they will be leading. The event had more than 100 participants.
International Informatics Olympiad in Egypt (IIOT) 2023
Type: On-Programmed Basis
The EOI is the largest programming contest for school students, established in 2003 under the auspices of the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology and the Arab Academy for Science and Technology. Each year, the Arab Academy for Science and Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) hosts these competitions. The second edition of the Egyptian Olympiad in Informatics for teams featured 25 participating teams, all of which have successfully advanced through several qualifying rounds. This prestigious event scheduled to take place from March 9 to 11 at the Port Said branch of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport (AASTMT). The Olympiad is conducted under the auspices of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and AASTMT. The competing teams vied for the opportunity to represent Egypt at the International Olympiad in Informatics for Teams.
Introductory Courses to Participate in the Competition 2023 by AAST RIC
Type: Ad-hoc
Introductory courses for participation in the RoboCupJunior Egypt 2023 competition were organized by Regional Informatics Center (RIC) at AASTMT. The curriculum covered the following topics:
Introduction to EV3 Robotics
Fundamentals of Robotics Design
Basics of Robotics Programming
Classes were held every Wednesday for three hours, totaling six sessions over the course of 18 hours. This program is designed for participants aged 14 to 16 years.
Introductory courses to RoboCupJunior
A training Camp with The Chinese Expert Richard Ping (EOI 2022)
Type: Ad-hoc
A training camp was organized for students participating in the Egyptian Olympiad in Informatics, featuring Chinese expert Richard Ping. He is a lecturer at an American university and has a proven track record of training students from various countries who have achieved gold medals in the International Olympiad in Informatics. Around 50 thirty participants attended the event.
Future Sustainable Technology Day and Workshop with Certificate
Type: Ad-hoc
Participants had the opportunity to engage in interactive sessions designed to inspire innovative thinking and foster a deeper understanding of sustainable practices. The workshop aimed to equip both teachers and students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address environmental challenges through technology. Attendees also participated in hands-on activities, encouraging collaborative problem-solving and creative solutions. This immersive experience was designed not only to educate but also to ignite passion and curiosity in the fields of science and technology, empowering the next generation of innovators and leaders. The event had 40 students and 3 teachers.
MATE Regional ROV Competition 2023
Type: On-Programmed Basis
The competition is designed to foster a new generation of Arab ROV builders, encouraging university and school students to engage in the design and construction of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) or underwater robots. Participants compete to accomplish specific underwater missions, simulating real-world scenarios. The MATE Egypt ROV Regional Competition 2023, powered by the AAST Regional Informatics Center, took place from May 11 to 12, 2023. The establishment of the Regional Informatics Center (RIC) was inspired by the need to keep pace with advancements in Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and Competitive Programming. Its primary objective is to nurture the talents and intellects of students in the MENA region, fostering a distinguished cohort capable of meeting the rapid advancements in Informatics and Robotics on a global scale.
AI 1O1 Course with Certificate
Type: Ad-hoc
AI 101, organized by the IEEE Alexandria Student Branch (AAST SB), is an initiative designed to introduce and educate students on the principles and applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This program is part of a broader commitment to engage students with advanced technologies and to deepen their understanding of AI, machine learning, and innovative smart solutions. The initiative was conducted in collaboration with IEEE Tunis, and was held in hybrid format. The event had more than 100 participants.
IEEE Egyptian Student Paper Contest
Type: Ad-hoc
The 𝐄𝐠𝐲𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 (𝐄𝐒𝐏𝐂) is the perfect place for you to enhance your skills in researching and paper-writing, compete nationally for prizes, and qualify to the regional contest for even higher rewards! The program included workshops from professionals about researching, paper-writing, levels of education and their impact on your academic/industrial career, and how IEEE can help participants in all that. The event had more than 200 participants.
Egypt Rally Startup Competition 2023
Type: On-Programmed Basis
The Egypt Rally Startup Competition is a comprehensive fundraising program designed specifically for Egyptian startups seeking to scale their businesses. Out of more than 1,800 startup ideas submitted, 35 finalists were chosen to compete. Each finalist was allotted three minutes to present their pitch, followed by three minutes for questions and answers to persuade the judges.
Egypt Rally 2023 Link on AAST news
Arduino Day Workshop 2023
Type: On-Programmed Basis
The objective of the event was to educate new students about the significance of the Internet of Things (IoT) and home automation using Arduino. The day commenced with a presentation highlighting the importance of Arduino in our daily lives. The speaker then explained the differences between microcontrollers detailing the components of microcontrollers and categorizing them based on their bit architecture.
Furthermore, the discussion covered external memory options to enhance microcontroller storage, as well as the distinctions between Complex Instruction Set Computing (CISC) and Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC). The presentation also addressed the differences between Von Neumann and Harvard architecture, as well as various types of development boards. Participants learned how to build a robot and the appropriate components for each task, including different types of boards such as the Jetson Board and the AVR kit along with its applications. Following the informative sessions, students engaged in creating their own projects, and certificates were awarded to participants upon the conclusion of the event. The workshop had around 40 participants.
Event on social media
AYB-AAST
Type: On-Programmed Basis
AYB-AAST is a Franchise of AYB-SD at AAST (Academya Baharya Sheraton)- (Students Volunteers).
Alshank Ya Balady (AYB) is one of the most significant student activities in almost all the Egyptian universities. It has started over ten years ago. AYB is working on achieving Sustainable Development for many poor areas in Egypt. AYB- AAST is basically developing the area of “Bolaq abo El-Ala’”, a very poor place in Egypt. AYB-AAST was established in 2010. AYB is trying to help in enhancing the living standards, moral qualities, and educational skills of the people there through many communities and programs.
Programs Description:
There are four programs in our organization which are youth development program, loans and employment program, illiteracy education program and charity program.
Youth Development Program (YDP)
A program dedicated to the development of children and youth in Bolaq focuses on education, personal growth, and the enhancement of moral and aesthetic values. Its objective is to cultivate positive ways of thinking and behavior while guiding youth toward a fulfilling new life, all delivered through creative, engaging, and sustainable methods.
Illiteracy Education Program:
This program is designed to educate the children of Bolaq and reduce the illiteracy rate in the area. It focuses on teaching the fundamentals of reading and writing in Arabic.
Loans and Employment Program:
The Loans and Employment team focuses on creating job opportunities for the residents of Bolaq. They also offer microloans to assist individuals in launching small projects, thereby improving their living standards. Additionally, participants acquire essential soft skills, including time management, self-management, verbal communication, responsibility, and social skills.
Charity Program
This program is designed to meet the fundamental needs of families in Bolaq, including food, water, and shelter, thereby fostering their acceptance of the sustainable development initiatives we are implementing. To achieve this objective, we must undertake various projects and events, such as Ramadan bags, Keswa events, Batanya campaigns, and others.
Program on social media
Youth development program on social media