Latest news with #AnwarAlSada
Daily Tribune
16-05-2025
- Science
- Daily Tribune
Sparking creativity in young students
Primary school students are now being taught how to carry out real-world research projects, and their work is screened for AI and plagiarism. Meanwhile, universities are required to set aside at least three per cent of their net income for academic research, under a national push to bring research into every level of Bahrain's education system. Education Minister, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed bin Mubarak Juma, outlined the ministry's approach in a written reply to a question by Shura Council member Dr Anwar Al Sada. Changes The response lays out changes beginning in early schooling and continuing through to university and postgraduate levels. In schools, pupils are being introduced to research through subjects like environmental science and entrepreneurship. They are expected to come up with ideas, look into them and share what they have found, often as part of their yearly assessments. Classrooms are being connected to digital platforms and fitted with libraries and labs to help students carry out experiments and small-scale projects. Practical research Programmes such as the UNESCO Associated Schools Network and the GLOBE environmental scheme have been brought in to get students involved in practical research. A separate scheme for gifted students, called The Al Mobtakeroon (Innovators), helps them tackle real-world problems using science, design and presentation skills. Universities now require most students to complete a research paper or project before graduating. Many take part in research contests, and some have seen their work published in academic journals. Courses Research methods are built into the courses, and students are urged to share their work beyond the classroom. Teaching staff are also being asked to do more. Trainee teachers complete research tied to school problems as part of their diploma. Those already in post take part in workshops and short courses on how to carry out and teach research. Income Universities must spend part of their income, no less than three per cent, on developing research. That includes books, labs, journal access, and support for staff to publish or attend conferences. Research efforts are tracked. Universities must report data on staff, research funding, published papers, patents and work with outside bodies. Schools use simple scoring guides to mark student projects for structure, content and use of sources. A panel of judges from local universities looks at work submitted by gifted pupils in national contests and gives feedback. Concerns about the misuse of AI have led to tougher checks. The Ministry uses tools such as GPTZero and Plagiarism Detector to scan written work. Sources Students are taught how to cite sources, avoid copying and use material fairly. Workshops cover copyright, cyber safety and how to licence original work. Universities must have their own rules on fair research. Master's degree topics must be cleared by the Higher Education Council before work begins. National archive Finished theses are stored in a national archive to stop others copying or reusing them without permission. Dr Al Sada asked how the Education Ministry was supporting research in schools and universities, what it was doing to help teachers, how it kept standards in place and how it tracked progress. The reply sets out a system that stretches from early school to postgraduate study, combining training with closer checks and firm expectations.
Daily Tribune
13-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Tax strategy eyes BD130m revenue
Shura Council has retrospectively approved a law already in force since January, which imposes a 15 per cent tax on multinational groups operating locally. The measure is expected to raise BD130 million a year and brings the country into step with global rules on corporate profits. The vote, held yesterday, completes the legislative procedure for Decree-Law No. 11 of 2024, issued by the government as part of urgent fiscal measures. The law forms part of an international effort to prevent large firms from shifting profits to jurisdictions with little or no tax. It applies to multinationals with global turnover above €750 million a year. Thirteen foreign-headquartered multinational groups currently operate in Bahrain and fall within the scope of the tax. Model rules Financial committee rapporteur Dr Anwar Al Sada said the tax applies to multinationals based in Bahrain and follows the model rules set by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. He said the move ensures large businesses pay where they operate. 'This puts all economic activity under the same tax rules,' said Dr Al Sada. 'It plugs a gap and puts Bahrain on the map in terms of international tax cooperation.' Khalid Al Maskati, who chairs the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee, told fellow members the law follows the second of two OECD pillars. 'We're speaking of firms with reach and clout, this stops profits being parked in places with no tax and no scrutiny,' he said. First pillar He added that Bahrain had not signed the first pillar, which targets digital firms selling across borders, but had joined the second, which concerns the minimum rate large groups must pay once they cross a certain threshold. 'The aim is to stop tax revenue from slipping away to countries with no transparency,' said Al Maskati. ''By signing the agreement, we retain what is due to us. And with thirteen multinationals on the books, we estimate BD130 million a year.' Others welcomed the law as a way to bring in income without placing new charges on the public. 'This has a public benefit as well as a financial one,' said Fouad Al Hajji. 'It means the state can pay for schemes the public uses.' Dalal Al Zayed supported the legal footing of the measure and praised the National Bureau for Revenue for drafting its rules. Questions She raised questions about how tax evasion cases would be handled in court. 'Will these cases go to the administrative bench, or will there be a separate court to hear them?' she asked. She also sought clarity on when the right to prosecute such cases runs out. 'The wording says 10 years from the offence, but shouldn't it be ten years from when the act is uncovered?' She also pointed out that parts of the law refer back to 2023, despite it only coming into force in January 2025. Backdated calculations 'Does that mean there will be backdated calculations?' she asked. Responding during the session, Rana Faqihi, chief executive of the National Bureau for Revenue, confirmed that the court in charge of tax evasion cases is the Administrative Court. 'I just wanted to respond to a few of the queries,' she said. 'As for what was raised by member Dalal Al Zayed regarding the court handling these matters, the competent authority under the current system is the Administrative Court.'
