Latest news with #ThinkSmart
Biz Bahrain
25-05-2025
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
Mobiz and ThinkSmart Collaborate to Equip Bahraini and Saudi Youth with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Skills
Mobiz IT and ThinkSmart Gulf have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch a Microsoft Dynamics 365 internship and training program aimed at empowering youth in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia with in-demand digital and business application skills. This partnership marks a significant step toward bridging the gap between academic learning and industry needs. Through practical internships, real-world projects, and expert-led training, the initiative supports national workforce transformation goals in line with Bahrain and Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 strategies. Mobiz IT will offer internships that may lead to employment opportunities, providing students with real-world exposure and industry experience. ThinkSmart will deliver the training component, equipping participants with hands-on Microsoft Dynamics 365 skills through instructor-led, practical sessions that align with current market needs. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Aakash Munjal, General Manager of ThinkSmart Gulf, stated 'At ThinkSmart, we believe that learning should not stop at the classroom. Through this strategic alliance with Mobiz, we are enabling our students to take their first step into the professional world—working with real companies, on real challenges, and gaining the skills and exposure required to succeed in today's job market.' This partnership coincides with rapid technological growth across the GCC, where Microsoft operates cloud data centers in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. Kuwait's recent agreement with Microsoft to host a new data center further highlights the rising value of Microsoft Dynamics 365 in the regional workforce. These developments create a dynamic ecosystem that underscores the need for targeted training programs such as this one. Hamad Riaz, CEO of Mobiz IT, added:' 'Microsoft Dynamics 365 offers the ideal foundation to train Gulf youth in modern business applications. Its powerful, AI-enabled tools span finance, sales, customer service, and supply chain, making it a key driver of productivity and innovation. By launching this program, we're equipping the next generation with the skills to lead the region's digital future.' Hamdan Chitari, Operations Manager at Mobiz, noted: 'Companies using Dynamics 365 have seen a 106% ROI increase and a 40% reduction in call handling time. These results demonstrate its power, and we are excited to raise awareness of its benefits through this program.' By equipping young professionals with Microsoft Dynamics 365 expertise, the Mobiz–ThinkSmart partnership lays the foundation for a digitally skilled workforce ready to drive innovation and competitiveness across the Gulf region.
Extra.ie
01-05-2025
- Extra.ie
Gardai concerned by 'dramatic increase' in self-generated child porn
Gardaí have seen a 'dramatic increase' in the amount of self-generated pornographic material in child sexual abuse investigations, Oireachtas members heard yesterday. Detective Sergeant Eoin O'Connell from the National Cyber Crime Bureau said increasing numbers of school children are taking pornographic imagery of themselves or creating 'deepfake' pornographic material of their peers using AI. He said that access to smartphones and social media means that these images and videos are becoming 'common knowledge in the world and shared'. Gardaí have seen a 'dramatic increase' in the amount of self-generated pornographic material in child sexual abuse investigations. Pic: Getty Images The comments came during a Leinster House presentation by ThinkSmart, an organisation highlighting the impact of internet use on the well-being and mental health of children. Child safety online has received global attention following Netflix's hit series Adolescence, with 66 million viewers in the fortnight after its release. According to Detective O'Connell, who leads the unit in Co Wexford, 'a number' of factors are fuelling the 'dramatic increase in the amount of self-generated content' among Irish teenagers. The comments came during a Leinster House presentation by ThinkSmart, an organisation highlighting the impact of internet use on the well-being and mental health of children. Pic: Shutterstock These included changes in legislation and teenagers not realising it is a crime to possess or share intimate images of others. 'But we've also seen offenders become far more sophisticated in the online grooming of children. Grooming has now gone into the digital space as we as a society have been pushed online or increased our online presence,' Detective O'Connell said, with many groomers sharing child pornographic material sent to them 'on the dark web'. He also said intimate images are increasingly being used as a form of cyberbullying. 'Using generative AI, young people are able to amend and alter photos, whether that be embarrassing or intimate images, and use them to bully, harass and put down other people in the school,' he said. According to Detective O'Connell, who leads the unit in Co Wexford, 'a number' of factors are fuelling the 'dramatic increase in the amount of self-generated content' among Irish teenagers. Pic: Getty Images He added that there was still material gained through activities such as grooming or catfishing, 'but as I said, most of it is self-generated content that the children themselves are creating and sharing.' ThinkSmart chief executive Aoife Noone said parents are navigating a 'digital warzone'. She said: 'We must act faster. The train has left the station. We need to slow it down.' Since founding Think Smart in Galway in 2022, Ms Noone has been working in communities across the county to educate students and parents about the threats the online world poses. She said that Irish parents are 'crying out' for educational support in online safety. While she welcomed Government initiatives to date, she called for greater support for parents. Child and adolescent therapist Elaine Quinn told the Oireachtas that social media has seen mental health and behavioural problems 'expedited at a level that we cannot even comprehend'. 'This is the crisis we do need to get to the bottom of. There is a ready-made product with a wraparound service [in Think Smart]. We are prepared to go out and deliver it,' she said.
Biz Bahrain
07-04-2025
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
ThinkSmart Gulf joins Microsoft's 50th anniversary in a bid for GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ while upskilling gulf's Workforce
ThinkSmart for Development and Training, a leader in the Gulf's digital upskilling landscape, has partnered with Microsoft for Microsoft AI Fest, a landmark initiative celebrating Microsoft's 50th anniversary. The campaign kicks off on April 8, 2025, with a historic bid to set a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the most users completing an online AI lesson in 24 hours. Following this milestone, participants across the Gulf and beyond will engage in 50 days of free AI learning, featuring hands-on challenges, expert-led sessions, and real-world applications. Aligned with the Gulf region's digital transformation strategies and national visions—including Saudi Vision 2030, UAE's AI Strategy 2031, Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030, and Kuwait's Vision 2035—ThinkSmart's participation underscores its commitment to equipping Gulf talent with cutting-edge AI skills to drive regional innovation and economic growth. Mr. Ahmed Al Hujairy, CEO of ThinkSmart, highlighted the significance of this initiative for the Gulf's digital future, stating: 'We are proud to partner with Microsoft for AI Fest, an initiative that perfectly aligns with the Gulf's commitment to AI-driven transformation. Across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and beyond, governments are investing in AI to create a competitive, knowledge-based economy. This initiative will serve as a catalyst for AI integration in education, enterprise, and government sectors—ensuring our workforce remains globally competitive. By equipping individuals and businesses with essential AI skills, we are fostering innovation, enhancing employability, and solidifying the Gulf's position as a leader in digital excellence.' 'We are thrilled to join the Microsoft AI Fest as part of this global movement, which aligns perfectly with digital transformation strategy adopted in the gulf. Microsoft's 50th-anniversary initiative is a unique opportunity to drive AI adoption across all sectors, ensuring that our workforce is ready for the future' Al Hujairy added. As a trusted training partner, ThinkSmart is committed to supporting this initiative through dedicated workshops, live training sessions, and awareness campaigns to ensure maximum participation from students, professionals, and enterprises in the Gulf. By joining Microsoft AI Fest, individuals across the Gulf will not only take part in a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ attempt but will also gain future-ready AI skills, boosting their careers while accelerating the region's transformation into a global AI hub. Join us in making history.
Campaign ME
19-03-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
Dubai Humanitarian's ‘Run for Humanity' inspires collective action
Dubai Humanitarian's 'Run for Humanity' initiative was the banner for this year's Dubai Marathon. Developed in collaboration with ThinkSmart, YallaGive, and Dubai Marathon, the campaign aimed to foster community involvement through digital content, social media outreach, and on-site engagement. 'This year, we looked at our participation in the Dubai Marathon differently. We thought of a multi-partnership approach that emphasises first our aim of participation and second, offers better content sharing with a wider size of audience. We implemented an engaging and dynamic strategy for content creation through different channels,' says Hanan Al Marzooqi, Director of Operations & Humanitarian Initiatives at Dubai Humanitarian. The 'Run for Humanity' campaign Prior to the marathon, the campaign focused on short-form video content that highlighted the causes and impact of the initiative, which were then also repurposed as teaser videos to drive excitement for the event. The campaign was rolled out on Instagram and TikTok and included engaging social media posts such as reels, stories, and static content, in collaboration with influencers. Participants received personalised invitation boxes, which were used to encourage participation and incentivise content creation that would be shared on social media. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ThinkSmart (@thinksmartuae) ThinkSmart's hub and studio played a key role in curating and streamlining content messaging, as well as supporting the recording of reels and videos. Messaging was aligned across all platforms to ensure storytelling elements drove both engagement and donations. 'Through our partners, we collaborated with fitness influencers and content creators to amplify the campaign's reach. The initiative also saw participation from key figures in the humanitarian and sports sectors, like marathon runners and sports enthusiasts, in addition to young students. Furthermore, corporate and academic partners, as well as community-driven initiatives, played a supporting role in driving awareness and engagement and made it to the finish line with great enthusiasm,' says Marzooqi. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ThinkSmart (@thinksmartuae) As part of the initiative, participants and supporters had the opportunity to contribute to charitable causes by selecting their preferred humanitarian organisation through YallaGive. Proceeds from the event were then directed to Dubai Humanitarian. 'Fundraising efforts were powered by YallaGive, a platform by a company based at Dubai Humanitarian. For the marathon, it facilitated donations for 12 participating humanitarian organizations, each running dedicated campaigns that align with their causes. In addition, Dubai Marathon's official communication channels amplified awareness and encouraged participation,' says Marzooqi. Traditional and on-ground activations Traditional media also played an important role in raising awareness during the days leading up to the event. The campaign was announced through a press release and supported by on-site and radio interviews leading up to and during the marathon. Beyond digital outreach, the 'Run for Humanity' campaign featured offline activations. At the marathon, runners and supporters engaged with a dedicated stand, an Instagram corner, and on-site giveaways designed to maximise brand exposure. 'To create a deeper connection with participants, we also activated an on-ground presence at the marathon, featuring an interactive stand, an Instagram corner, complimentary coffee, and giveaways to welcome participants, take memorable photos, and network. Through this integrated approach of blending digital outreach, fundraising, media engagement, and immersive on-site activations, we inspired collective action and maximised impact for humanitarian causes,' says Marzooqi. The campaign was designed to engage a diverse audience, particularly sports enthusiasts. 'Youth and families were drawn in through engaging content that fostered a strong sense of community involvement and a spirit of giving. Corporate entities had the opportunity to align their CSR initiatives with meaningful causes, reinforcing their commitment to social responsibility. Runners and fitness enthusiasts were directly involved through marathon participation, creating a powerful link between physical endurance and humanitarian support. Meanwhile, humanitarian supporters, including donors and volunteers, were mobilised to contribute, further amplifying the campaign's reach and impact,' says Marzooqi. Impact and outcomes The success of the campaign was measured through key performance indicators reflecting both engagement and impact. Approximately 300 individuals took part in the initiative through Dubai Humanitarian. 'Fundraising efforts also saw strong results, almost doubling the funds raised for the participating organisations via YallaGive, compared to last year. On social media, increased engagement, impressions, and visibility demonstrated the campaign's digital reach. Additionally, extensive media coverage across various platforms and traditional outlets further amplified awareness and reinforced the campaign's overall success,' says Marzooqi.
Biz Bahrain
19-03-2025
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
AIESEC in Bahrain and ThinkSmart Sign an MOU to Empower Youth with Digital Skills and Global Internships
AIESEC in Bahrain and ThinkSmart for Development and Training have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on equipping young professionals with future-ready digital skills and leadership capabilities. This partnership will leverage AIESEC's expertise in youth development and global internship opportunities alongside ThinkSmart's extensive experience in digital training across the Gulf region. Through this collaboration, AIESEC in Bahrain and ThinkSmart will provide young talents with a unique blend of professional development, international exposure, and hands-on industry experience. AIESEC's Global Internship Program will play a key role in this initiative, offering Bahraini youth the chance to work with top organizations worldwide while gaining valuable cross-cultural and professional skills. By integrating ThinkSmart's cutting-edge digital training, these young professionals will be better prepared for leadership roles in an increasingly digital and interconnected job market. 'At AIESEC in Bahrain, we are committed to empowering the youth of Bahrain with global opportunities that enhance their professional and leadership skills. Our partnership with ThinkSmart marks a significant step towards equipping young talents with international exposure and practical experiences that will shape them into adaptable, future-ready leaders. Together, we are bridging the gap between ambition and opportunity through practical experience, ensuring that the youth of Bahrain can thrive in an evolving job market.' – Hussain Khalid, Country Manager of AIESEC in Bahrain 'At ThinkSmart, we are committed to driving digital transformation by equipping the next generation with the skills they need to excel. This partnership with AIESEC Bahrain aligns perfectly with our mission to nurture talent and prepare them for leadership roles in the digital economy.' – Ahmed AlHujairy, CEO, ThinkSmart 'By combining ThinkSmart's industry-driven training with AIESEC's leadership programs, we are creating a unique opportunity for young professionals to develop both technical expertise and essential leadership skills. Together, we aim to shape future leaders in the Gulf's digital ecosystem.' – Aakash Munjal, General Manager, ThinkSmart The MOU will pave the way for joint training initiatives, international internship placements, and professional development programs that bridge the gap between education and industry demands. Through this collaboration, young professionals will have access to global career opportunities while gaining in-demand digital skills that will help them thrive in the modern workforce.
