KUWAIT CITY, July 11: In a significant development aimed at aligning with Kuwait’s Vision 2035, the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET) has unveiled its ambitious five-year strategic plan for 2023-2028. This plan, approved during a board meeting chaired by Dr. Adel Al-Adwani, Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education, marks a collaborative effort with the General Secretariat of the Supreme Council for Planning and Development and the Arab Planning Institute.

Dr. Hassan Al-Fajjam, Director General of PAAET, highlighted that the strategic blueprint emphasizes educational and training reforms crucial for achieving national goals. Among the pivotal decisions endorsed by the board is the introduction of a new electronic promotion system for faculty members, set to replace the existing paper-based process. This system allows faculty to submit promotion requests three months before the legal period concludes, streamlining administrative procedures.

Furthermore, a central committee has been established to oversee the validation of scientific publications, ensuring impartiality and accuracy in evaluating faculty research for promotion purposes. Encouraging a culture of scientific innovation, the new system incentivizes patent submissions, which can constitute up to 20% of the total scientific production submitted for promotion consideration.

Addressing administrative accountability, the board approved regulations that include the formation of annual committees for teaching and training staff members, effective from the upcoming academic year. This move underscores PAAET’s commitment to enhancing governance and performance standards across its educational institutions.

In addition, the board greenlighted the promotion of 13 faculty members across various colleges under PAAET’s purview. It also endorsed measures to manage student dismissals based on prolonged enrollment or low academic performance, subject to specific guidelines. Moreover, non-Kuwaiti students will now have the opportunity to study within PAAET’s programs, subject to available vacancies and financial fees.

Looking ahead, the board approved the formation of an advisory committee chaired by Prof. Dr. Fayez Al-Dhafiri, tasked with exploring key scientific and academic topics. This committee is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping future educational strategies and initiatives at PAAET.

The recent decisions reflect PAAET’s proactive stance in advancing educational excellence and innovation, pivotal for Kuwait’s strategic aspirations in education and training.