Top AI expert expresses concerns over Bahrain’s limited presence in TED talks

TDT | Manama                                                

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com     

Report by Zahra Ayaz

A prominent artificial intelligence expert in Bahrain has expressed concerns over the lack of Bahraini participation in internationally-led TED talks, which have gained popularity for their viral impact, reaching millions of viewers and sparking discussions across diverse communities.

Dr. Eshaa Al Khalifa, the CEO of SayG and a well-known figure in academia and the women’s TED community, highlighted the importance of raising awareness among Bahraini citizens about the significance of attending international TED talks.

In an exclusive interview with The Daily Tribune, Dr. Eshaa emphasized the importance of TED conferences that bring together experts, scientists, technologists, and business professionals to share ideas and create societal awareness.

“TED” stands for Technology, Entertainment, and Design, which were the initial focus areas when the conference was first established in 1984.

However, TED Talks now cover a wide range of topics, including science, business, psychology, education, art, and more.

Dr Eshaa pointed out that Bahrain was the sole representative from the Arab region at a recent international TED talk held in Vancouver, Canada.

“Unfortunately, I was the only participant from the Arab world and the only representative of Bahrain,” she said.

Dr. Eshaa encouraged Bahrainis to apply for international TED conferences, mentioning that while Bahrain hosts a limited number of local TED Talks, their quality is on par with conferences held abroad.

She suggested that the reason for the lack of Bahraini representation might be due to organizers not actively pursuing international opportunities.

Dr. Eshaa further explained that attending international TED conferences can be challenging, as the majority of attendees are accomplished and influential figures in business and society.

How to apply?

The application process typically involves submitting a resume that highlights an applicant’s accomplishments and contributions to society, science, or technology.

Dr. Eshaa expressed optimism about Bahrain’s development across various industries and its technological advancements.

She believes that many potential Bahraini participants simply need encouragement and greater awareness of TED conferences.

“Considering how Bahrain is developing across all industries and how many organizations are making technological strides, I think there are plenty of potential Bahrainis who just need a little encouragement and awareness.”