Dr. Haitham Aj Hajri
CISO-CYBBERSECURITY RESEARCHER
HEAD OF CYBER & INFORMATION SECURITY
OMAN HOUSING BANK
SULTANATE OF OMAN
HEAD OF CYBER & INFORMATION SECURITY
OMAN HOUSING BANK
SULTANATE OF OMAN
Dr. Haitham Al Hajri is an award-winning cybersecurity leader with over 19 years of
experience, recognized as CISO of the Year 2024 and 2025. As CISO at a major financial
institution, he has led critical initiatives in incident response, GRC, and cyber-resilience,
collaborating closely with national regulators, law enforcement, and CNI sectors. A
forward-thinking innovator, technology co-founder, and advisor within multiple tech
innovation firms, he advocates the adoption of AI, Machine Learning, and quantumresilient technologies to strengthen cybersecurity posture and strategic decision-making.
He holds a master’s in digital Forensics, a PhD in Cybersecurity Management &
Operations, and multiple professional certifications. Recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice
and a sought-after keynote speaker, Dr. Al Hajri continues to advance national cybercapacity building and knowledge sharing.
Dr. Carrie Demmans Epp
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTING SCIENCE
UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA
CANADA
DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTING SCIENCE
UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA
CANADA
Carrie Demmans Epp is a Killam Laureate and Associate Professor in the Department of Computing Science at the University of Alberta. She holds a PhD in Computer Science (Human-Computer Interaction – Educational Technology) from the University of Toronto, as well as an MSc and BSc in Computer Science from the University of Saskatchewan.
Dr. Demmans Epp leads the EdTeKLA research group, where her work addresses limitations in both the capabilities of existing educational technologies and their integration into real-world learning environments. Her research examines how people incorporate technology into teaching and learning processes, as well as how learners develop and use models of their performance and processes. Drawing on artificial intelligence, natural language processing, human-computer interaction, software engineering, and psychology, her work contributes to multiple fields, including AI, HCI, applied linguistics, psychometrics, and education. Her research focuses primarily on language learning, while also extending to other contexts such as lifelong learning and special education, with an emphasis on learner modeling, visualization, and analytics to support decision-making for both educators and learners.
Dr. Demmans Epp leads the EdTeKLA research group, where her work addresses limitations in both the capabilities of existing educational technologies and their integration into real-world learning environments. Her research examines how people incorporate technology into teaching and learning processes, as well as how learners develop and use models of their performance and processes. Drawing on artificial intelligence, natural language processing, human-computer interaction, software engineering, and psychology, her work contributes to multiple fields, including AI, HCI, applied linguistics, psychometrics, and education. Her research focuses primarily on language learning, while also extending to other contexts such as lifelong learning and special education, with an emphasis on learner modeling, visualization, and analytics to support decision-making for both educators and learners.
Dr. Mazen Mohammed Ahmed Ali
PRESIDENT, ISACA BAHRAIN CHAPTER
DEAN, COLLEGE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
UNIVERSITY OF BAHRAIN
DEAN, COLLEGE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
UNIVERSITY OF BAHRAIN
Dr. Mazen Ali is an accomplished and forward-thinking leader with extensive experience in higher
education management, digital transformation, and strategic institutional development. His career is
distinguished by a consistent record of advancing academic excellence, operational efficiency, and
sustainable growth across education and professional training sectors.
As Dean of the College of Information Technology at the University of Bahrain, Dr. Ali leads transformative initiatives that enhance educational quality, expand learning, and strengthen industry and research partnerships. His leadership has modernized academic structures, advanced the university’s IT programs, and ensured alignment with national and global workforce demands.
In addition to his deanship, Dr. Ali had served as Director of E-Learning and Director of the Media Center, where he successfully implemented digital learning platforms. These initiatives have strengthened the university’s learning management systems, enhanced learner engagement, and fostered a culture of innovation and collaboration.
Beyond academia, Dr. Ali has demonstrated outstanding professional leadership as President of the ISACA Bahrain Chapter, where he has led numerous high-impact training programs and professional development events. Under his leadership, the chapter received recognition and awards for its contributions to advancing knowledge in information systems governance, cybersecurity, and digital auditing. His leadership exemplifies an ability to bridge academia and industry, driving shared objectives in capacity building and national development.
A collaborative and visionary leader, Dr. Ali engages actively with government entities, industry partners, and international organizations to align education with technological innovation and economic growth. Guided by strategic foresight and a deep commitment to quality and impact, he continues to champion digital transformation and institutional excellence, advancing human capital development at national and global levels.
As Dean of the College of Information Technology at the University of Bahrain, Dr. Ali leads transformative initiatives that enhance educational quality, expand learning, and strengthen industry and research partnerships. His leadership has modernized academic structures, advanced the university’s IT programs, and ensured alignment with national and global workforce demands.
In addition to his deanship, Dr. Ali had served as Director of E-Learning and Director of the Media Center, where he successfully implemented digital learning platforms. These initiatives have strengthened the university’s learning management systems, enhanced learner engagement, and fostered a culture of innovation and collaboration.
Beyond academia, Dr. Ali has demonstrated outstanding professional leadership as President of the ISACA Bahrain Chapter, where he has led numerous high-impact training programs and professional development events. Under his leadership, the chapter received recognition and awards for its contributions to advancing knowledge in information systems governance, cybersecurity, and digital auditing. His leadership exemplifies an ability to bridge academia and industry, driving shared objectives in capacity building and national development.
A collaborative and visionary leader, Dr. Ali engages actively with government entities, industry partners, and international organizations to align education with technological innovation and economic growth. Guided by strategic foresight and a deep commitment to quality and impact, he continues to champion digital transformation and institutional excellence, advancing human capital development at national and global levels.
Prof. Dr. Noor Zaman Jhanjhi
PROFESSOR
SCHOOL OF COMPUTER SCIENCE
TAYLOR'S UNIVERSITY
MALAYSIA
SCHOOL OF COMPUTER SCIENCE
TAYLOR'S UNIVERSITY
MALAYSIA
Prof. Dr. Noor Zaman Jhanjhi is a highly esteemed Senior Professor of Computer
Science, specializing in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity. He currently holds
the position of Professor at the School of Computer Science at Taylor’s University,
Malaysia. He serves as the Director of Reserach Center, Center for Intelligent Innovations CII, Program Director for Postgraduate Research Degree Programmes
as well as the Director of the Research Center. With a career marked by academic
leadership and groundbreaking research, Prof. Jhanjhi has been pivotal in advancing
research and education in computer science.
Recognized globally, Prof. Jhanjhi has been ranked among the world’s top 2% research scientists for three consecutive years (2022, 2023,2024, and 2025). In Malaysia, he is ranked the No. 1 Best Computer Science researcher (AD Scientific Index) and was honored with the Outstanding Faculty Member award by MDEC Malaysia in 2022, as well as the Vice Chancellor’s Best Research Citations Award from Taylor’s University in 2023.
His impressive academic portfolio includes over 80 research books edited or authored with prestigious publishers such as Springer, Elsevier, Taylor & Francis, Wiley, IET, Bentahm, CRC, and IGI Global USA. His research has garnered more than 1000 points in impact factor, reflecting the depth and breadth of his contributions to the field. A dedicated mentor, Prof. Jhanjhi has supervised and co-supervised 45 postgraduate students to successful graduation and has served as an external examiner for over 70 Ph.D. and Master’s theses globally.
In addition to his academic accomplishments, Prof. Jhanjhi holds Editor in Chief, Associate Editor and EAB positions with several high-ranking journals, including PeerJ Computer Science, CMC Computers, Materials & Continua, and Frontiers in Communication and Networks. He was also recognized as an Outstanding Associate Editor for IEEE ACCESS. His contributions to research and innovation are further demonstrated by his successful management of approx. 40
A sought-after keynote speaker, Prof. Jhanjhi has delivered over 90 invited Keynote talks at international conferences and has chaired numerous conferences and sessions. His commitment to academic excellence and accreditation extends to his involvement with ABET, NCAAA, and NCEAC over the past decade.
Recognized globally, Prof. Jhanjhi has been ranked among the world’s top 2% research scientists for three consecutive years (2022, 2023,2024, and 2025). In Malaysia, he is ranked the No. 1 Best Computer Science researcher (AD Scientific Index) and was honored with the Outstanding Faculty Member award by MDEC Malaysia in 2022, as well as the Vice Chancellor’s Best Research Citations Award from Taylor’s University in 2023.
His impressive academic portfolio includes over 80 research books edited or authored with prestigious publishers such as Springer, Elsevier, Taylor & Francis, Wiley, IET, Bentahm, CRC, and IGI Global USA. His research has garnered more than 1000 points in impact factor, reflecting the depth and breadth of his contributions to the field. A dedicated mentor, Prof. Jhanjhi has supervised and co-supervised 45 postgraduate students to successful graduation and has served as an external examiner for over 70 Ph.D. and Master’s theses globally.
In addition to his academic accomplishments, Prof. Jhanjhi holds Editor in Chief, Associate Editor and EAB positions with several high-ranking journals, including PeerJ Computer Science, CMC Computers, Materials & Continua, and Frontiers in Communication and Networks. He was also recognized as an Outstanding Associate Editor for IEEE ACCESS. His contributions to research and innovation are further demonstrated by his successful management of approx. 40
A sought-after keynote speaker, Prof. Jhanjhi has delivered over 90 invited Keynote talks at international conferences and has chaired numerous conferences and sessions. His commitment to academic excellence and accreditation extends to his involvement with ABET, NCAAA, and NCEAC over the past decade.
