Ashwaq Alhargan
Riyadh,,Saudi Arabia
Summary
Over 15 years of experience in AI project development. As Director of the AI Business Centre at SEU, designed solutions that improved management decision-making and operational performance through process automation. Expertise in strategic and operational planning for AI digital transformation projects, with a focus on emerging technologies. Holds a PhD in Artificial Intelligence and serves as an assistant professor at the College of Computing and Informatics at SEU, with published research in high-impact conferences.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
2020
2020
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Assistant professor
SAUDI ELECTRONIC UNIVERSITY
Riyadh, KSA
07.2019 - Current
- Coordinated the Master of Data Science programme at CUSG.
- Delivered courses in Python programming, machine learning, deep learning, and data visualisation.
- Led a project on blood cancer detection using computer vision in 2022.
- Conducted Saudi case study on evaluating vision transformers and pre-trained CNN learning algorithms for breast cancer classification in 2023.
- Developed an enhanced zero-shot question answering system in the Arabic language with a fine-tuned AraGPT model in 2024.
- Implemented an explainable AI-driven approach using ensemble learning for insider threat detection in 2025.
- Published multiple research papers in top-tier academic journals.
Director of Artificial Intelligence Centre
SAUDI ELECTRONIC UNIVERSITY
Riyadh, KSA
03.2021 - 08.2022
- Participated in SEU AI strategic planning to align initiatives with organisational goals.
- Designed and executed SEU AI initiatives, driving innovation and efficiency.
- Monitored workflows, established measures, and tracked KPIs for performance assessment.
- Managed cross-functional teams to enhance collaboration and project outcomes.
- Established partnerships with global potential partners to expand opportunities.
- Evaluated local partnership requests, reviewed agreements, and followed up on proposals.
- Designed AI-based solutions for public sector clients to improve decision-making and operational performance.
PhD Researcher
UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
Birmingham, UK
02.2014 - 07.2019
- Conducted research on designing interactive intelligent systems using rigorous methodologies.
- Communicated findings through effective data visualisation techniques.
- Managed large statistical datasets to ensure accuracy and reliability.
- Facilitated monthly lab seminars to promote knowledge sharing among researchers.
AI Tech Lead (Part-time)
HYPERER
Leicester, UK
03.2016 - 03.2017
- Developed innovative speed detection system specifically for autonomous vehicles.
- Applied advanced AI technologies to resolve complex computational challenges.
- Trained and optimised machine learning models to enhance accuracy and reliability.
Teaching assistant
UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
BIRMINGHAM, UK
09.2014 - 05.2015
Researcher
KACST
Riyadh, KSA
08.2010 - 01.2014
- Prepared concise summaries of academic literature to support research initiatives.
- Planned research activities aimed at developing new products and applications.
Education
Artificial Intelligence Strategy
University of California
California, USA12.2020
Doctor of Philosophy - Artificial Intelligence
UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
Birmingham, UK2019
Master of Science - Advanced Computer Science (Distinction)
UNIVERSITY OF LIECESTER
Leicester, UK2013
Bachelor of Science - Information Technology
KING SAUD UNIVERSITY
Riyadh, KSA2010
Certification
- AI Solution Product Management - 2023
- Entrepreneurship Centre Management - 2021
- IBM Artificial Intelligence Analyst Mastery Badge - 2020
Awards
- Excellence in scientific research award from the Saudi Cultural Bureau in London.
Delivered workshops
- Building AI business strategy - 2021 - Thakaa centre.
- Emerging technology trends in e-commerce, E-commerce hackathon -2022, Riyadh.
- Introduction to augmented reality, AR challenge -2022, Riyadh.
- Building automatic speech recognition system, 2020, Riyadh.
Volunteer Work
- AI consultant for start-ups and SMEs at Thakaa center (monsha'at) - 2022.
- Emerging technology adviser for the Attaa Digital initiative (Ministry of Communications and Technology) - 2021.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Director of Artificial Intelligence Centre
SAUDI ELECTRONIC UNIVERSITY
03.2021 - 08.2022
Assistant professor
SAUDI ELECTRONIC UNIVERSITY
07.2019 - Current
AI Tech Lead (Part-time)
HYPERER
03.2016 - 03.2017
Teaching assistant
UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
09.2014 - 05.2015
PhD Researcher
UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
02.2014 - 07.2019
Researcher
KACST
08.2010 - 01.2014
Artificial Intelligence Strategy
University of California
Doctor of Philosophy - Artificial Intelligence
UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
Master of Science - Advanced Computer Science (Distinction)
UNIVERSITY OF LIECESTER
Bachelor of Science - Information Technology
KING SAUD UNIVERSITY
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