During the Sharjah Maritime Academy (SMA) symposium, “Higher Ed AI & Digital Transformation,” Educhain, Canadian blockchain digital credential solutions provider, presented their Blockchain credential solution announcing their partnership with Sharjah Maritime Academy.

As part of its commitment to digital transformation, Sharjah Maritime Academy has partnered with Educhain to implement secure digital credentialing, ensuring that students can access, share, and verify their academic records seamlessly. The academy is also preparing to introduce micro-credentials, allowing students to receive verifiable certifications for specialized skills and achievements, further enhancing their employability.

The event highlighted how institutions are leveraging AI-driven automation, predictive analytics, and blockchain technology to streamline academic operations and enhance learning experiences.

The symposium featured prominent speakers, including Dr. Hamad Odhabi, Vice Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University; Amina Abdulrahim, Executive Director of ICT & IT Security at American University of Sharjah; Dr. Nadia Alqabanji, IT Director at Zayed University; and Inas Abou Sharkh, Director of IT at Ajman University. They shared insights on how AI is transforming student engagement, academic decision-making, and institutional efficiency. A key theme throughout the discussions was that incorporating digital technologies is no longer an option but a necessity for universities seeking long-term growth and relevance.

Among the key technology innovators featured at the symposium, Educhain presented its blockchain-powered credentialing solutions, demonstrating how universities worldwide are leveraging its technology to issue secure, verifiable digital documents.

Rahil Ahmed, VP of Sales at Educhain, highlighted how top universities in the region are already utilizing Educhain’s platform to issue tamper-proof degrees, transcripts, student ID cards, and micro-credentials. “Academic credentials must evolve to be more secure, efficient, and accessible. With blockchain, institutions can issue verifiable digital records that students own, eliminating the risk of document fraud while streamlining verification processes for employers and universities worldwide,” said Rahil Ahmed.

Educhain’s blockchain-backed infrastructure ensures that academic documents are tamper-proof and instantly verifiable, eliminating manual validation bottlenecks and improving overall institutional efficiency.

Reflecting on the significance of the symposium and SMA’s digital initiatives, Muhammad Affan, IT Director at SMA and the event’s organizer, stated: “At Sharjah Maritime Academy, we recognize that AI and digital transformation are not just trends but fundamental shifts in how education must evolve. This symposium is a stepping stone toward integrating cutting-edge technologies that will shape the future of learning and academic administration.”