On Sunday, the 20th of August 2023, a groundbreaking initiative was launched in Alexandria (Egypt) - a skill enhancement programme focused on the digitalization of supply chain management. The idea for this initiative was born through the partners' collaboration at the third Steering Committee meeting of the YEP MED project in Aqaba, Jordan during which all partners brainstormed different ideas to further add value to the project and its activities. At the time, the Arab Academy for Science Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) in Egypt and the Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC) in Jordan showed interest in working together on a joint programme to give a group of new young trainees a chance to travel to Alexandria (Egypt), meet each other and further benefit from the training actions through cultural endeavours and networking opportunities. This then morphed into the Skills Enhancement Training Programme. 

The six-days programme, organised by the Arab Academy for Science Technology and Maritime Transport in cooperation with Aqaba Development Cooperation and Damietta Port Authority, is designed to equip trainees with advanced knowledge and practical skills needed to effectively navigate the dynamic environment of supply chain management in the digital era. The programme was organised as a part of the YEP MED project training activities.

Alongside the intensive course, social and cultural activities have been organised to provide a well-rounded experience for the 15 trainees to witness the rich historical and cultural beauty of Alexandria and Cairo, two of Egypt’s vibrant cities. 8 of the trainees came from Damietta (Egypt), and 7 came from Aqaba (Jordan). 

The welcome ceremony included two speeches made by  Prof. Akram Soliman Elselmy, Dean of College of Engineering and Technology and  YEP MED project manager, and Prof Alaa M. Morsy, Dean of Port Training Institute and YEP MED project coordinator. The first day included a tour at AASTMT main campus, where students could visit the famous AASTMT Auditorium, Simulation complex, Maritime Safety Institute. The visits ended with a technical tour at the College of Engineering and Technology where all the lecturers took place.  

The first lecture was made by Dr. Omnia Darwesh, the Director of the Sustainable Development Department at AASTMT about "Sustainable Development and Technology". The second lecture was provided by Prof. Akram Soliman Elselmy and focused on the importance of digitalization from the Word Port Sustainability Programme's (WPSP) perspective.  

Then, in the afternoon, the trainees attended a concert at Said Darwesh Theatre (Alexandria Opera House).

The programme continued for 6 days and included theoretical lectures and field visits as well.