Muscat – An artificial intelligence project developed by Omani student Ayah Hamid Al Kendi has been selected among the top 13 projects worldwide at the 67th London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF), highlighting the sultanate’s growing presence in global scientific innovation.

Being held from July 19 to August 1, the forum brings together outstanding young researchers and students from around the world to showcase innovations in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Represented by the Research and Innovation Authority, Oman is participating in this year’s forum with ten research projects selected from 738 submissions. Ayah’s project, Sentinel, was the only Omani entry to be shortlisted among the forum’s elite global projects.

A second-year computer science student specialising in AI at Gulf College, Ayah developed Sentinel to help financial institutions combat money laundering and other financial crimes using AI.

The system analyses financial data to detect suspicious transaction patterns, identify hidden criminal networks and assess potential risks more quickly than conventional anti-money laundering systems.

“Project Sentinel began as a research concept and gradually evolved into a fully documented proposal and research dossier,” Ayah told Muscat Daily.

She said the project addresses three major challenges facing existing anti-money laundering systems: high false-positive rates that slow investigations, criminal networks operating across multiple financial institutions, and restrictions on data sharing between banks.

To overcome these challenges, Sentinel combines behavioural fingerprinting, graph neural networks and federated learning, enabling institutions to detect suspicious activity while protecting customer privacy.

“Raw customer data never leaves the bank’s infrastructure. Only the mathematical insights generated by the AI model are shared,” she explained.

Ayah said being selected among the world’s top projects demonstrates the ability of young Omani innovators to develop technological solutions with global relevance.

“I am proud to represent Oman on this international platform. This recognition reflects the potential of Omani youth to contribute innovative solutions in critical sectors such as financial security and financial technology,” she said.

Established in 1959, LIYSF is regarded as one of the world’s leading platforms for young scientists, offering participants opportunities to present research, exchange ideas and engage with leading academics and industry experts.