GPCA joins hands with nine member companies to empower next generation of industry leaders in the Arabian Gulf region
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 12 March 2019 – The 10th edition of the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA)’s Leaders of Tomorrow program, powered by SABIC and Saudi Aramco, and hosted by Research & Development Center of Saudi Aramco, is taking place today, 12 March, at Saudi Aramco’s Technical Exchange Center (TEC) in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.
In line with its objective to empower the next generation of chemical industry leaders, GPCA joined hands with nine member companies, sponsoring 61 students from top universities in the GCC to participate in the program and provide an opportunity to learn about the industry and develop the skillset required to start a career in chemistry or other allied industries.
Held as part of the 6th GPCA Research and Innovation Summit, the seminar focuses on the theme ‘R&I in the Digital Age’ and aims to enable knowledge transfer and “future proof” skills building among students engaged in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) by capturing the experience of senior industry leaders and equipping participants with the knowledge needed to stay abreast of the latest industry trends.
The seminar will begin with a presentation on the petrochemical industry’s challenges and opportunities by Dr. Fahad Al-Sherehy, VP – Technology & Innovation, SABIC, followed by Dr. Salman Fahad Alajmi, Head of Mega Projects and Research and Technology Division, Petrochemical Industries Company (PIC), who will present on how the industry can ride the wave of change. Dr. Elie Fayad, Honeywell UOP Manager, Research & Development, based in Dhahran Techno Valley (DTV), will provide students with insight into building a successful career in the R&I industry.
As part of the program, students will attend a site visit to Saudi Aramco’s Research and Development Center to learn about the cutting-edge technologies and innovations developed by one of the world’s leading energy companies and take part in an industry challenge workshop that will see the best team win an award. Leaders of Tomorrow will conclude with a visit to Ithra – King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, developed by Saudi Aramco and inaugurated by King Salman bin Abdulaziz in 2017.
Dr. Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, Secretary General, GPCA, commented, “Research and innovation have been the driving engine behind the success and rapid growth of the chemical industry since its inception, a trend that is set to continue for decades to come. Today more than ever we need to empower the young generation with the right skillset required to redefine and lead the next wave of chemical discoveries and technological breakthroughs.”
He added, “To stay competitive in this rapidly changing and disruptive world, we need to prepare our youth for jobs that are yet to be created, challenges that are yet to be faced, and technologies that are yet to be invented. Programs like Leaders of Tomorrow are instrumental for developing the competencies of tomorrow and underscores GPCA’s commitment towards ensuring a steady flow of talent into the regional chemical industry and bridging the gap between industry and academia.”