GE nurtures STEM skills of 100 university students in Saudi Arabia with energy transition challenge
Riyadh: Gulf Tech News
Two-day ‘STEM Future GEnerations’ program was hosted by GE in partnership with ‘The Stage’ to build local talent and inspire creativity and innovation in the energy transition field
To empower the next generation of youth in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to scale up their skills in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, GE (NYSE:GE), in partnership with ‘The Stage’, hosted a two-day ‘STEM Future GEnerations’ program for more than 100 university students in Riyadh.
During the two-day event, GE provided an immersive, scientific experience for 50 students each day in line with its vision to nurture a generation capable of delivering impactful solutions to address real-world challenges. Reflecting GE’s strong commitment to building local talent, the program engaged students in critical thinking and problem-solving modules to develop innovative solutions to an energy transition challenge.
The ‘STEM Future GEnerations’ program, which was held successfully for the first time last year, encouraged students from multiple universities across Riyadh to explore the potential of STEM in shaping a sustainable future. Sharing real-world examples of innovation and technological advancement, senior GE leaders and volunteers provided mentorship and guidance to support the teams in solving an energy transition challenge. The students also expanded their knowledge and skills through participation in interactive workshops, hands-on projects, and discussions led by industry experts including GE’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Roger Martella.
Reinforcing GE’s continued support for diversity and future female leadership in STEM fields in the region, Hisham Al Bahkali, President, GE Saudi Arabia, said: “The ’STEM Future GEnerations’ program is a testament to GE’s real investments in strengthening the local ecosystem and fostering a culture of innovation in Saudi Arabia. We are delighted to partner with ‘The Stage,’ which shares our vision of equipping a new generation of critical thinkers and problem solvers with the core competencies to drive a better collective future. Building the capacity and knowledge of the youth also aligns with the objectives of the bold and ambitious Saudi Vision 2030.”
Mohammed Almousa, the CEO of The Stage, said: “As part of our vision to create a stimulating space for vibrant communities across Saudi Arabia to connect and create new experiences, we were delighted to host the ’STEM Future GEnerations’ program for more than 100 university students from Riyadh. The partnership with GE was an opportunity to provide an enabling environment for students to showcase their skills and build their knowledge of rigorous scientific principles through hands-on activities as part of the energy transition challenge.”
Sultan Albalawi, HR Director, GE Vernova MENAT, said: “As passionate innovators, GE believes in the power of technology to build a world that works, and to drive climate action and sustainable development. Today, more numbers of students are specializing in STEM fields in Saudi Arabia and given GE’s legacy in the Kingdom, we remain committed to nurturing their creativity and to encourage lifelong skills such as active learning and resilience. Hosting GE’s second STEM program in Riyadh has enabled university students in the capital to build on the 21st century skills that will be pivotal in building thriving careers as they enter the workplace.”
During the two-day program, the students were divided into teams and their skills and abilities were put to the test with a challenge rooted in real-world energy issues. The innovative solutions were evaluated by a panel of judges including senior GE leadership from across industries. The winning teams were awarded mentorship opportunities upon the conclusion of the program.
As an organization committed to making continued investments to advance science and create a better future for all, GE believes that equipping the next generation with STEM skills will be critical in solving climate change and addressing the energy transition needs of countries worldwide.
