ISLAMABAD, Sep 09 (Alliance News):In an extraordinary display of global unity and technological ambition, 175 students from 15 diverse nations convened for the 2023 edition of Huawei’s Seeds for the Future program and they unanimously hailed the program as exceptional, emphasizing the invaluable knowledge they acquired.
This knowledge-based event marked the convergence of students from the Middle East and Central Asia (ME & CA) in Qatar, where they immersed themselves in a cutting-edge learning experience.
The Seeds for the Future program, a flagship global Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative by Huawei, aims to nurture local ICT talent, facilitate cross-cultural communication, and propel technological innovation. This year’s edition witnessed an impressive gathering of students from universities representing Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Oman, Uzbekistan, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Azerbaijan, Mongolia, and Kyrgyzstan.
The first phase of the program, from September 2-September 9, featured a myriad of activities including immersive sessions and roundtables, on the latest ICT technologies, discussions on scientific and technological leadership, and ‘Tech4Good’ group projects. Through these endeavors, participants delved deeper into subjects such as 5G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and cloud technologies, augmenting their competitiveness in the ever-evolving market and laying a robust foundation for future growth.
Eight exceptional teams, comprising 40 students, will now advance to the second phase of the Tech4Good program, scheduled to take place in Dubai, UAE. The winners of this phase will earn the prestigious opportunity to compete in the final global competition in China, where they will face off against teams from around the world.
The opening ceremony of this grand event was attended by notable figures such as Jawad Abbassi, Head of GSMA, MENA, and Omar Abdulaziz al-Naama, Qatar’s Assistant Undersecretary for Private Education Affairs. Distinguished individuals, including Shunli Wang, Vice President of Huawei Middle East and Central Asia, and Reem Abdulaziz al-Mugbel, Acting Vice Governor for Planning & Business Development at the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation in Saudi Arabia, graced the occasion with their inspiring keynote speeches.
Shunli Wang expressed Huawei’s commitment to bridging the global talent gap through initiatives like Seeds for the Future, emphasizing its role in inspiring young talent to shape their countries’ futures.
Beyond the realms of intensive training and technological immersion, the students had a unique opportunity to celebrate the diversity of their cultures at the Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum’s Global Village event. Here, they artfully showcased their traditions and heritage, fostering an environment of camaraderie and mutual appreciation.
Moreover, a stimulating roundtable session, titled “Embracing the 5.5G World: Unleashing Innovative & Sustainable Growth in the MECA Region,” provided the students with valuable insights into modern IT technology and the integration of 5.5G technology. Distinguished speakers emphasized the significance of staying at the forefront of technological advancements to foster sustainable digital economic growth.
Otabek, a student hailing from Uzbekistan, enthusiastically expressed his belief in the transformative power of the Seeds for the Future Project. He emphasized how this opportunity serves as a vital pathway for young individuals like himself, offering a platform to acquire knowledge, foster innovation, and tackle real-world challenges. Otabek emphasized that it is an excellent chance to discover one’s unique place in the world, delve deeper into your chosen field, and shape a promising future. In every sense, it’s an outstanding opportunity, he added.
Aiza, a Pakistani student, shared her perspective on the Seeds for the Future Program, highlighting its immense value for young participants. She pointed out that this program provides a significant opportunity for personal and professional growth in the IT sector, offering a platform to learn from industry experts.
Aiza stated, “This program is a remarkable opportunity, especially for aspiring youth, enabling us to groom ourselves in the dynamic IT landscape and gain insights from renowned experts.”
Mohammad Abdullah, representing Oman, radiated excitement as he discussed his participation in the Huawei Seeds for the Future program in Qatar. He underscored the program’s potential to equip students with a diverse skill set in ICT, including cutting-edge technologies like 5G and cloud computing.
Mohammad Abdullah exclaimed, “We are thrilled to be part of this Huawei competition in Qatar, where we have the incredible chance to acquire a wide range of skills in ICT, including 5G and cloud technology, among others.”
Faraz, a dedicated student from Qatar, shared his anticipation for the Seeds for Future Program, emphasizing its significance as his inaugural experience in a competition of such magnitude. He eagerly looked forward to expanding his knowledge about upcoming technologies during the program.
Faraz enthusiastically remarked, “The Seeds for Future Program is an exciting opportunity for me, being my first participation in a competition of this scale.”
Beyond their intellectual pursuits, these international students had the chance to explore Qatar’s rich culture and history during a visit to the National Museum of Qatar, organized by the Qatar Tourism Authority.
The 2023 edition of Huawei’s Seeds for the Future program stands as a testament to the power of education, technology, and cultural exchange in shaping the leaders and innovators of tomorrow while fostering global unity and cooperation in the field of ICT.