KFUPM Rector, Dr. Sahel N. Abduljauwad, received on Tuesday 29 January 2019, the committee of industry and energy of Asharqia Chamber.
The visit discussed ways of cooperation and enhancing KFUPM partnership with the industrial sector through the manufacture of industrial products that can be used in the Kingdom as well as compete with international products. It also discussed the possibility of investing patents and commercialization to localize technology, which is one of the most important goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
During the meeting convened with the committee in building 20 and attended by a number of KFUPM officials, Dr. Sahel Abduljauwad said that the field of energy is one of the University's top priorities also noting that KFUPM has many research projects and partnerships with institutions inside and outside the Kingdom in this field. KFUPM also owns Dhahran Techno Valley (DTV), the world's largest energy research gathering.
Dr. Sahel Abduljauwad added that KFUPM academic programs are characterized by their international accreditation. In addition, scientific research output and entrepreneurship results in commercialization of patents as well as localization of technology.
Indeed, KFUPM is proud of its output; its graduates efficiency in the labor market and possession the knowledge in their fields, in addition to human skills and values within an integrated system called the "KFUPM experience system" that shapes graduates’ personalities and makes them distinct.
Dr. Ahmed Al-Ojairi, Dean of Student Affairs gave a brief presentation about KFUPM including its history, development and achievements in the fields of education, scientific research and community service. The presentation addressed the university’s academic programs, KFUPM experience, student exchange and entrepreneurship programs, in addition to scientific research and patents as well as the achievements of the university and its students at the regional and international levels.
The program also included a visit to the Research Institute where the delegation listened to a presentation of its research activities and projects carried out by the Institute for external parties. An overview of the research excellence centers was also presented. The Research Institute includes the center of research excellence in petroleum refining and petrochemicals, center of research excellence in corrosion, center of research excellence in renewable energy, and center of research excellence in nanotechnology.
During the visit, the delegation was briefed on Dhahran Techno Valley and its qualitative shift. KFUPM is endeavoring to make DTV the largest center for energy research in the world by hosting many companies. In addition, DVT markets KFUPM patents and transforms them into commercialized products that can enhance technology and achieve national development.
At the end of the visit the delegation praised KFUPM’s capabilities, facilities and leadership role in the Kingdom.