May 12, 2025

KFUPM Hosts a Memorable Closing for APhO 2025

King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) concluded its role as host and partner of the 25th Asian Physics Olympiad (APhO) on Sunday, May 11, 2025, with a formal closing ceremony held at the university’s main theater. Over the course of nine days, 240 exceptional students from 30 countries participated in rigorous theoretical and experimental physics challenges across KFUPM’s academic spaces.

As part of its commitment to nurturing scientific talent, KFUPM awarded full scholarships to the top three winners of the competition. The university also welcomed all Olympiad participants for a special visit on Saturday, May 10, during which they toured the campus, explored its research and innovation facilities, and met with University President Dr. Muhammad Al-Saggaf.

The closing ceremony was attended by His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Naif, Governor of the Eastern Province, His Excellency Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan, KFUPM President Dr. Muhammad Al-Saggaf, and Chairman of the Mawhiba Foundation Mr. Suleiman Al-Zaben. In his remarks, Dr. Khalid Al-Sharif, Acting Secretary-General of Mawhiba, emphasized that hosting this prestigious event reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing presence in the global scientific community.

Asian Physics Olympiad President Mr. Kwek Leong Chuan of Singapore expressed appreciation for the university’s hospitality and described the experience as both memorable and professionally enriching for students and mentors alike.

The ceremony featured a cultural performance highlighting the Kingdom’s regional diversity through music, traditional dress, and folkloric dance. It concluded with the recognition of all participants, the awarding of medals, and the ceremonial handover of the APhO flag to next year’s host country, South Korea.

By serving as the venue for this international gathering of young physicists, KFUPM reaffirmed its role as a center for global scientific exchange and a gateway for promising students to pursue academic excellence in Saudi Arabia.