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RIYADH, 3 July 2005 — One of the most prestigious American universities, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), has given two awards to a Saudi student who is currently studying for a double bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering/computer science and management science. An MIT selection panel of professors and industry leaders were unanimous in their choice of Abdul Rahman Tarabzouni for the MIT-Arab Students Association (MIT-ASO) Undergraduate Student Award. In addition, he was offered a seat on Microsoft’s “Board of the Future.” Tarabzouni is a protege of Saudi Aramco’s College Degree Program for Non-Employees (CDPNE). He was chosen in 2002 as the most gifted student in the Kingdom at the King Fahd University for Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM). “Abdul Rahman impressed the jury with his significant achievements at such a young age as well as the energy and drive that is shown by his past and current endeavors,” said Adel Belcaid, president of MIT-ASO. Tarabzouni himself said, “What matters is neither the pride nor the honor that accompanies the award, it is the recognition for the work itself and the passion that fuels it for a better future for my homeland.” He described the award as a manifestation of devotion to advancement in science and technology. “For many centuries,” he said, “Arabs were early leaders in science and their innovations were springboards for what came be to be known as modern science.” Tarabzouni is also enthusiastic about the Microsoft appointment. “The Board of the Future is composed of official advisers to Microsoft,” he said. The board has only 12 members who are selected from around the world. Tarabzouni’s achievements have been driven by his desire to return to Saudi Arabia to “bring back to life our lost heritage in the world of science and technology.” He believes that in order to do that, the Kingdom needs a pool of high-caliber Saudis who will encourage others to excel in science and technology. “I owe my success to my family, especially the support and encouragement of my mother,” Tarabzouni said. “I started very young and have taken all opportunities to work alongside people who have become my mentors and to whom I owe a great deal.” Tarabzouni was admitted to MIT on the strength of a brilliant academic record that saw him recruited by Saudi Aramco as the youngest member of its think-tank. He led a team of gifted students under Aramco’s Innovation Year Program for 2002. He was also nominated to represent the Kingdom in its first-ever participation in the International Informatics Olympiads 2003. |
