JEDDAH: Effat University inaugurated the first engineering department for women in Saudi Arabia, and continues to qualify tomorrow’s leaders in technical fields such as computer science, electrical technology and information technology.

Siemens, a long-term partner committed to the continuous development of Saudi Arabia, is active in the Kingdom for more than 85 years. This commitment is rooted in an unwavering passion for engineering excellence, quality, innovation and responsibility.

Siemens and Effat celebrated another milestone in their young and growing partnership through the second ‘Siemens Day @ Effat,’ which was held on the university’s campus.

Professor Rainer Speh, chief technology officer of Siemens in Saudi Arabia, conducted the first innovation workshop with 35 students earlier this year.

Branded as the Siemens Day @ Effat, the event was themed — How would you like to live in the year 2030? — generated much discussion, excitement and some very interesting ideas. One student commented at the end, “We are looking forward to another Siemens visit. My fellow students and I are still discussing what the world will be like in the future.”

The student’s wish was fulfilled with the second Siemens Day @ Effat, held over two days in Jeddah. The high level of interest was confirmed when more than 70 students arrived to participate in the program.

Arja Talakar, CEO of Siemens in Saudi Arabia, emphasized the importance of the relationship between Siemens and Effat and elaborated on Siemens’ keen interest to work with the university, not only in curriculum development but also in areas of research, development and innovation.

Effat University President Haifa Jamal Al-Lail said: "At Effat University, we strive to provide our students with excellent education quality and we prepare them to compete not only at the national, but also at the international level. We are very proud of our collaboration with Siemens, which gives our students the best opportunities to learn and provide them with a valuable experience that will equip the students to be leaders in their careers.”

The students were challenged with a set of questions aimed at broadening their perspectives and paradigms. “Siemens made us feel like responsible citizens that can give back to the community through the tools gained in the workshop,” commented one student.

Professor Speh, in expressing his delight at working with the next generation of leaders, said: “I am impressed with the level of engagement and commitment among the students. They are responsive and proactive and want to shape a better world. Some good and innovative ideas came through in the discussions.”

This sentiment was echoed by Effat University Ambassador and Human Resources Project Manager at Siemens in Saudi Arabia Dana Juffali, who said: “Our relationships with universities are pivotal in breeding innovation and addressing the complex challenges of our time.

“We shall therefore continue to work with Effat University and strengthen our collaboration in the interests of both partners. We have moved beyond career days to discover and further explore the value propositions embedded in meaningful collaboration with institutions such as Effat,” Juffali added.

This summer, Siemens recruited interns from Effat’s computer engineering and IT departments. The next intake will include students from the electrical engineering department and will cover placements across the Kingdom.

Andrea Taguibao, assistant professor and director of the enhancement center at Effat University, stated: “Effat University is not a stranger to partnering with industry leaders such as Siemens. Our long-term relationship with Siemens encourages our students to learn more and grow in their careers and we will continue this successful collaboration to deliver a world-class educational experience.”

Following Juffali’s presentation about Siemens’ business activities and strategy (Vision 2020), Professor Speh introduced the theme of the second Siemens Day @ Effat entitled "How to make the Kingdom cleaner and greener."

His presentation highlighted several aspects of the global "green" agenda with reference to resource and waste management as well as energy efficiency. The impact of megatrends such as climate change, demographic change, urbanization and digitalization were explained within the context of the opportunities and challenges that they presented to the world and to Saudi Arabia.

The highlight of the workshop was when the students were divided into teams and challenged to identify and present their green solutions, supported by basic business cases, within their environments. In the end, team Eco-Switch emerged as the winner with its waste management solution for households and was rewarded with electronic tablets.

The team’s solution applied a closed-cycle system to manage water and waste. The team was particularly recognized for their innovative approach and good business case, which was supported by data and examples. The team members included Hajer Aloufi, Reham Yousef, Hanan Al-Tukhaifi, Rawan Reda and Al-Hanouf Al-Thunayan. Team Infinity and Beyond, and Green Warriors occupied the second and third positions respectively.

Effat University, which is committed to excellence and life-long learning, encourages collaboration that inspires new ways of learning to maximize educational experiences and enable students to mature to well-rounded, competent and articulate citizens and leaders. Furthermore, the university understands and responds to the imperatives for partnerships and research in delivering world-class education.

Siemens continuously cultivates relationships with universities across the world, including Saudi Arabia. The company’s partnership with Effat University — outlined in a memorandum of understanding that was signed in March 2015 — has already produced several initiatives and continues to offer promising opportunities that are of mutual interest and benefit.

For example, the university is currently developing an energy engineering academic stream and a collaboration of this nature provides the opportunity to tap into Siemens’ global experience and know-how in shaping a world-class curriculum.

Siemens in Saudi Arabia is a “proud corporate citizen” and the company’s partnership with Effat University is another milestone in developing local capabilities and skills to address the Kingdom’s priorities.

In addition, Siemens’ knowledge transfer, internships and curriculum development support are a true testament to a mutually beneficial relationship and, together with its shareholder and partner, E.A. Juffali and Brothers, the company is stated to be committed to shaping a world-class curriculum at Effat University.