Microsoft Arabia and Saudi Hollandi Bank (SHB) are partnering for the fourth straight year to offer programs strategically aimed at sparking student interest in technology and the realization of their own potential in developing new ways of implementing it.

During a meeting at the headquarters of Microsoft Arabia between Samir Noman, president of Microsoft Arabia, and Majid Ghanimi, chief of technology services at Saudi Hollandi Bank (SHB), the two sides revealed the launch of programs and competitions for the 2015 schedule including the Imagine Cup, which is the world’s premier student technology competition that provides an opportunity for students and aspiring entrepreneurs to collaborate, develop a technology application, create a business plan and gain a keen understanding of what is needed to bring a concept to market.

Over the years the competition has managed to emphasize its role as an attractive environment for the brightest minds and talents that are able to invent new eligible solutions to create a positive change in our lifestyle, work and entertainment methods, in addition to its role in the development of qualified skills for the job market in the field of technology in the future.

Mohamed Al-Mons, head of marketing and corporate communication at Saudi Hollandi Bank, stated: "The bank's commitment to its partnership in supporting these initiatives comes from a deep awareness of its role as an integral and influential part in Saudi society, which motivates SHB to go beyond the limits of its banking and financial activities and actively support initiatives that aim to unleash the creativity and innovation of young people in Saudi Arabia. This is embodied in our strong partnership with Microsoft and what it has brought to the country through academic programs and cooperation oriented support for entrepreneurs, and we look forward to making a tangible mark on the diversification and enrichment of the Kingdom’s economy.”