The Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) was the gold sponsor of the Fourth International Exhibition and Conference on Higher Education held in Riyadh recently.

Higher Education Minister Khaled Al-Anqari inaugurated the event.

In a keynote address, Mohamed Al-Mady, SABIC vice chairman and CEO, said SABIC believes education is a key element in driving economies, motivating innovation, and growing communities.

Thus, he said education is truly embedded in the company’s corporate social responsibility strategy to build collaborative relationships with the academic community and tap into local talent.

Addressing academic luminaries and education officials, Al-Mady cited the SABIC scholarship program as an example of the company’s goal of attracting outstanding students.

The program targets Saudi nationals who wish to specialize in certain fields of study as specified by SABIC each year.

“The philosophy that drives SABIC’s scholarship program and its success is one I am very proud of. It is one shining example of corporate social responsibility within SABIC and the Kingdom,” he said.

At the same time, he said, graduating from the university and then transitioning to a job should not be the end of one’s education. “We feel very strongly about the need for continuous education at SABIC,” said the CEO. “It is part of a culture of learning in our company,” he said.

He added: “We want to develop the knowledge and ideas that help our stakeholders achieve their ambitions, and enable them to change the world for good.”

He said the SABIC Academy in Riyadh is the company’s global center of learning, where “we advance our knowledge, share expertise and develop our people into outstanding performers.”

On SABIC’s collaboration with universities, Al-Mady said, “My company spends significant time and effort partnering with universities providing the means and support for Saudi students looking for educational opportunities at home and abroad. It is part of our ongoing effort to invest in the future of our country.”