Education, reforming the economy and the onward march of Saudi youth are the three main concerns of Najeeb A. Alissa, a board member of Abdullatif Alissa Group and chairman of the board of National Automotive Co. (NATA).
Alissa belongs to a family of businessmen and the son of Abdullatif Alissa, who is known for his passion. It is this passion among businessmen of his ilk that has contributed to the growth of the economy, he says in an interview with Diana Al-Jassem of Arab News.
He believes that Saudi nationals have to develop their skills in education, build careers and aspire for high positions.
Alissa mentioned the importance of employing all young Saudis in positions that promise them long-term careers.
He stresses the importance of having expatriate workers in the Kingdom and says Saudis should work with them on development projects.
He also called on Saudi youth to learn from foreign experts, especially their advice on and skills in business, manufacturing, and trade. Alissa, who has become one of the nation’s leading names in the industry, has a special vision about the Kingdom’s future.
The following are excerpts from the interview:
Rapid change
What, in your opinion, are changes that will have a major impact on the lives of Saudis within the coming 20 years?
There is no doubt that the most crucial change will be in the area of education. For decades, our educational system has focused on ‘rote learning,’ which we all know is a basic memorization of information. Our students must be taught to use their critical thinking skills in order to face challenges of the real world. So I expect the Kingdom to have a special education system that can have a positive impact on the way of thinking of our young generation.
Role of leadership
What do you think of the leadership roles regarding organizations in the Kingdom? What are the factors/reasons for their current state?
I think leaders of organizations should try to look at themselves objectively. It is very easy to be judgmental of ourselves as well as others and overlook our own weaknesses. Some leaders tend to overlook the principles of Islam, such as humility, fairness, knowledge and integrity. Those of us who have attained positions of authority should certainly be concerned with the success of our organization but we should also examine our contributions to the community.
Challenging tasks
What are the most difficult decisions that need to be implemented in the Kingdom within the coming 20 years?
Reforming the ideology of economy. We may encounter global problems such as the collapse of the US economy and its currency (US dollar). A new financial system may emerge, the oil prices may as well unexpectedly change. The real problem is to establish a team to manage the future economy rather than only to enhance the current economic development.
Sustainable development
What goals would you set regarding the Kingdom’s development? And how would these goals be achievable through your current position?
I would like to see alternative energy projects, such as the development and usage of solar energy. Our geographic location and resources would guarantee success. Wastewater treatment plants would also have a huge impact in our region. As water is such a scarce commodity, we really need to invest in projects such as this. It would be a great relief to have safer streets and a better system of public transportation, too.
Creative project
Can you give me an example of the most creative project that you wish to launch in the Kingdom?
Personally, I hope we (in the automotive industry) can reach the stage of manufacturing cars in the Kingdom, and export to our neighbors in the region. To achieve this dream, we have to focus on technical training of young Saudis, which would decrease the number of unemployed Saudi nationals substantially and provide a big boost to our economy.
KSA in three words
What three words would you use to describe the Kingdom within the coming twenty years, and why these 3 words?
First description is ‘progressive’ with a focus on education and development of its citizens; the Kingdom will achieve its goals and be a leader in the region.
Second description is ‘peaceful’ by nurturing and embracing the values of Islam, we should be the center of Islamic activities and encourage others to follow the peaceful and moral practices, which are at the core of our religion. The third description could be ‘desire’ to promote tourism to ensure venues and activities that will attract citizens and others. Hence, we will ensure that both Saudis and non-Saudis would love to stay in the Kingdom not only for business but also for tourism.
Regarding Kingdom’s officials, what characteristics do you think are important for such individuals? How would such characteristics contribute toward the Kingdom’s further development?
Without an iota of doubt, integrity and accountability are the most important characteristics. If an official, or any person, has good character and is known for keeping his word, those who work for (or with) him are more apt to complete projects or duties in a professional manner. When ‘wasta’ or bribery comes into play, there is a sense of mistrust from all parties concerned. We have all seen the results of lack of accountability within the Kingdom. While some instances may seem relatively minor, others can, and have, resulted in the loss of life. If we reach the point where officials (and all citizens in positions of authority) are held to a higher level of accountability, the Kingdom will surely realize positive results.
Human rights
How can we all improve Human Rights in Saudi Arabia? What are your expectations regarding human rights practices within the coming twenty years?
I think the term ‘human rights’ has been used very loosely in many instances. It seems outsiders are most concerned over Saudi women’s Hijab (head scarf and abaya) and the issue of driving. While I don’t mean to imply that these issues are to be ignored, there are many pressing human rights issues that must be addressed within the coming few years. These issues include providing proper education for needy people; ensure good health care as well as employment. I believe that human rights are ensured in countries that implement the ‘The Preamble to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights States’ that recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, peace and justice in the world. However, most nations fall short in obtaining human rights standards. Further, if we all adhere to the teachings of Islam, there will be no need to question about human rights.
Biggest challenge
What is the biggest challenge facing the Kingdom today?
There are economic challenges facing Saudi Arabia including the guarantee of oil supplies, fluctuations in the oil market and power shortages in the neighboring developing countries. On the other hand, there is a challenge of keeping the balance between the religious values and cultural civilizational values. We have a big problem in recognizing and admitting the others points of view which we deal with fanatically when it comes to religious and social problems.
What are the most prominent economic activities in the Kingdom? What are the neglected sectors that need to be developed?
The most prominent economic area is the one belonging to petroleum industry. The second prominent economic activity is trade. The neglected sectors are numerous. They would include manufacturing, information technology, industry services plus small business development.
Housing growth
There is a huge demand for housing in the Kingdom because of rising young population. The government has also put an emphasis on this sector as it allocated SR250 billion in this budget for housing. Do you believe housing sector needs much attention from the government and private sector?
The housing sector requires more attention due to increasing demand. As you mentioned, our youth make up a large part of the population. Over the next decade or two, youth will become heads of households and will need to provide a home for their own families. A 20-year strategy (in five-year phases) must be set to secure housing availability. There must be a link between housing projects and business development projects, such as those present in the five economic cities. Moreover, the government must regulate the real estate business and financial institutions in regard to home mortgages and other real estate activities. Further, the government could allocate properties to be managed by the private sector.
Role of SMEs
There is a need to boost small business enterprises (SME) sector in the Kingdom as it creates various jobs. What role do you see for SMEs in the Kingdom’s economic development?
We are well aware that SMEs are key to the development of towns and cities around the globe. When we encourage the establishment of SMEs, we reduce the level of unemployed citizens as well as ensure that most of the benefits from such businesses remain in and reinvested within the Kingdom.
Knowledge hunt
Education is always a priority of the Saudi government. What changes do you envisage in the education system to fit Saudi youth in the knowledge-based economy?
We must design an educational matrix starting from preschools and develop new regulatory mandates for faculty selection as well as teaching techniques. Next, we should definitely implement smart classrooms. The old system of a teacher standing at the front of the class and instructing students to read from textbooks is quickly becoming a thing of the past. Our children are much more ‘visual’ individuals. They expect information to be quick and entertaining, so they tend to lose focus easily in what can now be termed a traditional classroom setting. Additionally, all colleges and universities should be under the umbrella of international accreditation. On another hand, vocational institutes must be regulated and evaluated to fulfill the Kingdom’s economic visions. Finally, there must be better collaboration between the industrial and education sectors through research and development programs, internships and knowledge sharing.
Fair opportunities
How do you see Saudi women’s contribution in the labor, social and political arenas within the coming twenty years?
I believe Saudi women have a great deal to contribute in all aspects. If we look at the number of female graduates over the past few decades, we will realize how informed and educated our women are. If we trust them to raise our children and oversee our households, why would we question their ability to make good decisions. Since the early days of Islam, women have played important roles in businesses and society. In our history, no one ever objected to the wife and mother who would farm and raise crops for the family to eat. It was not seen as demeaning for women to nurse those who were injured in battle. However, women must not allow themselves to be placed in situations where their character is questioned. Men also should treat women as mothers, sisters and daughters with big respect and gratitude.
What’s required in order for Saudi women to actualize your future vision?
Tolerance and patience are the main two requirements that Saudi women need. Women are eager to contribute their ideas toward the improvement of our society and become frustrated when they face obstacles. We must ensure that women have equal access to education and development opportunities. Those who seem so intent on preventing women expressing opinions outside their homes should look back at history. Where would we be without Um Al Muhminin Aisha’s (RA) contributions?
Saudi media
What measures and standards that are yet to be (and must be) applied to Saudi media?
In most Saudi media publications, reporters lack experience in terms of companies, factories and production laws. Such reporters tend to write many fake stories without understanding the danger they risk and the negative impact on the company itself. They unfortunately accuse companies without having any documentary proof. This should be corrected soon. We should have reporters who are more qualified to publish accurate information.
What are your expectations from Saudi media in the next twenty years? And what impact will social media have on change?
Social communication networks like Twitter, Facebook and Linked-in will result in a vast and important influence over the traditional media. In fact, the social communication networks’ impact has already taken place, and the people in charge have become aware of their liability as they moved on to solve problems. So we hope that this impact would be positive.
Learning from the past
What are three or four mistakes that have been repeated in the Kingdom during the past ten decades? And how we could eliminate these mistakes in order to further develop the Kingdom?
The private sector’s dependence on the governmental support to solve problems is the main repeated mistake over the past decade. We always dump our problems to the government, asking for quick intervention. This indicates that committees formed from the private sector do not engage effectively in solving problems arising in the development issues; in addition to failure to activate good presentations of the economic events and symposiums which are intended to promptly overcome many bureaucratic governmental obstacles facing the private sector. Consequently, private sector entities have become addicted to governmental support in solving their problems.
What must leaders, in both the government and private sectors do to ensure the Kingdom’s growth and sustainable development?
Leaders need to set their top plans following the old proverb, ‘Look before you leap.’ This means that things should be planned before any action is taken. We have seen so many public and private projects fail because those responsible failed to heed this advice. Leaders must develop strategies with clear objectives that can be measured. Without good planning, accountability and commitment to follow through, our development will surely falter. Our main shortcoming seems to be the ability to execute.
Message to youth
Given that the youth make up the majority of the Saudi population, what message would you want conveyed to them? And what else would you say to the rest of the population?
As for the youth, I would advise them to never lose hope. They should continue to strive for excellence to ensure a bright future for themselves and their loved ones. Most of us, at some point in our lives, have felt like giving up, but we have to remember that situations are temporary where things can change when you least expect them to. To the mature members of our society, I would ask them to never underestimate our youth.
Alissa's top goals
There should be major changes in:
• Education system in both schools and universities.
Leaders of organizations should:
• Look at themselves objectively.
• Should examine their contributions to the community.
Most difficult decision:
• Reforming the ideology of economy
Goals for the Kingdom's development are achievable through:
• Alternative energy projects, such as the development and usage of solar energy
• Have safer streets and a better system of public
transportation.
Dreams to launch creative projects by:
• Manufacturing cars in the Kingdom and exporting them to our neighbors in the region.
The Kingdom's future in three words:
• Progressive
• Peaceful
• Desired-currently
Human Rights organizations should:
• Provide proper education
• Ensure good health care
• Employment of Saudis
Biggest challenge facing the Kingdom today:
• Guarantee of oil supply
• Fluctuations in oil market
• Facing power shortages in countries in the neighborhood.
Requirement for housing development:
• Linking housing and business development projects
• Activating home mortgages and other real estate activities.
• Allocating properties to be managed by the private sector.
The role of SMEs in the Kingdom's development:
• Reduce the level of unemployed citizens
• Ensure that most of the benefits remain in the Kingdom.
Education needs:
• Design an educational matrix starting from preschools
• Develop new regulatory mandates for faculty.
• Implement smart classrooms.
Women's contribution in political, social and labor sectors:
• Tolerance and patience required on the part of Saudi women.
Mistakes could be avoided:
• Dependency of the private sector on the governmental support to solve problems.
Message to Saudis:
• Youth: Never lose hope.
