Political shifts will not slow green economy momentum

RIYADH: A new Saudi government-backed professional upskilling program allows trainees to “progress at their own pace” and tailor their learning for their own individual needs, a program leader told Arab News.

Saudi Arabia’s Human Capability Development Program recently launched MicroX, a learning program with tailored educational paths aimed at being compatible with rapid changes in the labor market.

In collaboration with the National eLearning Center, or NELC, academic institutions, industry leaders and Sector Skills Councils, MicroX aims to launch 350 microprograms in partnership with universities and employers in specialized sectors within four years.

Hajar Salman Binasfour, deputy director general for empowerment at the National eLearning Center, told Arab News that the initiative emphasized “flexibility and accessibility to support learners balancing work or personal commitments.

“Programs are designed to offer customizable educational paths, allowing participants to progress at their own pace and tailor learning to their schedules,” she said.

Programs are offered in eLearning mode, providing a focused process of learning skills or competencies that ends with an assessment and a certificate.

“The digital delivery of micro-programs enables access to materials and classes both synchronously and asynchronously, accommodating various time zones and schedules,” she said. “This format promotes a seamless learning experience, supported by digital certification to validate achievements.”

The development of the program consists of three phases, which begin “by identifying skills required by employers and stakeholders, guided by data from Sector Skills Councils and analyzed by NELC,” Binasfour said.

“This ensures programs are grounded in the current and future skill landscape. The councils’ collaboration ensures educational content aligns with real-world applications, maintaining program relevance,” she said. “NELC oversees feedback collection, refining program documents and identifying development areas.”

Phase two consists of refining program content, and securing recognition from academic institutions and industry leaders while integrating feedback.

Binasfour said that programs are developed in collaboration with universities, academic experts and industry specialists, ensuring that content remains relevant and practical.

The last stage, phase three, involves program launches and continuous evaluation. Outcomes of certificate holders are assessed, and employer feedback on program effectiveness.

“Phase three launches, monitors and evaluates programs for effectiveness, with assessments from employers and stakeholders ensuring skills meet market expectations. This multi-phase approach ensures MicroX programs remain dynamic, relevant, and capable of equipping learners for evolving job markets.”

MicroX has collaborated with more than 200 partners, including international universities and employers, and enhances the curriculum development and delivery of the microprograms.

“This network ensures programs are industry-aligned, globally recognized, and meet high academic and professional standards. International universities contribute diverse perspectives, research expertise, and academic rigor, ensuring curricula are current with global trends and applicable both locally and internationally,” Binasfour said. “Academic partnerships introduce innovative teaching methods and specialized knowledge that improve learning quality.”

Employers provide insights into workplace requirements, tailoring content to reflect real-world applications.

“This involvement results in hands-on learning opportunities such as case studies, internships and projects, preparing students for immediate transitions to the workforce.”

The success of the “MicroX” initiative will be assessed through a “combination of quantitative and qualitative metrics,” Binasfour said.

“Key indicators include the employability rate of program graduates and their transition into the workforce with relevant skills. The rate of job acquisition or career advancement among graduates will be a primary measure.

“Alignment of acquired skills with labor market demands will be evaluated through feedback from Sector Skills Councils and industry partners. These groups ensure training programs match current and projected industry needs by gathering employer input and analyzing trends,” she said.

Other metrics include the number of partnerships with employers and academic institutions, and the recognition of micro-programs across sectors.

“Broader economic impacts, such as GDP growth attributed to a skilled workforce and reduced government spending on subsidies due to improved employability, will also be considered.”

Binasfour said that success in fostering innovation was measured by the number of patents, new technologies, or other advancements from program participants.

“Learner engagement, completion rates, and feedback on training applicability provide additional insights into program quality and impact, ensuring the initiative meets market needs and supports long-term workforce development,” she said.

JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced in a statement Wednesday that the body of a hostage had been recovered from the Gaza Strip.
“In a special operation, the body of hostage Itay Svirsky, who was kidnapped on October 7 (2023) from kibbutz Beeri and murdered in captivity by Hamas terrorists in January 2024, was brought back,” Netanyahu said in a statement released by his office.
The body of Svirsky, who was 38 when he was kidnapped during Hamas’s surprise attack, was recovered in an operation by the Shin Bet internal security agency, aided by the military, both organizations confirmed in a joint statement.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, a campaign group for relatives of those abducted to Gaza, welcomed the return of Svirsky’s body while demanding the immediate release of the remaining hostages.
“The families continue to wait for their loved ones after 425 days of captivity. Many hostages remain alive but in grave danger, requiring immediate release for urgent medical care and rehabilitation. Others must be returned for dignified burial,” it said.
Separately on Wednesday, the Israeli military released a statement on its investigation into the deaths of six hostages, whose bodies were recovered in August.
The military said they were likely executed by their captors as Israel struck near their location in February.
“According to the most plausible scenario, the terrorists shot the hostages close to the time of the strike,” the military said.
During the October 7, 2023 attack, militants kidnapped 251 people, 96 of whom remain in Gaza, including 34 declared dead by the Israeli military.
Svirsky’s is the 38th body of a hostage to be brought back from the Gaze Strip.