Nearly 250 young Saudis participated in the 11th annual technical skills competition in the maintenance of Japanese vehicles recently.

It was organized by the Saudi-Japanese Automobile High Institute (SJAHI) in Jeddah.

Group ‘A’ clinched the first prize while group ‘B’ secured second position.

Japanese Consul-General Matahiro Yamaguchi and Toro Assay, an expert from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in Japan, were present on the occasion with other dignitaries, including Salem bin Hassan Al-Asmari, executive director SJAHI, and employees and students.

Al-Asmari welcomed the participants and said the competition provided young Saudis auto–related vocational training, skills and techniques in car maintenance.

“We see in them high technical skills and capacity for learning,” he said. “We can say emphatically that young Saudis are on the right track and the institute is producing highly skilled technicians in automobile maintenance and repair.”

Toro Assay said: “I am very delighted on behalf of the Japan Government to congratulate you and organizers of the program. This is my first visit to the Kingdom which has afforded me an opportunity to attend this prestigious event.”

He said SJAHI signifies the strong ties of friendship between Japan and Saudi Arabia.

“I have provided support in various forms to the Government of Japan since the launch of this project in 2001, because Saudi Arabia is not only a significant source of oil supplies meeting the needs of Japan, but it is also the most important country in the Middle East in many ways, including the automotive industry,” he added.

He said that this annual competition is very important because it represents the best opportunity not only for students but also for the shareholders in the institute to review the practical methods and standards of education excellence offered by the Institute.

Yamaguchi, the consul general, said that these young Saudis are role models for the others who are seeking achievements for the advancement of their nation.

He said the contest would create a healthy competition, enhance their self- confidence, and strengthen the importance of collective work, besides improving their professionalism.