The Saudi-Japanese Automobile High Institute (SJAHI) in Jeddah honored on Tuesday the winners of the 12th technical skills competition in the maintenance of Japanese vehicles.

The ceremony was attended by Toru Asai, director for Automotive International Trade Policy at Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and Yoshihiro Yano, Vice President for International Affairs, Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc. (JAMA), Matahiro Yamaguchi, Consul General of Japan and Salem Bin Hassan Al-Asmari, SJAHI Executive Director, Dr. Walid bin Zain Albhecla, director general of the National Center for Strategic Partnerships at the General Organization for Technical and Vocational Training, and the staff and students of the institute.

Some 250 Saudi youths participated in the contest, with Group D clinching the first prize while groups A and B bagging the second and third positions, respectively.

Addressing the gathering, Al-Asmari said the Technical Skills Contest of SJAHI aimed to highlight students’ acquired skills in the field of automotive technology and maintenance. “We witnessed high technical competencies and skills that tell us that our young people are on the right track, and that our institute is a producer of skilled, talented and competent nationals.”

“I congratulate all SJAHI students, the participating teams and winners for their excellent performance. I would also like to thank all those who exerted efforts for the success of this leading contest,” he said.

He also said that the latest statistics issued by the Technical and Vocational Training Council (TVTC) indicated that almost 80,000 Saudi youth have been hired by companies in the field. He pointed out that the TVTC receives up to 50,000 trainees regularly and about 40,000 trained professionals are joining the labor market in various technical and professional disciplines.

In his opening speech, Toru Asai on behalf of the government of Japan paid condolence at the demise of the late King Abdullah prior to congratulating the winners.

“King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz played an important role in the establishment of the SJAHI Project. Moreover, the king was a central figure both for progress in Saudi-Japanese relations and for the advancement of world peace.

Japan, too, feels his loss very keenly, and we offer our most sincere condolences,” he said.

He further said that the Saudi Japanese Automobile High Institute Project is a vibrant symbol of the longstanding friendly relations between Japan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The project that contributes to Saudi industrial growth and development also plays a crucial role in the Saudi-based activities of the Japanese automobile manufacturers.

“Today’s Technical Skills Contest is a very meaningful event, because it represents the best opportunity not only for students to demonstrate, but also for SJAHI stakeholders to review directly. I am hopeful that all who participated in today’s contest are able to show excellent results, based on the knowledge and optimal technical skills you have acquired through daily study and practice here at the Institute,” he added.

Matahiro Yamaguchi said that he looks forward to attending the contest because of his connection to SJAHI which was an idea which has transformed into one of the most important sources of skilled national manpower.

He also said that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Japan will celebrate this year the sixtieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The winners of the contest were Mohammed Ahmed Banwair, Ali Kazem bin Al-Sheikh, Ahmad Mohammad Aldandan, Ayoub Ali Bohassan, Ali Mohammad Althany, Hussin Abdo Alhedri, Muhssen Ubairi Alhadri, Issa Naser Muhawish, Ali Abdullah Alodeib, Nasser Dohal Ali Dohal, Mahmoud Yousef Alabdulaziz, Abdulhadi Khalid Shadli, Mustafa Mohammad Hashem and Marwan Sobhi Mandeli.