Qatar’s CRA and Huawei Launch 2023 Seeds for the Future Program in Doha

Under the esteemed patronage of Qatar’s Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA), Huawei inaugurated the 2023 Seeds for the Future program with an official ceremony held at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) in Doha today. This groundbreaking event brought together 175 students from prestigious universities across the Middle East and Central Asia (ME & CA), marking the first-ever hosting of the program in Qatar. The primary objectives of this regional initiative are to cultivate local talent, facilitate knowledge sharing, raise awareness about the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) sector, and foster a digital community for emerging ICT talents.

The event featured keynote addresses from prominent figures, including Reem Abdulaziz Al Mugbel, Acting Vice Governor for Planning & Business Development at TVTC, KSA; Omar Abdulaziz al-Naama, Assistant Undersecretary for Private Education Affairs in Qatar; Jawad Abbassi, Head of GSMA, MENA; and Dr. Jassim Haji, President of the International Group of Artificial Intelligence. The ceremony also welcomed dignitaries such as Karimjonov Rustam, Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and Kamil Akatov, Vice Minister of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan.

From September 2 to September 9, 2023, students representing 15 countries from the Middle East and Central Asia will participate in the inaugural phase of the Seeds for the Future program in Doha. These countries include Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Oman, Uzbekistan, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Azerbaijan, Mongolia, and Kyrgyzstan. Qatari students, hailing from renowned educational institutions such as Qatar University, Hamad bin Khalifa University, Qatar Community College, and the University of Doha for Science and Technology, are actively involved in the program.

Eng. Hussain Salatt, Public Relations and Communication Unit Manager at CRA, expressed his delight, stating, “We are pleased to be part of the opening ceremony of the ‘Seeds for the Future’ program for the Middle East and Central Asia region. CRA has patronaged this program for the fourth consecutive year, as it encourages skills development and innovation to contribute to Qatar National Vision 2030 goals, one of which is to create a balance between an oil-based and a knowledge-based economy. I would like to thank Huawei for embracing this bright initiative and thank the supporters of this program, wishing the participants good luck.”

Shunli Wang, Vice President of Huawei Middle East and Central Asia, emphasized the importance of skilled talent in the digital era, stating, “In the digital era, skilled talent is pivotal to maintaining rapid development, seizing opportunities, and economic progress. At Huawei, we’re proud to be among the first few global tech companies to leverage its technology and expertise to help narrow the talent gap through programs like Seeds for the Future. We’re thrilled to host the first phase of the Seeds for the Future program in Doha and look forward to seeing some of the best regional ICT talents in action.”

Omar Abdulaziz al-Naama, Assistant Undersecretary for Private Education Affairs in Qatar, underscored the significance of ICT education in Qatar’s vision for a diversified, knowledge-based economy, emphasizing the role of skilled talent in achieving Qatar’s ambitious Vision 2030 and ICT strategy.

Qatar’s commitment to fostering a diversified, knowledge-based economy is exemplified by its investments in the education sector. Qatar hosts six globally renowned universities, including Carnegie Mellon University, Georgetown University, and Weill Cornell Medicine, at the Qatar Foundation’s Education City. HEC Paris in Qatar, based at Msheireb Downtown Doha, offers an Executive MBA ranked as number one in the world. Hamad Bin Khalifa University is another cornerstone of Qatar’s educational landscape. Together, they offer a wide range of globally competitive degrees, from Chemical Engineering to Journalism, spanning bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs.

Qatar’s strategic location at the crossroads of East and West, along with its excellent transportation infrastructure, makes it an attractive destination for international students and their families. The country’s unique blend of preserving its rich heritage while embracing a modern future adds to its appeal.

Jawad Abbassi, Head of GSMA, MENA, emphasized the transformative power of advanced technologies like AI, 5G, and cloud in the MENA region and the importance of narrowing the ICT talent gap to equip students with 21st-century skills.

Huawei’s Seeds for the Future program serves as the company’s flagship CSR program, with a global focus on developing ICT talents. With a growing emphasis on innovation and technological advancements, this program provides a platform for young minds to exchange ideas, network with international peers, and gain valuable insights into the ICT sector, thereby shaping their future and promoting their participation in the digital community. Since its inception in 2008, the program has engaged more than 15,000 students from 139 countries and garnered endorsements from over 450 senior officials and heads of states.

The Tech4Good regional competition, now in its third year, will also be a part of the Seeds for the Future program, empowering and engaging youth in driving positive change within their communities. This year’s program includes eight days of intensive training sessions and workshops covering cutting-edge ICT technologies, scientific and technological leadership, global discussions, Tech4Good group projects, and more. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of 5G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and cloud technologies, enhancing their competitiveness in the job market. Students will also have the opportunity to visit Huawei’s headquarters in Qatar, Education City, Lusail Stadium, and explore Doha.

Participating students will present their Tech4Good projects to judges, with eight outstanding teams comprising 40 students advancing to the second phase of the Tech4Good program in Dubai, UAE, from September 10 to September 16, 2023. Winners will then qualify for the final global competition in China, where they will explore ICT’s potential to drive sustainable development. The Tech4Good Global Competition winners will also participate in the Tech4Good Startup Sprint in China, competing for a startup support fund of US$100,000 while experiencing real-world entrepreneurial environments in cities like Shenzhen and Beijing.