Huawei Launches “T.H.E. GOLD Talent” Program to Boost ICT Skills in AI Era

Huawei has launched the “T.H.E. GOLD Talent” program in collaboration with the UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education (IITE), aimed at transforming higher education and developing a skilled digital intelligence talent pool across the Middle East and Central Asia (ME&CA). This initiative, unveiled during the 2024-2025 ME&CA ICT Competition final, marks Huawei’s second decade of commitment to ICT talent development in the region.

The “T.H.E. GOLD Talent” program is designed to meet the demands of the AI Era, which is shaped by advancements in 5G-Advanced, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud technologies, Cybersecurity, and Industry 4.0. The program focuses on nurturing highly competitive ICT professionals who can tackle complex industrial challenges. Huawei’s goal is to empower universities with technologies such as 5G-A, AI-based ICT education, and smart classrooms to cultivate the next generation of ICT leaders.

Steven Yi, President of Huawei Middle East & Central Asia, emphasized the importance of collaboration in developing the region’s digital talent pool. “This program is an evolution of our existing talent cultivation efforts, tailored to meet the needs of the AI Era. Huawei reaffirms its commitment to working with regional stakeholders to support the region’s digital transformation and the development of a sustainable, knowledge-based economy,” Yi said.

The program aims to bridge the gap between education and industry by offering job opportunities and internships with various industrial stakeholders, not just Huawei. It is part of Huawei’s broader effort to collaborate with universities and institutions to help countries in the region own their future through intelligent talent development.

Huawei’s decade-long efforts in ICT talent development in the region include global initiatives like the ICT Academy, Seeds for the Future, and the ICT and Innovation Competitions. The ICT Academy, which celebrated its 10th anniversary at the Huawei ICT Competition final in Riyadh, has partnered with over 260 ICT academies across 19 countries, training hundreds of thousands of individuals. With the introduction of the “T.H.E. GOLD Talent” program, Huawei is poised to take its commitment to ICT talent development to new heights, focusing on cultivating AI-driven, well-rounded talent capable of solving industry challenges and driving technological advancements.

As part of its vision to bring digital advancements to every person, home, and organization, Huawei is positioning itself as a key contributor to the region’s digital ecosystem development. The “T.H.E. GOLD Talent” program strengthens Huawei’s role in supporting the region’s shift towards intelligent, digital economies, ensuring a fully connected and sustainable future.