King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) has announced a gift from the sons of Sheikh Salem Bin Mahfouz and the SEDCO Holding Company. The corporate donation will support a research awards program and a teacher outreach training program. Through these programs, the funds will help further the university's mission of advancing science and technology and addressing the global challenges of our times – energy, water, food and environment. SEDCO's gift exemplifies the company's commitment to corporate social responsibility. The donors recognize that supporting and promoting research at KAUST, as well as encouraging collaboration between Saudi teachers and the university's faculty and scholars, will be of great benefit to the country as a whole. Professor Choon Fong Shih, President of KAUST, said: “We are grateful for the generosity of the sons of Sheikh Salem Bin Mahfouz and SEDCO Holding Company. Their pioneering gift will open up research opportunities in areas important to Saudi Arabia and the region. It is also exciting to be able to help expand the horizons of teachers, who can have great impact on educating future generations of leaders, scientists, and entrepreneurs.” According to Dr. Adnan Soufi, Chief Executive Officer, SEDCO Holding: “The long-term economic growth and diversification of Saudi Arabia does not depend solely upon our natural resources, abundant as they are. Rather, the shape of our future will be determined primarily by the investment we make in our greatest resource – our young people. This partnership with KAUST underlines our long-term commitment to meeting the needs of the next generation in Saudi Arabia.” Today, Dr. Soufi added, roughly 38 percent of the Saudi population is under the age of 14, and the average citizen is just 21 years old. The need for high-quality educational provision is therefore acute, as is the need for sustainable job creation. “At SEDCO, we have always been committed to playing a central role in the community, and supporting the education sector has long been one of our highest priorities,” he said. “We look forward to working with KAUST to meet these important objectives.” SEDCO has been actively involved in developing the education sector in Jeddah and Makkah region, in particular, through initiatives such as providing grants to the Saudi institute for Health Services and Dar Al-Hekma College, including through the development of an annual scholarship program. The company also works with the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Ministry of Education to enhance the skills of teachers and administrators in the Makkah region.
