January 4, 2016 ( 24 Rabi - 1 1437 H)
Volume XXIX, No. 42
IN THIS ISSUE SABIC signs an Agreement with KFUPM and MoU with DTVC
Minister of Commerce and Industry During his Visit to KFUPM story on pg. 5 ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN PROGRESS: H.E. Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, Minister of Commerce and Industry holds talks with H. E. Dr. Khaled S. Al-Sultan, the rector of the university.
2 KFUPM and 6 Saudi and international parties agree to the establishment of the National Power Academy
25th Anniversary of Saudi-Japan Symposium “Catalysts in Petroleum Refining & Petrochemicals” at KFUPM
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The Nonprofit sector is a major partner in development and social capital expansion Dr. Majid A. Al-Qasabi Minister of Social Affairs
story on pg. 4
H.E. Dr. Majid A. Al-Qasabi, Minister of Social Affairs inaugurates the non-profit organizations workshop and praises KFUPM for its leadership in supporting this sector.
Employment Open Day 6 Career Companies and institutions of private and government sectors offer opportunities to alumni KFUPM Professor Wins Arab Creativity Award
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KFUPM’s Rector, Dr. Khaled bin Saleh AlSultan, inaugurated the Career Open Day on Monday, 30th November 2015 which gathered a large number of companies and institutions from the government and private sectors. The Chairman of the organizing committee, Dr. Mesfer bin Mohammed Al-Zahrani, said that the career open day aims to introduce university students, especially the alumni, to the training and career opportunities offered by the exhibitors on
cont. on pg. 8
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SABIC signs an Agreement with KFUPM and MoU with DTVC
position that DTV could reach in the past few years,» noting its ability to attract major companies to open scientific centers in DTV to initiate their programs. The Valley could create the right environment for the development of energyrelated technology, and this has boosted the confidence of many local and international companies in the Valley and encouraged them to establish scientific research centers. SABIC’s Vice Chairman and CEO Mr. Yousef Abdullah AlBenyan said that the company’s strategy for 2025 depends heavily on the performance and productivity in the field of research and innovation, noting that SABIC is constantly looking for the best opportunities to support infrastructure in the areas of research and partnership with the most prestigious universities, research institutes and leading companies. ”In fact, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals and Dhahran Techno Valley Company (DTVC) are two leading edifices in the Kingdom, and are capable of being key
partners with SABIC for its development plan in the fields of research and innovation,» he added. Dr. Halim Hamid Redhwi, CEO of DTV, described SABIC’s keenness to launch a scientific research center in the Valley as a certificate from SABIC showing the level of scientific development in the Valley, which encourages major companies to have a place in it. SABIC is the 18th company to establish its research center in DTV. He believes this centre, when founded, will add value for SABIC and the Valley, which seeks to provide an integrated infrastructure and a typical scientific environment for major international companies. Dr. Redhwi pointed out that DTV provides quality services that help companies to promote scientific research and achieve innovations and practical solutions to many problems of the energy sector in the Kingdom and the world. ”We have achieved a lot of scientific achievements in the Valley so far, and will continue efforts to achieve more in
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Saudi Arabian Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) signed an agreement with KFUPM and a Memorandum of Understanding with Dhahran Techno Valley Company (DTVC) on December 10, to enhance partnership and cooperation among the three parties. The agreement is for supporting scientific research in the University while the memorandum of understanding allows for the establishment of a SABIC scientific research center in DTV. At the signing ceremony, KFUPM was represented by its Rector, his Excellency Dr. Khaled Al-Sultan, chairman of DTV, and SABIC was represented by its acting Vice Chairman and CEO, Yousef Abdullah Al-Benyan. The ceremony was held in KFUPM’s Innovation Building in DTV, and was attended by a great number of officials from both sides as well as a number of representatives from local media. Dr. Al-Sultan expressed his delight in signing the agreement and memorandum of understanding, asserting that they were the outcome of cooperation and mutual understanding between the University and SABIC started decades ago. He described SABIC as a ”large and influential Saudi company in the petrochemical market world,» noting that SABIC pays a lot of attention to scientific research within its operations and programs. He noted the keenness of SABIC in supporting KFUPM research activities through the first agreement which he expects to yield advanced scientific research during the coming period. Regarding the memorandum of understanding, he said, ”SABIC’s desire to launch its own scientific research center in DTV confirms the scientific
In fact, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals and Dhahran Techno Valley Company (DTVC) are two leading edifices in the Kingdom, and are capable of being key partners with SABIC for its development plan in the fields of research and innovation Yousef Al-Benyan
SABIC’s Vice Chairman and CEO
the forthcoming period,” he said. For his part, Engineer Awadh Al-Maker, Executive Vice President, Technology and Innovation in SABIC said that the agreement with the University includes the benefits of using KFUPM diverse capabilities, as well as the utilization of human resources and its creativity in addition to participating in specific events organized by the University for its employees.
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King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals and 6 Saudi and International Parties Agree to the Establishment of a National Power Academy King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) signed an agreement with 6 Saudi and international parties to establish “the National Power Academy (NPA)”. The University and its founding partners signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the establishment of the NPA. This is an initiative to ensure world-class levels of training and to provide the public and private sectors with specialized and qualified groups of young, ambitious Saudi graduates who are able to work efficiently and effectively in the rapidly growing energy sector. In addition to KFUPM, founding parties include Saudi Aramco, Technical and Vocational Training Corporation, Saline Water Conversion Corporation, Saudi Electricity Company, General Electric and Siemens. Dr. Sahel N. Abduljauwad, Vice Rector for Graduate Studies & Scientific Re-
search, pointed out that the University will work with partners and founders to provide technical support to the NPA to construct the necessary infrastructure such as laboratories and workshops. Dr. Abduljauawad said the University will also provide the technical support to develop the training programs and necessary educational materials, pointing out that it will be responsible for international certificates, accreditation of training programs, and it will cooperate with the NPA in applied joint R&D programs. KFUPM and the founding partners are seeking, through the Academy, to contribute to the Kingdom’s economic growth, meet the growing needs for a specialized workforce in the energy sector, reduce unemployment, and promote development to achieve an efficient national economy
and improve efficiency in energy use. It also seeks to set standards of excellence in training in the energy sector which will become the model for the Kingdom. The Academy is a non-profit, independent, legislative entity governed by its board of trustees which aims to produce Saudi graduates who have the necessary skills to support the national energy sector. The NPA will be based in the Eastern region and will offer three internationally accredited training tracks: the Main Track, Professional Track and Short Courses. The Main Track will be dedicated to high school students, and will award “Diploma” degree certificates in various fields of the energy sector. The Professional Track will be dedicated to professionals with experience who wish to hone their skills and specialize in various areas of the energy sector. The Short Courses will cover a wide range of technical and administrative issues for the development of all professionals in the various energy industries.
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Under his Patronage of the Nonprofit Organizations Management Workshop... the Minister of Social Affairs said:
“The Nonprofit sector is a major partner in development and social capital expansion”
While patronizing the fifth workshop on managing nonprofit organizations held by KFUPM and Abdulrahman bin Saleh Al Rajhi and his Family Charity Foundation on Saturday 5 December, 2015, Dr. Majid Al-Qasabi, the Minister of Social Affairs, asserted that the nonprofit sector is supportive of the Government and private sectors, and developing its capabilities would qualify it to be a key partner in the development and social capital expansions processes. Issuing the system of associations and charities would help the nonprofit sector to grow and flourish, he added. Charitable work suffers from a lack of quality talent and a scarcity of human resources. The traditional image has been that the activities of this sector are just voluntary and therefore lack professionalism. H.E. Dr. Al-Qasabi pointed out that there is a sincere effort to transform it into organized professional work. He also emphasized the importance of turning the activities of the third sector in the Kingdom into a measurable activity with a clear impact and that efforts should be united to transform charity work from a sponsored activity to a development activity. H.E. Dr. Al-Qasabi noted that the Ministry of Social Affairs
is not only a partner in these efforts but is keen to harness all its departments to serve this sector through all means, stressing his keenness to continue participating in this workshop as the Minister of Social Affairs and as a citizen. He considers the workshop a forum for innovative ideas that enrich knowledge and achieve quality and development, excellence and teamwork. Dr. Al-Qasabi praised what he saw in KFUPM, saying ”I have the honour to be in this place, this great edifice, which, over 50 years, produced leaders we are so proud of and a workshop could never be held in a holiday at 8:00 AM except at KFUPM». ”I’ve seen the University efforts, programs and initiatives, which make me feel proud and hopeful that an edifice like KFUPM exists in our country,” he added. ”Thanks from the heart for everyone who has been responsible for the success of this University,” he said. The workshop hosts a number of owners and founders of donor institutions and representatives of nonprofit organizations, and experts and speakers from the United States and Britain. Dr. Khalid Al-Sultan, KFUPM’s Rector, mentioned that the role of nonprofit and civic organizations has increased across the
world during the last two decades. They have assured their presence and participation locally, regionally and internationally, on various development issues and humanitarian actions, making these organizations strategic partners for both public and private sectors in achieving the goals of development in societies. H.E. declared that with the growing role of these organizations, calls have been made from stakeholders including governments, donors, public opinion and beneficiaries, for a higher level of services, professionalism of organizational performance, and high transparency in financial management. This has required the creation of basic frameworks to be referred to in questioning and improving the performance of community institutions, and then building them through capability-building programs at the level of individuals and institutions. The nonprofit sector in the Kingdom, as part of the global movement, is witnessing the same transitions and facing the same challenges related to accountability, which requires it to be transparent, responsible, professional and able to guarantee the quality of services provided to beneficiaries. He noted that Saudi charity is expanding quantitatively
through an increase in the number of charities to over 700 charitable organizations, 476 development committees and 207 charitable associations. It has also expanded qualitatively as these institutions and associations have had to address issues of governance, transparency, accountability, capacity building, performance development, impact gauging, and by paying attention to quality standards and broadening community participation. Additionally, we see today a new system of community associations and institutions that is expected to contribute to the growth of the sector. Mr. Badr bin Abdulrahman AlRajhi, a member of the board of trustees in Abdulrahman AlRajhi’s charitable foundation, esteemed the Ministry’s efforts in developing its associations and charities, which have resulted in the issuance of the system of civil associations and institutions that will achieve a quantum leap in the development of the charity sector in the Kingdom. He asserted that Abdulrahman Al-Rajhi’s charitable foundation is pleased to have been a strategic partner in this program along with KFUPM for eight years, which reflects an image of fruitful cooperation. He added that during the four
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Minister of Commerce and Industry During his Visit to KFUPM
Start-up Projects in Saudi Universities Contribute to the Development of the Private Sector in the Kingdom H.E. Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, Minister of Commerce and Industry, emphasized that the ministry was in the process of establishing an appropriate mechanism to support startups based on technologies produced by Saudi universities through loans and the removal of all obstacles that may hinder these projects. He said the near future would witness cooperation between the ministry and KFUPM to support entrepreneurship programs and start-ups that contribute to the development of the private sector in the Kingdom. This declaration was made during his visit to KFUPM on Tuesday, 28th November 2015, where he was greeted by H.E. Dr. Khalid Al-Sultan, Rector of the University, Vice Rectors and a number of Deans. Regarding KFUPM’s support to the national economy, Dr. Al-Rabiah said that the university had graduated a large number of national leaders and was one of the world’s leaders in filing university patents. He also expressed his pleasure at visiting Dhahran Technology Valley, which is a part of KFUPM, praising its large and distinct companies in the oil, gas and petrochemical fields.
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previous workshops organized by the University annually, starting from 2011, many themes and topics have been posed and discussed through lectures and keynote sessions, in addition to the focus groups designed to open new horizons in nonprofit work. ”The works-
Dr. Al-Rabiah listened to a presentation by the Dean of the College of Engineering Sciences Dr. Omar Abdallah Al-Swailem about scientific departments in the university, and about its academic programs and activities in the fields of education, scientific research and community service. Dr. Al-Swailem also talked about KFUPM’s leading initiatives and partnerships with the most important universities and technical and industrial companies all over the world. Dr. Mohammed Al-Zahrani, Dean of the College of Industrial Management, also delivered a presentation on the level of scientific and academic qualification provided by the college to its students, pointing out that in 2002 the College of Industrial
hop has suceeded in opening a channel for charitable sector leaders to utilize the carefullyselected theories and experiments about the third sector in order to not become irregular to local realities and open up a new horizon for the participants in the workshop. It also
Management was the first to achieve academic accreditation in the Middle East for its scientific programs, conferred by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). He also pointed out the College’s contribution to community service in organizing general and specialized programs and providing scientific consultations for all the Kingdom’s sectors. The visit itinerary also included the Innovation Cluster in Dhahran Technology Valley, which includes the Modeling and Technology Development Center, Innovation Center, Entrepreneurship Institute, Office of Industrial Relations, Dhahran Valley Company, “Waaed Program”, Technovia Company, and Huawei Center. During his visit to the Valley, Dr. Al-Rabiah also listened to a presentation on the Valley’s infrastructure and on the centers of the world’s largest industrial and technical companies which have joined the valley, such as Schlumberger, Honeywell, Yokogawa, Amiantit, General Electric, San Rose and other companies, in addition to their programs of cooperation with KFUPM’s researchers in relevant research domains.
provided an opportunity for the participants to be acquainted with the best worldwide experience and practices in the nonprofit sector. The impact of the workshop was apparent from the projects that were launched, especially the establishment of a centre of
excellence for the development of nonprofit organizations in KFUPM, the classification project of nonprofit institutions under the Ministry of Social Affairs, and the project for the establishment of a center for landmark care, he added.
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25th Anniversary of Saudi-Japan Symposium “Catalysts in Petroleum
H.E. Mr. Norihiro Okuda
H.E. Dr. Khaled S. Al-Sultan
KFUPM, Saudi Aramco, Japan Cooperation Center Petroleum (JCCP), and the Japan Petroleum Institute (JPI) celebrated the 25th silver jubilee anniversary of the Saudi-Japan symposium on “Catalysts in Petroleum Refining & Petrochemicals” held at KFUPM. The year 2015 also marks the 60th anniversary our two friendly countries’ diplomatic ties. The symposium has become an important event in catalysis that attracts local participants from academia and industry. H.E. Dr. Khaled Al-Sultan, Rector of KFUPM stated that this year’s symposium is quite special as it is the 25th event in a series of successful symposia which have played a key role in enhancing Saudi-Japan research cooperation in catalyst development. Local participation has grown rapidly and participants are highly appreciative of the distinguished panel of speakers from academia and industry. The two countries have a strong and enduring relationship in the energy field, and they are
stepping up their cooperation in the cultural, education, renewable energy and other sectors. I would like to note here that the commercialization of HS-FCC technology at one of Saudi Aramco’s joint venture integrated refineries is a landmark for our fruitful collaboration. H.E. Mr. Norihiro Okuda, Japanese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, extended his hearty congratulations to KFUPM, Saudi Aramco, JCCP and JPI on the occasion of 25th anniversary of the Symposium. He congratulated the distinguished professors and researchers who have contributed to the joint research program on their successful efforts that have led to this important event. He acknowledged the excellent level of education and research that KFUPM has achieved so far. The Embassy looks forward to more cooperation between KFUPM and relevant Japanese institutions in a variety of areas including industry and science. Mr. Ahmed Al-Khowaiter,
Chief Technology Officer, Saudi Aramco said that this year’s symposium comes on the heels of two great successes and a challenge. One is a long awaited achievement that we need to celebrate, the commercialization of the HS-FCC process. We need to learn from it as we forge ahead. The other is a challenge. We need to embrace and address the climate change issue at the broader oil and gas industry level. In fact, the master gas system built by Saudi Aramco has already prevented the emission of over 80 gigatons of CO2 since its inception. With chemistry and engineering, we can do it again. He reiterated that this partnership can take on this challenge and can contribute solutions. Mr. Eiji Hiraoka, Senior Executive Director of JCCP, said that he strongly believes that cooperation is a valuable asset toward the future development of both countries. The joint Symposium was first held in 1992, which is also the year that JCCP started technical cooperation pro-
grams. Ever since, JCCP has been implementing many joint technical cooperation projects in collaboration with KFUPM and Saudi Aramco. The new framework of cooperation between four parties, that is Saudi Aramco, KFUPM, JPI and JCCP, will surely play a vital role in enhancing and refining the technical cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Japan. Dr. Wataru Ueda, President of JPI, said that during the G20 Summit in Turkey, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, while meeting with King Salman bin Abdulaziz, stated that Saudi Arabia is the most important country for Japan. The two sides shared the view that they will strengthen cooperation towards the stability of the Middle East region. Our technical cooperation in the past nearly 25 years is a typical example of the cooperative relationship between the two countries, and we would like to further strengthen our relationship, which constitutes an important element of the stra-
Mr. Ahmed Al-Khowaiter
Mr. Eiji Hiraoka
Dr. Wataru Ueda
Dr. Sulaiman Al-Khattaf
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Refining & Petrochemicals� at KFUPM
tegic partnership between our two countries. Dr. Sulaiman Al-Khattaf, Director of the Center for Refining & Petrochemicals, said “the symposium has played an important role in promoting research cooperation by exchanging information and ideas on current developments in science and technology related to cata-
lysts for petroleum refining and petrochemicals. It has led to several joint research projects between KFUPM and Japanese research organizations. The presentations featured technical papers highlighting topics related to the activation of light alkanes, aromatics, chemicals from CO2, olefins, photo-catalysis, fuel upgrade, carbenes,
membranes and polyolefins. Among the distinguished speakers from Japan, we have experts from the universities of Kanagawa, Hokkaido, Shibaura and Tottori as well as from JX Nippon and Cosmo Oil. We have also highly-cited KFUPM chair professors from the Universities of Valencia and Zaragoza, Spain
and from the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Czech Republic. For local participation, we have distinguished speakers from Saudi Aramco, KAUST and various departments and centers at KFUPM. For more information and proceedings, please visit http://www.kfupm. edu.sa/catsymp/
Recent Advances in Renewable Energy Research (ISBN 13: 978-3-03835-500-7)
Dr. Amir Al-Ahmed
Mohammad K. Hossain
The renewable energy sector has been the focus of worldwide effort to find sustainable and environmental friendly technologies for continuously increasing energy demands at low costs. However, our modern day energy requirements continued to be relied on the use of fossil-based sources. Among solar, wind, hydropower, biomass, biofuel and geothermal technologies, solar is the major renewable energy source, because of its huge abundance compared to the current energy needs. In the present contest, we do not have any standalone renewable energy generation and utilization system. Renewable energy generation, storage and utilization
Dr. Mohammad Afzaal Dr. Haitham M. Ba-Haidarah
is a multidisciplinary sector and development in each sector is equally important for its successful implementation. Like all other fields, nano-science and technology is indeed becoming a prime factor in recent renewable energy research. The book has fourteen high quality articles covering general aspects of renewable energy, regional policies, thin film solar cells, solar thermal, hydrogen production, energy conversion and storage. Contributors of this book have extensive experience at various facets of renewable energy including materials chemistry, polymer physics, device fabrication, and nanotechnology.
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Career Employment Open Day
January 4, 2016 ( 24 Rabi - 1 1437 H)
KFUPM-University of Zaragoza Research Collaboration in Homogeneous Catalysis
Prof. Luis Oro and group members
this day and increase their knowledge of the nature of the labor market and its evolving needs in addition to the level of qualification required by the alumni. It also helps new students in selecting appropriate majors in accordance with the prevailing standards of the labor market and their own personal standards, as well as furthering the distinguished relationships between the University and society. On the other hand, the open career day will define the University’s programs to the participants and show the level of academic qualification and academic excellence of its students. Meanwhile, this event helps further the relationship with the industrial and service sectors. This is one of the most important principles of KFUPM, he added. Dr. Al- Zahrani thanked the event sponsors, namely, Saudi Aramco (the official sponsor), SABIC (the diamond sponsor), Samba financial group and Al-Ahli commercial bank (the gold sponsors), and thanked all participants. He asserted that the high level
of participation of institutions and companies in the career open day reflects the importance of this experience, the excellent level of the students and their capacity to meet the evolving needs of the employment sectors. He said the career open day is accompanied by a lecture program offered by the participants’ representatives and KFUPM faculty, describing how to write a CV and how to pass a job interview. Dr. Al-Zahrani thanked the organizing committee stressing that it completed all the preparations and arrangements for the occasion. He mentioned that the Committee includes a number of competent academics and administrators such as Dr. Talal Al-Kharobi, the Vice Chairman, and Dr. Ashraf Al-Fagih, Mr. Mutlaq Al-Mutlaq, Mr. Mohammed Al-Shehri, Mr. Abdulrahman A. Al-Ghamdi, Mr. Abdullah AlGhamdi, Mr. Mohammed Balharith, Mr. Hamdan Balhamer, Eng. Nizar Al-Obaid with Mr. Qasim Bohwaid as the Committee members.
Prof. Luis Oro, Chair Professor of the Center for Refining and Petrochemicals and Professor of Zaragoza University started collaborating with KFUPM in July, 2010 in the area of homogenous Catalysis. His main research interests are in coordination and organometallic chemistry of transition group metals where he has co-authored well over 600 scientific papers on synthesis, reaction mechanisms, homogeneous catalysis, and written several reviews and books. He was Named “Highly Cited Researcher” in the field of Chemistry by ISI Web of Knowledge (2001). He is a member of the editorial board of several scientific publications dealing with homogenous catalysis and inorganic and organometallic chemistry. He is co-chairman of the Editorial Board of ChemCatChem and Series Editor of Topics in Organometallic Chemistry. He was President of the ChemPubSoc partnership for the European Journals of Inorganic (EurJIC) and Organic Chemistry (EurJOC) and ChemCatChem. The outcomes of the KFUPM collaboration are illustrated in intellectual cross-fertilization, training of Doctoral and Masters students, and production of joint manuscripts. One Masters student from the Chemical Engineering Department completed his MS thesis with this collaboration. Prof Oro has published more than 30 influential Journal Papers within this collaboration with KFUPM. The collaboration with KFUPM focuses on the synthesis of several novel Organometallic Catalysts to perform the Catalytic application with detailed mechanical study. Catalytic applications include Iridium catalyzed Hydrogen transfer reaction and hydrosilylation of Alkynes, Ketones and Carbon dioxide. Homogeneous catalytic reduction of CO2 with cheap and environmentally benign hydrosilane to produce silyl formate is progressing with interesting results. Catalytic CO2 hydrosilylation to silyl formate could present an alternative methodology for sustainable catalytic CO2 transformation into useful chemicals. Silyl formates are of great interest due to their potential application as synthons for the preparation of a wide range of valuable chemicals like formic acid, formamides, and alkyl formates.
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The First GCC Professor to Receive the Award
KFUPM Professor Wins Arab Creativity Award Professor Nasser Al-Aqeeli, Dean of Scientific Research at KFUPM, won the Arab Creativity Award in the field of scientific creativity granted by the Arab Thought Foundation. Dr. Al-Aqeeli received the award at the FIKR 14 Cairo 2015 conference, which is organized by the Arab Thought Foundation. The conference was held on Monday, December 7th, 2015, at the Arab League headquarters in Cairo under the auspices of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, and in the presence of the President of the Arab Thought Foundation and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, His Royal Highness Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, and Arab League Secretary General, Dr. Nabil Al-Arabi. Dr. Al-Aqeeli is the first Saudi and first GCC professor to win the Arab Creativity Award, which he was awarded in recognition of his outstanding scientific career and influential research and patents, which developed into economically profitable products. Dr. AlAqeeli also has many researches published in prominent scientific journals. Dr. Al-Aqeeli’s research and contributions focus on the manufacturing of new nano materials with industrial applications, finding competitive alternatives for the materials used in industry, innovating new coatings, and recycling industrial wastes turning them into useful materials of real value. He began to convert some of his patents to existing companies, including the recycling of tires turning them from environmentally harmful materials into high-value coatings with good properties. This has led to many promising opportunities to build a knowledge-based economy. By winning the award, Dr. Al-Aqeeli joined a list of the most important Arab scientists who also won the award including Dr. Dr. Youssef Naim Youssef, one of the biggest names in eye surgery in Russia and the world, Dr. Elias Zerhouni, head of the US National Institute of Health, and Dr. Mohamed Ghoneim, pioneer of kidney transplants in Egypt, and Dr. Fawaz AlOlabi former vice president of the University of Michigan, who was also the vice president of King Abdullah University of Science & Technology. The organization of the conference, which coincides with the Arab League’s 70th anniversary, constitutes the first Arab forum for agencies, organizations and councils of the Arab League, or those working within its framework or having cooperation agreements with it. The Arab Thought Foundation is an international independent civil organization founded by HRH Prince Khaled Al-Faisal in 2000 and aims to achieve Arab cultural
solidarity, strengthening the cultural identity of the nation, promoting openness to international cultures, launching initiatives, programs and forums that have development goals, and also aims to proceed with the establishment of Arab cultural partnerships to uphold diligence and creativitive values. The Arab Creativity Award is given in recognition of the creative energies of the Arab world and to stimulate creativity and competition between creative Arabs in science, literature, art, etc. In addition, it aims to spread a creative culture in Arab society, to highlight its role in development, and to encourage creative Arabs and publicize their achievements. The prize is awarded in seven areas of creativity: Scientific Creativity, Technological Creativity, Economic Creativity, Social Creativity, Media Creativity, Literary Creativity and Arts Creativity. The work must be linked to development issues, and there are precise criteria in selecting the winners. Professor Al-Aqeeli earned bachelor and master degrees in Mechanical Engineering from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals. He received his PhD in Materials Engineering from McGill University (McGill) in Canada in 2007, followed later by working as a Postdoctoral researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States for a full year in addition to working as an associate researcher at Harvard University in the same year. Dr. Aqeeli has more than 60 published scientific researches with a distinct impact factor, in addition to more than 10 patents registered in the US Patent Office (USPTO). He also had a scientific reference book published by the outstanding publisher Springer. Dr. Al-Aqeeli led and participated in
more than 30 research projects with budgets above 100 million riyals, and supervised many Masters and PhD students in addition to his work as an arbitrator for a group of distinguished international journals in his field. Dr. Al-Aqeeli is the Dean of Scientific Research and the Director of the Science and Technology Unit, which makes him a major contributor in advancing the process of scientific research and developing its strategies and objectives at the University. He also won many awards for his outstanding work. Dr. Al-Aqeeli works as a part-time consultant for a number of governmental and private agencies. He also participated in the preparation of a set of strategic plans inside and outside the University, in addition to being a member of many national committees.
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IMPRESSION “First impression is the best impression”. Of course, but it should not be always as there is created artificial impressions and genuine imbibed impression that persons carry. How much a person cleverly blending in between them to make it as a success is a matter of concern and subject of analysis for us. A person managing with this tactics may succeed in short term, but there is possibility of divulgence of original impression, which will tell the fact and not the fiction. As always fiction will be interesting, attractive, seductive, sweet and also intoxicating, but fact will be hard hitting and bitter to swallow. It is good to showcase the best spectrum of life, but if the content percentage of artificiality
and its mixing is more than the attributable or melting level with original, there is a great element of danger. A well-mixed or touch up artificiality with originality to suit the place and situation will work well. It is like equating – always be positive may lead to over confidence and always be realistic may show sign of pessimism. A tastily prepared food placed
SUDOKU Complete the grid, so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit, 1 to 9.
Easy Level
Previous issue Answer
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at a non-hygienic or an unclean location may even dissuade and distract food lovers, but a low tasty food placed at a cleaner and hygienic place that too in a decorated manner, will arouse and attract even food haters. There should be a minimum standard quality to the food otherwise both KRISHNAN KATTUPARAMBIL ways will not work. It is possible to be fair in (M.com, MBA (HRM) & Diploma in Training & Development) mannerisms that tantaEE DEPARTMENT mount to facial impression. But assessing a person on the basis of first impression is very very complicated in the modern world ning away from reality is lack because of the availability and of confidence to face, manage presence of cover up mechanisms and find solution. The following in such a high degree. three are not an advice, but just Apparels and appearance, tone an observation for further deve- its level, depth and intensity lopment on our own. paralleled with eye contact, smi- Have a reasonable, adjustable le and good physical gestures and justifiable mixture of artifican create a magical arena like cial touch up with genuineness. a dream world. All these can be Modify, rectify and classify it cleverly managed and well-pre- with an objective that long term sented like power point slides by returns are more sustainable, a uniquely trained professional satisfying and appealable than person acting with an intension short term instant gains. to deceive people. Make an occasional review to asHence there is a danger of being sess ‘impression impact’ by using so impressive and at the same 360 degree evaluation. It includes time not so impressive also. In hearing others rather than firing the world of competition, survi- others all the time! val of the fittest prevails. Run-
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KFUPM Pioneering the Building Sustainability Benchmark in the Kingdom
Dr. Jamal Al-Qawasmi
Dr. Mohammad Babsail
Dr. Ahmed Abd El Fattah
Dr. Muhammad Asif
A research team in the College of Environmental Design at KFUPM is developing a building sustainability rating system for the Kingdom. The rating system, the Saudi Sustainable Building Assessment Tool (SSBAT), now at an advanced stage of development, will be a landmark tool in the pursuit of sustainable buildings in the Kingdom. The project team includes Dr. Jamal Al-Qawasmi (Principal Investigator), Dr. Mohammad Babsail, Dr. Ahmed Abd El Fattah and Dr. Muhammad Asif. One of the biggest challenges the world faces today is global warming. To fight against global warming and climate change, countries across the world are actively pursuing sustainable development. The building and construction sector has to play an important role with respect to this problem as it accounts for more than 40% of
the materials consumption and over one third of the total greenhouse gas emissions in the world. The building sector in both developed and developing countries is moving towards energy efficient and environmentally friendly practices. Consequently, building rating systems have been developed by a large number of countries. Prominent examples which can be cited include the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology (BREEAM) developed in the United Kingdom and the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) developed in the USA. Qatar and the UAE have also developed the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) and Pearl Rating systems respectively. Saudi Arabia is facing tremendous energy and
environmental challenges as the Kingdom is amongst the top countries in the world both in terms of per capita energy consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. In KSA, the building sector in general and residential buildings in particular are set to experience significant growth in the future as the population is rising at a rate of 2.5% per year. While around two-third of the population is under the age of 30 years, estimates suggest that in order to meet the needs of the growing population, the country has to build 2.32 million new homes by 2020. Buildings already consume nearly 80% of the total electricity produced in the Kingdom and contribute to a substantial proportion of environmental emissions. In a business as usual scenario, the growing energy appetite of the building sector, driven
by factors like infrastructure and population growth, and modernization, is bound to have significant energy, economic and environmental implications for the Kingdom. The SSBAT would be of great strategic importance to KSA. It will provide a benchmark to develop sustainable buildings and will thus help the Kingdom tackle its mounting energy and environmental challenges. Through its indoor environmental dimensions, it will also lead to better indoor health conditions. The SSBAT will benefit a wide range of building sector stakeholders including concerned government ministries and departments, designers, planners, developers, academics, and researchers. Further information on the SSBAT can be obtained from Dr. Jamal Al-Qawasmi at: jamalq@kfupm.edu.sa
CONDOLENCE Mr. Syed Rauf Ali, a former senior employee of the University has passed away recently in USA. He was suffering from a heart problem. Popularly known as “Rauf�, he joined the University in February 1965, when it was still a College. He was the first Executive Secretary to the then Rector. He played a significant role in different capacities as a senior employee in Faculty & Personnel Affairs Department. He left the University in February 2007 due to ill-health. The University expresses its great appreciation for his contributions to the University. May Allah grant his soul eternal peace and make Jannatul Firdaus his permanent dwelling place.
FUTURE
12
January 4, 2016 ( 24 Rabi - 1 1437 H)
“Qiyas” Excellence Award Received for the Fourth Consecutive Year As usual…
KFUPM University Schools in First Place in General Aptitude and Educational Attainment Tests
KFUPM University Schools has achieved first place in General Aptitude and Educational Attainment tests in both its boys’ and girls’ sections. The results, which were announced recently by the National Center for Assessment, place KFUPM University Schools ahead of their counterparts in government and private schools. Furthermore, University schools has also received this year’s ”Qiyas” excellence award for the fourth consecutive year since the prize was launched. The schools will receive the medal of excellence in a special ceremony organized by the National Center for Assessment along with the opening ceremony of the second conference for assessment under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, governor of Riyadh. University Schools’ Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr. Husain Salem Al-Attas, said that the University schools were nonprofit civil schools which were established in 1980 at KFUPM. The establishment of these schools contributed to the, significant expansion and development of school buildings and related infrastructure, , and an increase in the number of students, faculty members and assisting departments. Dr. Attas noted that University Schools is a private system of schools for boys and girls running from kindergarten to grade 12. The schools follow the official government curriculum and support it by additional enrich-
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ment curricula in math, science, Arabic language, English language, and computing. Most course subjects have a higher share of lectures than in public or private schools. University Schools accept students of all nationalities who can fit in its academic education system and it provides its students with a clear understanding of their culture and beliefs while strengthening their national, religious and social values. It also provides them with life skills consistent with their abilities through multiple mental and physical activities that make learning at University Schools fun and useful, thereby enhancing the students’ passion and motivation to learn. Dr. Al-Attas pointed out that the Schools follow sophisticated modern teaching methods, apply aspects of eLearning, and implement professional development programs. The Schools also create an educational climate that fosters creativity and talent and supports excellence, which has led to the schools acquiring leading positions in the Kingdom. He said that there are more than 2700 students in the University Schools, distributed over 7 stages from kindergarten up to secondary level, and taught by over 300 teachers from different disciplines. Finally, Dr. Al-Attas thanked all members of University Schools, and congratulated the students and their parents whose collaboration and participation helped in achieving the Schools’ objectives.
KFUPM Students Are Table Tennis champions
KFUPM Table Tennis team won first place in the sixth Saudi Universities Sports Federation Table Tennis Championship - singles, teams and doubles - which was held in the city of Tabuk and hosted by the University of Tabuk. KFUPM was represented by two students: Mohammed Nadir Alzaher and Abdullah Abdulkareem Alheleli. The full championship results are shown below: Singles 1 Mohammed Alzaher KFUPM 2 Abdullah Alheleli KFUPM 3 Faisal Alshamrani KSU 4 AbdulAziz AbdulWahhab MU Teams 1 KFUPM 2 MU 3 KAU Doubles 1 Mohammed Alzaher Abdullah Alheleli KFUPM 2 Faisal Alshamrani AbdulAziz KSU 3 Jawad Alsihati Saggad Almashaa DU 4 Meshaal Alkhamees AbdulAziz AbdulWahhab UOD
Supervisor, University Relations & Community Outreach Dr. Ashraf E. Fagih
Editor-in-Chief Mohammed A. Al-Shehri
Photographers Khalil M. Nasr/Saeed H. Ismail
Layout Artist Albert T. Obcena
Monthly News Bulletin published by the Public Relations & Information Department, KFUPM Box, 5015, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia. Website: www.kfupm.edu.sa/pr. News items to be included in the next issue of FUTURE should be submitted to the Director General, Public Relations & Information, Building 21, Room 301, Tel. 3100, Fax 3113, E-mail: media@kfupm.edu.sa or alberto@kfupm.edu.sa