Grooming local ICT talents

Huawei, a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices, has launched the fourth edition of its Seeds for the Future talent development programme in Bahrain in collaboration with the Labour fund “Tamkeen”. This year’s edition of the Seeds for the Future programme will host 10 students from different universities across the Kingdom.

The programme seeks to develop local ICT talent, enhance knowledge transfer, promote a greater understanding of and interest in the telecommunications sector, and to improve and encourage regional participation in the digital economy. The launch ceremony was held at Huawei’s Innovation Centre under the patronage of Dr Ebrahim Mohammed Janahi, Chief Executive of Tamkeen. During the ceremony, the selected students were awarded before flying to Beijing, China, for the knowledge-sharing programme.

Commenting on the launch of the latest round, Dr Janahi said, “We commend Huawei for its continued efforts in providing the youth of Bahrain with the chance to expand their knowledge with one of the largest ICT providers in the world. This is indeed a great experience and opportunity for students in Bahrain to gain.” Dr Janahi pointed out that Bahrain’s Economic Vision lays strong emphasis on technology and digital transformation to ensure the sustainability of a vibrant private sector.

He pointed out that, today, Tamkeen’s offers a wide range and forms of technological and digital solutions, stating that in 2018 alone, Tamkeen’s support in this area reached up to 95 per cent of the total support provided under the Business Development Scheme. Jon Lu Yuedong, CEO Huawei Technologies Bahrain, said: “Huawei is committed to promoting ICT industry development in Bahrain in line with the country’s national vision for the future, and aims to drive long-term economic, social, and environmental sustainability.

Over the last decade, Huawei has been able to help address the digital talent gap by investing heavily in our Seeds for the Future flagship training programme.” Launched by Huawei in 2008, Seeds for the Future is one of the company’s flagship training and CSR programmes. Through this programme, every year Huawei selects 1,000 students and young government officials working in ICT-related departments in 108 countries for a study trip in Huawei headquarters in Shenzhen, China.

Over the course of the programme, Huawei shares its ICT expertise and experience with young ICT professionals, and helps fuel the development of local ICT industries. Since inception, Huawei has co-operated with over 350 universities internationally, benefiting more than 30,000 students.