Saudi Aramco endowment chair of technology and information management has been established in Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University (PMU).

The main objective of the endowment is to establish a center of excellence in technology and information management to benefit PMU academic programs and provide a platform for services to the surrounding business community, said a company statement.

The launching ceremony of the Saudi Aramco endowed chair in PMU is truly a historic event in PMU’s history because it signifies the close collaborative ties between the two, it added.

Despite the fact that PMU has been in existence for only six years, it has been able to establish itself as a unique institution of higher education in the Eastern Province and in the Kingdom.

PMU rector Dr Issa Al-Ansari and the executive director of Information Technology at Saudi Aramco Hany Abu Khadra were present at launch ceremony.

The endowed chairperson conducted a workshop in the beginning of the ceremony. The workshop was attended by Aramco technical and administrative staff from the IT organization and faculty and administrators from PMU. 

Dr Al-Ansari said, 'PMU has been taking keen interest in the development of research activities through seeking Endowments in Research Areas related to the community and the nation.'

“We welcome more support from the industry and corporate sectors to establish similar endowments in different disciplines which would cater to the needs of the community, the province and the kingdom,” he said.

Dr Al-Ansari said the aim of Saudi Aramco endowed chair in PMU was to strengthen the role of the university and to enrich the field of technology and information management.

'This chair will attract more research and consultancy activities and guide the young generation to avail maximum benefit through undergraduate and graduate study programs,' he added.
 
Hani Abu Khaddra said, “Saudi Aramco has a long history of promoting excellence in the scientific research in the Kingdom. It has financed many academic chairs in prominent Saudi universities.”

“Saudi Aramco partnership with PMU is further strengthened through the launching of this Chair and it renews commitment by both sides. This step has been taken in the context of the Company’s intention to encourage scientific research and development.'

This chair, he said, is going to play an active role to identify difficulties which business and research communities face.

'Aramco will offer support to this chair and has high expectations from it. Its establishment in PMU will provide better avenues to conduct research in the different fields related to the endowment,' Abu Khaddra added.-TradeArabia News Service