Technology

The regional finals of Huawei's Seeds for the Future 2024 program successfully concluded in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, marking a significant milestone in fostering young ICT talent across the Middle East and Central Asia. The event, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan, showcased the innovative projects of university students from 14 countries, reflecting the program’s impact on digital education and sustainable development.

Two teams, Kuwait’s Future Gadget Lab and the UAE’s Beyond Limits, took first and second place respectively in the regional semifinal of the Tech4Good competition, which ran concurrently with the Seeds for the Future program. Both teams impressed the judges with their innovative use of technology to assist stroke patients with limited hand mobility, securing their spots in the global finals to be held in China.

Additional teams from Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain were also recognized for their outstanding projects, with special accolades awarded to Amanzhan Sabyrgali from Kazakhstan and Zainab Al Zaimoor from Bahrain, who were chosen as the Mentors' Favorites for their exemplary skills and team spirit.

The closing ceremony was attended by key figures including Mr. Rustam Karimjonov, Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and Ms. Nausheen Adnan, Member of the Parliament of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Advisor to the Prime Minister on Educational Reforms. The event celebrated not only the students' achievements but also the 10th anniversary of the Seeds for the Future program in Uzbekistan and Huawei's 25 years of operations in the country.

Shunli Wang, Vice President of Huawei Middle East and Central Asia, emphasized the importance of the program in nurturing ICT talent and driving digital innovation across the region. “We are confident this gathering was instrumental in empowering the youth to lead digital innovation and shape the region’s sustainable future,” he said.

Mr. Rustam Karimjonov praised Huawei's role in Uzbekistan’s digital transformation, highlighting the importance of skill-based development and industry exposure for students. “Initiatives like Seeds for the Future are pivotal in equipping our youth with industry knowledge and strengthening the ICT talent ecosystem in our region,” he stated.

Ms. Nausheen Adnan commended the platform for providing students with the opportunity to develop their ICT skills on a global stage. “Programs like these are crucial to equip students, develop the region’s talent, and mark a giant leap towards the digital era,” she noted.

This year’s Seeds for the Future program brought together 150 students from leading universities across the Middle East and Central Asia, including Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Uzbekistan. Over the course of the week, participants engaged in intensive training sessions, workshops, and cultural exchanges, enhancing their understanding of cutting-edge ICT technologies and global digital inclusion.

Huawei's Seeds for the Future program, launched in 2008, has since involved more than 18,000 students from 141 countries, working in partnership with over 500 universities to cultivate a new generation of ICT leaders and innovators.

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