RIYADH — The Qimam Fellowship, on Wednesday, welcomed 50 high-potential university students to take part in its third annual training program that aspires to help young Saudis achieve their full potential.

These 50 students, from over 25 universities across Saudi Arabia, were chosen from a pool of over 17,000 applicants, in a rigorous selection process. About 70 senior leaders from the public and private sector participated in this effort and conducted more than 300 virtual selection interviews.

The intensive Qimam fellowship training program has been moved to an entirely virtual format for the summer, and will include one-on-one mentorship sessions with leading executives from Saudi Arabia, virtual visits to the offices of leading national and international companies, and leadership training with professionals from renowned companies. The traditional in-person program will resume at a later date.

Abdullah Saidan, associate partner from McKinsey & Company — the founding partner of the Qimam Fellowship program, stated: “With unprecedented disruption comes opportunity to help young people shape a different future. I can’t think of a more important or interesting time to continue our Qimamjourney and work with young leaders as they think about their own futures and their potential to really make a difference in a world presented with so many new normals.”

May Alkhaldi, Qimam Program Manager from McKinsey & Company, stated: “We were inspired by the overwhelming commitment of all of our partners to keep this program going in a virtual format. Our Qimam fellows embrace this journey with enthusiasm, and professionalism, and our trainers and corporate partners are equally excited to continue the journey together.’’

Dr. Annas Abedin, co-founder of the Qimam Fellowship program, stated: “Qimam has been set up with the mission to identify and support talent that has the ability to meaningfully change the course of this region for the better. This mission is today more important than it has ever been, which is why we have been keen to continue with this effort despite all obstacles.”

In its 2020 edition, Qimam is proud to partner with 30 local and international companies who are working together with Qimamto empower promising university graduates and student leaders in Saudi Arabia.

These partners are: Aberkyn, Al Arabiya News Channel, Al-Khaleejiah Advertising & Public Relations Company, Arabnet, Bab Rizq Jameel, Banque Saudi Fransi, Bupa Arabia, Careem, Cisco, Elm, General Electric, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC), Korn Ferry, Saudi Arabian Mining Company “Ma’aden", Majid Al Futtaim, McKinsey & Company, Microsoft, Noon Academy, The Olayan Group, Oqal, Pearson, Qiddiya, Rocket Internet, SAP, Seera Group Holding, Saudi Pharmaceutical Industries & Medical Appliances Corporation (SPIMACO), Saudi Telecom Company (STC), STV, Udacity and Unilever. — SG