KAUST President Jean-Lou Chameau hosted a gathering of KAUST alumni in Beijing in May 2014, marking the first formal alumni event outside of Saudi Arabia. The event included graduates, former post-docs, and incoming Chinese students. KAUST plans to form a working group to establish an alumni chapter in China. Why it matters: This event highlights KAUST's growing international network and its commitment to fostering relationships with alumni in key regions, especially China.
The KAUST China Alumni Chapter donated anti-pandemic materials, including 2,000 face masks and two Health Guard Robots, to KAUST during the COVID-19 crisis. The donation also included technical advice from alumni. The Hangzhou Association for Science and Technology (HAST) supported the donation of masks. Why it matters: This contribution highlights the strong connection between KAUST and its international alumni network, showcasing their commitment to supporting the university during challenging times.
KAUST held its 6th annual alumni meeting in China, in partnership with the Hangzhou Association of Science and Technology. 21 KAUST alumni visited innovation parks and enterprises in Hangzhou to explore collaborations. The meeting facilitated engagement with local business leaders and government officials regarding technologies in security, green energy, and health. Why it matters: Such meetings foster international collaboration and technology transfer, showcasing KAUST's role in connecting research with commercial opportunities in strategic regions like China.
The KAUST Saudi Arabian Alumni Chapter met to discuss future plans, with a focus on increasing engagement and creating a 'Community for Life'. The chapter caters to M.S. and Ph.D. graduates living and working in Saudi Arabia, representing around 51% of the total alumni. Key initiatives include leveraging the online network Rapport and organizing on-campus and regional meetings. Why it matters: Strengthening alumni networks is crucial for KAUST's long-term growth and influence within Saudi Arabia's evolving research and technology landscape.
KAUST's Saudi Arabia Alumni Chapter held its first reunion on November 27, 2015, featuring seminars, discussions, and recreational activities. The event included a panel discussion on work experiences, a talk on impactful living, and a discussion on volunteer opportunities. KAUST's VP for Academic Affairs, James Calvin, noted the important role of alumni in building the university's global reputation during the dinner reception. Why it matters: This event highlights KAUST's efforts to maintain strong connections with its alumni network within Saudi Arabia, fostering ongoing engagement and contributions to the Kingdom's development.
KAUST alumnus Jian Pan (M.S. '11) is working as general manager of Hangzhou Bertzer Catalyst, a water/wastewater treatment and pollution control technology company in China. Prior to this role, he worked at the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center and the Environmental Technology Innovation Center of Jiande. He also developed 12 technologies/products, including catalysts for advanced wastewater treatment and a portable water guarantee system. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in nurturing talent that contributes to environmental solutions globally, specifically in water treatment and pollution control.
KAUST held an alumni celebration in collaboration with Saudi Aramco to honor alumni achievements. Saudi Aramco emphasized its commitment to talent development as the largest employer of KAUST alumni. Dr. Jean-Lou Chameau encouraged alumni to contribute to society and advance KAUST as a hub of education and discovery. Why it matters: This event strengthens ties between KAUST and Saudi Aramco, highlighting KAUST's role in developing talent for the Kingdom's key industries.
The Mexican Embassy in Riyadh announced the creation of the first Saudi Arabian chapter of the Mexican Global Network (RedGlobalMX-Saudi Arabia). The chapter aims to recognize the contributions of the Mexican community in Saudi Arabia and foster collaboration between the two countries. KAUST alumni form a substantial part of the chapter's core membership, including those working at Saudi Aramco and Dow Chemical. Why it matters: This initiative strengthens ties between Saudi Arabia and Mexico, potentially opening doors for further academic and industrial collaborations, especially in fields where KAUST has expertise.