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Ƶ’s AI-ready workforce will power its digital economy

Ƶ’s AI-ready workforce will power its digital economy

 Ƶ’s AI-ready workforce will power its digital economy
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In today’s fast-evolving digital environment, the average shelf life of skills is less than five years. This rapid pace of change, driven by technological advancements, presents a significant challenge to organizations and countries.

Ƶ has emerged as a leading force in upskilling its youth. As the Kingdom transitions away from oil to a more diverse, knowledge-based economy, it is building a future-ready workforce.

This strategic shift is yielding positive results, with the value of the non-oil economy reaching SR1.7 trillion ($453 billion), and a surge in new investments indicating a thriving economy.

The rise of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning is redefining the workforce at an unprecedented pace. Automation is transforming the way we conduct mundane tasks, and AI algorithms are venturing into areas previously thought to be limited to human capabilities. This change necessitates a reevaluation of how we approach workforce development, ensuring individuals are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed for the future.

With its recently announced plans to launch a $40 billion fund focused on AI investments, Ƶ is cementing its position as one of the world’s largest investors in the technology. While the investment itself is a significant step toward becoming an AI leader, the full potential of this fund hinges on having a workforce equipped with the knowledge and expertise to utilize it effectively.

By nurturing AI talent, Ƶ is cultivating the homegrown innovators who will power its digital economy.

To equip its workforce with the skills needed to drive the digital future, the Kingdom launched several initiatives, such as the National Strategy for Data and Artificial Intelligence, which focuses on training programs for women, youth, and entrepreneurs in data analysis, machine learning and other relevant skills. Through collaborations with educational programs to integrate data science and AI into schools, and enabling entrepreneurship support via incubators and accelerators, the initiative is cultivating a generation of young experts equipped to lead the nation’s advancements in these crucial science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.

By nurturing AI talent, Ƶ is cultivating the homegrown innovators who will power its digital economy

Reham Al-Musa

Similarly, the Kingdom’s Human Capability Development Program takes a comprehensive approach to upskilling youth in STEM fields. It starts with a strong foundation in early childhood education, aligns educational curricula with industry needs, and provides lifelong learning opportunities in STEM knowledge to enable the future STEM leaders of Ƶ.

However, it is not just about technical skills. Initiatives like the launch of the region’s largest startup hub and the National Technology Development Program provide resources and infrastructure to cultivate a thriving startup ecosystem, particularly one fueled by AI. Ƶ is not just building AI expertise, but also empowering a generation of citizens who will become the engine of the country’s future economy. In essence, investing in STEM education enables the growth of the Kingdom’s startup ecosystem, which in turn will drive innovation across sectors, accelerate job creation, boost competitiveness, attract investment, and further diversify the economy.

The Kingdom is actively investing in venture capital and entrepreneurship support structures. In May 2024, $8 billion was specifically allocated for this purpose. This financial backing can fuel the growth of promising startups and translate into substantial economic contributions.

By equipping its youth with expertise in AI development, automation principles and data science methods, the Kingdom is nurturing a generation of entrepreneurs who can build AI-powered solutions tailored to public and private sector needs. Imagine startups driving AI-powered learning platforms that cater to schools or machine learning-driven platforms to drive tourism in the Kingdom. This unique understanding of emerging technologies will help address local challenges, materialize new ideas, and boost the Kingdom’s global competitiveness.

At Oracle, we have introduced “Mostaqbali” (My Future) aimed at upskilling 50,000 Saudis in AI and emerging technologies. Launched in collaboration with Future Work and supervised by Ƶ’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, the program aims to train and certify 50,000 Saudi nationals in the latest cloud-powered digital technologies, AI, machine learning, and the Internet of Things by 2027.

By investing in capacity building and AI skills, Ƶ is unlocking the full potential of a thriving digital economy. These programs act as a catalyst, transforming the nation’s workforce into a powerful engine driving innovation and diversification. Arming citizens with the latest digital literacy and technical skills creates the fertile ground for the Kingdom’s next wave of entrepreneurship, innovation, and technological advancement.

• Reham Al-Musa is vice president of cloud applications for Oracle’s public sector business and managing director and country leader for Oracle Ƶ

Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not necessarily reflect Arab News' point of view

Lithuania’s defense minister proposes ways for smoother relations between Europe and Trump

Lithuania’s defense minister proposes ways for smoother relations between Europe and Trump
Updated 10 min 1 sec ago

Lithuania’s defense minister proposes ways for smoother relations between Europe and Trump

Lithuania’s defense minister proposes ways for smoother relations between Europe and Trump
  • Trump has repeatedly taken issue with US aid to Ukraine, made vague vows to end the war and has praised Russian President Vladimir Putin

PRAGUE: European nations should not repeat the mistake of creating a barrier between them and President-elect Donald Trump but instead cooperate on issues of common interest, Lithuania’s defense minister said Saturday.
Assuming that Trump will again apply what Laurynas Kasčiūnas called “his contract approach to our relations,” Kasčiūnas outlined areas where Europe and the new president could join forces: more investment in defense, European acquisition of American weapons and cooperation on containing China and Iran.
“What we did a little bit wrong last time when he was elected (by defeating) Hillary Clinton, and it was unexpected, we built against him a moral wall,” Kasčiūnas told The Associated Press.
“I think it was not a correct way,” Kasčiūnas said. He was speaking on the sidelines of a three-day gathering in Prague focusing on European and transatlantic military capabilities.
During his first 2017-2021 term, Trump pushed NATO’s European members to spend more on defense, up to and beyond 2 percent of gross domestic product, and to be less reliant on US military cover.
That’s what the allies have been doing. A total of 23 members are expected to meet the 2 percent target his year, compared to just three 10 years ago, according to NATO. Lithuania has already surpassed 2.5 percent with a goal of reaching 4 percent, which would be more than the United States.
Europe’s defense industry managed to increase output of some products after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022 but European countries also donated their own weapons to Ukraine, and “remain dependent on the US for some important aspects of their military capability,” a report published by the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies at the Prague event said.
Lithuania, which borders Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave to the west and Belarus to the east, remains the largest buyer of US arms among the three Baltic states.
The minister, whose country was in a spat with China over Taiwan, also spoke in favor of European Union sanctions on Iran.
However, Russia’s war against Ukraine has been divisive.
Trump has repeatedly taken issue with US aid to Ukraine, made vague vows to end the war and has praised Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Kasčiūnas insisted that Europe’s military aid to Ukraine has to continue and Russia should not dictate the conditions for peace while a limited ceasefire would not make sense because it would only help Russian troops recover from losses and strike again.
“We need a just peace, credible peace,” he said.
During his election campaign, Trump also threatened actions that could have groundbreaking consequences for nations across Europe, from a trade war with the EU to a withdrawal of NATO commitments.

 


Putin orders more efforts in suppressing extremism; signs into law defense treaty with North Korea

Putin orders more efforts in suppressing extremism; signs into law defense treaty with North Korea
Updated 24 min 12 sec ago

Putin orders more efforts in suppressing extremism; signs into law defense treaty with North Korea

Putin orders more efforts in suppressing extremism; signs into law defense treaty with North Korea
  • More work and proactive behavior are also necessary in suppressing extremism," Putin tells Interior Ministry staff

Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his interior ministry early on Sunday to increase efforts in suppressing extremism inside the country.
“Today, Russian citizens expect more dedication and new results from you in all key areas of work,” Putin said in a congratulatory message to the interior ministry’s employees on their professional holiday, which is celebrated in Russia on Nov. 10.
“More work and proactive behavior are also necessary in suppressing extremism. It threatens our sovereignty, constitutional order and the safety of people in any form and guise.”

On Saturday, Putin signed into law a treaty on the country’s strategic partnership with North Korea which includes a mutual defense provision.
The accord, signed by Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in June after a summit in Pyongyang, calls on each side to come to the other’s aid in case of an armed attack.
Russia’s upper house ratified the treaty this week, while the lower house endorsed it last month. Putin signed a decree on that ratification that appeared on Saturday on a government website outlining legislative procedures.
The treaty galvanizes closer ties between Moscow and Pyongyang since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Reports from South Korea and Western countries say North Korea has supplied Russia with weaponry. Ukrainian forensic experts say they have found traces of the weapons at sites of Russian attacks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday that North Korea has sent 11,000 troops to Russia and some of them suffered casualties in combat with Kyiv’s forces Russia’s southern Kursk region.
Russia has not confirmed the presence of the North Korean troops.


The hardest job in Washington? A look at those who have served as chief of staff for Trump

The hardest job in Washington? A look at those who have served as chief of staff for Trump
Updated 45 min 31 sec ago

The hardest job in Washington? A look at those who have served as chief of staff for Trump

The hardest job in Washington? A look at those who have served as chief of staff for Trump

WASHINGTON: Susie Wiles will be the latest occupant of the hottest hot seat in Washington — Donald Trump’s chief of staff.
It’s a tough job under the best of circumstances, responsible for networking with lawmakers, administration officials and outside groups while also keeping the White House running smoothly.
But it’s been particularly challenging under Trump, who has a history of resenting anyone who tries to impose order on his chaotic management style. Four people served as chief of staff during his first term, and sometimes things ended on acrimonious terms.

This combination photo of President-elect Donald Trump's longtime friends, aides and allies shows Boris Epshteyn, from top row left, Richard Grenell, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Howard Lutnick, from center row left, Linda McMahon, Stephen Miller, Elon Musk, Brooke Rollins and from bottom row left Lara Trump, Dana White and Susie Wiles. (AP)

Will past be prologue? It’s impossible to know. So far, Wiles has fared better than most in Trump’s orbit, and she just steered his presidential campaign to victory.
Here’s a look at who came before her.
Reince Priebus
Priebus chaired the Republican National Committee while Trump ran for president in 2016, and he became Trump’s first chief of staff in the White House. Priebus was symbolic of the awkward alliance between the party establishment and Trump’s insurgency, and he struggled to balance the two.
The White House was plagued by infighting and failed to advance legislative goals such as repealing the Affordable Care Act. Priebus was sometimes viewed as untrustworthy by various factions vying for Trump’s favor. Anthony Scaramucci, who memorably but briefly served as Trump’s communications director, profanely attacked him for allegedly leaking information to the media.
Six months into his first term, Trump pushed out Priebus on July 28, 2017. The decision was announced on Twitter, which was par for the course in those tumultuous years.
John Kelly
Next up was Kelly, who had been Trump’s first Homeland Security secretary. Trump liked the way that Kelly, a former four-star Marine general who had served in Iraq, led his immigration crackdown.
But he soon became frustrated by Kelly’s attempts to impose military-style order on the chaotic White House. Kelly clashed with the president and some of his allies, ultimately becoming more isolated and less influential.
Trump appeared so eager to get rid of Kelly, he announced his departure on Dec. 8, 2018, without having a replacement lined up.
While Kelly served longer in the role than anyone else, his break with Trump was ultimately the most acrimonious. He described his former boss in acidic terms last month, saying Trump met the definition of a fascist and once praised Adolf Hitler as having done “some good things.”
Mick Mulvaney
It took days for Trump to settle on a replacement for Kelly, an unusual delay for a such a critical role. He chose Mulvaney, a former South Carolina congressman who was running the White House budget office at the time.
The decision came with an asterisk — Trump called Mulvaney his “acting” chief of staff, suggesting the position would be temporary.
Mulvaney abandoned Kelly’s strict management approach and decided to “let Trump be Trump.” Instead of managing the seemingly unmanageable president, Mulvaney focused on overseeing the staff and working with lawmakers.
He held the job for a little more than a year, departing on March 6, 2020, after Trump was acquitted in his first impeachment trial.
Mark Meadows
Trump turned to Meadows, a North Carolina congressman and leader of the right-wing House Freedom Caucus, to serve as his fourth chief of staff. It was a challenging time, with the coronavirus spreading in the United States and around the globe.
Long viewed as one of the roadblocks to congressional deal-making, Meadows played a leading role in negotiating pandemic relief legislation. He also proved himself as a loyalist as Trump was running for reelection against Joe Biden. Meadows oversaw a White House awash in conspiracy theories about voter fraud as Trump tried to overturn his defeat.
A former aide said Meadows frequently burned papers in his office fireplace during this time. Meadows refused to cooperate with a House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the US Capitol, and he was indicted in election-related cases in Georgia and Arizona. He’s pleaded not guilty.

 


Saudi king, crown prince congratulate Cambodian monarch on independence day

King Salman (L) and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (SPA)
King Salman (L) and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (SPA)
Updated 10 November 2024

Saudi king, crown prince congratulate Cambodian monarch on independence day

King Salman (L) and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (SPA)
  • Sihamoni became the king of Cambodia in 2004 after his father, Norodom Sihanouk, abdicated the throne

RIYADH: Ƶ’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Saturday congratulated Cambodia’s King Norodom Sihamoni on his country's Independence Day celebration, the SPA reported.

In cable, King Salman wished the Cambodian king good health and happiness, as well as continued progress and prosperity for both the government and the people. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent a similar cable.
The Southeast Asian nation declared independence from France on November 9, 1953.

Sihamoni became the king of Cambodia in 2004 after his father, Norodom Sihanouk, abdicated the throne. Sihanouk later died in 2012 of illness.

 


Israel army slams soldiers for burning Lebanese flag

Israel army slams soldiers for burning Lebanese flag
Updated 10 November 2024

Israel army slams soldiers for burning Lebanese flag

Israel army slams soldiers for burning Lebanese flag
  • In the video, some of the soldiers were jumping and singing a religious maxim as one of them sets fire to the flag with a lighter

JERUSALEM: The Israeli military on Saturday accused a group of soldiers of burning a Lebanese flag in southern Lebanon where they are fighting the Hezbollah militant group.
The military spoke after a video circulated on social media showing around half a dozen people dressed in Israeli uniforms jumping and singing a religious maxim as one of them sets fire to the flag with a lighter.
“We view the act of some soldiers burning the Lebanese flag in southern Lebanon as a violation of orders, inconsistent with the values of the defense forces, and misaligned with the goals of our military activities in Lebanon,” said military spokesman Avichay Adraee.
“Our war is against the terrorist Hezbollah, which has never been truly Lebanese in creed, ideology, or identity,” he added in an Arabic-language post on social media platform X.

 

The post did not mention any possible sanctions against the soldiers.
It did include a video allegedly showing a Hezbollah militant tearing a Lebanese flag off its pole and replacing it with the group’s banner.
Israel has been at war with Hezbollah since late September, when it broadened its focus from fighting Hamas in the Gaza Strip to securing its northern border, even as the Gaza war continues.
Hezbollah began low intensity strikes on Israel in support of Hamas following its ally’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel which triggered the Gaza war.