RIYADH: Because the Kingdom forges forward in the tech business, younger Saudis like Abdullah Hakeem are taking part in a vital position in shaping its future whereas inspiring others to observe in their footsteps.
The King Fahd College of Petroleum and Minerals graduate, 25, is tapping into the ability of know-how to bridge gaps, improve communication, and empower communities.
Hakeem’s story started throughout his research at KFUPM, the place he rapidly grew to become a well known determine amongst college students for his creative spirit. His first main mission was a WhatsApp bot designed to reinforce the platform’s performance.
“It was a studying software for me,” Hakeem instructed Arab Information. “I utilized new expertise and carried out user-suggested options, evolving it primarily based on suggestions.”
The bot garnered over 1,000 customers, primarily college students on the college.
One notable problem was sustaining the bot’s effectivity amid quite a few simultaneous requests. “I overcame this by using numerous technical options and constantly refining them over time,” he defined.
Understanding the worth of community-building, he based round 30 WhatsApp teams that fostered connections amongst college students in improvement and ability enhancement.
Contributing to the success of my nation is a key objective for me.
Abdullah Hakeem, SDAIA strategic competitiveness specialist
Hakeem additionally organized competitions to encourage friends to problem themselves and be taught. “Bringing individuals collectively to be taught and develop has at all times been my ardour,” he added.
This dedication to neighborhood engagement facilitated a collaborative setting in which college students might share information and assist each other.
His internship at Takamul Applied sciences in 2022 marked a pivotal second in his profession. Tasked with resolving a crucial subject on the corporate’s web site, he diminished the load time of the 3D part from a cumbersome 70MB to a lightning-fast 100KB.
“This spectacular feat earned me a part-time job provide from the CEO, a uncommon alternative for an intern,” he stated. “It was a confidence enhance (to have) my talents acknowledged in knowledgeable setting.”
This expertise fueled his want to sort out advanced challenges in the tech business. His revolutionary spirit culminated in a sequence of competitions, notably the KFUPM Innovation Hackathon final 12 months, in which he led his group to victory in each internet and cellular improvement tracks.
The hackathon supplied a platform for college kids to showcase their expertise and creativity. It honed Hakeem’s management expertise and in addition bolstered the significance of collaboration in reaching frequent targets.
“I tailored my method to inspire every group member in keeping with their wants,” he stated. “Being carefully concerned in each activity allowed me to information the mission successfully.”
Hakeem’s commencement mission received first place on the KFUPM Commencement Expo in Might final 12 months. The mission concerned integrating with Foodics, the most important point-of-sale system in the Center East.
He stated: “One in every of our main challenges was securing a partnership with a restaurant to facilitate the combination course of. We designated one group member to handle communications with Foodics and the sponsorship, permitting the remainder of us to concentrate on improvement.”
This strategic division of duties proved essential in overcoming obstacles and delivering the mission.
Recognition adopted, particularly by means of social media. Hakeem and his group shared their journey on X, attracting nearly 400,000 views. This publicity led to an invite from the MISK Basis to hitch the distinguished MISK Launchpad program in 2023, the place they secured a grant to deliver their product to market.
“The expertise taught me to construct actual merchandise, not simply software program options,” he stated.
This system supplied precious insights into the product improvement course of, shaping Hakeem’s perspective on the significance of making significant options that tackle real-world issues.
His skills caught the attention of main gamers in the tech business. In the course of the Metathon competitors towards the top of 2023, he impressed judges, together with Rehab Alarfaj from the Saudi Knowledge and AI Authority, who supplied him a place on her group.
“Becoming a member of SDAIA (this 12 months) was a dream come true,” he added. “It’s a sought-after alternative in the tech neighborhood … my objective is to safe recognition for Saudi Arabia in world AI rankings.”
In his present position throughout the Common Administration of Partnership and Competitiveness, Hakeem is dedicated to advancing artificial intelligence in the Kingdom.
He’s at the moment concerned in organizing the World AI Summit, which is about to happen between Sept. 10-12. This occasion will showcase the Kingdom’s advances in AI and foster collaboration amongst worldwide consultants.
“Contributing to the success of my nation is a key objective for me,” Hakeem stated.
As Hakeem continues to contribute and innovate, he embodies the spirit of a brand new technology of younger Saudis supported by the nurturing ecosystem of Imaginative and prescient 2030, and devoted to paving the way and leaving a mark on the tech business and past.