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Immersive study
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THE KGSP

2019 Korea-Saudi Youth Exchange Program

In early September, eight KGSP students traveled to South Korea to for the 2019 Korea Saudi Youth Exchange Program, representing the first group of KGSP to attend the program.  Hosted by the Korea Arab Society and sponsored by S-Oil Science Prodigy and Culture Foundation, the Program’s mission aims to increase mutual understanding and expanded relations between Korea and Arab nations.  The KGSP participants had the unique opportunity to network and learn from leading tech industry experts and academic researchers in the country.

Changdeokgung Palace
Changdeokgung Palace

Ali Almuhanna, a sophomore majoring in Chemical Engineering at University of California, Berkeley, was impressed by South Korea’s advanced technology ecosystem across both industry and academia, visiting cutting-edge tech companies like AhnLab and Kakao, as well as world-class universities like Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology and Seoul National University.  Ali was inspired by South Korea’s commitment to scientific innovation and growth and expressed his desire to support similar efforts ongoing in Saudi Arabia.

Nwaf Alamro, a junior majoring in Electrical Engineering at North Carolina State University, discussed with S-Oil representatives the relationship between Saudi and Korean businesses, inquiring about potential research and industrial collaboration in the energy and technology fields.  The interconnectedness and global possibilities of these industries were further recognized when the students toured the office of the tech company VoyagerX, Inc. Nwaf was excited to meet the professionals who created vFlat, a book scanning phone application that he and several of his peers have used.

At the conclusion of the program, Nwaf reflected that being a KGSP student provides him with an incredible system of academic support and enrichment that have facilitated his participation in many meaningful opportunities like this one.  “This trip really made me appreciate being a part of a community this great, I'm so proud to be a KGSP student!”

Abdullah Alshuour (left) and Ali Almuhanna (right) in front Cheomseongdae, one of the oldest astronomical observatories in Asia
Abdullah Alshuour (left) and Ali Almuhanna (right) in front Cheomseongdae, one of the oldest astronomical observatories in Asia
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STUDENT PROFILE 

KGSP students represent the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s future scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and thought-leaders. As both individuals and as a community, they reflect the KAUST mission of driving scientific discovery through excellence in education and cutting-edge research, and share a commitment to fostering innovation, economic development, and social prosperity throughout the Kingdom and the world.  

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ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

Selection to the KGSP is extremely competitive, and currently by invitation only. Successful applicants are Saudi Arabian students in their final year of high school who demonstrate impressive academic credentials within STEM fields, meaningful extra-curricular achievements, and who share the KAUST ethos of continuous discovery.  Learn more here.

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KGSP ADMINISTRATION

The KGSP is administered by the Office of Strategic National Advancement at KAUST, under the direction of Vice President & Senior Associate to the President, Dr. Najah Ashry. Strategic National Advancement directs the university's strategy to serve Saudi Arabia's transformational priorities: Through initiatives in young talent and Saudi workforce development, social responsibility, and national engagement, the Office contributes to a thriving innovation ecosystem by building knowledge capacity, creating opportunities, and strengthening impact.