Huawei, a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices, has announced that the regional finals for the 2024 Seeds for the Future (SFTF), the company’s global flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, will be held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan from August 11 to 17. Building on the success of last year's edition, this year's edition brings together a record 157 students from 14 countries across the Middle East and Central Asia region.
This year's regional final is supported by the Ministry of Digital Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the IT Education Association. Many other telecom, regulatory, labor authorities and vocational training bodies from the Middle East and Central Asia countries have also partnered with Huawei on this program. This backing reflects the initiative's global reach, which has seen the program gain recognition from more than 450 senior officials and heads of state worldwide. Since its launch in 2008, Seeds for the Future has made a significant impact globally, benefiting over 18,000 students from 141 countries, highlighting the program's importance in developing global ICT talent.
Steven Yi, President of Huawei in the Middle East and Central Asia, said, "In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, tech-savvy and adaptable young talents deserve every opportunity to succeed. Huawei's Seeds for the Future program is dedicated to equipping these bright minds with the essential skills and mindsets needed to thrive in our fast-paced world. We've designed this platform to offer a wide range of opportunities, including online courses, competitions, exchange programs, and scholarships. Our goal is to provide talented youth from the ME&CA region with unparalleled STEM experiences, empowering them to pursue their dreams and make meaningful contributions to the global community."
Students are selected through in-country competitions, with winners advancing to regional finals and ultimately to global finals in China. The selection process is based on four key pillars that define the program's mission: Innovation, Digitalization, Sustainability, and Entrepreneurship.
Innovation is fostered through cutting-edge technological seminars and expert interactions. Digitalization focuses on cultivating skills crucial for global digital transformation, while sustainability is promoted through environmental responsibility and exposure to green technologies. On the other hand, entrepreneurship combines theory and practice, guiding participants to develop commercially viable solutions. This approach ensures Seeds for the Future nurtures well-rounded ICT leaders equipped to address global challenges and drive industry innovation.
Seeds for the Future 2024 features Tech4Good, an entrepreneurship program that challenges young adults to address social issues using digital technologies. It focuses on sustainable development and empowers students to create viable tech-based solutions. The program offers intensive training, monthly workshops, a global competition, and incentives to help winning teams turn innovative ideas into successful businesses. In this mission, Tech4Good aims to bridge the gap between ICT skills and real-world problem-solving, fostering a new generation of socially conscious tech entrepreneurs.
"Seeds for the Future represents Huawei's long-standing commitment to nurturing the next generation of ICT leaders. By bringing together talented students from across the Middle East and Central Asia, we're not just imparting technical knowledge – we're fostering innovation, cross-cultural understanding, and the skills needed to drive digital transformation in the region. This initiative is a testament to our belief that empowering youth is key to building a fully connected, intelligent world. Moreover, it underscores the crucial role of talent in digital transformation, including building the digital economy, driving socio-economic development, and supporting the achievement of national plans and visions," Steven added.
The Seeds for the Future program by Huawei is a flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at developing skilled ICT talent and fostering cross-cultural communication. It aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world industry needs. Participants benefit from hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing, guided by industry experts and Huawei's top technologists.
Source: Press Release