Academics and culture in Korea

Aramco chairman, H.E. Yasir O. Al-Rumayyan, gave words of inspiration to 22 Aramco-sponsored students in the South Korean capital, Seoul, during a recent visit. 

Aramco currently sponsors 2,763 students around the world, with the majority attending the top 30 universities to pursue their undergraduate degrees as part of the College Degree Program for Non-Employees (CDPNE). 

During his visit, Al-Rumayyan gave an inspiring speech to the students, highlighting the importance of studying abroad and expanding their perspectives, both academically and culturally.

“The importance of Korea to Aramco and Saudi Arabia has been on the rise over the past years, economically and diplomatically,” Al-Rumayyan said, adding, “We take pride in all of you pursuing academic aspirations and dreams in Korea, and this is the great opportunity for you to become future leaders, bridging the two countries in the future.” 

Expanding perspectives

Al-Rumayyan noted the challenges of studying in a foreign language, and encouraged the students to continue to expand their perspectives and grasp opportunities.

“To accomplish even a little thing requires a lot of effort, so please commit 120% of your efforts into what you do as proud students of Saudi Arabia,” the chairman said.

He advised students to nurture good habits during their educational and cultural experience.

“The people and organizations that can do the right things are more consistently likely to maintain a slight edge and accumulate disproportionate rewards over time,” said Al-Rumayyan.

Students saw the chairman’s visit as a testament to the importance of the CDPNE program, which offers them an opportunity to strive to become future employees and leaders for both the company and the Kingdom. 

We take pride in all of you pursuing academic aspirations and dreams in Korea, and this is the great opportunity for you to become future leaders, bridging the two countries in the future.
H.E. Yasir O. Al-Rumayyan

An honor

“It was an honor getting the opportunity to meet His Excellency. His words of wisdom will aid me on my academic journey,” said student Nouf Makhafh. 

Lamees Alwaleedi said, “The opportunity to hear His Excellency’s remarks made me even more grateful to be part of this journey.”

Al-Rumayyan was described by student Mohammed Sulimani as a “great role model.”

The CDPNE Far East program initially started in 1997. To date, 181 students have graduated from Korea, China, and Japan with 50 students graduating from Korea alone. 

Aramco’s Training and Development organization revamped the Far East program in 2022, when 29 students started their language program in Korea followed by 11 in China. 

The program was reintroduced with in-Kingdom and out-of-Kingdom on-boarding support provided by local native speaking teachers. 

On-boarding

During the on-boarding, students are taught the basic language and culture in preparation for their arrival at the study location. The program also included 15 female students for the first time since its inception in 1997. 

An additional 22 students have been selected as part of the Far East program in 2023 and will be traveling to commence their studies in Korea, China, and Japan by the end of the year, bringing the total number of active Far East CDPNEs to 62.

Caption of the top image: H.E. Aramco chairman’s visit inspires the Kingdom’s young minds studying in Korea.