Vision 2030

  During the first week of April 2021, the Vice Deanship of Academic Development and Quality at the Faculty of Languages and Translation met with the Employer Advisory Board (EAB) to leverage the EAB's knowledge of labor markets, in-demand skills, and pedagogy at the Bachelor of Arts in English program (BAEP). The main purpose of the meetings — held across several days — was to obtain feedback that can be used to create a more well-rounded education that satisfies the demand for skilled employees.   The EAB at BAEP represents an industry partnership that enables continuous evaluation, development, and performance improvement in our educational offering linked to regional economic development and labor market needs. As such, during the meetings in April 2021 — and during all prior meetings — the EAB examined labor requirements to ensure BAEP's Mission Statement, Program Learning Outcomes, Graduate Attributes, and Study Plan are aligned with labor market demands.   The list of experts in BAEP's Advisory Board includes:   Mushabab Abu Eshi, currently the General Secretary at the Abha Chamber of Commerce. Musa Ahmed, currently a vice-principal at a local high school. Afan Al-Qahtani, currently the Women's Asir Region Supervisor at Saudi National Bank. Sultan Al-Qahtani, currently Head of Strategy at Aseer Development Authority, a newly formed administration from the government sector with a mandate to supervise planning and implementation of a regional development strategy for the Asir Region. Hussein Asiri, currently the Men's Department of English Head at the Ministry of Education in Asir. Laila Mohammed, currently the Women's Department of English Head at the Ministry of Education in Asir.   The EAB commended the program for responding to workforce needs by cultivating creative graduates with valuable skills that businesses need to thrive, noting that our English majors are versatile working across industries because of their ability to critique and analyze written expression. They especially appreciated the linguistic skills of our graduates, which complements the increased demand for English language proficiency and helps to overcome cultural barriers in the trade of services, goods, and tourism. EAB members from the Ministry of Education and Abha Chamber of Commerce called for increased focus on practical speaking modules in current courses, which is one of the 4 macro skills in communication.   Afnan Al-Qahtani, Women's Asir Region Supervisor at Saudi National Bank, explained that soft skills are as vital as hard skills. She highlighted the need to invite seasoned guest speakers to deliver impactful soft skills training because employers are looking for graduates who can demonstrate competence in communicating well with others, showing initiative and responsibility, and working well in teams.   The Aseer Development Authority (ASDA) recommended integrating course learning outcomes on English for tourism purposes with a practical component into current courses. ASDA Head of Strategy, Sultan Al-Qahtani, explained that the newly launched Soudah Development Company (SDC), wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), will create thousands of new jobs by 2030 as a result of a multibillion-dollar investment in tourism infrastructure and attractions throughout the region. Date: 4/12/2021 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

  During the first week of April 2021, the Vice Deanship of Academic Development and Quality at the Faculty of Languages and Translation met with the Employer Advisory Board (EAB) to leverage the EAB's knowledge of labor markets, in-demand skills, and pedagogy at the Bachelor of Arts in English program (BAEP). The main purpose of the meetings — held across several days — was to obtain feedback that can be used to create a more well-rounded education that satisfies the demand for skilled employees.   The EAB at BAEP represents an industry partnership that enables continuous evaluation, development, and performance improvement in our educational offering linked to regional economic development and labor market needs. As such, during the meetings in April 2021 — and during all prior meetings — the EAB examined labor requirements to ensure BAEP's Mission Statement, Program Learning Outcomes, Graduate Attributes, and Study Plan are aligned with labor market demands.   The list of experts in BAEP's Advisory Board includes:   Mushabab Abu Eshi, currently the General Secretary at the Abha Chamber of Commerce. Musa Ahmed, currently a vice-principal at a local high school. Afan Al-Qahtani, currently the Women's Asir Region Supervisor at Saudi National Bank. Sultan Al-Qahtani, currently Head of Strategy at Aseer Development Authority, a newly formed administration from the government sector with a mandate to supervise planning and implementation of a regional development strategy for the Asir Region. Hussein Asiri, currently the Men's Department of English Head at the Ministry of Education in Asir. Laila Mohammed, currently the Women's Department of English Head at the Ministry of Education in Asir.   The EAB commended the program for responding to workforce needs by cultivating creative graduates with valuable skills that businesses need to thrive, noting that our English majors are versatile working across industries because of their ability to critique and analyze written expression. They especially appreciated the linguistic skills of our graduates, which complements the increased demand for English language proficiency and helps to overcome cultural barriers in the trade of services, goods, and tourism. EAB members from the Ministry of Education and Abha Chamber of Commerce called for increased focus on practical speaking modules in current courses, which is one of the 4 macro skills in communication.   Afnan Al-Qahtani, Women's Asir Region Supervisor at Saudi National Bank, explained that soft skills are as vital as hard skills. She highlighted the need to invite seasoned guest speakers to deliver impactful soft skills training because employers are looking for graduates who can demonstrate competence in communicating well with others, showing initiative and responsibility, and working well in teams.   The Aseer Development Authority (ASDA) recommended integrating course learning outcomes on English for tourism purposes with a practical component into current courses. ASDA Head of Strategy, Sultan Al-Qahtani, explained that the newly launched Soudah Development Company (SDC), wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), will create thousands of new jobs by 2030 as a result of a multibillion-dollar investment in tourism infrastructure and attractions throughout the region. Date: 4/12/2021 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

  On March 23, 2021, Mr. Javed Ahmed delivered a webinar titled 'Professional Job Skills'. The webinar, under the supervision of Vice Dean for Academic Development & Quality, Dr. Abdulrahman Almosa, and technical support of E-Learning Supervisor, Mr. Mohsin Khan, was developed to help Bachelor of Arts in English program upperclassmen and alumni understand the mindset and competencies needed in the future workplace. In the webinar, Mr. Javed explained why some companies place heavy emphasis on the skill of multitasking and need new hires who have up-to-the-minute, state-of-the-art skills. "I wanted to provide alumni with an opportunity to reflect on adaptability, mental agility, and resilience," said Mr. Javed. He then pivoted into a highlight of the most in-demand professional jobs skills alumni should look to develop, noting how they will help them remain competitive job candidates. "I see we have several alumni in the webinar. Employers are looking for hard as well as smart workers, being a potential candidate one has to change his outlook towards the traditional way of thinking," Mr. Javed added. He concluded by highlighting the schematic diagram, which will definitely help our alumni to think, visualize and actualize multi-dimensional intelligence.   The Bachelor of Arts in English program is committed to providing students and alumni of the program with additional activities for their professional development, consistent with the intended learning outcomes, and labor market developments. Date: 3/26/2021 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

  On March 23, 2021, Mr. Javed Ahmed delivered a webinar titled 'Professional Job Skills'. The webinar, under the supervision of Vice Dean for Academic Development & Quality, Dr. Abdulrahman Almosa, and technical support of E-Learning Supervisor, Mr. Mohsin Khan, was developed to help Bachelor of Arts in English program upperclassmen and alumni understand the mindset and competencies needed in the future workplace. In the webinar, Mr. Javed explained why some companies place heavy emphasis on the skill of multitasking and need new hires who have up-to-the-minute, state-of-the-art skills. "I wanted to provide alumni with an opportunity to reflect on adaptability, mental agility, and resilience," said Mr. Javed. He then pivoted into a highlight of the most in-demand professional jobs skills alumni should look to develop, noting how they will help them remain competitive job candidates. "I see we have several alumni in the webinar. Employers are looking for hard as well as smart workers, being a potential candidate one has to change his outlook towards the traditional way of thinking," Mr. Javed added. He concluded by highlighting the schematic diagram, which will definitely help our alumni to think, visualize and actualize multi-dimensional intelligence.   The Bachelor of Arts in English program is committed to providing students and alumni of the program with additional activities for their professional development, consistent with the intended learning outcomes, and labor market developments. Date: 3/26/2021 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

  Several weeks ago, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Crown Prince, Vice President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Defense, met with a delegation of high-level government officials of the People's Republic of China on a diplomatic mission. The parties agreed to increasing the level of economic and social collaboration between the two nations.   In support of these cooperative efforts, His Royal Highness committed to teaching the Chinese language in primary schools, secondary schools, and universities in the Kingdom. The People's Republic of China agreed to help facilitate Chinese language learning through its own Ministry of Education.   The Confucius Institute is a Chinese Ministry of Education outreach initiative that is used to promote Chinese language learning and cultural exchange on an international basis. The Institute sends Chinese language teacher/representatives to schools and universities around the world. Many of the Chinese teachers sent abroad are college graduates who are trained as Chinese language instructors for non-native speakers. The cost of the program is shared by the Chinese government and the international host. Schools around the Kingdom will be hosting the Chinese teachers.   King Khalid University has already taken substantial steps to implement this new program. The Faculty of Languages & Translation is spearheading the effort on behalf of the university. Faculty of Languages & Translation Dean Abdullah Al-Melhi is leading the initiative for King Khalid University.   On April 26, 2019, a Chinese delegation flew to Riyadh to meet with several prominent Saudi universities including: King Saud University, King Abdulaziz University, Tabuk University, Princess Nourah Bint Abdul Rahman University, Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University, and of course King Khalid University. Dean Al-Melhi met with the Chinese delegates, Confucius Institute Headquarters (Hanban) Deputy Director-General, Yu Yunfeng, and Beijing Language and Culture University Vice President, Zhang Baojun. The purpose of the meeting was to begin the planning process for programs at the respective universities.   Deputy Director-General Yunfeng said (by way of an interpreter) "I am pleased to be a part of this new venture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I am so glad that our two nations have joined in cooperation for our mutual benefit." Vice President Baojun said (also through an interpreter) "We are looking forward to a long and prosperous relationship between our two countries. All of us have so much we can teach and learn from one another."   After much discussion between and among the attendees, the Saudi representatives of the various institutions arranged for follow-up actions that will allow the initiatives to proceed quickly and in an orderly fashion. Great progress was made with the Chinese delegation on establishing preliminary logistics requirements and resource allocation at King Khalid University.   Dean Al-Melhi noted "This was more than your basic 'meet & greet'. The Chinese language initiative is an ambitious project with an aggressive schedule. Bringing this program to fruition will require a high level of cooperation and hard work among all stakeholders. We have already negotiated certain plans, and the project is moving forward. This is such a large undertaking, and it requires that an entirely new department be created under the Faculty of Languages & Translation. We will stay focused and on point; ultimately we will succeed."   The Faculty of Languages & Translation is committed to the Chinese language initiative and to improving the university's existing language programs. Language learning is an important component of the national socio-economic development plans, and an essential part of Vision 2030. King Khalid University is dedicated to achieving regional, national and international goals while encouraging good citizenship and social cohesion. Date: 4-27-2019 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

  Several weeks ago, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Crown Prince, Vice President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Defense, met with a delegation of high-level government officials of the People's Republic of China on a diplomatic mission. The parties agreed to increasing the level of economic and social collaboration between the two nations.   In support of these cooperative efforts, His Royal Highness committed to teaching the Chinese language in primary schools, secondary schools, and universities in the Kingdom. The People's Republic of China agreed to help facilitate Chinese language learning through its own Ministry of Education.   The Confucius Institute is a Chinese Ministry of Education outreach initiative that is used to promote Chinese language learning and cultural exchange on an international basis. The Institute sends Chinese language teacher/representatives to schools and universities around the world. Many of the Chinese teachers sent abroad are college graduates who are trained as Chinese language instructors for non-native speakers. The cost of the program is shared by the Chinese government and the international host. Schools around the Kingdom will be hosting the Chinese teachers.   King Khalid University has already taken substantial steps to implement this new program. The Faculty of Languages & Translation is spearheading the effort on behalf of the university. Faculty of Languages & Translation Dean Abdullah Al-Melhi is leading the initiative for King Khalid University.   On April 26, 2019, a Chinese delegation flew to Riyadh to meet with several prominent Saudi universities including: King Saud University, King Abdulaziz University, Tabuk University, Princess Nourah Bint Abdul Rahman University, Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University, and of course King Khalid University. Dean Al-Melhi met with the Chinese delegates, Confucius Institute Headquarters (Hanban) Deputy Director-General, Yu Yunfeng, and Beijing Language and Culture University Vice President, Zhang Baojun. The purpose of the meeting was to begin the planning process for programs at the respective universities.   Deputy Director-General Yunfeng said (by way of an interpreter) "I am pleased to be a part of this new venture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I am so glad that our two nations have joined in cooperation for our mutual benefit." Vice President Baojun said (also through an interpreter) "We are looking forward to a long and prosperous relationship between our two countries. All of us have so much we can teach and learn from one another."   After much discussion between and among the attendees, the Saudi representatives of the various institutions arranged for follow-up actions that will allow the initiatives to proceed quickly and in an orderly fashion. Great progress was made with the Chinese delegation on establishing preliminary logistics requirements and resource allocation at King Khalid University.   Dean Al-Melhi noted "This was more than your basic 'meet & greet'. The Chinese language initiative is an ambitious project with an aggressive schedule. Bringing this program to fruition will require a high level of cooperation and hard work among all stakeholders. We have already negotiated certain plans, and the project is moving forward. This is such a large undertaking, and it requires that an entirely new department be created under the Faculty of Languages & Translation. We will stay focused and on point; ultimately we will succeed."   The Faculty of Languages & Translation is committed to the Chinese language initiative and to improving the university's existing language programs. Language learning is an important component of the national socio-economic development plans, and an essential part of Vision 2030. King Khalid University is dedicated to achieving regional, national and international goals while encouraging good citizenship and social cohesion. Date: 4-27-2019 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

The Women's English Club of the Faculty of Languages and Translation held a program titled "Above the Sky" on Sunday the 28th of October from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The purpose of the program was to publicize the role of women with respect to Vision 2030. In one of his seminal speeches, Crown Prince, HRH Mohammed bin Salman, noted that women play a key role in reshaping the Saudi Arabian economy as part of Vision 2030. In this program at KKU, the participants expressed their gratitude for HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s confidence in making sure that women play an important part in the Kingdom’s national strategy. The women participating in the program are highly enthusiastic and are looking forward to reaping the benefits of a highly modernized economy which will provide many opportunities for women, youth, and the public-at-large. Then, the 1st place winning team of the Hajj Hackathon “Turjuman” participated by presenting a video that summarizes the factors that helped them to win the Hajj Hackathon. As explained on the website TechRadar, "Hackathons are ways to pool human resources with the purpose of tackling difficult challenges and coming up with solutions by producing usable software. By having multiple teams with diverse backgrounds competing, the organizers get access to a range of high-quality potential solutions." The Turjuman’s team prize-winning project was based on the installation of QR codes on all Hajj signage showing the translated versions of each sign in the user’s native language. At the end of the program, the team conducted a question and answer session in which they addressed the details of the steps they took to win the Hajj Hackathon, the largest event of its kind in the Middle East. Date: 11/4/2018 Source: Asma Al-Ahmari, Women's Campus IT Ambassador Multimedia Course: Hind Mohammed Maghram 

The Women's English Club of the Faculty of Languages and Translation held a program titled "Above the Sky" on Sunday the 28th of October from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The purpose of the program was to publicize the role of women with respect to Vision 2030. In one of his seminal speeches, Crown Prince, HRH Mohammed bin Salman, noted that women play a key role in reshaping the Saudi Arabian economy as part of Vision 2030. In this program at KKU, the participants expressed their gratitude for HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s confidence in making sure that women play an important part in the Kingdom’s national strategy. The women participating in the program are highly enthusiastic and are looking forward to reaping the benefits of a highly modernized economy which will provide many opportunities for women, youth, and the public-at-large. Then, the 1st place winning team of the Hajj Hackathon “Turjuman” participated by presenting a video that summarizes the factors that helped them to win the Hajj Hackathon. As explained on the website TechRadar, "Hackathons are ways to pool human resources with the purpose of tackling difficult challenges and coming up with solutions by producing usable software. By having multiple teams with diverse backgrounds competing, the organizers get access to a range of high-quality potential solutions." The Turjuman’s team prize-winning project was based on the installation of QR codes on all Hajj signage showing the translated versions of each sign in the user’s native language. At the end of the program, the team conducted a question and answer session in which they addressed the details of the steps they took to win the Hajj Hackathon, the largest event of its kind in the Middle East. Date: 11/4/2018 Source: Asma Al-Ahmari, Women's Campus IT Ambassador Multimedia Course: Hind Mohammed Maghram 

The Language Research Center organized a seminar on November 22, 2017, which included a presentation by Mr. Rizwan Ghani titled, ‘Under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, KKU Can Help Bring the Asir Region’s Education and Admission Process to International Standards in 3-5 Years.’ His presentation attempted to familiarize the participants with the multipronged approaches being used by numerous countries including America, the UK, Europe and Asia to align the Asir region’s education and admissions system with international standards. In the start of the presentation, he outlined the role of national and international level education assessment programs, international indicators of education systems showing global trends in education, the role of accelerated education programs, entry and admission tests, international testing centers (ITCs), and admission processes and frameworks in improving the standards. It was also highlighted that these steps are not language specific.  Mr. Rizwan explained in detail the features of programs such as National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) USA and OECD’s Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) that is available in 90 languages including Arabic. While explaining the role of entry and admission tests, he suggested the introduction of critical thinking and reasoning skill (CARS). He talked about America’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) policy and its role in improving education in the fields of science and technology. The importance of establishing ITCs to enhance education standards was also highlighted.       Mr. Rizwan concluded with positive results of those programs and recommended King Khalid University should play its role to help improve the education system in the Asir region including school education. The King Abdullah Road girls’ campus also participated in the seminar online. The presentation was very interactive and overall a great success. Please click here to view Mr. Rizwan Ghani's presentation. Date: 11/22/2017 Source: MD Adil Multimedia Contribution: Mohammad Sherajul Islam

The Language Research Center organized a seminar on November 22, 2017, which included a presentation by Mr. Rizwan Ghani titled, ‘Under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, KKU Can Help Bring the Asir Region’s Education and Admission Process to International Standards in 3-5 Years.’ His presentation attempted to familiarize the participants with the multipronged approaches being used by numerous countries including America, the UK, Europe and Asia to align the Asir region’s education and admissions system with international standards. In the start of the presentation, he outlined the role of national and international level education assessment programs, international indicators of education systems showing global trends in education, the role of accelerated education programs, entry and admission tests, international testing centers (ITCs), and admission processes and frameworks in improving the standards. It was also highlighted that these steps are not language specific.  Mr. Rizwan explained in detail the features of programs such as National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) USA and OECD’s Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) that is available in 90 languages including Arabic. While explaining the role of entry and admission tests, he suggested the introduction of critical thinking and reasoning skill (CARS). He talked about America’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) policy and its role in improving education in the fields of science and technology. The importance of establishing ITCs to enhance education standards was also highlighted.       Mr. Rizwan concluded with positive results of those programs and recommended King Khalid University should play its role to help improve the education system in the Asir region including school education. The King Abdullah Road girls’ campus also participated in the seminar online. The presentation was very interactive and overall a great success. Please click here to view Mr. Rizwan Ghani's presentation. Date: 11/22/2017 Source: MD Adil Multimedia Contribution: Mohammad Sherajul Islam