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Students to showcase sustainable
living ideas

In just a few decades, most Middle Eastern countries have grown from being fishing and pearl diving villages to become world-class centres of business, trade and finance. With access to world-class education, young minds have a bigger role to play in the conservation, sustainability and economic diversification of these newly built nations.

Students from over 400 universities across the Middle East and Pakistan are participating in a regional competition themed “How do you build sustainable cities in the desert?” Over 630 ideas were received for The Siemens Student Award 2011. An expert panel will choose three winners who will be awarded at a ceremony in Doha on November 1.

“It will be a tough task for the judges to pick three winners from these ten finalists — the calibre of ideas submitted is highly impressive,” stated Joachim Kundt, CEO, Siemens Lower Gulf Region. “Four finalists out of ten in total are highlighting the creative spirit and high quality of education in universities of the Lower Gulf Region.”

Creating a rich pool of sustainable ideas relating to demographic change, climate change, urbanisation, and globalisation, the innovative methods of teaching have proved to be highly effective for the youth’s inclusion in region’s development. University officials note such industry interactions motivate students to develop a sense of ownership towards the sustainable development.

The first place winner will receive $25,000, while two runners-up will receive $15,000 and $5,000 respectively. Moreover, all 10 finalists will be offered internship opportunities with Siemens.

muaz@khaleejtimes.com