Falih said. He noted that the company has engrained analytical thinking and continuing education into its culture. For economies in transition to be successful, they also must make lifelong learning a process as much as a value. “In a knowledge economy, learning is not static,” he said. “It doesn't end with a certificate.” To instill this value, Al-Falih said the company is launching "ITHRA" Youth, a new program targeting Saudi youths throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The company sponsored national initiative will help teach young people the principles of science, math, engineering and technology skills, as well as special skills to build personal, lifelong learning skills. Beginning in June, the program will provide 500,000 hours of training in 2012 alone. “And that's just the beginning,” he said. The program will see 2 million Saudis trained by 2020. --MORE
