Saudi Ports Authority collaborates with IBM to launch pilot program

Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) announced its collaboration with IBM to launch a pilot program, introducing IBM Digital – Nation platform for its employees across Saudi Arabia.
IBM Digital – Nation is an online learning and innovation platform. The initiative by Mawani also supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to foster a digital culture and economy.
IBM Digital – Nation is designed to deliver advanced knowledge and skills in key emerging technologies and is part of IBM’s global initiative to close the digital skills gap, help them become digital-ready and empower youth with the most in-demand IT and soft skills.
The platform provides a range of courses focusing on highly sought-after advanced IT skills in future and emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, cloud, coding, Internet of Things (IoT), quantum computing, data science and analytics, and cybersecurity.
“The platform will be an opportunity to exchange insights and learn about developments, emerging technologies and trends prevailing in the digital world,” said Musaad AlDriss, Vice President of Shared Services and Business Support, Mawani.
“This will contribute to accelerating the pace of digital transformation in the port sector and creating human cadres capable of employing these technologies in the future.”
The courses will be offered at three levels – Explorer, Innovator and New Collar. Explorer provides users with a series of short videos, introducing key emerging technologies and examples of how the technology is being applied.
Innovator introduces the design thinking methodology and, more importantly, users can build their own ideas and solutions online. Finally, New Collar has been designed to offer users the ability to gain key digital skills in web application development, cloud, AI, IoT, data science and blockchain development.
“Technology is rapidly evolving and continues to be core to how the world operates today. Therefore, the need to upskill and reskill the workforce is getting more urgent,” said Fahad Alanazi, General Manager, IBM Saudi Arabia.
“Over the years, IBM Digital – Nation has proven to be an effective learning platform and seeing Mawani roll it out to its employees is a testament to the importance of professional development in order to stay relevant.”
Over the years, Mawani has been investing in several initiatives to help accelerate the pace of digital transformation across the Kingdom, upskill Saudi talent and infuse smart technology in the ports and logistics sector.