Successful Conclusion of Inaugural Saudi Student Summer Training

Date：2023-09-02

On August 23rd, the first summer training for Saudi students studying in China, jointly organized by Offshore Oil Engineering Co., Ltd. (referred to as "COOEC") and Saudi Arabian Oil Company (referred to as "Saudi Aramco"), concluded successfully in the Binhai New Area of Tianjin City. Representatives from Saudi Aramco, CNOOC, and COOEC attended the closing ceremony.

The program spanned 28 days, offering a comprehensive curriculum of cutting-edge technologies and management experiences in the offshore oil industry, including international project management, modular construction, offshore installation and digital technology applications. Through diverse formats like on-site learning, case explanations, discussions, and cultural activities, twelve Saudi students from Beijing University of Science and Technology, China University of Petroleum (East China), and Harbin Institute of Technology had an unforgettable summer in China. 

From pictures que Qingdao to the cultural hub of Tianjin, the participants gained close-up insights into the evolution of China's offshore oil industry. This experience elevated their professional skills, expanded international perspectives, enriched experiences, deepened understanding of Chinese traditional culture, and further solidified the profound friendship between the two countries.

"Just a few months ago, it was all just talk on paper. But thanks to COOEC's proactive efforts, this training is successful and efficient. We're grateful to all the training tutors and coordinators for providing professional teaching and thoughtful arrangement to the international students. This training has truly fostered the cultural and technical exchange between China and Saudi Arabia, exemplifying the deepened collaboration between COOEC and Saudi Aramco." Mohammad Qarni, Site Rep of Aramco's Marjan project, spoke highly of this training.

Nawaf, a student representative, conveyed, "This summer camp unveiled the intricacies of offshore platform design, construction, and installation – previously uncharted territory for us. It granted us a profound appreciation for China's pioneering capabilities and impeccable delivery in offshore engineering. Gratitude flows for this remarkable journey. We're committed to shaping our future hand in hand!" Abdulaziz, another student representative echoed this sentiment, expressing a desire to remain in China to witness and contribute to its ongoing successes.

Beyond professional training and hands-on activities, COOEC also brought in captivating cultural experiences – from calligraphy to dumpling and mooncake making and Chinese martial arts – offering the students a chance to fully immerse themselves in Chinese traditions. Salem, a Saudi student from China University of Petroleum (East China), shared, "Chinese culture wields a captivating allure and resonates with many aspects of our own. For instance, Chinese ceramics on the Arabian Peninsula and the fusion of traditional Chinese and Arabic calligraphy, they serve as hallmarks of the cross-cultural integration between China and Saudi Arabia."

Mr. Wang Zhangling, Chairman of COOEC used three keywords "attainment" "integration," and "expectation" to fully recognize the significance and accomplishments of this summer training. He stressed that this event not only signifies another round of cultural exchange between China and Saudi Arabia but also marks a promising beginning for the deeper collaboration between Saudi Aramco and COOEC. 

He expressed his hope that both sides build on strong cooperative foundation and engage in even closer and more frequent collaboration across various domains, such as digital oilfield development, CCUS, LNG, and modular construction. He encouraged all the participating students to continuously internalize and deepen the knowledge and skills acquired during this training, contributing more to their professional growth and the advancement of energy technologies. He said the students was the emerging talents within the offshore oil industry, capable of becoming cultural "ambassadors" in the China-Saudi Arabia exchange. He encouraged them to take a piece of Chinese culture back to their own hometowns and share it with friends, and helped the "seeds" of two nations' cultural essence to take root, sprout, and eventually bear fruit.

The year 2023 marks a significant milestone: the tenth anniversary of the "Belt and Road" initiative and the 33rd anniversary of China-Saudi diplomatic ties. The student summer training organized by COOEC and Saudi Aramco stands as a snapshot of the ongoing deepening collaboration and exchange between the two nations. It encapsulates China and Saudi Arabia's joint efforts to explore diverse and youthful avenues for cultural interaction. This program offers international students in China a fresh perspective, allowing them to intimately understand, embrace China's vibrant landscape. This, in turn, presents a genuine, multifaceted, and comprehensive image of China to the global stage.In the days ahead, COOEC will continue fostering ties and integration with energy firms from the BRI countries, painting a canvas of cross-cultural exchange that unites China and the world. This endeavor seeks to create a mutually beneficial and prosperous chapter in the realm of cultural exchange.