PHOTO
Aimed at C-Level executives of MCIT
RIYADH, KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA – As part of its responsibility for the development of national cadres in the future technologies, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) conducted a blockchain bootcamp in collaboration with ConsenSys, the global blockchain specialist firm.
The 3-day bootcamp that concluded on Thursday aimed at introducing participants to how blockchain technology works from both a business and strategy perspective, its numerous applications, and the features that make this technology positively disruptive, unique and powerful. It also included a training course, where technologists from several entities received in-depth training on how to startup a development environment, build decentralized applications (dApp) with Ethereum smart contracts and integrate these with web applications.
H.E. Dr. Ahmed Al-Thenayyan, Deputy Minister for Technology Industry and Digital Capacities, affirmed that the bootcamp came within the MCIT’s 2020 action plan and objectives aimed at building a digital environment that attracts, incubates and develops minds and skills in ICTs in order to achieve digital transformation with a view to boost the development process in the Kingdom. He stated the importance of investment in national capacities and cadres as key pillars and enablers of success that ensure the continued development and entrepreneurship in the Kingdom. Furthermore, Al-Thenayyan stated that Modern technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Blockchain, etc., are key pillars of the development and progress of countries and serve as major contributor to the Industry 4.0 and the development of GDP. He
also indicated that the Industry 4.0 witnessed today is a basic enabler to achieving Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. In addition, he noted that it would require a different business model and a new execution mechanism under the new rules of global competitiveness and the transition from focusing on assets and expertise to relying on the new oil (big data) and modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, rather than developing the new engine (youth and entrepreneurship).
The first day of the course targeted C-level executives and managers across various departments including IT, Strategy, Operations and Legal. Participants learned how blockchain technology works from both a business and strategy perspective, its numerous applications, and the features that make this technology positively disruptive, unique and powerful.
“From guided exercises to coded examples, this bootcamp comes in response to the Ministry's desire to enable the Saudi technical youth to learn about the key advantages of blockchain technology and its mechanism, as well as to adopt it in a responsible manner to make businesses more profitable,” said Lina Hediah, Executive Director, ConsenSys MENA. “The aim of this workshop is to leverage Saudi Arabia’s untapped human resource potential, equip them with knowledge and insight, so they understand the power of blockchain and the current and future potential of its application. In this way we are facilitating a perfect testbed for incubating, maturing and trialing blockchain projects, taking the Kingdom one step further to realizing its 2030 Vision,” she added.
-Ends-
About MCIT:
The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) oversees the activities of communications and information technology sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It ensures the comprehensive growth of the sector and the smooth availability of vital services that contribute to the Kingdom’s socio-economic development and the well-being of its citizens. MCIT achieves this by setting up general policies and drawing up developmental plans and programs for the communications and information technology sector. It is also involved in initiating draft laws and coordinating with government departments as well as other entities in matters concerning the sector.
About ConsenSys
ConsenSys is a venture production studio and custom software development consultancy building decentralized applications (DApps), enterprise solutions, and developer tools for blockchain ecosystems, focused primarily on Ethereum. Powered by smart contracts and secured through encryption, our applications provide the benefits of transparency, auditability, and immutability that are unique to blockchain-based solutions. ConsenSys is also the Dubai Blockchain City Advisor, working with government entities to implement the Blockchain Strategy 2020.
Follow ConsenSys: GitHub, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, https://consensys.net/
GCC MEDIA CONTACTS
Mira Alrabi
Flo Janin
+971 50 143 5161
+971 50 912 7922
© Press Release 2018
