A capsule look at some of the news generated from Gov. Phil Murphy’s recent economic mission to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, sponsored and supported by Choose New Jersey:
When: April 28
Where: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
What happened: Officials from Rutgers University and King Saud University agreed to collaborate in executive education and research. The Rutgers Business School and the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, both nationally and internationally recognized, will lead the collaborative initiatives with King Saud University.
What is the aim: The LOI establishes a framework for the two institutions to collaborate in the fields of public policy, management, business administration, urban planning, city development and other areas of study to increase economic and academic cooperation.
The LOI also prioritizes research that can support continued development within New Jersey, attract businesses and increase investment in urban areas and downtowns.
About King Saud University: KSU was established in 1957 and is the first university in Saudi Arabia, as well as a leading institution for higher education, research and innovation. Based in Riyadh, KSU is home to over 70,000 students and offers diverse academic programs, including one of the region’s top colleges of architecture and planning. The university is key in advancing Saudi Vision 2030 through its contributions to urban development, sustainability and national capacity building.
The talking points:
Murphy: “The future of New Jersey’s economic success is strengthened by our commitment to securing new international relationships. This collaboration will enhance bilateral academic exchange and open opportunities to support New Jersey’s educational resources and economic growth.”
Rutgers Board of Governors Chair Amy Towers: “As one of America’s oldest and respected public research and academic institutions and a recognized leader across multiple fields, Rutgers University prides itself on developing collaborations that foster innovation, enrich students and enhance learning. By exploring academic exchanges with international partners, like King Saud University, we can create educational growth and opportunity through new perspectives, increased understanding and shared strategies that benefit students of both institutions.”
Rutgers Chief Operating Officer Tony Calcado: “By sharing knowledge and strategies, this partnership will bring new academic and cultural perspectives to students, which is critical to finding innovative solutions to the challenges facing both regions.”
Choose CEO Wes Mathews: “Collaboration is the key to effective public policy, and this Letter of Intent is a commitment by New Jersey to continuously improve our educational resources. As New Jersey strengthens its international relationships in academia, our students are able to meet the rising demands of key industries and become part of our skilled workforce.”
Dr. Abdullah Althabt, dean of King Abdullah Institute for Research and Consulting Studies: “The Letter of Intent paves the way for King Saud University and Rutgers University to explore future opportunities for collaboration in Executive Master’s and professional training programs aimed at building the capacity of municipal officials across Saudi Arabia. This academic partnership was initiated through dialogue between the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University and the College of Architecture and Planning at King Saud University.”
