Dhahran (UNA) - Under the patronage and attendance of His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Eastern Province, the 25th Asian Physics Olympiad concluded today at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Dhahran. The event, hosted by the Kingdom from May 4 to 12, saw the participation of 240 students representing 30 countries, under the supervision of 110 international physics experts. The event, held under the slogan “Together, We Generate the Energy of the Future,” featured XNUMX male and female students representing XNUMX countries, under the supervision of XNUMX international physics experts.
Upon his arrival at the closing ceremony of the Olympiad, which is organized by the Ministry of Education, the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba), and King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), with diamond sponsorship from Saudi Aramco, His Highness was received by the Minister of Education, Mr. Yousef Al-Benyan, the President of the University, Dr. Mohammed Al-Saqqaf, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Mawhiba, Suleiman Al-Zaben, the Acting Secretary General of Mawhiba, Dr. Khalid Al-Sharif, and the Vice President of Government Relations and Coordination in the Central Region at Saudi Aramco, Mohammed Al-Khalidi.
At the ceremony, Dr. Khaled Al-Sharif, Acting Secretary General of Mawhiba, delivered a speech on behalf of the host country, in which he expressed his gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince - may God protect them - for their continuous support for everything that enhances the leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He also expressed his appreciation for the patronage, attendance, and honor of His Highness the Emir of the Eastern Province at the closing ceremony.
Dr. Khaled Al-Sharif said: "The Kingdom's hosting of the Asian Physics Olympiad consolidates its position as a leading global destination for supporting science and innovation, a stimulating environment for talent, and an advanced center for organizing major scientific events. This will contribute to building the future, expanding areas of international cooperation, and enhancing the Kingdom's presence on the global scientific scene."
For his part, the President of the Asian Olympiad, Dr. Quek Leong Chuan, praised the excellent organization and hospitality, saying: "This event is of utmost importance given Saudi Arabia's leadership of many countries in the region." He emphasized that Saudi Arabia is capable of advancing the region in the field of science and technology, noting that many students have come to realize that Saudi Arabia is an amazing place, and that it has given them the opportunity to choose their scientific abilities, enjoy themselves, and get to know each other.
The celebration featured a visual presentation covering the Kingdom's hosting of the Olympics, the accompanying cultural events, and a musical operetta that embodied the rich diversity of Saudi Arabia's heritage. This was followed by a visual presentation about the event's sponsor and his honoring, followed by the announcement of the medal winners and the honoring of the top three finishers.
During the Olympiad, students took two main exams, translated into 30 models in 16 languages. One was a practical laboratory exam and the other a written theoretical exam, in a highly competitive environment. Activities were not limited to academics; they also featured a rich cultural and entertainment program for students and supervisors, including field trips to industrial facilities and heritage and tourist sites to introduce them to Saudi culture.
The organization of this event, held for the first time in the Middle East, reflects the Kingdom's commitment to supporting and empowering youth and developing scientific talent. This commitment stems from its leadership position in the energy sector and is an extension of its approach to investing in people and supporting young minds, as a leading international destination in scientific fields.
It's worth noting that the first edition of the Asian Physics Olympiad was launched in 1999 in Indonesia with the participation of 12 countries. Over time, it expanded to 30 countries. It is considered one of the most prominent annual international science competitions targeting talented high school students in physics.
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