German University offers young Arabs training opportunities

Following the first Arab European Exchange Forum (AEEF) in Stuttgart in September 2005, DaimlerChrysler Middle East took the initiative to invite Professor Hubbert, a former member of the board of DaimlerChrysler AG, to give a talk in Dubai to Mercedes-Benz general distributors from across the region and their guests about Innovation - as a key to success and Education - the qualification for leadership.

Introduced by Nicholas Speeks, President and CEO, DaimlerChrysler Middle East, Professor Hubbert presented opportunities for talented young students and professionals in co-operation with the University of Karlsruhe (TH).

DaimlerChrysler and its predecessor companies have stood for pioneering automotive innovation for more than 100 years. One of the pioneers of the automobile and co-founders of Mercedes Benz, Carl Benz, studied at the University of Karlsruhe (TH). The University of Karlsruhe (Universität Karlsruhe (TH)), founded in 1825, was Germany's first institute of technology.

Today the University of Karlsruhe (TH) - a leading research University - offers international Bachelor and Executive master Programs designed in close co-operation with DaimlerChrysler.

Professor Hubbert, an engineer by training, demonstrated opportunities for the young Arab generation to start their careers by joining the international Bachelor program taught in English - www.university-karlsruhe.de

In particular, for young professionals and managers, the University of Karlsruhe offers in the framework of the HECTOR School of Engineering and Management, the opportunity to learn and work together with an internationally minded group and eager to enrich their experiences sharing best practise with people from other cultures and industries.

The guests were also addressed by Mr. Joseph Schleicher, Head of External Affairs and Public Policy for DaimlerChrysler AG, and a force in the establishment of vocational ties in and with the region.

DaimlerChrysler AG and the Young Arab Leaders (YAL) established a co-operation for educational and vocational support for talented youth in the region in June. YAL aims to improve the state of the Arab World by creating the necessary environment for future leaders to grow and develop across all sectors of Arab society, therefore, creating an action plan consisting of various initiatives.

"The countries of the Middle East represent a key region for future growth — one that displays tremendous potentials," says DaimlerChrysler Chairman of the Board of Management Prof. Jürgen E. Schrempp. "DaimlerChrysler wants to contribute its expertise as a global corporation, and to expand the already existing extensive partnerships in the region."

In addition to an Arab-European-Exchange-Forum, which annually brings together YAL members with top executives from the DaimlerChrysler Group and other international working companies for
an exchange of ideas and opinions, DaimlerChrysler also organises scholarships, provides its own stipends for universities in the Middle East and makes internships available at Group companies.

DaimlerChrysler also aims to ask other major companies to put internships at talented Arab students' disposal. Five Group units and several partners in the Stuttgart region have already made internships available.