Princess Sumaya University hosts final stages of Princess Sumaya National Entrepreneurship Competition

This competition is considered to be the first of its kind to be launched in the kingdom, as it is the first national annual competition aimed at encouraging innovation amongst university students in Jordan.

The six teams moving up to this level were in fact chosen on account of their spirit for creativity and innovation. They were chosen as the six finalists amongst an original 42 teams, and the winning team will be announced during the closing ceremony this coming April.

The presentations were made before a judging committee. This committee consisted of experts in the fields of business, entrepreneurship, and the creation of business plans. The panel of judges on this committee all came from several reputable learning institutions around the world; including MIT, Cambridge University, King Fahid University for Petroleum and Minerals, the Jordan Branch of Compubase International, and PSUT.

Over a period of two days, the committee listened to the student teams as they presented their projects comprehensively, and the students in turn answered the committee's questions during the Q&A period at the end of each session.

Dr. Khalid Al-Zamel from the King Fahid University, and a member of the judging committee, used his presence in PSNEC Judging panel as an opportunity to lecture at PSUT; he gave a lecture at the PSUT auditorium entitled "Empowering Personal Skills Required for the Marketplace", whereby he encouraged all attendees to utilize their skills, and to motivate innovate and empower themselves in their future careers.

Commenting on the projects presented as part of the PSNEC Professor Hisham Ghassib, the President of the University said, "The PSNEC opened up windows of opportunities for students, as the projects presented as part of the competition's proceedings only go to show the great level of professionalism, and the great depth of thought that is possessed by our Jordanian students. These projects show originality and ingenuity, and we as a learning institution make it our duty to place great importance on such initiatives. We seek the support of private organisations as well for we encourage such originality in thought at all times."

Dr. Shabib Ammari, Chairman of Jordan Telecom, said; "In keeping with HM King Abdullah II's vision for growth in all sectors within the nation, we at Jordan Telecom constantly strive to take part in social and educational initiatives in Jordan. We always seek to cooperate with the people behind such noble causes, for together we will play an integral part in the nation's journey towards a future of further growth and prosperity."

Dr Robert Ayan, a member of the judging committee from MIT, commented on the competition by saying; "It gives me great joy to participate in such an event, this competition is very similar to the one we hold at MIT. Such events help to shed light on the rich reservoir of human resources present in Jordan. I am glad to see the great level of enthusiasm that Jordanian students show towards such events, and PSUT has done a great job in supporting the outbursts of creativity that these students show. To me, the importance of participation in such an event does not stem from winning, but rather from the experience gained through participation."

PSNEC was first launched in 2005 as a private initiative introduced by PSUT. This initiative was supported by the Jordan Telecom fund as a means to encourage creativity and success in the markets of Jordan.

The PSNEC organising committee organised a full program of events for the benefit of the visiting judging committee. The program included a tour of PSUT, a tour of Amman, and a tour of the Royal Scientific Society amongst other venues.