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GCC AI Research

Alumni Focus: Simon Maher

KAUST ·

Summary

The content discusses KAUST and its founder King Abdullah. It mentions applying to KAUST and KAUST Discovery. Why it matters: This is a routine update about KAUST.

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Wail Bamhair (M.S. '10, electrical engineering) is the CEO of TAQNIA Energy, the energy arm of Saudi Investment and Development. He joined TAQNIA as its first employee after the CEO, eventually leading the development of Saudi Arabia's first independent solar power station, Layla Power Station (50 MW). Prior to TAQNIA, he worked at King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (K●A●CARE). Why it matters: This highlights the role of KAUST graduates in driving Saudi Arabia's renewable energy sector and contributing to Vision 2030's sustainability goals.

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Alumni Spotlight: driving AI transformation at a financial giant

MBZUAI ·

MBZUAI alumnus Steven Hoang, a 2023 Machine Learning graduate, is now an AI engineer at Wells Fargo, where he contributes to the company's AI strategy. Previously, Hoang worked at AbbVie as a natural language software developer and agentic AI software engineer. Hoang credits his time at MBZUAI for preparing him for this significant role, where he collaborates across departments and considers the broader impact of AI initiatives. Why it matters: This success story highlights MBZUAI's role in developing talent capable of leading AI initiatives at major global financial institutions.