Dr. Saad Al-Barrak, the former Vice Prime Minister of Kuwait and former Chief Executive Officer of Zain Group, delivered a keynote lecture entitled “Entrepreneurship and Success Stories in the Arab World”, which witnessed the attendance of the Vice President of the University, Prof. Ahmad Al-Louzi, and the Dean of the Faculty of Business, Dr. Rania Al-Zamat, alongside various faculty deans and a significant assembly of students.
During his address, Dr. Al-Barrak underscored the pivotal role of an enabling environment cultivated by achievement-orientated states. He also noted that Jordan’s excellence in the sporting arena reflects the inherent foundations necessary for success in economic and technological sectors. He argued that such progress necessitates a comprehensive value and cultural framework that is underpinned by strategic planning and continuous pedagogical development.
Furthermore, Dr. Al-Barrak emphasised that strategic partnerships within Jordan have furnished Zain Group with exceptional national talent, thereby fortifying the organisation’s regional presence and international influence.
In addressing the entrepreneurial landscape, he identified the fear of failure as the primary challenge for start-ups. He cited statistics indicating that approximately 80% of new ventures collapse within their first five years, primarily due to limited managerial expertise, weak corporate culture, and insufficient financial support.
In a subsequent meeting, Dr. Ahmad Nasereddin, the university’s Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, met with Dr. Al-Barrak to discuss the exchange of knowledge-based expertise as a fundamental pillar for advancing the educational system. Dr. Nasereddin posited that investing in the potential of the youth constitutes the cornerstone of any authentic renaissance project. He underscored the imperative for establishing effective partnerships that can align educational outcomes with the rapidly evolving demands of the global labour market.