Dr Hayat Sindi, prominent Saudi medical scientist and the first female member of the Consultative Assembly of Saudi Arabia stated that regional governments in the Gulf must undertake efforts to infuse more “creativity” into the educational system.
Sindi told the Arabian Business that the education system needs to be more innovative and creative. Efforts have to be made to encourage more imagination and creativity. She further said: “Parents also must encourage children to be creative with their minds. People must be taught that it’s okay to fail.”
Dr Hayat Sindi has been ranked as the 9th most influential woman in the Arab world and has led the way in medical testing and biotechnology, especially in the area of ‘point of care’ medicine. Representing the new generation of progressive women in Saudi Arabia, Dr Hayat said that ‘creative minds’ would encourage people to develop essential solutions for the region’s sustainability, health and education challenges.
Dr Hayat Sindi is also an advisor to the President of the Islamic Development Bank on science and technology. She has been a key figure in the former’s $500-million initiative called the ‘Transform fund’ that promotes innovation amongst investors and entrepreneurs alike, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals 11.
She was quoted as saying, “The goals of the Transform fund focus on greater food security, healthier lives, inclusive and equitable education, sustainable management of water and sanitation, access to affordable and clean energy, and sustainable industrialization across the developing world.”
Irrespective of region or religion, the fund would encourage any scientist working towards a more sustainable developing world. The participants will also be able to share their ideas online, engage and innovate.
The Transform fund, which commenced annual applications in April this year, received over 4,000 entries and has now funneled down to 32 winners. The businesses selected for ‘Transform’ mentorship and funding in 2018 include several Middle Eastern participants hailing from Turkey, Egypt, Palestine and the UAE.
Dr. Hayat Sindi is of the opinion that the best ideas for the region often come from the region itself and local communities. She further pointed out that, that there is a compelling need to create a regional and global innovation ecosystem, wherein ordinary people can tap into creativity.
According to the acclaimed scientist, this initiative will result in creating exciting new technologies and solutions, contributing to the development of IDB member countries and all communities in non-member countries.
The Saudi state is witnessing its greatest shift towards a modernized society. Dr Hayat Sindi represents the new age women who are striving to make a lasting difference in an otherwise, reclusive and deeply theocratic society.
