Spotlight
PMU's futurist vision
Dr. Faisal Yousif, Vice President of Academic Affairs of Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University speaks to QS Insights Magazine on the university's futurist vision and goals.
"The intersection of PMU’s futurist vision and its dedication to lifelong learning creates a unique educational ecosystem."
QS: Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University (PMU) is setting itself a futurist vision and ambition. What does that entail?
PMU's futurist vision represents a bold commitment to redefining education for a dynamic world. This vision entails developing a lifelong learning curriculum that transcends traditional boundaries by integrating real-world experiences and interdisciplinary approaches. It fosters not only academic excellence but also cultivates an innovative mindset, empowering students to become proactive change-makers. By encouraging curiosity and adaptability, PMU aims to equip its graduates with the tools and skills necessary to navigate and influence both the market and the complexities of the future.
QS: In past interviews, PMU has spoken to not only preparing students for work, but also for life. What are some of the skills and values you instil in students? How do you achieve this?
At PMU, we instill a comprehensive set of skills that blend intellectual rigor with emotional intelligence. Competencies such as critical thinking, resilience, and empathy are woven into the fabric of our programs. We achieve this through engaging, project-based learning, mentorship opportunities, and community involvement that challenge students to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways. By fostering a culture of collaboration and ethical leadership, we prepare our students not only for their careers but also for impactful lives.
QS: Coupled with the vision to be a Futurist University, how do both these ideas intersect?
The intersection of PMU’s futurist vision and its dedication to lifelong learning creates a unique educational ecosystem. This synergy emphasizes the importance of adaptability and continuous growth, allowing students to remain relevant and inspired throughout their lives. By integrating innovative technologies and forward-thinking methodologies into the learning process, PMU cultivates an environment where students are encouraged to push boundaries and explore uncharted territories, ultimately shaping the future of education and society.
QS: Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd Center for Futuristic Studies has just celebrated its 5 year anniversary, having been founded in 2019. What are some of its achievements to date?
Since its establishment in 2019 the Center for Futuristic Studies has flourished as hub addressing future challenges through impactful research, innovative programs, and strong partnerships. Reflecting its global commitment to futures studies center now holds UNESCO Chair in “Transitional and Inter-Generational Anticipation”.
A series of symposiums and conferences have been arranged in the region and at international venues in partnerships with WFSF, UNESCO, ICESCO and other renowned international futures literacy institutions. 35 UNESCO Chairs in future studies participated in a recent symposium hosted by the center at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris to address the development of evaluation frameworks for futures literacy and foresight. Moreover, a rigorously designed Master degree in Futures studies in cooperation with UNSECO is being launched. While, Future Literacy Laboratory - first of its kind in the region to simulate the futuristic scenarios has been established. Besides, hefty international research grants club the center`s efforts. Center is also working with WFSF to act as accreditation body in the region to accredit future literacy programs. Lately, Center has also provided insightful studies to simulate the future and challenges of Khobar-municipality and Hail Region in the kingdom.
QS: PMU itself is quite a young university, still less than 20 years old. Does the age of the institution play into its ability to focus its attention on shaping the future?
The youthful spirit of PMU serves as a catalyst for innovation and creativity. Being a young university allows us to remain unencumbered by legacy practices, enabling the rapid adoption of cutting-edge technologies and modern pedagogies. This forward momentum is evident in the establishment of advanced research labs and collaborative clusters that leverage fresh perspectives and ideas. Our age is not a limitation but rather an invitation to redefine educational excellence and lead the charge toward a brighter, more innovative future.
QS: In terms of sustainability, PMU also announced its Green Campus initiative. Can you tell us more about that?
We at PMU are impactfully addressing the global issues associated with climate change, pollution, etc. through our wholesome “green campus” sustainability campaign. We are not only enhancing the environmental performance of buildings, improving energy efficiency, increasing the usage of renewable energy sources, ensuring the availability of clean water and fresh air, but equally we are working on social development through quality education and impactful research.
In the academic grounds, we are integrating sustainability into our curriculum and building the foundational concepts of sustainable development, energy and water resource consumption leading to emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants. Sustainable development goals (SDGs) are integral part of university and colleges strategic plans.
On the physical grounds, we are employing building management systems to optimize energy consumption. Installation of inhouse one megawatt PV solar renewable power generation system, transition of irrigation systems to highly efficient drip irrigation, and the installation of drinking water fountains across the university are among few of the sustainability initiatives.
In 2020, PMU became the pioneering university in Saudi Arabia to introduce electric vehicle charging stations, while PV solar system is being installed on parking sheds to harness the clean energy. From the implementation of drinking water fountains to the strategic placement of trees, and encompassing thorough evaluations of energy efficiency and resource conservation PMU's ongoing beyond the sustainability efforts are making a significant impact on the society and the environment.
QS: What are the short-term goals of the university?
In the short term, PMU is on a mission to revolutionize its educational offerings by enhancing the curriculum to ensure that students are equipped with the knowledge and adaptability needed for a rapidly changing world. Recently, we launched the PMU online platform, which offers free programs and courses for all communities. We are also focused on creating vibrant research environments, advancing knowledge, and impacting society through state-of-the-art labs and innovative technologies that inspire groundbreaking discoveries in areas such as food and water security, energy efficiency, AI, cybersecurity, and topics related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We aim to foster collaboration through research clusters and international partnerships, harnessing collective intelligence to drive innovation and address real-world challenges. Additionally, we are progressing in launching a unique award with UNESCO in the area of future studies and education, with a total funding of $2 million over five years. Our commitment to sustainability and social impact further underscores our dedication to shaping a responsible and forward-thinking academic community.