In a unique experience bringing to light the new dimensions of the Jeddah Economic Forum vision, the JEF Collegiate Business Venture Award was launched and the winner was announced during the official opening of the Jeddah Economic Forum on Saturday – February 24, 2007. Bedriyah Al Saeed, Saudi student currently studying BS Management in the American University of Sharjah and her team were awarded the grand prize for their business plan entry: Al Saree3 – Door to Door Delivery.
Bedriyah and her team which included: Ali Hashem Shekofti, Claudia Fermazi, Fatima Quraishi and Noha Pancha) under the supervision of Mr. Ali Khawaja. The business plan Al Saree3 is a complete plan on the development of the concept of a specialized door to door delivery kicking off in Jeddah with an expected regional expansion within a period of 3 to 5 years. Their plan featured 5 year financial forecast, organizational structure and means of operation. During the judging session Bedriyah was asked by the judges on the means of expansion and why this method was selected over any others.
Bedriyah arrived in Jeddah earlier to attend the Jeddah Economic Forum, where she was presented with the JEF Collegiate Business Venture Award plaque during the gala launch.
This prestigious award, targeting students in order to establish entrepreneurial training as a new discipline ultimately benefiting both the public and private sectors in the region; creating recognition of entrepreneurship as a dynamic factor in economic growth; and is sponsored by Al Baik Food Systems Ltd. Over 55 entries were presented by students from across the region including: American University of Beirut, Lebanese American University, King Abdulaziz University, College of Business Administration, Dar Al Hekma, Effat College and over 8 universities and colleges across Syria.
“The JEF Collegiate Business Venture Award is a unique initiative,” expressed Bahrawi. “The award demonstrates our care and concern for the development of talent among the region’s students so that they may become our future business leaders.”
As an exclusive partner, Abu-Ghazaleh commented on behalf of Al Baik, "This agreement is a long term investment for the youth of the region. We are confident that there is a lot of hidden potential and that this award will unlock and evoke the students’ innovation and creativity in various business management fields."
The Grand Prize of the JEF Collegiate Business Venture Award includes: SR 40,000 ($10,000+), attendance of an intensive one week training program at London Business School, one of the top ten Business Schools in the world, and a two week training program at Al Baik shadowing the upper management.
The judging committee included: Sami F. Bahrawi, Jeddah Economic Forum Chairman 2007 and member of the board Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Rami S. Abu Ghazaleh CEO of Al Baik Food Systems; Olfat Qabbani, member of the board of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Amin El Maghraby , President & CEO of Magrabi Optical Company; Rola Badkok, General Manager of Badkok Group and Fayyad Obeid, General Manager of Al Baik Food Systems.
Organized by Jeddah Marketing Board, a department of Jeddah Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Jeddah Economic Forum is now firmly established as a prestigious annual fixture in the calendar of international events. The Jeddah Economic Forum has become one of the most prestigious and highly anticipated events in the Kingdom and throughout the Middle East and is expected to attract more than 2000 delegates from around the world. As in previous years, the event will feature a roster of distinguished speakers and attendees including global leaders, international decision-makers, and economists, leading businessmen and women and academic specialists.
The official sponsor of the JEF Collegiate Business Venture Award 2007, Al Baik, is an icon of the highest quality and best value in the restaurant industry. Al Baik is also a leader in presenting programs that are educational, entertaining and geared to developing the minds and creativity of the youth in the Kingdom.
