Abdul Latif Jameel and Four Principles have launched a new scheme that will help Saudi nationals learn the Japanese “Kaizen” philosophy, an industrial mindset designed to help companies boost efficiency and performance, eliminate waste, and maximize resources.
Following the joint venture between the two companies announced at the end of last year, selected Saudi nationals — both female and male — will have the chance to enhance their professional development by taking part in the inter-company program focused on lean management to help boost the company’s performance and cut waste.
The two-year program means participants will receive on-the-job experience in a consulting environment across multiple sectors, and be exposed to an international business management system, which will help prepare them for future leaderships roles.
Fady Mohammed Abdul Latif Jameel, deputy president and vice chairman, Abdul Latif Jameel International, said: “As Saudi Vision 2030 makes clear, our real wealth lies in the ambition of our people and the potential of our younger generation. They are the architects of our future. That is why Abdul Latif Jameel is investing in Saudi Arabian nationals and giving them this opportunity to learn in an international environment.
“We are giving Saudi Arabian talent the opportunity to shine in a number of ways, including a management development program, Toyota-MIT scholarships, and now by learning the Kaizen philosophy.”
The co-founder and managing partner of Four Principles, Seif Shieshakly, said: “Four Principles is built on adding value to client operations on-ground — or in the gemba in Japanese — and designing bespoke lean management solutions tailored to their needs. To achieve this, we need the right people with the passion and drive that can help our clients achieve improved efficiency and performance. That is why it is right we give young Saudi Arabian nationals — through this scheme — the opportunity to grow and learn in a lean management consultancy.”
The new joint venture offers advisory and implementation services to private and public organizations based on the lean management program. It focuses on the public sector implementation of transformation initiatives as well as on a spectrum of private sector organizations in the fields of financial services, heavy industries, construction, retail, health care, aviation, automotive, energy, oil and gas, FMCG, food and beverage, and education.
Abdul Latif Jameel and Four Principles launch Japanese business philosophy program
Abdul Latif Jameel and Four Principles launch Japanese business philosophy program
Alfanar Engineering signs MoU with Schneider Electric Saudi Arabia
Alfanar Engineering Services announced the signing of a strategic MoU with Schneider Electric Saudi Arabia during its participation in the Saudi Arabia Smart Grid Conference. Both Schneider Electric and Alfanar Engineering have committed to further enhancing operational excellence and customer-centric service delivery thereby ensuring long-term asset reliability of their clients in the Kingdom.
Alfanar Engineering brings to the collaboration a strong in-Kingdom service footprint, supported by extensive operations and maintenance capabilities, advanced testing and commissioning equipment, and a network of specialized service centers and labs strategically located across Saudi Arabia. These capabilities enable the delivery of responsive, high-quality technical support tailored to the needs of critical infrastructure and industrial operations. Schneider Electric, with its extensive installed base of energy management and automation solutions, plays a key role in supporting mission-critical facilities and national industries across the Kingdom.
The collaboration was signed by Sattam Al-Motairi, chief operating officer of Alfanar Engineering Services, and Mohamed Shaheen, cluster president — Saudi Arabia, Schneider Electric. It brings together Alfanar’s local operational expertise and service reach with Schneider Electric’s global technologies and service standards. Together, the two companies will enhance service reliability, improve response efficiency, and deliver greater value through sustainable solutions that optimize asset lifecycles. The MoU also supports the development of localized technical services, contributing to the Kingdom’s objectives for sustainable infrastructure, localization, and industrial resilience.
Al-Motairi said: “At Alfanar Engineering Services, we believe that true value is created long after equipment is installed, through reliable service, fast response, and teams that understand the realities of the field. This collaboration with Schneider Electric enables us to enhance the delivery of after-sales services across the Kingdom, combining deep local expertise with world-class technology. Our focus is clear: keeping critical operations running, supporting our customers’ long-term success, and contributing meaningfully to Saudi Arabia’s industrial and infrastructure ambitions.”
Oday Al-Aithan, vice president of field services for Schneider Electric in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Yemen, and Bahrain, said: “At Schneider Electric, we are turning advanced energy management and digital solutions into tangible outcomes through our partnership with Alfanar Engineering Services. By combining our integrated technologies, extensive installed base, and global expertise as a leading energy technology partner with Alfanar’s strong in-Kingdom field services, we deliver smarter, faster, and more reliable solutions that optimize asset performance, accelerate response times, and support resilient, sustainable infrastructure, contributing to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.”
