Students enrolled at the E-commerce course, taught by Dr. Mevludin Memedi, at the College of Business have participated in the second edition of LEAP, held on 4-7 March 2024, in Riyadh.
LEAP 2024 gathered tech innovators and experts worldwide, offering opportunities to explore new concepts, forge partnerships, and engage with influential mentors and investors. LEAP served as a global platform for future technologies, attracting disruptive professionals and facilitating the adoption of cutting-edge innovations. The conference had various tracks including creative economy, health tech, future energy, smart cities, retail, fintech, among others. In addition, DeepFest was collocated with LEAP, unveiling government Artificial Intelligence initiatives and latest innovations across many sectors.
For students of E-commerce course, the LEAP was beneficial in several ways. The conference gathered professionals, experts, and innovators from various sectors of the tech industry, providing an excellent opportunity for students to network with potential employers, mentors, and industry leaders who can offer insights, advice, and potentially job or internship opportunities. The conference offered keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, and presentations about the latest trends and technologies shaping the e-commerce industry, where students could gain valuable knowledge and insights to apply in their studies and future careers. E-commerce is closely intertwined with technology, and LEAP showcased the latest advancements and innovations in tech world including Artificial Intelligence, blockchain, augmented reality, helping students to understand how these technologies can impact the future of E-commerce.
Some testimonials from students who visited the conference:
“My visit to LEAP 2024 though short was quite informative and gave me an on-hand experience on start-ups, mega companies working on innovations in Technology, IT and AI. Overall, my visit provided invaluable insights into the transformative potential of AI across various industries in Saudi Arabia. The convergence of AI with robotics, cloud computing, telecommunications, and petrochemicals highlights the multifaceted impact of AI-driven innovation on the economy, society, and workforce. As we reflect on these experiences, it becomes evident that embracing AI technologies is not merely an option but a strategic imperative for organizations seeking to thrive in an increasingly complex and competitive global landscape.” – Mohammad Radwan
“I visited Dinar. Dinar is an innovative financial platform operating in Saudi Arabia where businesses can get money through something called sukuk, which are like bonds but fit with Islamic law. It’s a big deal because it’s super easy for companies to get the cash they need to grow, and for folks to invest their money in a safe, ethical way. The market’s buzzing because now more businesses can use sukuk to fund their dreams. Dinar is contributing to the evolution of the financial sector in Saudi Arabia by providing accessible, flexible, and Sharia-compliant financial instruments for businesses and investors alike.” – Omar Aldubaikhi
“I attended a 20-minute-long lecture that was given by the speaker Olpha Massaoudi, the chief digital and marketing officer or L’Oreal Beauty. This lecture gave us an inside look on how L’Oreal Beauty is leveraging advanced technologies in the beauty industry. Back in the day, buying a lipstick online was considered a pain as e-commerce wasn’t implemented like how it is now, however with the improvement of e-commerce L’Oreal has been one of the first beauty brands to digitalize its shopping experience which has led them to expand worldwide.“ – Student
“The conference, encompassing two distinct events, left an indelibly positive imprint with its meticulous organization, rich content, and meaningful personal engagement.” – Sarah Althonyan
“I have enjoyed and learned a lot from my visit to LEAP, as it has made me more interested in the tech world. They have opened my eyes to the world of AI, E-commerce, and technology in general. Hard concepts were presented and delivered clearly, and in a creative manner. Overall, it was an insightful experience that increased my excitement for the future technology of Saudi Arabia and the rest of the world.” – Maha Bindehaish
“Overall, the conference provided valuable insights into the evolving landscape of global finance, with engaging presentations and relevant discussions.” – Yasser Almutrafi
“The Leap Conference was a valuable experience, offering insights into the digital payments and food delivery sectors through the sessions featuring STC Pay and Jahez. The conference was well-organized, and the speakers’ expertise and engaging presentation styles contributed to an enriching experience.” – Student
“The combined conferences provided a captivating look at future tech. “Unicorn” highlighted AI’s potential, while “Lean Tech” focused on efficient tech implementation. Both were well-organized with engaging presentations (varying styles), though some sessions could have offered deeper dives.” – Eyas Gharawi
