In its continuous efforts to connect with industrial establishments in the area, the EE liaison office is looking for collaboration at the undergraduate, graduate and research levels with industry. EE liaison office member Dr. Mohammad S. Sharawi made a visit to YOKOGAWA headquarters in Dhahran Techno Valley on Dec. 20, 2011. Dr. Sharawi met with the Executive Vice President of YOKOGAWA, the Head of HR as well as the chief engineer. The points of discussion included mechanisms to increase student’s awareness of YOKOGAWA as a member of Dhahran Techno Valley, the mission of the company and its product lines. In addition, to encourage student participation in the training programs and coop opportunities within the company. Possible research areas with faculty members of the department were highlighted in the areas of industrial control and automation as well as industrial instrumentation.

YOKOGAWA showed interest to visit the department and conduct seminars and presentations to both graduate and undergraduate students. The EE department will invite YOKOGAWA in its graduate seminar next semester, and also will try to coordinate conducting some field visits to their facility through the department undergraduate control and instrumentation classes.

It is worth mentioning that YOKOGAWA is a world leading company in industrial control and automation systems. Its KSA research and development (R&D) facility in Dhahran Techno Valley was established in 2008. This facility designs, assembles, tests and ship systems to industrial companies in the kingdom. They are a key partner to Saudi Aramco and KFUPM.