Dhahran, Saudi Arabia – In a move set to redefine the professional trajectory for engineering students in the Kingdom, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) officially established its presence at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM). The milestone was marked by an introductory seminar held on Sunday, February 1st, where university leadership and industry experts gathered to launch the KFUPM Student Chapter and the new KSA Panel.

The event, led by Prof. Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Ali (CEng FIMechE), Mr. Ibrahim Khan (CEng, MIMechE) and keynote speaker Mr. Hassan N. Ansari (CEng FIMechE), provided an in-depth look at how this UK-based institution—operating under a Royal Charter—serves as a global gateway for over 110,000 members.

Elevating the Professional Standard

A core theme of the seminar was the vital distinction between an academic degree and professional registration. As a licensed body, IMechE is authorized to confer the internationally recognized titles of Chartered Engineer (CEng) and Incorporated Engineer (IEng). Mr. Ansari explained that these designations are respected globally because they are based on a rigorous peer-to-peer review process rather than simple examinations.

"It is not about payment of a fee," Ansari noted, emphasizing that the institution is a "learned society" where membership is a "lifetime journey." For KFUPM students, the barrier to entry has been removed: Affiliate Membership is free for all students until graduation, plus one additional year to assist with job seeking. This grants students full access to one of the world’s largest virtual engineering libraries and a global network for research and troubleshooting.

The "Wholesome Engineer" and Future Leadership

A striking insight for attendees was the focus on the "wholesome development" of engineers. Under IMechE’s UK-SPEC competency framework, a significant portion of the requirements for professional registration are non-technical, focusing on communication, ethics, financial literacy, and leadership.

Mr. Ansari highlighted that many technical graduates face a "concrete ceiling" in their careers because they lack these executive skills. By participating in the KFUPM Student Chapter, students enter a volunteer environment where work must be inspired rather than commanded—a critical training ground for future C-level executives. Students are encouraged to manage budgets, organize projects, and interact with senior professionals, giving them a distinct advantage in the job market.

                                 

 

A Local Foundation: The KSA Panel

The launch also formally introduced the KSA Panel, a local volunteer body authorized to design activities specifically relevant to the Kingdom's industries and universities. The panel’s leadership includes:

• Chair:                         Mr. Muhammad Ali Qureshi CEng, FIMechE (Aramco)
• Vice Chair:                Prof. Hafiz Muhammad Ali CEng, FIMechE (KFUPM)
• Hon. Secretary:         Mr. Ibrahim Khan CEng, MIMechE (KFUPM)
• Hon. Treasurer:        Mr. Ammar Allaw CEng, MIMechE (KJO)

While currently designated as a "Panel," the strategic goal is to mature into a full "Group"—a formal status that grants financial autonomy and the ability to execute multi-year strategic plans. This structure allows Saudi engineers to utilize IMechE’s global influence to attract international experts and organize high-level conferences, aligning with the broader Middle East & Africa (MEA) Region strategy.

Bridging the Gap: Global Recognition

This initiative comes at a critical time as Saudi Arabia’s Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC) actively progresses from Provisional to Full Signatory status in the Washington Accord.

Until full signatory status is achieved, local degrees may face hurdles in automatic recognition abroad. The IMechE Student Chapter bridges this gap immediately. By obtaining IMechE membership and eventual registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng), Saudi graduates secure a globally portable "passport of competence" that is recognized across borders, independent of the current treaty status of their degree.

 

Continuity and Community

The institution’s unique model ensures stability through a robust succession planning system. Outgoing chairs often transition into mentorship roles, ensuring that institutional knowledge is preserved and passed down to new student leaders.

The seminar concluded with a moving introduction to the IMechE Benevolent Fund, which provides long-term financial support to members and their families during times of crisis. This underscored the message that IMechE is not just a certification body, but a true society committed to the well-being of its members.