Interviewer: Dr. El Sweedy, it’s a pleasure to have you here. Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to found PCE?
Dr. El Sweedy: Thank you! My journey began at the Faculty of Engineering at Cairo University, where I developed a strong foundation in both engineering and management. I earned my Master’s and Doctorate from Cairo University, along with an MBA from ESLSCA University in France. This combination of education fueled my passion for bridging the gap between science and management in the engineering sector.
Interviewer: That’s impressive! I understand you’re also the Vice Chairman of the Engineering Consultation Committee of the Egyptian Businessmen’s Association. How does that role influence your work at PCE?
Dr. El Sweedy: It’s a crucial role that emphasizes the importance of collaboration in the engineering consulting profession. Continuous dialogue and partnership with industry stakeholders are vital for our growth and the advancement of the field as a whole.
Interviewer: Let’s talk about PCE. When was it founded, and what services does it offer?
Dr. El Sweedy: PCE was founded in 2008 with the vision of providing a broad spectrum of engineering services. We focus on areas like architectural design, electromechanical services, construction, landscape architecture, and infrastructure development. As we expanded, we established the PCE Group, which led to the creation of spin-off entities like PCE Project Management.
Interviewer: Interesting! I heard that you also started an academy to train engineers. Can you elaborate on that?
Dr. El Sweedy: Absolutely! In 2014, we launched an academy dedicated to preparing engineers for the workforce. We collaborate with the Syndicate of Engineers and universities like Cairo and Ain Shams, ensuring that our graduates are well-equipped to join the PCE team.
Interviewer: PCE seems to have diversified quite a bit. Can you tell us about your ventures into hospitality and industrial services?
Dr. El Sweedy: Certainly! We established PCE Hospitality to focus on hotel operations, leveraging a team with over 50 years of collective experience in the industry. Additionally, PCE Interior Design was created to cater to various project needs, including factories and hotels. We also launched PCE Industrial Company to help construct factories and guide investors from concept to fully operational facilities.
Interviewer: That’s a remarkable range of services. How do you view Egypt’s developmental trajectory in recent years?
Dr. El Sweedy: Egypt has made significant strides in creating a new generation of cities over the past decade. Currently, there’s a strong focus on enhancing the industrial, tourism, and agriculture sectors, which are vital for energizing the economy.
Interviewer: Let’s shift our focus to your international expansion. How is PCE operating in the Saudi market?
Dr. El Sweedy: We’ve been actively providing comprehensive services and project oversight in Saudi Arabia. Our experience and commitment to quality have helped us establish a strong reputation. Our headquarters in Riyadh allows us to engage in significant projects, including a landmark theater in NEOM that spans 120,000 square meters.
Interviewer: That sounds exciting! What other projects are you currently involved in?
Dr. El Sweedy: We’re also the general consultants for the “Jeddah Cove” project and are finalizing designs for various engineering specialties. Notably, we’re working on the “Formula 1” initiative, which includes two interconnected buildings and several commercial and administrative structures in Jeddah, Riyadh, and Maaref School.
Interviewer: With so many projects underway, what are your future plans for PCE?
Dr. El Sweedy: We’ve successfully completed two projects in NEOM and are on the brink of starting a third. In addition, we’re launching a specialized project in the pharmaceutical sector in Sharjah, as well as working on a food factory and a 14-story administrative building in the Emirates. We’re also exploring opportunities in Italy and looking to establish a presence in Oman.
Interviewer: You’re clearly looking beyond the Middle East. How do you see opportunities in Africa?
Dr. El Sweedy: Africa is undergoing exciting industrial and urban transformations. We’re aware of a nation undertaking a project similar to Egypt’s Administrative Capital. We aim to incorporate these insights into our 2024 strategy through the Egyptian Businessmen’s Association, focusing on forming alliances to work in African markets.
Interviewer: Lastly, how do you view the importance of the human element in your company?
Dr. El Sweedy: The true capital of an engineering company lies in its people. Success stems from investing in human resources. At PCE, we prioritize training our engineers with courses designed to enhance their performance and foster innovative thinking. We even implement overseas training programs to ensure they stay at the forefront of the industry.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. El Sweedy, for sharing your insights and experiences. It’s clear that PCE is on an exciting trajectory!
Dr. El Sweedy: Thank you for having me! I’m excited about what the future holds for PCE and the engineering sector as a whole.
Contact info:
+201006868963
linkedin.com/in/waleed-elsweedy-9b351150
