Academic excellence

SIXTEEN of Bahrain's brightest students are set for a journey to the south of France to benefit from training in leadership development and entrepreneurship as part of an annual drive to inspire tomorrow's leaders.

Under the Bahrain Sophia Antipolis Mentorship Programme, the graduates will attend a two-week programme at the international Science and Technology Park.

The students are selected on their academic excellence and distinctive scholastic track records and will gain "a once-in-a-life-time experience" and invaluable exposure across a number of important disciplines.

Sophia Antipolis is considered to be the largest science park in Europe, housing prestigious international institutions, universities and research centres.

"With initiatives such as the Bahrain Sophia Antipolis Mentorship Programme, we are able to make an effective and resounding impact - equipping ambitious young Bahraini students with the best of skills, and offering them the broadest of opportunities at which to excel," said Abdulhakeem Al Khayyat, CEO and managing director of Kuwait Finance House, Bahrain, at a special 'recognition ceremony' for participants.

The event took place at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel & Spa and was attended by more than 200 supporters, including VIPs, senior government officials, high dignitaries and parents of the graduates.

Mr Al Khayyat added: "We are proud to be a partner in this endeavour; we want to actively participate in developing new Bahraini leaders who can take on the responsibilities of the future.

"The Bahrain Sophia Antipolis Mentorship Programme provides motivated young Bahrainis with further training in the vital skills they will need to succeed in the workplace and to achieve their personal development goals.

"We are more than happy to provide mentorship and support to a programme that is very well aligned with our corporate objectives of developing the nation's youth.

"I would like to express my thanks and appreciation to the Young Arab Leaders and InJaz Bahrain for their major contribution in this programme and also congratulate the students for their achievements and wish them all the success in their future".

Mr Al Khayyat also presented recognition certificates to the students and honoured key supporters of the programme including Shaikha Hessa bint Khalifa Al Khalifa, chairperson of InJaz Bahrain.

KFH-Bahrain launched this initiative in 2006 in collaboration with the Young Arab Leaders (YAL) and InJaz Bahrain, a non-profit youth-oriented organisation.

Sophia Antipolis is considered to be the largest science park in Europe, housing prestigious international institutions, universities and research centres.

Throughout the mentorship programme, students will interact with professionals, academics and CEOs from these various centres as well as from science and technology related organisations.

They will gain the important experience of meeting world-renowned 'mentors', who will be dedicated to helping the students strengthen their ability to innovate through sharing industry expertise, the refining of skills and the provision of networking opportunities.

Meeting in groups and on an individual basis, students will be imparted with valuable practical wisdom from industry leaders and will gain from their real life experiences.

This 'hands on' approach to learning and the transfer of knowledge from seasoned practitioners to aspiring young professionals makes this a unique programme for the training and development of Bahraini youth into entrepreneurs and leaders, say the organisers.

In order to maximise from the programme, there will also be a post-programme review organised by KFH-Bahrain whereby each student will devise and present an informative research paper and log book detailing their experience and how they aim to further develop and implement their findings in their upcoming professional careers.

KFH-Bahrain and InJaz Bahrain have recently completed the selection process for the 2008 group who are currently preparing for this year's programme which starts in mid-July.

KFH-Bahrain recently signed a long-term agreement with Sophia Antipolis Science and Technology Park, to further sponsor this programme over the coming years.

KFH-Bahrain is a leading provider of Islamic commercial and investment banking services.