Tamkeen joins hands with Microsoft as Strategic Partner for Imagine Cup 2014 Competition in Bahrain

Press release

Published February 2nd, 2014 - 08:18 GMT

Al Bawaba

Microsoft and Tamkeen inked strategic partnership deal for the 2014 round of Imagine Cup Competition in Bahrain; the signing ceremony was held at Tamkeen’s Headquarters where Tamkeen’s Chairman and Acting Chief Executive Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa signed on behalf of Tamkeen and Tareq Hijazi, Regional County Manager for Microsoft in Bahrain and Oman represented Microsoft.

This partnership, for the second consecutive year, comes in line with both organizations’ commitment to empowering the youth in Bahrain by opening up new venues, encouraging them to innovative and think out of the box and seeding the entrepreneurship spirit in their minds.

Commenting on the signing agreement, Tamkeen’s Chairman and Acting Chief Executive Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa reiterated Tamkeen’s commitment to “supporting young entrepreneurs and enable them to turn their innovative ideas and initiatives into profitable business which eventually helps grow and develop the national economy.” Shaikh Mohammed applauded Microsoft’s efforts in hosting another round of the Imagine Cup Competition in Bahrain and acknowledged their continued support to the Bahraini youth and society throughout the years.

“We are very excited to have Tamkeen as a strategic partner for the second consecutive year; we appreciate their trust and support and applaud their great efforts in empowering the future of Bahrain,” said Tareq Hijazi, Regional Country Manager for Microsoft in Bahrain and Oman. He reiterated Microsoft’s commitment to ensure students have all the necessary skills and knowledge to get a job post-graduation, he explained that “Imagine Cup is not just a competition, it is a platform for youngsters - students and fresh graduates – to take a peek at the corporate world; it basically aims to help students discover their potentials, develop their skills, earn knowledge and expertise and enhance their capabilities through the spirit of competition.”

Last year’s Imagine Cup competition in Bahrain received more than 760 registrations and a total of 20 projects were submitted.

Students interested in signing up for Imagine Cup 2014 may register on the website, http://www.imaginecup.com.

Background Information

Tamkeen

Tamkeen is a public authority established in August 2006, tasked with supporting Bahrain’s private sector and positioning it as the key driver of economic growth and development. Tamkeen is one of the cornerstones of Bahrain’s national reform initiatives and Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030.

Tamkeen has two primary objectives - firstly, foster the development and growth of enterprises, and second provide support to enhance the productivity and training of the national workforce. To achieve these objectives -Tamkeen’s 2018-2020 strategy focuses on Diversifying offerings, Accelerate delivery and Sustaining Impact.