ExxonMobil, Kuwait Energy and partners announce winners of the third Kuwait Science Fair

The third annual Kuwait Science Fair (KSF) competition today celebrated the accomplishments of some of the brightest young and aspiring scientists from schools across Kuwait, in an awards ceremony under the patronage of the Minister of Oil, Minister of Information, and Chairman of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, HE Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. 

KSF founders, ExxonMobil Kuwait and Kuwait Energy, and partners announced the winners of the most innovative science projects judged during a four-day assessment by a panel of judges comprising of doctors, scientists, and engineers from renowned institutions in Kuwait. 

The first prize winner, Saif Ahmed Elkholy, received a full scholarship in his discipline of choice from the American University for Kuwait (AUK), an international internship at Schlumberger, a cash prize of KD750, gift vouchers worth over KD100 in value, certificates honoring their participation and ranking, and the first place trophy. 

The Kuwait Science Fair competition is the largest nation-wide annual competition, encompassing over 200 schools in Kuwait.  The competition was founded in 2008 by ExxonMobil Exploration & Production Kuwait Limited and Kuwait Energy Company in a shared commitment to generate student interest and excitement in math and science and to help inspire Kuwait’s future scientists and innovators.  

Nearly 350 students applied to participate in the Kuwait Science Fair by the end of the registration phase.  The ‘Best 100’ ideas were announced last December and were qualified to continue developing their math and science innovations during the second phase, known as the experimental phase. 

Kuwait Petroleum Corporation Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Farouk Al-Zanki, said: “The Kuwait Science Fair is an inspiring initiative that continues to motivate Kuwait’s young scientists - all it takes is a tour inside the KSF exhibition hall to see the projects for ourselves.  Math and science are two essential fields facing a decrease in professionals and we thank ExxonMobil and Kuwait Energy for establishing this educational and gratifying competition that helped inspire hundreds of young scientists to gain creative and innovative experiences in those fields.” 

HE the US Ambassador to Kuwait, Mrs. Deborah Jones, in her honorary role as a ‘Chief Ambassador’ for the competition, said: “Every country across the globe needs more scientists, engineers, and mathematicians.  I cannot stress enough how important it is to engage young minds in the fields of math and science at an early age.  I am both humbled and honored for this role and for becoming part of an initiative that has inspired hundreds of young students in Kuwait over the years.” 

The ‘Best 100’ students all received over KD100 in vouchers and two certificates honoring their ranking and participation in the competition.  The second prize winner, Zainab Ahmad Abbas, received an internship at Schlumberger and will receive KD500 in cash, two certificates honoring their participation and ranking, over KD100 in vouchers, and the second place trophy.  The third prize winner, Omar Ali Ismail Abdulla, received KD350 in cash, two certificates honoring their ranking and participation, over KD100 in vouchers, and the third place trophy. 

A founding member of the KSF competition, ExxonMobil Upstream Ventures Vice President for Europe, Caspian, Middle East and North Africa, Dr. Richard Vierbuchen, said: “This competition started three years ago with young and aspiring scientists from about 26 schools, and today, we have reached ambitious scientists from more than 85 schools. KSF helped inspire over 400 students to pursue careers in math and science in the last three years. This is a remarkable achievement for them and a great honor for us.  We look forward to see these young scientists excel in the future.” 

Also a founding member of the competition, Kuwait Energy Company, Public Relations Advisor, Mr. Abbas Al-Rasheed, said: “A few weeks ago, HH the Amir stressed the importance of human capital in the development of nations, which starts by the development of our youth.  The Kuwait Science Fair continues its contribution and investment in Kuwait’s future professionals. We have seen how their small ideas have grown into life-changing experiments, and we are certain that by helping them in their path towards innovation, we will witness positive developments in Kuwait’s future.” 

Extending support to the competition, the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Science (KFAS) Director of the Scientific Culture Directorate, Dr. Jasem Al Besharah, said: “When we were invited to partner in the competition, we did not hesitate to support an initiative that has engaged students’ interest and capabilities in fields of science.  We thank the founders for launching a great competition for students to express themselves outside the classroom.”