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Oct 16 2011

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ExxonMobil, Kuwait Energy, KFAS and partners launch the fourth Kuwait Science Fair competition

Kuwait, 16 October 2011: Kuwait's largest science competition, the Kuwait Science Fair, is back for the fourth consecutive year to provide the largest, most encouraging platform for young aspiring scientists in Kuwait to explore, innovate and excel in the fields of math and science.

The competition continues with the support of the public and private sectors, which share a commitment to generating student interest and excitement in math and science. The Kuwait Science Fair has, to date, inspired over 500 students to pursue careers in science.

This year's competition has been endorsed by the Minister of Oil, Minister of State for National Assembly Affairs, and Chairman of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation , HE Dr. Mohammed Al-Busairi.

HE Dr. Mohammed Al-Busairi said: "The Kuwait Science Fair continues to inspire Kuwait's youth to pursue careers in science fields, and this is what Kuwait needs today. Science fields are necessary for the development and sustainability of many areas such as energy, healthcare and infrastructure. Today, The Kuwait Science Fair is a platform for the development of the scientists and innovators of tomorrow."

The competition was founded in 2008 by ExxonMobil and Kuwait Energy . This year, the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences ( KFAS ) has joined as an honorary founder to be the leading supporter of the competition.

ExxonMobil Exploration & Production Kuwait Limited President, Mr. Faycel Bensaid, said: "Since its inception, the Kuwait Science Fair has grown to become the largest science competition in Kuwait, and it's the most exciting educational experience for students. We are proud of the students' achievements over the last three years, and look forward to this year's innovative projects."

Kuwait Energy Company Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Sara Akbar, said: "When we first launched the Kuwait Science Fair competition three years ago, our goal was to attract high school students to the fields of science and math. We were equally keen on providing them with a fun, exciting, and competitive environment that enables them to innovate and think freely. As the competition, kicks off its fourth year, I cannot believe how far it has progressed in reach and significance, and more importantly how it engaged students of different academic backgrounds to share their passion for the sciences. We look forward to continue inspiring students and enable them to become one of the leading scientists in Kuwait and the world."

KFAS Director of the Scientific Culture Directorate, Dr. Jasem Al Besharah, said: "The Kuwait Science Fair enables students to express how their young minds see the world and our future, from solutions to present challenges, to life-changing innovations. Kuwait is home to many talents that need support to excel, and this competition provides just that for our youth. We are very excited to have a greater role in supporting the competition this year."

Also joining this year is Northwestern University, one of the most prestigious universities in the United States, which will grant the first place winner or winning group a four-year undergraduate tuition scholarship in the discipline of their choice.

Northwestern University Executive Director of International Research Partnerships, Dr. Indrani Mukharji, said: "We are very glad to be the first global partner to take part in the Kuwait Science Fair, and for having the opportunity to educate Kuwait's most ambitious young scientists where they would have the opportunity to study with our leading faculty on our beautiful , and where they will be empowered with the latest technology and knowledge to keep fueling their creativity and innovation."

The second place winner or winning group will be granted an undergraduate scholarship from the American University of Kuwait ( AUK ). This is the second year that AUK offers a scholarship to a winning student or group of students.

AUK President, Dr. Winfred Thompson said: "We were very impressed last year by the students' experiments, and even more so by the first place winner, who will be joining AUK upon graduating from high school. We've seen that KSF participants are unique in their determination and ambition, and we are lucky to have them continue their path to excellence in our halls as part of our student population, and under the guidance of AUK professors."

Sponsoring the competition for the third year are Kuwait Petroleum Corporation ( KPC ), Kuwait United Facilities Management Company (KUFM), the Scientific Center of Kuwait (TSCK), and global oilfield services leader Schlumberger. Partners also include local waste management specialist, the Environment Preservation Industrial Company (EPIC).

KPC Managing Director for Government, Parliament, Public Relations and Media, Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled Al-Sabah, said: " KPC 's core values rely on giving back to our community, whether through providing energy to our nation or by contributing to all social segments, especially our youth. Kuwait's youth are the ones who will take on the torch of development and advancement, and for them to be able to do so, we need to invest today in their education. We are glad to extend our support to the Kuwait Science Fair over the course of three years."

The Chief Executive Officer of KUFM, representing United Real Estate which owns the Marina World, Mr. Ahmed Yousef Al Kandari said: "With so many disciplines to choose from, students need guidance towards the career they are most passionate about. The Kuwait Science Fair opens new doors for them outside the established school curriculum, and allows them to explore the broad fields of math and science, and hopefully someday excel in them."

The Scientific Center Chairman and Managing Director, Engineer Mijbil Almutawa said: "It is always exciting to see ambitious and promising young talents researching, reading, learning and challenging themselves to achieve and innovate. Students are always welcome to do their research at the Scientific Center for inspiration to develop their ideas."

The first and second prize winners will also receive internship opportunities at Schlumberger. The first place winner will have an opportunity to choose from over 50 locations around the world to complete the internship program.

Schlumberger Kuwait Public Relations Officer, Ms. Esra Alhabib, said: "Schlumberger is an active supporter of education in Kuwait. We provide engineering and petroleum students with local short-term internship opportunities, and offer comprehensive training on our proprietary technologies. Taking part in the Kuwait Science Fair is a direct extension to our initiatives in Kuwait that enables us to reach out to younger generations and to inspire them into our fields."

EPIC joins this year in an ongoing commitment to supporting innovative ideas in waste management and sustained environmental protection. EPIC will award cash prizes totaling more than KD 4,000/- to the top three winners and the category winners of the Science and Environment Excellence Award.

EPIC Chairman, Dr. Khaled Mahdi, said: "We've seen brilliant ideas developed by students in the last three years. We had students showing how industrial chimneys could become environmentally friendly and others finding ways to reduce fresh water waste. These innovative ideas reflect the capabilities within our own youth, just waiting to be nurtured. We are proud to take part in a competition that has inspired so many young talents. "

-Ends-

About the Kuwait Science Fair:
The Kuwait Science Fair is a five-month-long competition held annually for students from more than 200 public and private schools across Kuwait. It is held in both Arabic and English and extends over two cycles. The first phase is the pledging phase in which students from across Kuwait are asked to submit their ideas to the Kuwait Science Fair Selection Committee. The Committee then selects the 'Best 100' ideas. Similar to previous years, the decision is based on a pre-defined check-list of criteria.

During the second phase, students behind the 'Best 100' ideas will be asked to build their projects with the support of mentors and the Kuwait Science Fair team. This phase lasts for three months. The final projects will then be judged by a panel of judges, comprising engineers, educators, and other experts, and finally showcased in an exhibition that is open to the public.

Key Dates:
Kuwait Science Fair kick-off: October 16, 2011
Deadline for ideas: November 20, 2011
Best 100 announced: November 28, 2011
Kuwait Science Fair finale: March 24, 2012

Registration:
To qualify, students must be in grades eight to 12, enrolled in a local school, and must submit all registration forms listed in the competition's website www.best100.org, or in the KSF guidebook, which may be picked up at the Kuwait Science Fair booth in Marina Mall, the Scientific Center of Kuwait, or Cinescape Avenues. Participation closes on November 20, 2011. The "Best 100" will be announced on November 28, 2011.

For more information, please contact:
Leslie Mouawad
Bensirri PR
Mobile: 00965-99981334
Email: leslie@bensirri.com