22 September 2008
Building a Stronger Structure through Math & Science

ExxonMobil, Kuwait Energy Co, and partners come together to launch

Kuwait City, Kuwait: ExxonMobil Exploration & Production Kuwait Limited and three other leading Kuwaiti organizations came together today to call-on young innovators and scientists from over 150 high schools to compete in the country's first national science fair competition, which kicks off on October 20, 2008.

The competition, titled 'The Kuwait Science Fair: The Best 100', is presented by ExxonMobil, Kuwait Energy, Kuwait Motor Sports Club, and the Scientific Center, who are all united by a shared commitment to generate student interest and excitement in math and science in a competitive setting.

At the beginning of the competition, students will be given two months to apply and come up with their unique science project, and on 4th January 2009 the best 100 are chosen to enter the competition. The contest itself will be held at the Scientific Center on 27 & 28 March 2009, during which students will also showcase their projects.

ExxonMobil Exploration & Production Kuwait Limited President, Dr. John Hoholick said, "Excellence in math and science education is directly correlated to the ability of countries to successfully compete and prosper in the global community of the 21st century.  'The Kuwait Science Fair: The Best 100' competition aims to encourage students to take an active interest in math and science education and careers, and motivate students to learn and perform well in math and science classes."

Kuwait Energy Company Corporate Affairs Manager, Reyadh Al-Sharraf, said "The promise of a better future will be delivered by the scientists and engineers of tomorrow, and 'The Kuwait Science Fair: The Best 100' works to attract young innovators and scientists by exciting them and engaging them in a competitive environment that rewards the innovators and supports student initiatives.  We are very proud to partner with leading organizations, such as ExxonMobil, to launch Kuwait's first-ever national science fair and we can't wait to see what the students come up with."

Kuwait Motor Sports Club Chairman, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Dawood Al-Sabah, said: "We are proud to partner with leading organizations such as ExxonMobil on attracting Kuwait's young talents and providing them with a challenge that not only works to develop their scientific skills, but also develops their collaboration skills in a fair competitive atmosphere that drives them to excel."

Scientific Center Chairman and Managing Director, Dr. Mijbil Al-Mutawa, said, "Education is the key to development and economic growth, and at the heart of our future is the continued development of our students' investigative and problem solving skills.  We are very proud to be part of this massive national drive."

The Kuwait Science Fair officially launches on October 20, 2008 with a committee of volunteers comprised of the four organizations as well as volunteers from educational establishments. The volunteers will be approaching government and private schools for support as well as to recruit students for the Kuwait Science Fair.

To qualify, students must be between the ages of 14-18, enrolled in a Kuwaiti high school, and submit a full KSF application form that will be available on the competition's website at www.dabest100.org or from the KSF booth at the Scientific Center as of October 20th 2008.

-Ends-

About ExxonMobil
Exxon Mobil Corporation is a leading international energy company whose subsidiaries have operations in approximately 200 countries and territories.

The company is involved in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas; manufacture of petroleum products; and transportation and sale of crude oil, natural gas, and petroleum products. It is also a major manufacturer and marketer of basic and specialty petrochemicals with interests in electric power generation facilities, all of which are supported by extensive research programs.

ExxonMobil relies on technology and innovation in every aspect of its business, and knowledge of math and science is critical in the energy sector. We employ approximately 15,000 scientists and engineers to help produce and deliver energy supplies safely, reliably, and affordably. The technological innovations necessary to facilitate human progress and meet key challenges in the years ahead will require a global workforce highly skilled in fields making use of math and science.

For more information about ExxonMobil, please visit the company's website at www.exxonmobil.com.

About Kuwait Energy Company
Established in Kuwait in August 2005 Kuwait Energy Company is an independent Oil & Gas Exploration and Production company.

Kuwait Energy Company prides itself as an Oil & Gas company with extensive knowledge of the Middle East region, and with outstanding relations with host governments, national oil companies and international companies that operate in the Middle East.

Kuwait Energy Company's mission is to leverage its technical excellence, experience and business relationships to acquire, develop and manage oil and gas properties to generate superior returns for its shareholders.

The Vision of Kuwait Energy Company is to produce 50,000 barrels of oil equivalent (boe) per day on proved and probable reserves of 300 million boe by the year 2010.

Headquartered in the Middle East oil capital of Kuwait City, Kuwait Energy Company presently has evaluation, exploration, development or production operations in seven countries: Kuwait, Egypt, Oman, Yemen, Russia, Cambodia, and Indonesia.

In addition to its head office in Kuwait, the Company has representation in Cairo, Jakarta, Muscat and Sana'a, together with three locations in Iraq - Baghdad, Basra and Erbil.

About The Scientific Center
The Scientific Center of Kuwait (TSCK) fortifies the message of scientific awareness in the State of Kuwait, while strengthening its cultural heritage.  Its activities are dedicated to spreading awareness and knowledge related to the environment. 

TSCK encourages people's care and commitment in preserving the desert, marine life, and ecosystems of the Arabian Gulf region. 

TSCK was established in compliance with the Chairman of KFAS, H.H. the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah's wishes to execute this unique project in order to serve science and the environment. It is his gift to the people of Kuwait.

© Press Release 2008