Two week 'Tech Quest' engages 8th and 9th grade Nationals in future STEM careers

Abu Dhabi, 10 March, 2012: The Advanced Technology Investment Company (ATIC), in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) and Abu Dhabi University Knowledge Group (ADUKG), has launched the 'Tech Quest' science program. Aimed at introducing Emirati students in grades 8 and 9 to potential science and technology career opportunities, the eleven days of hands-on workshops and classes will run from March 25 to April 5 2012 at Abu Dhabi University's Abu Dhabi campus.

The program follows in the successful footsteps of ongoing youth engagement initiatives such as the Summer of Semiconductors, placing a specific emphasis on reaching students entering high school.  ATIC views such initiatives as fundamental to its broader strategic investment in the human capital base necessary to supporting the Emirate's future economic diversification.

Mr. Humaid Abdullah, Division Manager, Student Services said that ADEC is keen to work closely with various sectors and departments in Abu Dhabi for the best interest of students. "ADEC is eager to develop student skills & knowledge, provide them with high quality educational opportunities that help achieve their future aspirations & objectives to best serve their country," he added.

 Mr. Abdullah pointed out that TechQuest Program plays  a significant role in introducing new technologies  to students. " Abu Dhabi Government is paying a great attention to the technology sector, in line with its plans & initiatives  towards enhancing a knowledge-based economy," he emphasized.

 "Our program presents a remarkable opportunity to spark an interest in science amongst this nation's future technology leaders," said Hanan Harhara, Manager of Human Capital at ATIC.  "We are presenting a snapshot of the different subjects and career options related to STEM through insightful lectures, hands-on workshops, collaborative group activities and fun field trips."

The program will run weekdays from 9:00AM - 2:30PM, during which time students will participate in five hour-long classroom sessions, each run by an ADU professor. The classroom environment will vary from lectures led by expert career counsellors and professionals from key companies in the areas of STEM, to hands-on science-lab opportunities.

Students interested in joining the program may contact administration at ADU or call the program team at 025015463. Applications will close March 14, 2012.  

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About ATIC
The Advanced Technology Investment Company (ATIC) was created in 2008. A technology investment company wholly owned by Mubadala, ATIC is focused on making significant investments in the advanced technology sector, both locally and internationally. Its mandate is to generate returns that deliver long-term benefits to the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

 ATIC seeks to leverage the unique advantages it enjoys as an investor from the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to identify and realize long-term investment opportunities in the highly competitive and capital-intensive advanced technology sector. These advantages include significant and reliable capital, a patient investment philosophy, and a subsequently long-term investment horizon.

For more information about ATIC visit www.atic.ae  

For more information:
Raeda Al Sarayreh
Media Relations Manager
Tel: +971 2 413 3512
email: raeda.alsarayreh@atic.ae

About Abu Dhabi Education Council
Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) was established in accordance with law No. 24 of 2005, issued by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, the UAE President, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and the Ruler of Abu Dhabi. The Chairman of ADEC is H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and the Vice-Chairman is H.H. Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs to overlook the educational sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. ADEC endeavors to transform the emirate into an innovation-based, knowledge producing society which is strongly connected to the world's global society and economy, yet deeply rooted in its culture and heritage.

For more information about ADEC please call its headquarters at +971 (2) 6150 000 or visit our website: http://www.adec.ac.ae

© Press Release 2012