Abu Dhabi, UAE – Leaders from Mubadala Investment Company PJSC (Mubadala), the Abu Dhabi-based global investor, and Lockheed Martin, the global security and aerospace company, today engaged in a Youth Circle focused on mentoring the aerospace leaders of tomorrow.

Held on the sidelines of the Global Aerospace Summit in Abu Dhabi, the Youth Circle discussed and debated options on engaging young people in aerospace careers in an increasingly dynamic technological environment. Addressing an audience comprised of students from several local institutions including, the Higher Colleges of Technology and the American University of Sharjah, as well as young professionals from aerospace-related companies including, Al Yah Satellite Communications Company and Turbine Services and Solutions, both speakers provided insights on what young people need to do to remain agile in a complex industry.

"It was an honor and a pleasure to engage in a discussion with this group of promising young leaders who are shaping the future of the UAE's aerospace industry," said Marillyn Hewson, Lockheed Martin Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "It is clear that these young people have the skills and determination necessary to secure the UAE's position as a global hub for aerospace innovation."

From personal anecdotes to insights on digital transformation and solutions for training the workforce of the future, conversations also invited audience input on how to keep young people engaged in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers.

“As a global investor with operations in multiple markets and geographies, we have found that STEM skills are critical for future careers, regardless of the discipline that one is engaged in,” said Homaid Al Shimmari, Deputy Group CEO and Chief Corporate & Human Capital Officer, Mubadala. “While some see the emergence of Industrial 4.0, and its accompanying concepts, as a disruptor to their business, we at Mubadala see the great opportunity that these technological advancements provide. Cultivating a healthy sense of curiosity in our young talent will be critical in sustaining our work well into the future, and I am pleased to note from our discussions at today’s Youth Circle that this openness to learn is the norm, rather than the exception.”

An initiative launched by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, Youth Circles comprise of a dialogue across a variety of areas for sustainable engagement with young people to shape innovative solutions for global challenges. Hosted by Emirates Youth Council, each Youth Circle event seeks to answer one central question through action-oriented discussion and youth-inspired recommendations.

Mubadala and Lockheed Martin are currently partnering on the Unmanned Aerial Systems Payload Design Challenge, a year- long initiative which nurtures ideas for applications in unmanned aerial vehicles from UAE-based university students. Since August 2017, Lockheed Martin has mentored these students with a view to creating intellectual property.

-Ends-

© Press Release 2018