Investment Companies Launches the First Edition of 'ATHAR'
The Kuwait Investment Companies Association announced the launch of the first edition of the “ATHAR” program, a distinctive initiative aimed at building a direct bridge between universities, Kuwaiti youth, and investment companies. This enables students and graduates to transition from academic knowledge to practical professional experience, gaining close insight into the work environment and the requirements of the financial and investment sectors.
The launch of “ATHAR” stems from the Association’s vision that developing the nation’s human capital is one of the key pillars of sustainable economic development. It holds that the growth of the investment sector relies not only on diversifying financial tools and products, but also begins with investing in people and preparing the competencies capable of leading the sector in the future.
The program stands out as an initiative that integrates universities, students, and investment companies within a comprehensive practical framework. Participants engage in real-world work environments within companies, allowing them to explore various fields of investment and finance, acquire professional experience, and interact directly with sector leaders and specialists.
The program also offers investment companies a vital opportunity to connect early with a new generation of national talent, assess their potential, and directly contribute to developing their skills in alignment with the actual and evolving needs of the labor market.
In this context, Abdullah Hamad Al-Turkiet, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kuwait Investment Companies Association, emphasized that the launch of the “ATHAR” program reflects the Association’s vision regarding the role the investment sector should play in supporting the national economy and developing human capital.
Al-Turkiet stated, “We at the Kuwait Investment Companies Association believe that the responsibility of the investment sector extends beyond managing capital and investments to contributing to building the human capital that will lead Kuwait’s economy in the future. Hence, the program was created to forge a genuine link between education and the private sector, giving our youth the opportunity to experience the investment environment from within, rather than solely through an academic lens.”
He added, “A competitive economy requires national cadres equipped with knowledge, experience, innovation capabilities, and decision-making skills. Therefore, investing in youth is not merely a supplementary aspect of development, but one of the most significant long-term investments with the greatest impact on sustaining economic growth.”
Al-Turkiet noted that the participation of investment companies in the program reflects the sector’s commitment to its responsibility in preparing the next generation. He affirmed that “ATHAR” opens the door to a deeper partnership between academia and the investment sector, ensuring that educational outcomes better align with the skills and specializations demanded by the labor market.
He further stated, “We aspire for the ‘ATHAR’ experience to be more than just a training period that ends with the program’s conclusion. Rather, it should serve as the beginning of a genuine career path for participants and a platform enabling investment companies to discover promising national talents and competencies, thereby contributing to increasing the presence of Kuwaiti youth across various fields within the financial and investment sectors.”
For his part, the “ATHAR” program team, comprising Farah Al-Ajmi, Salem Al-Muzayen, and Omar Al-Mutairi, confirmed that the initiative was launched to bridge the gap between academic studies and professional life requirements, transforming training from a short-term experience into a comprehensive pathway for learning, application, and engagement with the labor market.
The team clarified that the program focuses on honing participants’ technical and professional skills, alongside leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving abilities, while providing them with direct exposure to the operational nature of investment firms, various specializations, and the career opportunities offered by the sector.
Farah Al-Ajmi, the team’s spokesperson, stated: “ATHAR is not merely a training program, but a platform that brings together students, universities, and investment firms within a single experience. Its strength lies in the partnership among these stakeholders, enabling participants to gain a clearer vision of their professional future and acquire real-world experience that helps them take their first steps into the job market with confidence and competence. In turn, it provides investment firms with the opportunity to identify promising national talent and contribute to their development.”
The Kuwait Investment Companies Association has emphasized that the program aims to achieve several key outcomes, foremost among them enhancing the readiness of Kuwaiti youth for the job market, bridging the gap between universities and the investment sector, developing professional and leadership skills, introducing the new generation to opportunities available in the financial and investment sectors, and creating direct communication channels between national talent, companies, and professional leaders.
The Association concluded by affirming that the first edition of ATHAR represents a starting point for a scalable and sustainable project, rather than a temporary initiative. It looks forward to developing the program in future editions, expanding the base of participants, companies, and academic institutions, thereby strengthening its impact on the job market.
This initiative aligns with the Kuwait Investment Companies Association’s broader strategy to enhance the investment sector’s contribution to economic and social development, reinforce the concept of partnership among education, the private sector, and youth, and help build a more competitive and sustainable Kuwaiti economy driven by knowledge, competence, and human capital.
