Investment Companies Union concludes first edition of 'Athar' program

The Investment Companies Union concluded the first edition of the “ATHAR” program at a ceremony held under the patronage and attendance of the Minister of State for Youth and Sports Affairs, Dr. Tariq Hamad Al-Jalahma, and sponsored and hosted by the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry at its auditorium. “ATHAR” is part of the Investment Companies Union’s initiatives to develop human capital and reflects its role as the representative of the investment sector in bringing together companies around joint initiatives that enable them to transfer their expertise to new generations and highlight their contribution to corporate social responsibility, in collaboration with universities and relevant national entities.

The Minister of State for Youth and Sports Affairs, Dr. Tariq Al-Jalahma, praised the “ATHAR” program, commending the Investment Companies Union’s efforts in launching this initiative and highlighting the learning opportunities, professional experience, and new skills it provided to participants. He emphasized the importance of investing in Kuwaiti youth, supporting their potential, and creating avenues for them to discover their capabilities and develop their skills, urging participants to build on what they acquired during the program and apply it to their future careers. He also reflected on the meaning behind the name “ATHAR,” noting that it carries the message that every person leaves an impact in their life, environment, and community, and that the value of the experience lies in what it leaves within the individual and the subsequent impact they create.

For his part, Abdullah Al-Turkiet, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Investment Companies Union, affirmed that the Union has, for over two decades, solidified its role in representing the investment sector, building capacity, and training national talent. He pointed out that the sustainability of the sector depends not only on capital but also on investing in human capital and developing national competencies. He explained that “ATHAR” translates this vision, having started as an ambitious idea proposed by a group of Kuwaiti youth to build a bridge between academic study and professional life. Through the combined efforts of investment companies, universities, and supporting entities, it evolved into a practical experience that allowed participants to closely observe the work environment and sector requirements.

Al-Turkiet appreciated the contribution of all partners in the program, emphasizing that the integration of roles is what gives true value to youth-oriented initiatives. He stressed that the conclusion of “ATHAR” marks the beginning of the participants’ professional journey, adding, “This is the impact we hope for—an impact that does not end with the conclusion of the program, nor is confined to the award ceremony.”

In his turn, Emad Al-Zaid, Deputy General Manager of the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry, underscored the importance of linking education with labor market requirements, amid challenges related to the localization of national workforce and the rapid transformations affecting professions and jobs. He noted that practical and applied training serves as a vital complement to academic education, contributing to enhancing the efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness of national talent, and better preparing youth for labor market demands and future changes. He also affirmed the importance of the private sector’s role in training and qualifying youth and supporting their potential, praising the Investment Companies Union’s initiative for facilitating early interaction between students and the investment sector, and for its aspiration to leave a real impact on participants’ professional journeys.

The program was sponsored and supported by: Al-Safa Investment Company, KAMCO Invest, Kuwait Clearing Company, Aayan Leasing and Investment Company, Arzan Financial Group for Financing and Investment, KFINVEST, Noor Financial Investment Company, Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz), and Thura Investment Company. Their contributions reflect the sector companies’ role in supporting national talent and translating their social responsibility into practical initiatives.

The program was also supported and nominated by students from: Kuwait University – College of Business Administration, Kuwait College of Science and Technology (KCST), American University of Kuwait (AUK), Kuwait International Law School (KILAW), and Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST).

The Capital Markets Authority, Kuwait Stock Exchange, and Kuwait Clearing Company played a supportive role in enhancing the practical aspect of the program by hosting participants on field visits that allowed them to closely observe the capital market system and the roles of its main entities. The Kuwait Stock Exchange also contributed by introducing participants to the practical aspects of the market, the operational mechanisms of the capital market system, investment fundamentals, and the history of trading in Kuwait, as well as the Exchange’s role in operating and developing the securities market. This enhanced their ability to link investment concepts with market realities.

The ceremony witnessed the announcement of the “Fals” team from KAMCO Invest winning first place in the final projects of the first edition of “ATHAR.” The team was given the opportunity to present its project to the attendees, which aims to simplify the concept of investment for youth and encourage them to start with small steps and modest amounts, thereby strengthening investment culture among them and bringing it closer to their reality and capabilities. The team received a cash prize of 1,000 Kuwaiti Dinars in recognition of their first-place achievement.

All program participants were honored in appreciation of their efforts and achievements during the experience, receiving commemorative shields and certificates of appreciation to celebrate their participation and successful completion of the program.