"Athar" Crowned the Culmination of National Efforts to Invest in Youth Energy
The ceremony capped off an initiative that brought together investment firms, universities, and various national entities, serving as a model for integrated efforts to invest in youth potential and build a bridge between academic study and professional life.
He emphasized the importance of investing in young people, supporting their capabilities, and providing them with opportunities to discover their potential and develop their skills, urging participants to build upon what they gained during the program and leverage it in their future careers.
He reflected on the significance of the name “Athar” (Impact), noting that it carries the message that every individual leaves an impact in their life, surroundings, and society, and that the value of the experience lies in what it leaves within a person and the subsequent impact they create.
For his part, Al-Turkithi affirmed that the Union has solidified its role over more than two decades in representing the investment sector, building capacity, and training national talent. He pointed out that the sustainability of the sector does not rely on capital alone, but rather on investing in human capital and developing national competencies.
He clarified that “Athar” is a reflection of this direction. It began as an ambitious idea proposed by a group of young people to build a bridge between academic study and professional life, and through the collaborative efforts of investment firms, universities, and supporting entities, it evolved into a practical experience that allowed participants to closely observe the work environment and sector requirements.
He stressed that the integration of roles is what gives true value to youth-oriented initiatives, emphasizing that the conclusion of “Athar” marks the beginning of the participants’ professional journeys. He added, “This is the impact we hope for—an impact that does not end with the conclusion of the program, nor is it confined to the award ceremony.”
For his part, Al-Zaid emphasized 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.
Support for the program and student nominations were also provided by Kuwait University’s College of Business Administration, Kuwait College of Science and Technology (KCST), the American University of Kuwait (AUK), the Kuwait International Law School (KILAW), and the Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST).
The Capital Markets Authority, Kuwait Stock Exchange, and Kuwait Clearing Company played supportive roles in enhancing the practical aspects of the program by hosting participants on field visits that allowed them to closely familiarize themselves with the capital market ecosystem and the roles of its key entities.
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 young people 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.
Among the notable practical outcomes of the first edition of “Athar” was that several participants secured job opportunities with some of the participating companies, reflecting how the impact of the experience extended beyond the training period and, for some students, marked the actual beginning of their professional careers.
