(MENAFNEditorial) Students, start-up entrepreneurs, and executives gathered at GEMS Wellington International School to celebrate the accomplishments of Dubai's young entrepreneurs at the second annual Global Entrepreneurship Week Awards, hosted by GEMS Education and UAE's leading financial institution Mashreq. Approximately 20,000 students from age 5 to 18 at nineteen schools from across the UAE have taken part in Global Entrepreneurship Week competitions, clubs, marketplaces and classroom projects.
New for the awards this year was the Mashreq GEMS Mobile App Development Challenge. Mashreq, the lead sponsor for Global Entrepreneurship Week, challenged students with the task of creating a mobile application aimed at educating corporate and investment banking clients on the benefits of online banking. This concept was launched by Julio De Quesada, Executive Vice President and Head of Corporate and Investment Banking at Mashreq, at the 2013 Global Entrepreneurship Week Awards where he spoke about the importance of engaging youth in generating solutions to complex problems.
"Technological innovation has always been intrinsic to the culture of Mashreq," he said, "and we believe the best ideas often come from inspired young minds. This event has been a great opportunity for GEMS students to exhibit their remarkable talents. Some of the issues can be quite daunting and complex, but these young people have proven themselves to be more than equal to the challenge. I hope this experience will encourage them to broaden their career prospects by further exploring the fascinating role information technology plays in banking."
Karim Labadi, Head of Global Transaction Services at Mashreq, said, "Students in Dubai have the good fortune of living in one of the most innovative cities in the world, but the speed and scope of technological innovation can sometimes leave young minds overwhelmed. It is therefore imperative for us to create an environment that allows children to channel their energy into a constructive direction and, in doing so, inspires them to become the business leaders of the future. That is why we are so excited to partner with GEMS for this great initiative. The enthusiasm and creativity displayed by these students have been phenomenal, and I can say with confidence that this exercise has been as stimulating for us professionals as it has been for them. Organizations must look at ways to encourage the youth to develop their thinking process and become a vital part to the community."
Guests at the event had the opportunity to test the top five android mobile apps generated by students. Students pitched their ideas to a team of executives from Mashreq, GEMS Education and the tech industry. The winning teams came from Cambridge International School Dubai and Wellington International School. Both applications were highly effective at presenting the benefits of online banking, highlighted the unique features of the MashreqMatrix online banking platform, and were clear and easy to use. One of the winners from Wellington International School, Emirati student Mohamed Khalifa shared, "I was thrilled to apply my interest in programming to a real life situation. This competition enhanced my knowledge of computer science and business - as well as the banking industry. My teammates and I are proud of our efforts and our success."
Other winners included Abrar Khalidareeb Sherwani, Dhara Bhatia and Vignesh Syamasundar from Cambridge International School Dubai as well as Alessandro Angeletti and Krish Bhadra from GEMS Wellington International School.
Attendees also viewed top advertisements produced for an international marketing competition, browsed handmade products in the Student Souq and enjoyed refreshments from student created food trucks.
Guest and GEMS parent Lara Schinackow said: "GEMS commitment to teaching enterprise is evident through all aspects of this event. This awards ceremony is run by students to celebrate their peers. From the young lady who greeted me at the door to the students organizing the photography and refreshments to the student presenters and award winners, each child involved showed professionalism, pride, and independence."
Christine Nasserghodsi, Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Wellington International School and coordinator of GEMS Global Entrepreneurship Week efforts commented, "GEMS Education is committed to developing next generation of job creators and innovators, which we focus on throughout the year and for children of all ages. Global Entrepreneurship Week provides us with an opportunity to highlight enterprise education and to engage with the local and global start-up community."
In addition to Mashreq, sponsors for Global Entrepreneurship Week included NKD Pizza, Uber, and The Media One Hotel. More information can be found at www.gemseduction.com/gew.
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