Kuwait, 10 August 2024:  Kuwait International Bank (KIB) announced the signing of an innovation cooperation agreement with the Australian University (AU), which aims to involve university students in a specialized innovation boot camp designed to help them address various banking challenges and propose innovative solutions. The agreement also seeks to provide undergraduate students with internships and employment opportunities that align with their interests and aspirations, setting them up for a successful start to their career journey. The new agreement reflects the Bank’s commitment to its comprehensive social responsibility strategy, providing full support to educational institutions and enhancing the education sector's role in achieving sustainable social and economic development.

Commenting on the cooperation agreement, Mohamed Atef El-Shareef, General Manager of the Digital Innovation and Data Intelligence Department at KIB, said: “We are thrilled to join forces with one of the distinguished private universities in Kuwait and look forward to witnessing the fruits of this cooperation in the upcoming period. The agreement represents a significant step in our efforts to support a vital segment of our society, as we strive to continue nurturing young national talents and enhancing their capabilities. More importantly, it marks a milestone in KIB’s 2024 Innovation Roadmap, aimed at empowering students to develop cutting-edge solutions for real-world banking challenges.”

El-Shareef added: “This cooperation agreement underscores our commitment to the success of the Human Intelligence Innovation Program ‘H.I’, which the Bank launched in 2023 as a foundational initiative and a roadmap for future innovation. By collaborating with various universities in Kuwait, we aim to enhance innovation and prioritize today's students and tomorrow's leaders. Additionally, this agreement paves the way for more cooperation with higher education institutions, benefiting both the students and the Bank.”

On his part, Prof. Isam Zabalawi, President of the Australian University, said: “We are delighted to be part of this agreement, which plays a vital role in preparing the students for joining the labor market and achieving consistent success in their future careers. On this note, we extend our gratitude to KIB for their dedicated efforts in reinforcing the skills of our national calibers and offering them a holistic professional experience. Through KIB’s boot camps, our students will have the opportunity to hone their skills, bolster their analytical skills and scientific thinking, and gain insight into optimizing their academic journey and turning its outcome into tools for their future professional success.”