ATIC's 9th Tech Quest Programme opens registration for UAE national students

Abu Dhabi, June 17, 2013 (WAM) - As part of an on-going programme to develop the UAE's future engineers and technologists, Tech Quest, an Advanced Technology Investment Company (ATIC) student outreach initiative, opens registration to all UAE National students from grade 7 to 9 and extends its 9th learning programme to Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Western Region. On the opening day of the programme in July, over 200 UAE national students in grades 7 to 9 are expected to gather throughout the UAE to experience a series of science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) practical projects and leadership workshops. The two-week programme simultaneously kicks off on July 7th at the ATIC training centre in the iconic Aldar HQ building in Abu Dhabi and at the UAE University in Al Ain and on July 14th at Al Marfaa School in the Western Region. The programme aims to equip national students with world-class skills and knowledge to enter a science and technology career in UAE sectors including semiconductors, healthcare, advanced technology and more. This summer, UAE students will have the opportunity to work with leading educators and industry professionals from Qualcomm, Microsoft, Intel, Emitac and The Change Initiative. The programme will explore the intricate technology that lies behind Qualcomm's semiconductor chips, attend a Microsoft workshop, participate in a number of STEM experiences by The Change Initiative and learn about healthcare solutions from Emitac. Furthermore, in partnership with Bon Education, UAE students will discover the science behind 3D printing through mini-manufacturing assignments. With Tech Quest, we aim to recruit, inspire and develop the very best UAE national talent in order to create the science '&' technology pioneers our country will need in the future," said Hanan Harhara, Head of Human Capital at ATIC. "This program sets out to achieve this through team based education activities that whilst fun, will also ensure students develop key soft skills in leadership and communication. We are confident that attendees will get the motivation they need to one day go on to have great careers in the fields of science, technology '&' engineering." This year's programme will take place during the holy month changing the atmosphere of Ramadan for young students. Tech Quest aims to teach them the importance of balancing achievements and learning while fasting. The programme builds on the success of the eighth edition of Tech Quest held last December, which offered more than 180 students from grades 7 to 12 the opportunity to design and build robots, rocket launchers and aluminium projects, while meeting and learning from industry-leading professionals such as Mubadala Aerospace and Emirates Aluminium. Tech Quest's registration deadline is Sunday, 30 June. For enrolment in the July Tech Quest programme, UAE national students must meet the admission criteria: UAE National students who will enter grades 7 to 9 in the 2013 - 2014 academic year. Applicants must have a minimum grade average of 80 per cent. A few places will be reserved for students who have a grade average under 80 per cent and demonstrate the passion and commitment to complete the programme. These students must also provide an official reference letter from a teacher. Applicants must commit to complete the entire two-week programme. Applicants must be proficient in the English language, as the programme will be instructed in English. – Emirates News Agency, WAM