Latest news with #CODEDAcademy
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Boursa Kuwait and Markaz empower Kuwaiti youth with UNICODE
In its fifth edition, CODED Academy's UNICODE Program aims to equip over 300 participants with the technical skills to thrive in an evolving and competitive job market Kuwait City – Boursa Kuwait and the Kuwait Financial Centre 'Markaz' continued their strategic partnership with CODED Academy, sponsoring the fifth edition of the Academy's UNICODE Program, which targets over 300 university students and recent graduates across three cohorts from August to October 2025. The program, hosted by Boursa Kuwait at its premises, aims to equip participants with essential coding and programming skills, thereby enhancing their readiness to compete in the rapidly evolving digital job market. It features specialized training tracks in cybersecurity as well as mobile application and web development, offering participants a wide range of potential career pathways. Since its inception in 2021, the program has benefited over 750 students from diverse academic disciplines. The UNICODE Program's fifth edition will commence on August 9 and is comprised of three intensive two-week training cohorts, culminating in a graduation ceremony to be held in November. Participants will undergo hands-on training in a range of essential technical skills, including website development using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, mobile application development using the Flutter platform as well as foundational cybersecurity and digital safety practices. 'Boursa Kuwait firmly believes that investing in human capital is the cornerstone of any meaningful development and that Kuwaiti youth are the driving force behind a sustainable future,' said Mr. Naser Al-Sanousi, Boursa Kuwait's Senior Director of Marketing and Communication. 'Our strategic partnership with CODED Academy, along with our sponsorship and hosting of the UNICODE Program, reflects this belief, reaffirming our commitment to initiatives that bridge the gap between academic knowledge and the evolving needs of the Kuwaiti labor market. These efforts are also an embodiment of Boursa Kuwait's strategic commitment to building a knowledge-based society capable of driving digital transformation and enhancing national competitiveness,' he added. Boursa Kuwait will host the program's workshops and interactive training sessions at its headquarters, which has been equipped with state-of-the-art facilities designed to offer students a stimulating learning environment that mirrors real-world professional settings and inspires them to explore promising career opportunities in the financial sector. 'Boursa Kuwait is proud to host UNICODE at its premises, reinforcing the connection between program participants and capital markets,' Al-Sanousi said. This year's edition of the program introduces enhanced content through the integration of financial technology (FinTech) and artificial intelligence concepts across all training tracks, an approach that reflects Boursa Kuwait's strategic focus on innovation as a key driver of sustainable development. The program also aims to empower participants to devise practical solutions to the contemporary challenges of the financial sector, expanding their professional horizons and supporting their long-term career growth. 'The fifth edition of this program serves as an effective bridge between academic aspirations and practical application in the workplace, representing a true launchpad for innovation. By supporting this initiative, we aim to help prepare a generation equipped with the skills and capabilities to drive Kuwait's economic growth and support its efforts for diversification. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to CODED Academy for its instrumental role in nurturing young talent and enhancing their skills, and I wish all participants continued success in their pursuit of excellence and innovation,' added Al-Sanousi. The strategic partnership between Boursa Kuwait and 'Markaz' with CODED Academy and sponsorship of its UniCODE program forms part of both companies' efforts to develop and educate Kuwaiti society and create a lasting meaningful impact on the communities where they operate. Part of their Corporate Sustainability (CS) strategies, the initiative is also in line with Goal 4 – Quality Education – and Goal 17 – Partnership for the Goals - of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Senior Vice President of Wealth Management and Business Development Ms. Maryam Al-Rifae also spoke about the partnership with CODED Academy, stating, 'Markaz takes great pride in being one of the earliest supporters of CODED Academy since its inception. This marks our fourth sponsorship of the academy's initiatives since 2019, a commitment that underscores our dedication to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Kuwait. It also reflects our broader vision of empowering youth to pursue promising fields such as programming and coding, while reinforcing our belief in human capital development as a cornerstone of our corporate social responsibility strategy.' She added, 'Technology has become an essential part of everyday life, and we have a responsibility as institutions to nurture this shift by cultivating an environment conducive to the growth of start-ups and the development of competitive, homegrown tech solutions. A recent McKinsey report found that supporting educational tech initiatives like the UNICODE program can boost youth employment opportunities by up to 50%, which is a compelling validation of the program's impact and importance.' 'We are proud to collaborate with Boursa Kuwait on this initiative that reflects our shared commitment to empowering Kuwaiti youth, equipping them for digital transformation and helping them adapt to the fast-evolving demands of today's job market. At Markaz, we firmly believe that institutional partnerships are essential to driving inclusive development, led by a generation armed with knowledge, skills and a spirit of innovation," Al-Rifae said. The Kuwait Financial Centre 'Markaz' was established in 1974 and is one of the first financial institutions in Kuwait to offer asset management and investment banking services in the Middle East and North Africa. Listed on Boursa Kuwait since 1997, it currently manages assets worth KD 1.44 billion (equivalent to USD 4.67 billion) as of March 31, 2025. CODED Academy Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer Mr. Hashim Behbehani expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Boursa Kuwait and the Kuwait Financial Centre 'Markaz' for their continued support of the Academy and generous sponsorship of the Unicode Program, emphasizing that this strategic collaboration reflects a shared commitment to empowering Kuwaiti youth and cultivating a new generation of highly skilled tech professionals. 'We are proud to launch a new edition of the Unicode Program, purposefully designed to equip participants with the most in-demand technical skills in today's job market,' he said. 'This year's curriculum places a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on training in fintech and cybersecurity, offering an immersive learning experience aligned with the dynamic needs of the labor market.' 'Hosting the program at Boursa Kuwait provides participants with an immersive environment that elevates their learning journey and reinforces the program's growing reputation as a vital step in their career development. CODED Academy remains committed to offering practical, high-quality training that aligns with the aspirations and ambitions of today's students,' added Behbehani. Founded in 2015, CODED Academy is the first coding academy in the Middle East, educating participants in software development, cybersecurity, data science and artificial intelligence, enabling the youth to navigate the evolving demands of a competitive job market and enter the workforce with confidence and readiness. Boursa Kuwait's Corporate Sustainability strategy stipulates ensuring initiatives apply and fall in line with the company's corporate social responsibility (CSR), industry best practice standards, and investor expectations, creating strong and sustainable partnerships that ultimately achieve success and allow Boursa Kuwait to leverage the capabilities and strengths of other companies or organizations that have experience in different fields, and integrating sustainability efforts with the company culture, to achieve longevity and ongoing impact that is carried on and instilled in the day-to-day operations of the stock exchange. As part of the strategy, Boursa Kuwait has launched many initiatives in partnership with local and international organizations, focusing on support for nongovernmental organizations and charity programs, financial literacy and capital market awareness, the empowerment of women, and environmental protection. Brief Overview of Boursa Kuwait: The establishment of Boursa Kuwait in 2014 marked the first step in the privatization project of the Kuwait Stock Exchange, which was founded in 1977 as the first exchange in the Gulf Cooperation Council region and was reorganized in 1983 as an independent financial institution. The transitional phase began in 2016, with Boursa Kuwait officially assuming the responsibilities and operations of the Kuwait Stock Exchange, replacing it with an official license in the same year after the successful completion of the transitional phase. This ensured that Boursa Kuwait developed the infrastructure and operated according to best practices and international standards. It commenced the creation of an advanced, reliable trading platform built on efficiency, credibility, and transparency to serve all asset classes with a focus on the interests of traders and the national economy. Boursa Kuwait has undertaken various market reforms as part of its comprehensive plans to enhance it in several stages. It succeeded in introducing innovative investment tools, enhancing transparency, and restructuring the market to increase its liquidity and competitiveness, based on its mission-focused strategy, which emphasizes developing the market to meet international standards. The company's developmental and improvement efforts have also contributed to the reclassification of the Kuwait market as an «emerging market» among key global index providers, enhancing Kuwait's position as a leading regional financial center. In a pioneering step in Kuwait's privatization field, the privatization of Boursa Kuwait was successful, conducted in two stages. The first stage was in February 2019 when a consortium of Kuwaiti investment companies and a global exchange operator won the privatization bid, acquiring a 44% stake in the company. In December 2019, the privatization process was completed through the public offering of a 50% stake owned by the Capital Markets Authority to Kuwaiti citizens, with the offering oversubscribed by more than 850%. Boursa Kuwait is listed on the «Premier Market» under the name «Boursa». For further information, please contact: Ahmad Rashed Alowaish PR and Media Manager - Boursa Kuwait Email: aalowaish@
Al Bawaba
3 days ago
- Business
- Al Bawaba
From the trading hall to the pinnacle of digital innovation: Boursa Kuwait and Markaz empower Kuwaiti youth with UNICODE
Boursa Kuwait and the Kuwait Financial Centre 'Markaz' continued their strategic partnership with CODED Academy, sponsoring the fifth edition of the Academy's UNICODE Program, which targets over 300 university students and recent graduates across three cohorts from August to October program, hosted by Boursa Kuwait at its premises, aims to equip participants with essential coding and programming skills, thereby enhancing their readiness to compete in the rapidly evolving digital job market. It features specialized training tracks in cybersecurity as well as mobile application and web development, offering participants a wide range of potential career pathways. Since its inception in 2021, the program has benefited over 750 students from diverse academic UNICODE Program's fifth edition will commence on August 9 and is comprised of three intensive two-week training cohorts, culminating in a graduation ceremony to be held in November. Participants will undergo hands-on training in a range of essential technical skills, including website development using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, mobile application development using the Flutter platform as well as foundational cybersecurity and digital safety practices.'Boursa Kuwait firmly believes that investing in human capital is the cornerstone of any meaningful development and that Kuwaiti youth are the driving force behind a sustainable future,' said Mr. Naser Al-Sanousi, Boursa Kuwait's Senior Director of Marketing and Communication.'Our strategic partnership with CODED Academy, along with our sponsorship and hosting of the UNICODE Program, reflects this belief, reaffirming our commitment to initiatives that bridge the gap between academic knowledge and the evolving needs of the Kuwaiti labor market. These efforts are also an embodiment of Boursa Kuwait's strategic commitment to building a knowledge-based society capable of driving digital transformation and enhancing national competitiveness,' he Kuwait will host the program's workshops and interactive training sessions at its headquarters, which has been equipped with state-of-the-art facilities designed to offer students a stimulating learning environment that mirrors real-world professional settings and inspires them to explore promising career opportunities in the financial sector. 'Boursa Kuwait is proud to host UNICODE at its premises, reinforcing the connection between program participants and capital markets,' Al-Sanousi year's edition of the program introduces enhanced content through the integration of financial technology (FinTech) and artificial intelligence concepts across all training tracks, an approach that reflects Boursa Kuwait's strategic focus on innovation as a key driver of sustainable development. The program also aims to empower participants to devise practical solutions to the contemporary challenges of the financial sector, expanding their professional horizons and supporting their long-term career growth.'The fifth edition of this program serves as an effective bridge between academic aspirations and practical application in the workplace, representing a true launchpad for innovation. By supporting this initiative, we aim to help prepare a generation equipped with the skills and capabilities to drive Kuwait's economic growth and support its efforts for diversification. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to CODED Academy for its instrumental role in nurturing young talent and enhancing their skills, and I wish all participants continued success in their pursuit of excellence and innovation,' added strategic partnership between Boursa Kuwait and 'Markaz' with CODED Academy and sponsorship of its UniCODE program forms part of both companies' efforts to develop and educate Kuwaiti society and create a lasting meaningful impact on the communities where they operate. Part of their Corporate Sustainability (CS) strategies, the initiative is also in line with Goal 4 – Quality Education – and Goal 17 – Partnership for the Goals - of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Senior Vice President of Wealth Management and Business Development Ms. Maryam Al-Rifae also spoke about the partnership with CODED Academy, stating, 'Markaz takes great pride in being one of the earliest supporters of CODED Academy since its inception. This marks our fourth sponsorship of the academy's initiatives since 2019, a commitment that underscores our dedication to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Kuwait. It also reflects our broader vision of empowering youth to pursue promising fields such as programming and coding, while reinforcing our belief in human capital development as a cornerstone of our corporate social responsibility strategy.'She added, 'Technology has become an essential part of everyday life, and we have a responsibility as institutions to nurture this shift by cultivating an environment conducive to the growth of start-ups and the development of competitive, homegrown tech solutions. A recent McKinsey report found that supporting educational tech initiatives like the UNICODE program can boost youth employment opportunities by up to 50%, which is a compelling validation of the program's impact and importance.''We are proud to collaborate with Boursa Kuwait on this initiative that reflects our shared commitment to empowering Kuwaiti youth, equipping them for digital transformation and helping them adapt to the fast-evolving demands of today's job market. At Markaz, we firmly believe that institutional partnerships are essential to driving inclusive development, led by a generation armed with knowledge, skills and a spirit of innovation," Al-Rifae Kuwait Financial Centre 'Markaz' was established in 1974 and is one of the first financial institutions in Kuwait to offer asset management and investment banking services in the Middle East and North Africa. Listed on Boursa Kuwait since 1997, it currently manages assets worth KD 1.44 billion (equivalent to USD 4.67 billion) as of March 31, Academy Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer Mr. Hashim Behbehani expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Boursa Kuwait and the Kuwait Financial Centre 'Markaz' for their continued support of the Academy and generous sponsorship of the Unicode Program, emphasizing that this strategic collaboration reflects a shared commitment to empowering Kuwaiti youth and cultivating a new generation of highly skilled tech professionals.'We are proud to launch a new edition of the Unicode Program, purposefully designed to equip participants with the most in-demand technical skills in today's job market,' he said. 'This year's curriculum places a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on training in fintech and cybersecurity, offering an immersive learning experience aligned with the dynamic needs of the labor market.''Hosting the program at Boursa Kuwait provides participants with an immersive environment that elevates their learning journey and reinforces the program's growing reputation as a vital step in their career development. CODED Academy remains committed to offering practical, high-quality training that aligns with the aspirations and ambitions of today's students,' added in 2015, CODED Academy is the first coding academy in the Middle East, educating participants in software development, cybersecurity, data science and artificial intelligence, enabling the youth to navigate the evolving demands of a competitive job market and enter the workforce with confidence and Kuwait's Corporate Sustainability strategy stipulates ensuring initiatives apply and fall in line with the company's corporate social responsibility (CSR), industry best practice standards, and investor expectations, creating strong and sustainable partnerships that ultimately achieve success and allow Boursa Kuwait to leverage the capabilities and strengths of other companies or organizations that have experience in different fields, and integrating sustainability efforts with the company culture, to achieve longevity and ongoing impact that is carried on and instilled in the day-to-day operations of the stock exchange. As part of the strategy, Boursa Kuwait has launched many initiatives in partnership with local and international organizations, focusing on support for nongovernmental organizations and charity programs, financial literacy and capital market awareness, the empowerment of women, and environmental protection.
Al Bawaba
22-06-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Burgan Bank Organizes Field Visit for ‘Academy X' Students at its Headquarters in Collaboration with CODED Academy
As part of Burgan Bank's commitment to social responsibility and its ongoing efforts in fostering and reinforcing sustainability, investing in youth talent, and supporting the education sector in Kuwait, the Bank welcomed a group of 'Academy X' students for a field visit and educational tour at its headquarters, in the presence of CODED Academy representatives, to introduce them to the world of banking and raise their financial and professional part of the tour, students were introduced to the Bank's various departments, the different services and accounts it provides to various customer segments, and the most important digital technologies that align with Burgan Bank's strategy and vision for digital transformation. The tour also highlighted the Bank's available career opportunities, which contributed to motivating the students to join the banking sector, particularly in the technology and information systems this field visit, Burgan Bank reaffirmed its steadfast support for the 'Let's Be Aware' (Diraya) banking awareness campaign by equipping 'Academy X' students with financial education to help them understand their banking rights and avoid fraudulent activities. In addition, this initiative aligned with the Bank's 'Teach Them Young' campaign, which aims to equip students with the most important skills for sound financial planning and early savings for a better on the visit, Ms. Hessa Hussain Al-Najadah, Senior Manager – Corporate and CSR Communications at Burgan Bank, said: 'It was a pleasure to host the 'Academy X' students at our headquarters and witness how engaged they were throughout the whole visit, expressing their interest in the banking sector and happiness with this educational and practical experience. This initiative is part of a series of community programs the Bank is launching to educate and empower the younger generation and raise their financial awareness, which enhances the Bank's role in supporting sustainable development and contributing to building a knowledgeable and qualified generation for the future.'She added: 'This initiative also served as an extension of Burgan's continued support for the 'Let's Be Aware' (Diraya) financial literacy and banking awareness campaign – launched by the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) and the Kuwait Banking Association (KBA), with the support of Kuwaiti banks. The visit highlighted vital information about the safe use of online banking, the most common scamming tactics, and how to stay protected against them. It also introduced students to the banking products and services designed to cater to their needs, aspirations, and modern lifestyles.' The 'Academy X' program, the largest initiative for empowering women in technology and entrepreneurship, is part of the strategic partnership between Burgan Bank and CODED Academy, a leading institution driving tech education and innovation in Kuwait. This impactful partnership serves as a significant national model for nurturing female talent and guiding participants toward a thriving digital future. The program aims to introduce participants to (UI/UX) design principles, the latest AI tools, and core entrepreneurial concepts, while also developing their leadership and personal skills. It further encourages female students to launch their own startups through dedicated mentorship programs upon completing the course and promotes the use of AI tools to unlock their creative potential in ways that support Kuwait's transition to a knowledge-based economy.
Arab Times
05-04-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Burgan Bank Sponsors CODED's Academy X in 2025
KUWAIT CITY, Apr 5: In a new bid to be at the forefront of Kuwait's advancement toward realizing its Vision 2035, Burgan Bank announced its strategic sponsorship of Academy X, the biggest women's empowerment initiative in Kuwait's tech industry, led by CODED Academy with the support of Kuwait University (KU). This sponsorship comes as part of Burgan's yearlong comprehensive social responsibility program, further aligning with its commitment to women's empowerment and embedding the highest standards of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) into its practices and operations. 'Following the great joint success, we achieved with Burgan Lab Academy, we are delighted to renew our partnership with CODED as strategic sponsors of their outstanding women in tech and entrepreneurship empowerment initiative, Academy X, whichechoes our devoted strategy for investing in Kuwait's aspiring talents through innovative learning and development programs,' commented Mr. Bashar Al Qattan, Executive Manager- Learning & Talent Development at Burgan Bank. He added: 'As a business that grows around the market's evolving modern needs, our success relies greatly on leveraging our tech-driven national talents' innovative creativity and problem-solving prowess. Nonetheless, our envisioned success cannot be fully realized until we guarantee a fair opportunity for talents of both genders to lead our technology and digital transformation efforts; a fair opportunity that begins with early access to advanced tech education and training.' On her part, Ms. Fatma Ahmad, Senior Manager – Learning and Development at Burgan Bank, said: 'We believe that holding spaces where women can learn together and inspire one another can have a fundamental long-term impact on the sustainable development of our institution, sector, and why, as part of our Empower Her program, and in compliance with the UN's sustainable development goals (SDGs) and Kuwait's Vision 2035, we strive to continue playing an active role in achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls in Kuwait through valuable partnerships and forward-looking learning and development initiatives, such as Academy X. Our sponsorship of Academy X also comes as an extensionof Burgan's 'Teach Them Young' initiative for preparing future tech leaders.' Meanwhile, Hashim Behbehani, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at CODED Academy, said: 'We are proud of our partnership with Burgan Bank in supporting Academy X, which represents a true alignment between our mission to empower young women and the Bank's unwavering commitment to supporting women through its initiatives. Burgan's contribution to the program reflects a genuine dedication to creatingmeaningful social impact and opening new development opportunities that support the ambitions of Kuwaiti girls in tech and entrepreneurship. This partnership paves the way for promising career paths in an evolving digital world, and we take pride in working with an organization that places women's empowerment at the heart of its social strategy.' Building on the success of its first edition, Academy X, with the support of Burgan Bank, is preparing to roll out its 2025 round where it continues to inspire and guide young women with an aptitude for IT development and entrepreneurship. The one-year program, which extends for six days per cohort, is set to introduce the 2025 applicants to the principles of successful user interface and user experience design (UI/UX), the latest artificial intelligence (AI) tools, the foundations of entrepreneurship, as well as leadership and soft skills. The program's interactive, hands-on nature guarantees that participants have an opportunity to translate their newly acquired knowledge into individual and group projects that rely on tools such as TelePort, UiZard, Gamma, Adobe Logo Maker, and Adalo. In addition, the program's 2025 edition will also include engaging talks delivered by some of Kuwait's most prominent female leaders in tech innovation and entrepreneurship, for a chance to relay their experiences first-hand to the Academy X participants and give them personalized feedback on their startup ideas and how they present them to the market. As part of its sponsorship, Burgan Bank aims to aid Academy X in achieving its goals of increasing the program registrations from 340+ in 2024 to 500 in 2025, as well as encouraging more students to launch their startups through post-program mentorship and introducing more AI tools to fully utilize participants' innovative and creative energy. It serves to note that, as a certified Great Place to Work, Burgan Bank has a long track record of initiatives and programs dedicated to enabling women in the workplace and preparing young women for a prosperous career in banking and finance. These efforts include, but are not exclusive to, the Lean-In Circle for Women Empowerment program, which explores and addresses women-specific challenges in the workplace; and the Empower Her summer internship program for undergraduate young women wishing to pursue a career in banking.
Arab Times
15-02-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
KFH Extends Strategic Partnership with CODED Academy
KUWAIT CITY, Feb 15: Kuwait Finance House (KFH) continues to demonstrate its leadership and commitment to social responsibility, education, and innovation through its strategic partnership with CODED Academy. This partnership has facilitated the delivery of numerous impactful and innovative programs for youth. KFH's strategic partnership with CODED Academy, established in 2018, has been a key part of the bank's social responsibility initiatives. This collaboration demonstrates KFH's commitment to empowering youth through innovation and technology programs, while also keeping the bank at the forefront of industry advancements. Through a bilateral collaboration, 50 innovative educational programs were developed under the Coded Juniors initiative, reaching over 1,700 children and providing them with insights into coding, programming, and technological innovation. Moreover, kids have gained rich practical coding experience with cutting-edge technological resources, fostering a deep appreciation for science and expanding their horizons for creativity and innovation. This is achieved by promoting knowledge-sharing and critical and creative thinking skills. Additionally, in line with KFH's financial literacy awareness efforts under Diraya Campaign, KFH organized specialized cybersecurity bootcamps in collaboration with CODED Academy. These camps are designed for children and parents, focusing on raising awareness about cyber fraud prevention and best practices for data protection. In collaboration with CODED Academy, KFH remains dedicated to organizing and supporting programs that cater to the interests of the next generation. To foster environmental awareness, KFH incorporated the "Keep It Green" initiative into CODED Academy's programs. This initiative offers participants hands-on training in developing sustainability-focused applications and utilizing recycled materials in workshops. It serves to note that CODED Academy, the Middle East`s first coding academy, is based in Kuwait and offers instruction in fundamental coding languages and technologies using cutting-edge tools and resources.
