GPCA’s inaugural Leaders of Tomorrow Academy empowering future leaders, fostering connections between students and the chemical industry
In an exciting initiative aimed at empowering the next generation of professionals, the GPCA Youth Council recently launched its inaugural ‘GPCA Leaders of Tomorrow Academy’ program with two universities in Kuwait. This innovative approach was designed to expand our outreach and engage more students directly with the industry, fostering a deeper connection between academic learning and industry demands.
The Leaders of Tomorrow (LoT) program, a cornerstone of GPCA’s mission since 2016, seeks to build local human capital in the region by highlighting the importance of STEM education. This year, rather than bringing a select few students to GPCA events, the council visited universities to ensure that a broader audience could benefit from industry experts and mentorship. This initiative falls under advocacy, one of the three pillars of GPCA, and aligns with GPCA’s efforts to bridge the gap between academia and the chemical industry.
Previously in the 2nd GPCA Youth Forum, GPCA celebrated the signing of two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with partner universities, formalizing collaborations that enhance educational opportunities and industry engagement for students.
To honor the MoU’s signed, the inaugural sessions of the GPCA LoT Academy program were held at the American University of the Middle East (AUM) and the Australian University in Kuwait. At AUM, Ms. Wafaa Al-Othman, Team Leader of Business Development at PIC, shared insights on ‘Innovations in the Chemical Industry,’ encouraging students to explore dynamic opportunities. Following her, Mr. Ismaiel Al-Tamimi, HR Learning and Development Leader at Equate, offered practical advice on ‘Transitioning from Campus to a Career.’
At the Australian University, Mr. Fadi Matar, Public Affairs Director for Dow, discussed innovation and sustainability, while Mr. Meshari Al-Ahmad, Team Leader Business Development at PIC, provided guidance on navigating the shift from campus to career.
The program concluded with the GPCA Youth Council expressing their heartfelt gratitude to the universities for their hospitality and the opportunity to engage with such bright minds. Such programs contribute to fostering future industry leaders and the positive student feedback spoke volumes about how much they enjoyed and benefited from the sessions.
The Leaders of Tomorrow initiative continues to pave the way for meaningful connections between the academic and professional worlds, ensuring that young professionals are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the chemical industry. As GPCA looks forward to future opportunities for engagement with students and alumni, the commitment to nurturing talent and fostering innovation remains at the forefront of its mission.