Includes participants who reached the final stage in the second Datathon competition

• Mai Al-Owaish: The program reflects Gulf Bank's distinguished role in supporting the digital transformation process and in spreading data culture in society

Gulf Bank concluded a training program in data science and innovation for high school graduates and university students, who reached the final stage in the second edition of the annual Datathon competition, which was organized by Gulf Bank last May. The competition witnessed the participation of more than 400 Kuwaiti youth and talents, including participants aged 14 to 18 years, who took part in the competition’s youth segment.

The Chief Data and Innovation Officer at Gulf Bank, Ms. Mai Bader Al-Owaish, stated that the training program – which lasted for one and a half months – reflects the distinguished role played by the Bank in consolidating the principles of social sustainability, its continuous efforts in supporting the process of digital transformation, and in spreading data culture in society; based on Gulf Bank's strategy for 2025 and Kuwait Vision 2035.

Al-Owaish explained that the training program provided the trainees who plan to study data science and other related fields, with the opportunity to get closely acquainted with the majors they wish to study, and with real-practical experience for specialists in that field.

She further indicated that the program included practical guidance from the Human Resources Department at Gulf Bank, to help the trainees link their specific field of study, with the requirements of the labor market; especially those looking to work in the field of data and innovation.

She added: “The program dealt with the concepts of data science, in addition to work opportunities related website development, public data analysis, data visualization tools and digital analysis methods. The trainees also got a chance to learn about the role of data in marketing, planning and decision-making.”

Furthermore, AlOwaish noted that the trainees had the opportunity to apply all that they have learned throughout the training, by presenting their innovative ideas – showcasing their unbridled desire to move forward in studying data science. They also got to visit Gulf Bank’s branches and Call Center, to learn about the nature of work within the Bank, and the roles that various teams undertake in order to provide exemplary services to customers.

AlOwaish also drew attention to Gulf Bank's active role in encouraging young people to learn the skills needed for the workplace, and in providing them with distinguished platforms that help them develop their talents and interests in data science. As this helps them acquire practical experiences that enrich their knowledge in both data and innovation, and the banking sector – supporting their ability to make the appropriate decisions when choosing their field of study or work.

Gulf Bank's vision is to be the leading Kuwaiti Bank of the Future. The Bank is constantly engaging and empowering its employees as part of an inclusive and diversified workplace in recognition of every employee’s role in delivering customer excellence and serving the community at large. With its extensive network of branches and innovative digital services, Gulf Bank is able to give its customers the choice of how and where to conduct their banking transactions, all while ensuring a simple and seamless banking experience.

Gulf Bank is committed to maintaining robust developments in sustainability at environmental, social and governance levels through diverse sustainability initiatives, strategically selected to benefit the Bank both internally and externally. Gulf Bank supports Kuwait Vision 2035 “New Kuwait” and works with various parties to achieve it.