Industry leaders urge UAE youngsters to pursue science careers

Science needs to made fun for students to help encourage more to pursue a career in the maths and technology, leaders at the International Petroleum Investment Company say.

ABU DHABI // Leaders at the International Petroleum Investment Company are urging young people to pursue a career in science.

However, they say more must be done to “make science fun” because many students see the subject as too difficult.

Khadem Abdulla Al Qubaisi, managing director of the company (Ipic), spoke about the issue following the Expo-Sciences International event in Abu Dhabi last week, during which youngsters from all over the world showcased science projects.

“I think in the UAE at present too many young people regard maths and science as hard subjects and tend to shy away from them,” he said.

“So I believe we all have a role to play in persuading young people that science is fun. Teachers must find ways of communicating that enthusiasm and sense of excitement. Also, we in the industry have to show why science and technology are the very operating system of the modern world. Maybe it’s not for everybody, but it needs to appeal to a wider audience in our schools.”

About 30,000 people attended the Expo in the capital, which was sponsored by Ipic and who also used the event as a platform to highlight the sort of careers they can offer.

“At Ipic we believe that science, technology and innovation are vitally important to the future of the UAE and the future of our young people,” Mr Al Qubaisi said.

“It is of enormous importance to Abu Dhabi, because we need to create an industrial base built on science, technology and innovation.”