Investing in qualified national talent helps the kingdom keep pace with global developments, a top minister said yesterday.
Interior Minister and Ministerial Committee for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) chairman General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa was speaking as he attended a graduation ceremony for the second batch of the Technical Development Programme, organised by the Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA), in co-operation with the Labour Ministry.
Cabinet Affairs Minister Hamad Al Malki, Deputy Interior Minister Lieutenant General Adel bin Khalifa Al Fadhel, and Public Security Chief Lieutenant General Tariq Al Hassan were present.
The programme is one of the kingdom’s most prominent national initiatives. It aims to prepare and qualify Bahraini cadres in information and communications technology, in support of Bahrain’s strategic aspirations and its Economic Recovery Plan.
Gen Shaikh Rashid highlighted the support of His Majesty King Hamad for the ongoing process of development and modernisation in various domains, including digital transformation and the expansion of e-services.
He also highlighted the directives and follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, which have strengthened national efforts in this domain, enhanced the kingdom’s position in the technology sector, and secured advanced international rankings.
Gen Shaikh Rashid speaks at the event
Gen Shaikh Rashid stressed the need for ongoing training and programme development.
He expressed hope that the technological progress shown in this programme would be adopted across all government entities to boost efficiency and improve the quality of life.
“Those who want to be part of the future must embrace information technology and engage with it seriously,” he added.
He congratulated the graduates, organisers and partners of the initiative, describing it as one of the kingdom’s most important national projects.
iGA chief executive officer Mohammed Ali Al Qaed delivered a presentation on the programme and efforts undertaken to implement it.
Gen Shaikh Rashid with officials and graduates
“The initiative represents a strategic step towards cultivating a generation of young national talent in the technology sector, equipped at the highest level to meet the requirements of the digital economy strategy.
“The programme has enrolled 159 participants, of whom 93 per cent successfully graduated, with 100 securing employment in the technology field. Within the second batch, 43 participants were employed, 61pc of whom received job offers before completing the programme. This reflects the competitiveness and quality of the experience and skills gained,” he said.
He further emphasised the programme’s flexibility and alignment of focus areas with market needs.
Gen Shaikh Rashid honoured the graduates and the strategic partners from government entities and representatives of private sector companies that took the initiative to employ the programme’s graduates, in recognition of their role in supporting the programme’s objectives and ensuring its success.
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