Students who qualified from the local competitions to participate in Intel International and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) have left Jordan last week on the long trip to the city of Indianapolis, Indiana State, USA where more than 2000 students from 40 countries will be competing for the exhibition’s scholarships and many other prizes, which are considered as the “Nobel” prizes for young scientists.
Supporting Intel in its initiative are the Ministry of Education and wireless operator MobileCom, part of the Jordan Telecom Group, who are not only backing the participation of these Jordanian students in Indiana, but also sponsored and helped the organization of the series of local competitions and exhibitions held in different regions of the Kingdom.
Bidding farewell to the students, the Minister of Education Dr. Khaled Toukan, representatives from the Ministry of Education, Intel and MobileCom gathered for a group photo at the Ministry’s headquarters, encouraging the students to continue their outstanding performance and distinguished achievements. MobileCom gave the students free lines and scratch cards which would enable them to stay in touch with their families while they are traveling.
“We are very proud of the eight students who earned the top places in the local competitions, and we are very confident that they will reflect the most honorable image of Jordan through their participation in Intel ISEF. The Ministry will continue supporting such programs that effectively contribute to raising our students’ skills and talents,” Mr. Ayman Barakat, Media Consultant and Spokesperson, Ministry of Education, said.
"ISEF is a leading initiative set to find and encourage young people around the world to explore science and technology in their higher education and careers," said Karim Fahmy, General Manager for Intel Egypt, LEVANT and North Africa. "Based this year on the theme 'Winning with Science', the competition will attract 1,400 top science and technology high school students representing 40 countries, as well as 1,200 expert judges and a panel of Nobel Laureates, and an attendance of 5,000 enthusiasts. Furthermore, I'm delighted that this will be the second successive year that Jordan has gone to the finals."
Mrs. Majd Shwekeh, Chief Executive Officer, MobileCom said: “The initiative biggest success lies in highlighting large numbers of Jordanian talents, of which the elite of them are leaving us today to participate in Intel ISEF. MobileCom promises to continue supporting the youth as well as initiatives of this sort which help the development of the educational process in the Kingdom”.
About MobileCom
MobileCom is the Jordanian public mobile telephone network operator, and is the operator of the mobile communications license granted to Jordan Telecom. MobileCom is a member of the Jordan Telecom Group that also includes e-Dimensions and Wanadoo.
An agreement was signed on 23 January 2000 allowing the JITCO Investment Group, led by France Telecom, to enter Jordan Telecom with a 40 per cent shareholding equity. JITCO is a holding company which is owned partly by France Telecom (88%) and partly by the Arab Bank Ltd (12%).
The company combines local Jordanian capability with the technological advantages and network management/operation experience of one of the world's leading telecommunications operators, France Telecom.
The company has built a new, highly advanced, mobile communications network to serve the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and launched its full public service in Jordan on 15 September 2000.
About Intel ISEF
Intel ISEF is the world’s only international science fair. Every year, more than one million students in grades 9-12 participate in regional science fairs. Over 1200 students from nearly 500 countries win the chance to compete for more than $3 million in scholarships and prizes at the Intel ISEF in a number of scientific categories such as mathematics, science, technology, engineering, and more.
In May 2005, at the state of Arizona, USA, Jordan took part in the international fair with two projects, a single and a group project.
