Wednesday, October 9, 2024

His Excellency Prof. Dr. Khaled Ahmed Al-Wasabi, Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, Technical Education and Vocational Training, launched this morning in the capital Aden the Arab Academy Scientific Research Award in Economic, Financial, and Banking Sciences in its first edition for the year 2024. The event was attended by Prof. Dr. Mohammed Omar Banajah, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Yemen; Eng. Ahmed Al-Zamaki, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and member of the Board of Directors of CAC Bank; presidents and vice presidents of Yemeni universities; and Prof. Dr. Murad Mohammed Al-Nashmi, Director of the Arab Academy’s Yemen Branch.

During the ceremony, which began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, the Minister of Higher Education praised the efforts of the Arab Academy in launching the award, emphasizing its importance in encouraging researchers to continue and develop scientific research in a country that suffers from a shortage of research output, despite the presence of highly qualified graduates inside and outside Yemen.

He stressed the importance of Yemeni universities adopting rigorous scientific methodologies and international academic classification standards in evaluating research according to global best practices.

He also affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to adopting international scientific rankings for research and academic journals, noting that such standards help reveal research quality and improve the educational process.

Eng. Ahmed Al-Zamaki, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and member of the CAC Bank Board of Directors, delivered a speech on behalf of the bank (the official sponsor of the award), expressing his happiness at attending the launch ceremony of the Arab Academy Scientific Research Award. He highlighted that the award aims to support and honor researchers whose work is innovative and contributes to scientific advancement across all fields, while also supporting entrepreneurship and innovation for sustainable development.

He pointed to CAC Bank’s partnership with the Arab Academy in training and capacity-building programs aimed at strengthening institutional capabilities, in line with the bank’s vision as a leading financial institution providing innovative services through qualified staff and modern technology to support sustainable development and a prosperous economy.

Prof. Dr. Murad Al-Nashmi, Director of the Arab Academy’s Yemen Branch, welcomed the participants at the launch ceremony held under the slogan “Scientific Research is a Fundamental Pillar for Development,” and under the generous patronage of the Minister of Higher Education. He stated that this launch represents an important milestone in recognizing distinguished researchers and reflects the Academy’s continued commitment to scientific research as a key tool for national development and for providing innovative solutions to challenges facing economic, financial, and banking sectors.

He also highlighted the Academy’s long history of achievements since its establishment in 1988 as one of the key institutions of joint Arab action.

He emphasized the importance of linking scientific research outcomes to market needs and societal requirements. Based on this vision, the Academy has built strategic partnerships with financial and banking institutions to develop researchers’ capabilities, as scientific research is a fundamental driver of progress and prosperity.

He concluded by thanking everyone who contributed to the success of the event, particularly the leadership of the Ministry of Higher Education, CAC Bank, and the Arab Academy team.

Prof. Dr. Abdulqader Al-Abbadi, Dean of the College – Aden, presented the objectives, conditions, criteria, and scientific fields of the award, which include eight areas: financial technology, e-commerce, governance and compliance, sustainable development, SME financing and development, social responsibility, financial inclusion, and Islamic economics.

Research submissions are scheduled to be accepted from October 9 until November 10, 2024, with the final award ceremony set for December 9, 2024.

The first-place winner will receive $5,000, a certificate, and a trophy; the second place $2,000, a certificate, and a trophy; and the third place $1,000, a certificate, and a trophy.

The ceremony was attended by a number of officials, members of the Academic Accreditation and Quality Assurance Council, academics, researchers, and others.