Manama: General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Information and Communications Technology (ICT), attended a graduation ceremony for the second batch of the Technical Development Programme, organised by the Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA), in cooperation with the Ministry of Labour. The event was also attended by Hamad bin Faisal Al Malki, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Lieutenant General Adel bin Khalifa Al Fadhel, Deputy Interior Minister, and Lieutenant General Tariq bin Hassan Al Hassan, Chief of Public Security.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the programme is a significant national initiative in the Kingdom, aimed at preparing and qualifying Bahraini cadres in information and communications technology. This is in line with the Kingdom's strategic aspirations and its Economic Recovery Plan. Gen. Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah emphasized the support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for Bahrain's ongoing development and modernisation, particularly in digital transformation and the expansion of e-services. He also noted the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, which have bolstered national efforts in this field, enhancing Bahrain's position in the technology sector and securing advanced international rankings.
Gen. Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah expressed hope that the technological advancements demonstrated in this programme would be adopted across all government entities to enhance efficiency and improve quality of life. He stressed the importance of embracing information technology for those who wish to be part of the future and highlighted the need for continuous training and programme development to keep pace with global trends. He congratulated the graduates, organisers, and partners, describing the initiative as one of the Kingdom's most important national projects.
Mr. Mohammed Ali Al Qaed, CEO of the iGA, presented an overview of the programme, highlighting its strategic importance in cultivating a new generation of national talent in the technology sector. He explained that 159 participants were enrolled in the programme, with a 93% graduation rate. Out of these, 100 graduates secured employment in the technology field, with 43 participants from the second batch employed and 61% receiving job offers before completing the programme. This reflects the competitiveness and quality of skills acquired through the initiative. He also emphasized the programme's flexibility and its alignment with market needs.
Gen. Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah honoured the graduates and strategic partners from both government entities and private sector companies that employed the programme's graduates, acknowledging their role in supporting the programme's objectives and contributing to its success.