DUBAI: AMSI Voices has once again ushered a golden opportunity for the youth of Dubai as it brings them face to face with professionals who shared their experiences as mentors and offered guidance to help them to stay focussed and more informed to make better academic and professional choices.
The much awaited 4th AMSI Voices Conference which took place at Al Mawakeb Al Khawaneej on 13th November 2018 was attended by students of Grade 12 in Al Mawakeb and ISAS. Titled ‘Making My Decisions. Owning My Outcomes.’ the conference deliberated on virtues of courage and steps to take when it came to making bold decisions, rising above peer expectations and undertaking unique careers. The panelists also discussed the importance of listening to their inner voice to guide them in their career pursuits.
The first Panel was moderated by Mania Merrikhi, an Al Mawakeb Garhoud graduate from 2000 discussed the topic “Courageous Choices”. The panelists of the first session included Noof Omar – an Al Mawakeb Barsha graduate from 2014, Fadl Safadi – an Al Mawakeb Garhoud graduate from 2005, Amna Bin Thaneya – an Al Mawakeb Barsha graduate from 2009 and Mohammad Almansoori – an Al Mawakeb Barsha graduate from 2010.
Moderated by Hind Seddiqi – an Al Mawakeb Barsha graduate from 2001, Panel 2 focused on “From Plan A to Passion” and featured panelists like Hiba Nahawi – an Al Mawakeb Garhoud graduate from 2002, Yasser Alkhoory – an Al Mawakeb Barsha graduate from 2007, Alya Didier – an Al Mawakeb Barsha graduate from 2007 and Buthaina Rais – an Al Mawakeb Garhoud graduate from 2002.
The final Panel deliberated on “Lessons Learned” and had Alissar Nasr Soubra, an Al Mawakeb Garhoud graduate from 1984 as its moderator. The other panelists of the third session included Marjan Faraidooni – an Al Mawakeb Garhoud graduate from 1995, Fadi Gwanny – an Al Mawakeb Garhoud graduate from 1998, Talal Nasralla – an Al Mawakeb Barsha graduate from 1999, Feras Alshamsi – an Al Mawakeb Garhoud graduate from 2001 and Noora Alabbar – an Al Mawakeb Garhoud graduate from 2000
“In today’s world, professionals have to be passionate about their work to be highly successful and contribute significantly to the nation’s progress. In this context, the youth of Dubai need to have a better understanding of the real world and its challenges. This is where our Alumni serve as great mentors using their experience to transform the lives of our students by helping them embrace their inner vision while focusing on their overall personal development,” said Alissar Nasr, Chief Academic Officer of AMSI – Academia Management Solutions International.
AMSI Voices is spearheaded by a five-member steering committee of eminent alumni including Alissar Nasr Soubra, Chief Academic Officer of AMSI, Mania Merrikhi, Vice President Marketing at ALBADDAD; Mariam Al Afridi, Director Government Communications at Dubai Economy; Hind Seddiqi, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Seddiqi Holding and Mahra Al Khaja, Architecture Engineering and Capital Project Manager at Emirates Global Aluminium. Collectively, the group develops wide-ranging mentorship programmes, advisory, opportunities, and on-site workshops, to name a few.
AMSI Voices launched its series of conferences with the highly successful inaugural edition of a one-day conference – ‘Girls are Makers of Change’. The event highlighted career opportunities and the need for work-life balance among the UAE’s future female executives. The keynote speaker for the event was Al Mawakeb’s very own 1995 alumnus – HE Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of the Dubai Expo 2020. The event was attended by 230 girls from grades 11 and 12 supported by 24 alumni who came back to share their experiences.
The second edition of AMSI Voices Conference took place the very next year and focussed on – ‘What’s Next? Seek It, Commit to it, Embrace It …’ aimed to help the students to think about their future and plan their next steps. Arif Amiri, CEO of Dubai International Financial Centre Authority and AMS Class of 1993, was the keynote speaker and the alumni panel inspired the students with a different perspective. 250 boys from grades 11 and 12 attended the conference that was supported by 25 alumni.
The third edition of AMSI Voices Conference – ‘Making My Decisions. Owning My Outcomes.’ focused on students taking responsibility for their own decisions. 371 boys and girls from grade 12 of Al Mawakeb Schools and ISAS attended the conference which once again had HE Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of the Dubai Expo 2020 as the Key note speaker along with 28 alumni who shared their knowledge. 371 boys and girls from grade 12 of Al Mawakeb Schools and ISAS attended the conference.
As a non-commercial platform, AMSI Voices will continue to leverage the power of its alumni network to enhance the quality of life for youth in the Emirates, in alignment with the aspirations of the country’s leadership. News Desk
