The Bahrain Stock Exchange, licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain, has announced the commencement of the 25th edition of its Investment Trading Challenge, known as “Trade Quest,” for high schools and universities in the academic year 2023-2024. This program aims to provide students with hands-on experience mirroring real trading scenarios within financial markets.
Empowering Students with Realistic Experience
Trade Quest’s launch witnessed the enthusiastic participation of student teams alongside their mentors from schools and universities. Investment advisors will oversee team performances, offering guidance throughout the program.
Unique Competitive Elements
Trade Quest distinguishes itself with its creatively competitive spirit among student teams. These teams engage in trading during three defined periods within the program, followed by presentations outlining their strategies, objectives, and financial performance before a panel of judges at each trading period’s conclusion. The top three teams in each category—nine winning teams in total—will receive a combined cash prize amounting to 30,000 Bahraini Dinars.
Statements by Bahrain Stock Exchange’s CEO
Sheikh Khalifa bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, the CEO of the Bahrain Stock Exchange, emphasized the significance of Trade Quest, stating, “Trade Quest is one of Bahrain Stock Exchange’s pivotal educational programs, aligning perfectly with our strategy to enhance financial awareness. It forms a crucial part of our environmental, social, and governance practices in line with Sustainable Development Goal 10.”
Appreciation for Sponsors
The Bahrain Stock Exchange extends its sincere gratitude to financial and banking institutions that sponsored the program this year, including strategic sponsor Empowerment Fund. The platinum sponsors comprise United Arab Bank, Bank ABC, Gulf Bank, and National Bank of Bahrain, while the gold sponsors include Aluminium Bahrain (ALBA), Investment Holding Company, and Securities & Investment Company (SICO). Furthermore, silver sponsors encompass Bahrain Kuwait Bank, International Gulf Bank, Kuwait Finance House, and United Gulf Bank. The knowledge partner for this program is the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF).
Diverse Participation from Schools and Universities
Twenty student teams are participating in this year’s Trade Quest, including ten private schools such as Abdulrahman Kanoo International School, Bahrain Bayan School, British School of Bahrain, Wisdom School International, Ibn Khuldoon National School, New Millennium School, Al Noor International School, Riffa Views International School, St. Christopher’s School, and Shaikha Hessa Girls’ School. Government schools involved consist of Ahmed Al Omran Secondary Boys’ School, Al Ezzel Secondary Girls’ School, Ghazi Al Qusaibi Secondary Girls’ School, Istiqlal Secondary Girls’ School, Isa Town Secondary Girls’ School, Khawla Secondary Girls’ School, An Nabih Saleh Secondary Boys’ School, Shorooq Secondary Girls’ School, Sitra West Secondary Girls’ School, and Riffa Al Gharbi Secondary Girls’ School.
Moreover, seven prestigious universities are also actively engaged in the program, namely, the American University of Bahrain, Bahrain Polytechnic, Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF), British University of Bahrain, Royal University for Women, University of Bahrain, and Bahrain University for Technology.
Conclusion
The Trade Quest initiative by the Bahrain Stock Exchange serves as a pivotal platform fostering financial literacy among students, reflecting the commitment to educational and societal development.
FAQs
- Who oversees the Trade Quest program?
- Investment advisors and judges monitor the program’s progress.
- What distinguishes Trade Quest from other initiatives?
- Its competitive trading periods and presentation-based evaluations set it apart.
- How are the winners determined in Trade Quest?
- The top three teams in each category based on performance receive cash prizes.
- Which institutions sponsor Trade Quest?
- Strategic, platinum, gold, and silver sponsors include financial and banking entities.
- How many schools and universities participate in Trade Quest?
- Twenty schools and seven universities actively engage in the program.
