Qatar government and Shell officials join some students who took part in one of the STEM-themed challenges at EWQ yesterday. PICTURES: Shemeer Rasheed

By Joey Aguilar/Staff Reporter


Thousands of students from schools across the country are expected to take part in the 10-day Energy World – Qatar (EWQ) 2015, which opened to the public yesterday at Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).
“The intent is to inspire young people to take up studies in the field of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM),” said Qatar Shell Companies managing director and chairman Michiel Kool, who was speaking at the event.
“We want students to pursue careers in these fields and become scientists, engineers, technologists, innovators and leaders of tomorrow, which will help build a prosperous future for Qatar,” he stressed.
The opening ceremony was attended by government officials and dignitaries, including HE the Minister of Environment Ahmed Amer Mohamed al-Humaidi and Ministry of Education and Higher Education Undersecretary Rabea Mohamed al-Kaabi, as well as deputy managing director of Qatar Shell Companies Sheikh Thani bin Thamer al-Thani.
A large number of students from various schools in Doha were the first to experience the lively mix of physical and digital exhibits, workshops and science shows.
Some key messages and information about food, water, energy and the environment are printed on walls to educate visitors.
Kool described EWQ as a fun-filled family science adventure and an interactive educational experience that takes people of all ages on a journey into STEM and encourage them to “explore, make and learn”.
The event challenges visitors with several STEM-themed activities and innovative questions along an interactive journey comprising various digital exhibits.
Upon answering the final question, visitors will step up to the screen to find out what type of innovator they are - designer, engineer, connector, inventor or adventurer.
A petroleum engineer himself, the Shell senior official believes it is a good thing for society to encourage young people to study the field of science and engineering.
“They can apply their analytical and creative thinking and their innovation to deal with some of the world’s challenges, particularly around food, water and energy,” he stressed.
Kool hopes EWQ will serve as a positive encouragement to young students in their direction. “And in that way, support Qatar National Vision.”
“We partnered with Qatar Petroleum and Qatar Tourism Authority to bring this world-class science experience to the country,” Kool said.
EWQ also partnered with the Supreme Education Council and engaged teachers representing 11,000 students from 130 schools across Qatar to take part in the school programme, which facilitates exclusive access to the event.
The event will run until November 28 at DECC and is free to the public.