In his speech at the closing ceremony, His Highness, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Talal Khaled Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah commended Kuwait Finance House (KFH) for supporting initiatives aimed at enhancing the skills of local talents and sharpening their knowledge in technology and cybersecurity, which is manifested through KFH’s recent sponsorship of the biggest cybersecurity competition in Kuwait; “Kuwait Hackathon”.

The competition closing ceremony, held at Kuwait University, is organized by Coded Academy in partnership with the National Cybersecurity Center.

During the ceremony, KFH Chairman, Hamad Abdulmohsen Al Marzouq, received the honor from Sheikh Talal Al-Sabah and stressed KFH’s keenness on supporting national talents in various fields, while focusing on technology and cybersecurity sphere to enhance protection systems, programs, internal and external networks for institutions and individuals, thereby improving the practices of utilizing digital technology. Al Marzouq proudly acknowledged the presence of highly skilled and innovative young individuals in Kuwait, particularly in the technology and cybersecurity domains that have become fundamental prerequisites in the functioning of institutions.

He pointed out the significance of advancing the utilization of the latest technologies such as machine learning, automation, and AI and the need to effectively employ these tools to enhance cybersecurity. This is of utmost importance in enabling banks to successfully undergo digital transformations. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of implementing flexible approaches and complying with cybersecurity regulations and standards at the local and international levels to achieve public interest and protect information.

Additionally, he highlighted the importance of raising customer awareness regarding cyber challenges and risks, safeguarding information against hacking and financial fraud.

Al Marzouq highly praised KFH’s accomplishments in “Diraya” campaign launched by the Central Bank of Kuwait in cooperation with Kuwait Banking Association and Kuwaiti Banks.

Kuwait Hackathon witnessed a significant turnout of Kuwaiti youth with a participation of 286 cybersecurity specialists divided into 72 teams. The 12-hour competition crowned three winning teams and 13 winners.