National Bonds teaches students to save
Murdoch University Dubai Business Cup Challenge 2011, in collaboration with National Bonds
Corporation
Murdoch University in Dubai saw the Business Cup Challenge draw to a close on 10 December with the two finalists from Cambridge International School, Dubai and Cambridge High School, Abu Dhabi battling it out for the Business Cup Trophy presented by Professor John Grainger, Pro-vice Chancellor, Murdoch University, Dubai and Mr Syed Haseeb Zaidi, Head of Sales and Distribution, National Bonds Corporation. The winning team, Cambridge International School, Dubai basked in the glory as they held the Business Cup, following what was described as a "tough challenge and a unique platform for the young business leaders of tomorrow" by Aarti Jethwani, Murdoch University's Head of Domestic Business Development.
The Murdoch University Business Cup Challenge is a new initiative in collaboration with National Bonds to encourage youngsters between the age of 15 and 17 to engage in real life business activities and develop a wider understanding of how successful businesses start up and develop over time. Nine teams from across the UAE were asked to submit business proposals over a 4 week time period.
1. Arab Unity School, Dubai
2. Cambridge International School, Dubai
3. The Oxford School, Dubai
4. The Winchester School, Dubai
5. The Sheffield Private School, Dubai
6. Al Diyafah High School, Dubai
7. Al Ma’arifa Private School, Sharjah
8. Cambridge High School, Abu Dhabi
9. Sharjah American International School, Dubai
The briefs were prepared by Murdoch University's Academic Director Career Programs, Dan Adkins, and sent to the schools each week. The teams were then requested to prepare and submit proposals using set guidelines and targets. Over the course of the Challenge, teams were eliminated at each stage leaving the two finalists to fight for the Cup at Murdoch University. The judging panel comprised of Professor John Grainger, Dan Adkins and Syed Haseeb Zaidi. The winning team was also presented with National Bonds Gift Vouchers in addition to the Business Cup. In second place, Cambridge High School, Dubai, who put up a tough competition, was also rewarded with National Bond vouchers for their efforts throughout the challenge. Both teams have been given the chance to experience a Media and Presentation Skills training course, courtesy of Murdoch University Dubai. Both teams exhibited a tremendous ability for in-depth research and superb presentation skills bearing in mind they had barely a weekend to complete their presentations.
The initiative comes with the start of a new partnership between National Bonds and Murdoch University Dubai. National Bonds were keen to become a part of the Murdoch family having identified the strengths of Murdoch as a leader in Business Development and its successful Business School. Syed Haseeb Zaidi said he was “proud to be a part of the Challenge and looked forward to embracing the opportunity again next year and educating students on the necessity of preparing for the future, this time on a bigger platform with Murdoch”.
Established in March 2006, National Bonds Corporation PJSC is a leading Investment company that takes pride in its innovative shari'a approach to financial products and services; catering to a substantial and diversified client base of retail customers, high-net-worth individuals, and Corporations. National Bonds are keen to impress upon the importance of saving at a young age and educating youngsters on their investment options for their future. The cause is supported by Murdoch University in a bid to raise awareness amongst its students and its high-school partners.
The success of the Business Cup Challenge has encouraged more students to embark on its undergraduates programs. Currently offering degrees in Finance, Marketing and Management, Murdoch University has an internationally acclaimed Business School and provides a comprehensive approach to learning. For more details on how to enter your school for the Murdoch University Dubai Business Cup Challenge 2012, please email businesscup@murdochdubai.ac.ae
