As part of Bahrain Bourse's commitment toward Social & Community Impact, Bahrain Bourse (BHB), a licensed exchange by the Central Bank of Bahrain, has officially launched the 26th edition of the TradeQuest Program, welcoming high school and university students for the academic year 2024-2025. The event was attended by participating students, their school and university advisors, as well as investment advisors who will mentor and guide teams throughout the program. The TradeQuest Program, in its 26th edition, ultimately aims to contribute towards the broader economic development and enhance financial literacy amongst the youth.
Shaikh Khalifa bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa, CEO of Bahrain Bourse, commented on the program's objectives and impact, stating: “TradeQuest continues to play an essential role in equipping Bahrain's youth with knowledge and skills that extend beyond the classroom. By immersing students in a competitive, simulated environment, they gain real-world experience in financial markets and develop a comprehensive understanding of various investment strategies. We thank our sponsors and partners for their commitment to this program and for investing in the next generation of financial leaders."
The program is proudly supported by our esteemed sponsors. The Platinum Sponsors are: Ahli United Bank, Bank ABC, Khaleeji Bank, National Bank of Bahrain, and Al Salam Bank. The Gold Sponsors are: Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), Bahrain Islamic Bank, and SICO BSC (c). Additionally, the Silver Sponsors are: BBK, Gulf International Bank (GIB), National Bank of Kuwait, and United Gulf Bank. And finally, The Bahrain Institute of Banking & Finance (BIBF) serves as the Knowledge Partner for the program by delivering the program's Dealing Room Sessions.
This year, the program includes 20 teams from local schools: 10 private schools, including Abdulrahman Kanoo International School, Bahrain Bayan School, and British School of Bahrain, Al-Hekma International School, Ibn Khuldoon National School, Al Noor International School, Al Raja School, St. Christopher's School, Shaikha Hessa Girl's School, Al Wisam School; and 10 government schools, including Ahmed Al Omran Secondary Boys School, Jidhafs Secondary Girls Schools, Al-Ma'arefa Secondary Girls School, Muharraq Secondary Girls School, Nasser Centre for Science & Technology, Al Noaim Secondary Boys School, Al Noor Secondary Girls School, Saar Secondary Girls School, Al Shurooq Secondary Girls School, and West Riffa Secondary Girls School.
Additionally, eight universities are participating in this year's TradeQuest Program, including the American University of Bahrain, Bahrain Polytechnic, BIBF, British University of Bahrain, Royal University for Women, University of Bahrain, University of Strathclyde, and University of Technology Bahrain.
TradeQuest is an interactive business-education program that simulates investment trading in global financial markets. Established in 1997, the program has been a collaborative initiative with financial institutions and educational organizations, aimed at fostering investment knowledge and financial market understanding in Bahrain's youth. With the continuous support of numerous banks and financial institutions, TradeQuest has evolved into a prominent successful program.
The program offers students a realistic experience in investment by teaching them market rules and regulations, share analysis, and portfolio management. Participants gain practical insights by engaging with investment instruments listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Bahrain Bourse. Throughout the program's three trading periods, teams present their investment strategies, objectives, and performance outcomes to a panel of judges, building essential skills in analysis and decision-making. The top three teams from each category are awarded cash prizes, totaling BD 30,000.