Amir congratulates KFAS chief on winning distinguished award
KUWAIT/WASHINGTON: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent yesterday a cable of congratulations to the Director General of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) Dr Adnan Shihab-Eldin on winning the 2017 Elise and Walter A Haas International Award. In the cable, His Highness the Amir expressed his congratulations to Dr Shihab-Eldin who was honored during a ceremony held at University of California (UC), Berkeley, in recognition of his continuous scientific efforts in the Arab world, wishing him good health and well-being. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah sent similar cables to Dr Shihab-Eldin.
Dr Shihab-Eldin was awarded in recognition of his “enduring passion to build up the modern higher education and scientific research system for Kuwait and the Arab world.” In a statement to the press, Berkeley said that Dr Shihab-Eldin “embodies the illustrious, innovative spirit of UC Berkeley alums who have so definitively exhibited a deep and distinguished record of global service.” It affirmed that Dr Shihab-Eldin “is a
foremost expert on energy technology, economics, and the environment and his countless contributions toward the greater good continue to inspire us.”
“It is an honor to count Dr Shihab-Eldin as an alum, and we’d like to add our applause to the many as Dr Shihab-Eldin is presented with this award, one he so richly deserves,” it added. Dr Shihab-Eldin graduated Phi Beta Kappa from UC Berkeley with a BS in Electrical Engineering and a master’s and PhD in Nuclear Engineering. The Elise and Walter A Haas International Award honors an alumnus who is a native, citizen, and resident of another country and who has “a distinguished record of service to that country in the arts, science and engineering, education, business, environmental protection, government, or any other field.”
Dr Shihab-Eldin is also recognized “as a visionary leader in the field of energy globally, well respected by energy ministries and heads of state throughout the energy-producing world,” where his contributions to Kuwait “exemplify Berkley’s highest values.” Also, his contributions “have not only helped to facilitate and advance Kuwait’s scientific and innovation ecosystem, but has also strengthened solid foundations for research and development in the wider Middle East region.”
Meanwhile, Dr Shihab-Eldin thanked “all those that have been a part of this journey” with him. He expressed his gratitude “to the leadership of my country, Kuwait, for the generous support and opportunities I received throughout my education and career.”
“Finally, my gratitude goes to the University community at large and all the people that continue to carry its legacy to inspire others to make a difference,” he added. He noted that the most valuable lesson “one learns from studying, working and living in Berkeley, is not only to strive to excel academically and professionally, but also to give back, and contribute to the betterment of our individual societies and the global community; in essence, pass on the Berkeley legacy that was embodied within each of us.” — KUNA