The Association of Bermuda International Companies (ABIC) is breaking records in supporting post-secondary education for Bermudian students.
ABIC, which represents more than 130 international companies in Bermuda, funds and operates the island’s largest post-secondary scholarship program. In the last nine years, companies have donated more than $3.5 million for scholarships – with a record $575,000 raised in 2007.
“The ABIC Education Awards provide financial assistance to promising Bermudian students pursuing higher education degrees in areas related to international business,” ABIC Chairman David Ezekiel told the group’s Annual General Meeting.
“International business requires employees of a world-class standard,” he said. “And we know that education is the key to meeting those standards, and successfully participating in the modern workforce.”
Students in the program have attended universities in Canada, the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Europe and Australia.
This year, he noted, 21 students each received scholarships of $15,000 per year to pursue undergraduate studies, with each scholarship extending over two years of study.
“Our long-term goal is to help develop highly-trained Bermudians who will return home to work in international business,” Mr. Ezekiel said. “Over the last nine years of this program, we have given scholarships to 194 students – and have seen many success stories.”
Two of these were in attendance at the AGM: Rees Fletcher, President and CEO of ACE Bermuda; and Barbara Tannock, Vice President of pensions and investments for the Colonial Group.
“The Education awards are an important first step for many Bermudians to both start their college experiences and to initially associate them with international business, with the mutual expectation of a long lasting and beneficial association,” Mr. Fletcher said.
“Without this financial assistance I would not have been able to start my university studies at the time. As a result I may not have benefited from the additional opportunities that a university degree created for me.”
“Personally, I was very fortunate to have the support of ABIC … at both the undergraduate and
graduate levels,” said Ms. Tannock. “With the support of ABIC, I was able to accomplish my educational goals which have positioned me well for the Bermuda of today. As an investment manager for offshore pension assets, I enjoy a very rewarding and progressive career. This is what it is all about.
“One of the biggest challenges facing the industry is that of securing talented professionals,” she added.
“The work and support of organizations such as ABIC is absolutely vital to the international business industry and to Bermuda at large.”
ABIC, the voice of international business, represents more than 130 international companies incorporated in Bermuda.
