Sony announces the fourth Sony Creative Science Awards 2008

Riyadh, 20th April'2008: Modern Electronics Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of Al Faisaliah Group (AFG) and with collaborations of Sony Gulf announced today the results of Sony Creative Science Awards 2008. Over 733 students participated across Riyadh, more than 106 girls and boys schools submitted to the contest.

During a Ceremony held at the King Faisal Foundation Hall, in the presence of his Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the president of the executive council of Prince Salman Science Oasis (PSSO) & the Secretary General of the Saudi Supreme Commission for Tourism, his Royal highness Prince Mohammed Khalid Al Abdullah AL Faisal, President of Al Faisaliah Group, His Excellency Dr. Abdullah bin Saleh Al Obeid, the Saudi Minister of Education, Mr. Osamu Miura, the Managing Director of Sony Gulf "SOGUL", in addition to officials from Ministry of Education, number of VIPs, school students from various schools across the central province, and other participants., the top ten winners of the Sony Creative Science Awards 2008 were announced while trophies & certificates were also handed to the young inventors as incentives.
All the submitted projects to Sony's annual award must be based upon on at least one scientific principle, such as characteristics of air, electricity, magnetism, gravity etc. Furious competition among the participated schools took place; the judging committee found it challenging to nominate the winning patents. Remarkably, the results of this year showed that female students secured five out of the top 10 places.
The judging committee comprised of seven experts and researchers from King Abdulaziz City of Science and Technology, in addition to education advisors from Prince Salman Science Oasis and nominees from MECL/SONY.

The top ten respective winners names were as follows:

- Abdulaziz Salem Al Ghamdi - Alasaie Primary school
- Mohammad Abdullah Hassan - Alasmaie Primary school
- Sendyan Ameer Mubarak Abdullah - 170 Elementary School for Girls
- Anas Hakam Hassan Ahmed - Alasaie Primary school
- Shahd Obaid Allah Awaidh AL Harbi - 344 Primary girls School.
- Mohammad Saad Al Ray'ys - Ibn Khaldoun primary School
- Rawan Waleed Zein Bahkly - Al Abnaa primary girls School.
- Mohammad Imad Mahmoud Suliaman - Ibn Khaldoun Elementary School
- Shahd Mutaeb Al Masoudy - 344 Primary girls School.
- Hessa Abdulrahman Rashed Al Mozeiel -170 Primary girls school.
- Mr. Mohammad Nafea Al Harbi was the winner of distinctive teacher's award and
- Asmai Primary School - got the prize for the most distinctive school with the most valuable contribution towards the project.

The main objective of the Award is to challenge the spirit of creativity and innovation among young students. Sony Creative Science Awards was the first-ever initiative of its kind in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It was undertaken for the first time in 2005, since then until now; more than 2000 students have actively participated in submitting their scientific projects for evaluation. .

It's worth mentioning that youth comprise more than 75 per cent of the population of Kingdom; hence these awards will go a long way towards helping future leaders to apply their creativity and innovative skills for a better future of the kingdom.

During Sony Creative Science Awards, the audience enjoyed a science show by noted Japanese scientist Mr. Nichimura, who came especially from Japan to perform during the science show. The interesting and fun experiments demonstrated by Mr. Nichimura & his team during the science show, kept the young audience enthralled.

Notes to the Editor:

About AFG
Al Faisaliah Group (AFG) is a major diversified enterprise based in Saudi Arabia and operating across the Middle East. Established in 1970, the Group has grown to become one of the top 20 Saudi companies, and is also one of the fastest-growing organizations in the country.
Through its subsidiaries, and in partnership with major international groups, AFG has established a dominant position in six major sectors: Food and Beverages, Consumer Electronics, Medical Equipment, Measurement and Media Equipment, IT, Entertainment and Multimedia, Retail, and Specialty Chemicals.

AFG's workforce of 5,000 people is led by a professional and well-qualified management team. They are guided by a clear vision and strategy for growth, and a set of core values that include integrity, excellence and social responsibility.

About Modern Electronics Co. Ltd
Modern Electronics Co. Ltd. (MECL) a subsidiary of the Al Faisaliah Group Holding Co. Ltd. is the sole and exclusive distributor of Sony products in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. MECL was founded by HRH Prince Abdullah Al Faisal in 1970 has been operating in this region for the last 37 years.

About Sony Gulf
Sony Gulf FZE is a 100% subsidiary of Sony Corporation and is the regional headquarters for the Middle East and Africa regions. The company is engaged in the business of Sony Consumer Electronics, VAIO laptop computers, Computer Peripherals, Data media, Recording Media and Energy (Batteries), Mobile Electronics (Car Audio) and Computer Entertainment (PlayStation) products in more than 40 countries in the region.

Apart from stock operations in the Jebel Ali Free Zone Establishment in Dubai, Sony Gulf FZE leads execution of various logistics, sales, marketing, advertising and customer services activities through its business partners and representative offices. A network of representative offices in Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Kenya along with more than 250 service centres reinforces Sony's presence in key markets in the region.

For further information, please visit www.sony-mea.com

About Prince Salman Science Oasis (PSSO)

Prince Salman Science Oasis (PSSO) is a non-profit organization charged with developing an interactive science center. PSSO is headed by H.R.H. Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Secretary General of the Supreme Commission of Tourism. Through the science center, and associated activities PSSO aims to improve public awareness of science, and to promote scientific knowledge and its practical application for peace and benefit of mankind as a whole. Their mission is to inspire people with the noble purpose of advancing scientific knowledge and technology in ways that respect cultural diversity and freedom.
PSSO is also affiliated with Riyadh Philanthropic Society For Science, which is a non-profit organization headed by H.R.H. Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh Region.

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