Canon partners with Think Science Fair to encourage youth to use science and technology for innovation

Canon Middle East, a leader in imaging solutions, is the Official Imaging Partner at this year’s Think Science Fair (TSF) from 16-18 April 2018. Held annually since 2011, TSF is the largest regional fair focused on empowering, educating and supporting youth across the UAE to directly engage with science, technology and innovation industries.

“With over half of the region’s population below the age of 25, we are looking at a fundamental shift to how this segment approaches learning and education. The youth, or digital natives, are naturally inclined to think about innovation, science, STEM education, digital learning, to name a few, so the way they are learning is consistently different to past generations and we need to support this transformation. As a global, innovation-led organisation, Canon’s participation at TSF is a declaration of support and empowerment to youth in the UAE to nurture their interest to innovate in science and other technology fields,” said Mai Youssef, Corporate Communications & Marketing Services Director.

As part of the UAE’s Vision 2021, there is increased emphasis with regards to encouraging youth to peruse professional careers in technology, engineering and science, namely because the future of economic development and prosperity relies on a country’s ability to compete in innovation on a global scale. Today’s youth are the future of these technologies, and building learning environment that places an emphasises on scientifically-backed invention and creation is vital. TSF is one of the most important platforms to realise this objective since it connects the minds of young scientists to demonstrate how we they can make a difference in our future through science and innovation.

“Canon is honoured to support the UAE’s vision on a national level by supporting initiatives such as the TSF. Our participation also clearly resonates with Canon’s global corporate philosophy of ‘Kyosei,’ which means living and working together for the common good. By delivering social and environmental benefits through our people, products, expertise and activities, we are powerfully demonstrating our commitment to our philosophy,” added Mai.

Within the fair, TSF also organises the Think Science Competition, which aims to encourage youth to enter their own working scientific prototype using their scientific knowledge, problem solving and analytical skills. As the Official Imaging partner, Canon awarded 15 cameras to the winners of the competition.

In addition, Canon ran a fun and engaging cycling activity and competition at its stand in the fair. Participants will be asked to cycle to generate energy to power LED lights that are connected to a TV.  The participants then received a GIF image of them while cycling to push out on their social media platforms using the #CanonME and #Think_Science and a daily winner being selected, announced and rewarded with a Canon camera for the duration of TSF.