Bahrain Polytechnic has officially inaugurated the “SICO” Cybersecurity Research Lab, a new state-of-the-art facility established in partnership with SICO BSC (c), a leading regional asset manager and investment bank. The collaboration aims to bolster Bahrain’s higher education ecosystem and develop a skilled national workforce in the critical field of cybersecurity.
Bolstering Bahrain’s Tech Talent Pipeline
The new lab is a core component of Bahrain Polytechnic’s recently launched Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity program. It is designed to provide students and researchers with a dedicated environment for advanced practical training and high-quality research projects. Professor Ciarán Ó Catháin, CEO of Bahrain Polytechnic, emphasized the initiative’s importance in meeting the increasing local and international demand for cybersecurity professionals, stating that it will “contribute to preparing qualified national cadres capable of meeting labor market requirements.”
A Commitment To Innovation and Education
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to investing in the Kingdom’s future talent. Najla Al Shirawi, Group CEO of SICO, commented, “We are delighted to be part of this essential initiative that contributes to equipping outstanding national talent with the tools they need to succeed in the field of cybersecurity. We firmly believe that investing in education is the key to a safer and more innovative future for the Kingdom.” The collaboration underscores the vital role of public-private partnerships in strengthening Bahrain’s competitiveness in the global tech landscape.
State-of-the-Art Research Capabilities
Equipped with high-performance computing systems, the SICO Cybersecurity Research Lab will serve as a hub for applied research and advanced experimentation. It will provide students and faculty with the necessary infrastructure to collect data and develop innovative solutions to complex security challenges. The facility is expected to pave the way for expanded academic and professional pathways, directly supporting Bahrain’s growing need for highly skilled cybersecurity specialists.
About Bahrain Polytechnic
Bahrain Polytechnic was established by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa by Royal Decree No.65 for the year 2008 to address the need for a skilled Bahraini labor force aimed at supporting economic growth and diversification. Bahrain Polytechnic delivers applied, professional and technical qualifications to ensure its graduates are work-ready.
About SICO
SICO BSC (c) is a leading regional asset manager, broker, and investment bank with a direct presence in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. It is a publicly listed company on the Bahrain Bourse.
Source: BizBahrain
