Gas and oil exploration and production firm Kuwait Energy Company is urging young scientists to enter the country's first national science fair competition.

Organised along with Kuwait City, ExxonMobil Exploration & Production and three other organisations, the Kuwait Science Fair: The Best 100, aims to generate student interest and excitement in science and maths.

Reyadh Al-Sharraf, corporate affairs manager for Kuwait Energy Company, says the engineers and scientists of tomorrow will deliver on the promise of a better future through working in industries such as oil and gas.

Dr John Hoholick, president of ExxonMobil Exploration & Production, adds: "Excellence in math and science education is directly correlated to the ability of countries to successfully compete and prosper in the global community of the 21st century."

High school students will be given two months to apply and come up with a unique science project and the best 100 will be chosen to enter the competition in January.

The finals will take place in March.

Last week research from manufacturers organisation EEF revealed that firms are successfully collaborating with outside bodies such as universities to find the skills they need.

Global Education and Training event for Oil and Gas: Refining & Petrochemicals