Kuwait - June 15, 2008

The Dow Chemical Company and Lothan Youth Achievement Centre (LoYAC) a non-profit organisation based in Kuwait recently organised a ten day visit of a group of 17 students to Malaysia in order to participate in the global ‘Formula One Technology Challenge’. The objective of this event was to provide an opportunity for the students to supplement their knowledge in the areas of engineering and technology by getting a first hand experience about a career in this field in an exciting learning environment.

As a part of its commitment to the Kuwait region and to the local communities in which it operates, The Dow Chemical Company through its charitable arm, The Dow Chemical Company Foundation, has committed KD 200,000 to support various programmes being undertaken by the Lothan Youth Achievement Center (LoYAC).

Commenting on the initiative, Earl Shipp, business group president, basic chemicals, The Dow Chemical Company said, “We are delighted to support LoYAC in their efforts to instill new and innovative educational platforms within Kuwaiti schools. At Dow we believe that the health of our business is intertwined with the health of the communities in which we operate.” He further added, “Our mission is to constantly improve what is essential to human progress by mastering science and technology and we are delighted to support LoYAC’s efforts in bringing this program to the youth of Kuwait.”

 “We are delighted to receive Dow’s support for our 2008 and early 2009 activities. Dow’s commitment to the local Kuwaiti community will allow us to further establish our programs to cater to the evolving needs of young leaders of tomorrow and more importantly play an active role in their development,” said Fareah AL-Saqqaf Vice Chairperson & Managing Director, LoYAC.

Dow’s partnership with LoYAC is in line with Dow’s thirteen-year presence in Kuwait through EQUATE Petrochemical Company K.S.C, a joint venture company established with the petrochemical arm of the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation. The key components of the grant will include; Dow’s sole partnership of the ‘F1 Schools Challenge’ and various productions by ‘LoYAC Academy of Performing Arts’ in addition to supporting all of LoYAC’s youth developmental programs in Kuwait and abroad.

About LoYAC

LoYAC is a non-profit organization based in Kuwait and founded in 2002. The center targets children and young community members from ages 13-27. The center promotes critical thinking, innovation, entrepreneurship, community service work, health awareness, environmental awareness, leadership and drama, music and performing arts.

About Dow

About The Dow Chemical Company Foundation

Established in 1979, The Dow Chemical Company Foundation serves Dow’s philanthropic needs by providing charitable gifts to eligible non-profit organisations in the communities where Dow operates that contribute to community success, support sustainability, foster science in society and stimulate innovation.

For Editorial Information:

Hani Wassim
The Dow Chemical Company
t +971.4.332.8866