Chairman Message
It is my pleasure to meet you once again through this issue of Al-Tijari News and I do find it a good chance to communicate with all of you in 2011 last issue of Al-Tijari News. I take this opportunity to extend my best wishes to all of you on the occasion of the New Year.
With 2011 drawing to an end and the start of the new year, financial institutions and other organizations usually measure and assess the achievements they managed to accomplish in a preceeding year and the new defined strategies planned to be achieved in the upcoming year. In Commercial Bank of Kuwait we are not much different as we have with the end of 2011 and the beginning of 2012, we have managed to accomplish several achievements, salient of which was our ability to weather the critical phase mingled with uncertainty as a result of the adverse fallouts of the global financial crisis and other financial crisis such as USA debts crisis and Euro zone turmoil as well as the political tensioning and straining in Kuwait and the Arab Spring in a number of Arab countries. Undoubtedly, all these circumstances have adversely affected the economic performance in the Region in general and as well as Kuwait where the value of assets has declined on the grounds of the negative sentiments among traders in financial markets.
However and amidst these unfavorable conditions, we have managed to safeguard our bank and shield it from any losses thanks to the sound business strategies we have adopted and to our prudent risk management policy and above this your commendable efforts & dedication in work. Nevertheless, the Bank continued to launch new products and revamp the existing product offerings and services and enhance the technology infrastructure for processing the Bank business in a highly professional manner that will positively reflects on business volumes and relationship with our customers.
With further optimism and hope for a more bright future, we will together start year 2012 and I am confident that you are aware of the criticality and sensitivity of the upcoming period that will require more efforts and cooperation among you all so that our Bank emphasizes its strong franchising in the business environment.
Once again I wish all of you Happy New Year.
Message from Head of Advertising and Public Relations Department
I am pleased to meet you again in this closing Issue of Al-Tijari News for the year 2011. With the approach of the New Year, I extend my sincere wishes for the best of health and happiness to all of you and your families.
The year 2011 saw remarkable activities for the Bank in general, and the Advertising and Public Relations Department in particular. The Department contributed, through these activities, to underline the Bank's social responsibility. These activities encompassed for example not limitation, providing all means of support and sponsorship to societal events and non-profit-making civil society institutions, and lending support and patronizing to the people with special needs, for which the Bank is always the forerunner. Furthermore, the Bank endeavored, through the Advertising and Public Relations Department, to keep the public acquainted with the activities, events, discount programs, prizes and rewards the Bank offered to all customer segments through distinctive media coverages tailored to best-suit all these activities, events and strengthen the Bank's corporate image.
By the end of 2011, the Bank celebrations with the 50th anniversary of its incorporation drew to a close, whereas the Bank celebrated this occasion through a number of its printed materials, issues and commercial ads which signified the Bank's celebrations of its golden jubilee since its incorporation.
With the sixth decade of the Bank's incorporation, we look forward to achieving further advances in terms of our banking services and product offerings and in terms of our responsibility towards the society in which we operate, so that Al-Tijari contributions shall remain clear in driving the course of economic and societal development in the State of Kuwait.
In conclusion, I wish you all the best in 2012 and Happy New Year.
CBK Participation in Sponsoring Kuwait Financial Forum
Commercial Bank of Kuwait participated in the 3rd Kuwait Financial Forum by providing platinum sponsorship to the Forum which was inaugurated by the Prime Minister Sheikh Naser Al-Mohammed Al-Sabah in the presence of a number of ministers, central banks' governors along with elite officials and executives from Kuwaiti, Arab, regional and international banks.
The Bank set up a special booth which received a multitude of financial and banking figures represented in the Minister of Finance Mr. Mustafa Jassim Al Shamali and the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Amani Boursli who were received by the Bank's Chairman and a number of executives in the Executive Management Team in addition to a number of the Bank staff who were present to respond to all queries received from participants and familiarize them with the services and products offered to them by the Bank to the public.
Al-Tijari Sponsors "Azizah Ya Kuwait" Exhibition
Within its ongoing endeavors to provide all aspects of support and sponsorship to the societal and cultural activities and events that contribute to accentuating Kuwait image and supporting nationals inside and outside Kuwait, Commercial Bank of Kuwait patronized "Azizah Ya Kuwait" Exhibition held in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for demonstrating culture, art and heritage aspects of Kuwait by displaying the works of Kuwaiti talents and hobbyists in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Exhibition, which was highly attended by visitors who commended it, is regarded as a Kuwaiti gathering of art, cultural and social works produced by Kuwaiti hobbyists and comes within Kuwait Embassy's activities in Riyadh under the reciprocal cultural and social activities between Kuwait and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Bank's Staff Ranked First in Professional Branch Manager Program
Commercial Bank of Kuwait celebrated the graduation of a new group of its employees who have successfully passed the certified professional programs organized by the Institute of Financial Studies - Britain, in cooperation with the Institute of Banking Studies in Kuwait. The Bank's employees attained first ranks in this program. A graduation party was held in Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the presence of a team from the Bank's Executive Management and a number of elite bankers in Kuwait.
CBK Lectures at Omariya Secondary School
Omariya Branch prepared and delivered a lecture for Omariya Secondary School's female students to get them aware of the value and importance of saving. This initiative comes within an orientation program designated by the Bank to familiarize the students with the nature of banking business and give them information on the products and services the Bank offers to its customers and which are tailored to cater for their needs such as "My First Account" and the youth account "@Tijari account" and the importance of using computers and new technologies in processing banking transactions.
In this context, Ms. Haifaa Al Dousry, Omariya Branch Manager made a detailed presentation on the saving channels the Bank offered to its customers and related privileges, especially in the tender age. Al Dousary also explained the benefits offered through "My First Account", "@Tijari Account" offered by the Bank for teenagers and youth and the discount programs Al-Tijari account holders can get and which are especially tailored to kids and youth.
Commercial Bank of Kuwait always endeavors to organize such orientation visits to proactively interact with the future generations within its mission to "Building the Future Together".
Al-Tijari Provides P.O.S Services to Mada Communications Company
Within its commendable efforts to provide innovative banking services to its corporate and individual customers, Commercial Bank of Kuwait recently concluded an agreement with Mada Communications Co. under which the Bank will provide the Company with Point of Sale services that will enable the Company's customers to effortlessly and easily pay the value of their purchases by using ATM cards and credit cards.
This move comes to reflect the Bank's ongoing endeavors to establish strong business relationships with its corporate and individual customers by providing secure electronic banking services that help individual customers pay the value of their purchases smoothly and also enable the Bank's customers from the prestigious retailers in different business lines to accept all cards to process purchase transactions via the Bank's sophisticated electronic channels.
The Bank Decorates a Number of Police Stations
Commercial Bank of Kuwait is always keen to arrange social programs to support and patronize a number of the entities and institutions that serve the community and nationals. Drawing upon this, Advertising and Public Relations Department, in co-operation with Retail Banking Division, visited a number of police stations located in Sharq, Salhiya, Fahaheel and Jahra to decorate their walls with images depicting the Kuwaiti heritage which were selected from the Bank's calendars. This gesture comes in recognition of the efforts exerted by these institutions towards community service and in confirmation of the Bank's social responsibility towards the institutions that work for the convenience of both residents and nationals.
Al-Tijari Organizes Credit Cards Workshop
Within Commercial Bank of Kuwait's endeavors to keep its Card Center managers, staff members and Retail Banking Division regional managers aware and acquainted with the latest technology adopted in monitoring forgery and fraud activities associated with credit cards, the Bank's Card Center, in cooperation with MasterCard, organized a workshop for a number of the regional managers and Branch managers, Retail Banking Division. The workshop aimed to familiarize the participants of the important means and methods of monitoring forgery and the fraudulent transactions associated with credit cards for the initial purpose of providing the utmost security and protection levels to card holders when using their credit cards.
CBK Offers Financial Contribution to Al Salam and Al Sadeeq Co-op Society
In keeping with its social responsibility towards civil society institutions, Commercial Bank of Kuwait offered a financial contribution to Al Salam and Al Sadeeq Co-op Society to get the car parking area at the Co-op Society lots shaded.
This financial contribution by the Bank is meant to serve the residents of Al Salam and Al Sadeeq Area when visiting the Co-op Society, and comes as a clear manifestation of the Bank's remarkable social role in supporting civil society institutions such as co-op societies which render their services to diverse segments in Kuwait.
Participating in the Job Fair Of the Students Association of College of Business Administration
Commercial Bank of Kuwait participated in the Job Opportunities Fair held in the College of Business Administration - Kuwait University. This participation further stresses the Bank's ongoing endeavors to support and qualify Kuwaiti youth to work in private sector in general and in the banking sector and Commercial Bank in particular.
Al-Tijari Features the Present and Authenticates the Past in 2012 Calendar and Issues Memorial Postal Stamps Marking its 50th Anniversary
The Bank has released its annual calendar for 2012 which usually contains pieces of art that display the old Kuwaiti heritage, narrates and authenticates the habits and traditions of our forefathers and ancestors. The concept of 2012 calendar was rather different, as it contained a number of paintings that depict and mirrors Kuwait's celebrations of the 50th independence anniversary, the 20th Liberation anniversary and 5th anniversary of the Amir Sheikh / Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah assuming.
Commercial Bank of Kuwait has also issued, in cooperation with the Ministry of Communication, a series of the memorial postal stamps which reflect the architectural development of the Bank's Head Office, concluding its celebrations with the 50th anniversary of its incorporation.
Kuwait Boy Scouts Association Honors CBK
Kuwait Boy Scouts Association held an honoring party for the parties and institutions that contributed to supporting KBSA's activities during the year, where CBK was honored in recognition of its financial contribution to support the Omra trip organized by KBSA's Administration for 8 administrators and 40 students from different educational regions.
Al-Tijari Patronizes "Spotlight" Exhibition for Small Business Owners
Commercial Bank of Kuwait patronized "Spotlight" Exhibition organized by Highlight Group for Exhibitions Organization in Arraya Ballroom in Courtyard Marriot Hotel with the objective of supporting small business owners who seek to be self employed. This move comes on the Bank's part to encourage the youth to enhance their capabilities and in support of their small business.
The Bank set up a special booth in the Exhibition to give the visitors information on the latest banking products and services to its customers in addition to the diverse accounts, particularly "@Tijari" account offered to meet the needs and requirements of the youth segment.
CBK Celebrates Eid Al Adha With Kuwait Autism Center's Children
Emphasizing its responsibility towards the civil society organizations, particularly those providing care to the children with special needs, Commercial Bank of Kuwait, represented by Advertising & Public Relations Department, held a fun party for the Autism Center's children to rejoice the joy of Eid Al Adha with them. The party included numerous activities and contests which brought happiness into the children hearts and drew smiles on their faces on this happy occasion.
CBK Supplies Al Wafaa School With High-Tech Educational Aids
In another gesture that reflects the Bank's efforts and support for the physically challenged segment and the educational activities organized by the civil service institutions that provide the required care for this important category in the community, Commercial Bank of Kuwait provided Al Wafaa School for girls with sophisticated educational devices.
It is noteworthy that the Bank took a lead to provide support and sponsorship to all societal activities that benefit several segments in Kuwait, with particular focus on those directed for the people with special needs.
Al-Tijari Sponsors Honoring Party for the Winners in Ramadan Weight Loss Competition Organized By Hadiya Family Medical Center
Commercial Bank of Kuwait sponsored the honoring party for the winners in Ramadan Weight Loss Diet Competition organized by Hadiya Family Medical Center supervised by the Ministry of Health. This sponsorship comes in emphasis of the Bank's role in achieving its social mission by supporting the diverse activities and events with the aim to spread health awareness among the society members. This competition aimed at weight loss that protects against a lot of diseases, particularly that a number of Health ministries organize national campaigns to fight overweight and obesity with a joint aim, namely to prevail health awareness that leads to useful nutritional and behavioral habits.
Sponsoring the World Kung Fu Championship
Within the Bank's endeavors to encourage diversified sporting activities, Commercial Bank of Kuwait sponsored the World Kung Fu Championship organized by Kuwait Wushu Kung Fu Committee. This sponsorship comes to further illustrate the Bank's ongoing efforts towards community service and support to non-profit organizations which care for sporting and societal activities.
The Bank Sponsors Football Championship For the Union of Kuwait Shipping Companies and Agents
Within its ongoing endeavors and efforts to support and sponsor social and sporting activities in Kuwait, Commercial Bank of Kuwait patronized the Football Championship for the Union of Kuwait Shipping Companies and Agents where several teams at different age categories participated in this championship.
It is noteworthy that the Bank's sponsorship for this championship and other sporting activities reflect the significant role assumed by the Bank in supporting the diverse sporting and social activities under its responsibility towards the community in which it operates.
A Tour in Branches
Al-Tijari News designated this corner to shed light on the Bank branches, in recognition of the performance and concerted efforts of the branch staff members, to motivate them to continue their outstanding performance in order to solidify the corporate image of the Bank in accordance with the highest banking standards.
In this Issue, the Advertising & Public Relations Team visited Salhiya Branch to cast light on the potentials and skills of its staff and the nature of their work. When visiting the Branch, the Adv & PR Dept. team noticed the spirit of cordiality and intimacy; not only among the staff members but also among the employees and customers, because the Branch is located in a commercial mall, where most customers are major merchants, workers and permanent visitors to the mall. The Branch employees were cooperative and patient with customers, thus encouraging them to keep in close touch with the Branch.
The Branch staff commended their Manager Ms. Ameena Al Qallaf for her elegant manner in dealing with the staff, cooperation and the distribution of duties among them properly in addition to her ongoing motivation for the Branch staff by presenting incentive awards to the outstanding performing staff. Ms. Al Qallaf also shares the Branch staff in their works in event of heavy workloads or shortage of staff. Accordingly, this contributed to creating cooperation and getting the work environment desirable to the Branch staff.
Miscellaneous Quotes…
• Dalal Abdullah: I like my work and I feel bored during the week end.
• Sawsan Kilani (Assistant Branch Manager): We are keen to present certificates for appreciation and valuable awards to the top-performing staff in recognition of their performance in order to stimulate them to make further progress.
• Abdulaziz Al Saffar: The Branch distinction is mainly attributable to the sound management and cooperation among staff members.
• Haya Al Twaijri: We work at the Branch as a teamwork. At the close of business, we do not leave the Branch unless after completing all our duties.
• Yousef Al Harbi: We talk to our Manager openly and meet regularly for discussing the important issues and exchanging viewpoints.
• Ameena Al Qallaf (Branch Manager): I endeavor to create a friendly work environment for both staff and customers.
Farewell Party for Mr. Naeem Shehadah
Retail Banking Division organized a farewell party for Mr. Naeem Shehadah, Administrative Manager, Retail Banking Division, on occasion of his resignation from the Bank after long service that exceeded 15 years. Executive Management team and Branch Managers attended the party where memorial gifts were presented to Mr. Shehadah in recognition of his loyalty and dedicated efforts in work during these long years with the Bank.
At the end of the Party, everybody wished Mr. Shehadah all success and prosperity for the future.
