Fatma Al Suwaidi, a third year student majoring in Advertising at American University in Dubai to represent the UAE at the exclusive Cannes Lions Roger Hatchuel Academy 2022
The Roger Hatchuel Student Academy, founded in 2003, is a unique learning experience designed to help students interested in pursuing a creative path in advertising launch their careers. Selected students learn first-hand from the world’s greatest brands, creative minds and industry leaders, and the programme takes place over the week of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in Cannes, France.
As the official UAE representatives of the Cannes Lions Festival, Motivate Media Group and Motivate Val Morgan are delighted to announce that Fatma Al Suwaidi, a third year Visual Communications student majoring in Advertising at American University in Dubai (AUD), has been selected to represent the UAE at the exclusive Cannes Lions Roger Hatchuel Academy 2022
Fatma was one of the three recommended students from the UAE this year, alongside Kenzy Abedelmaksoud and Lillian Ghousseini also from AUD, whose submissions were reviewed by the Roger Hatchuel Academy selection panel – a diverse mix of global experts from reputed education institutions, the industry and related creative fields.
Commenting on being selected for this year’s Roger Hatchuel Academy, Fatma said, “If someone had told me at the start of my academic studies that I would become the passionate advertising creative I am today, I would not have believed them. Not because I thought I wasn’t capable, but because I grew in so many ways, that I exceeded my own expectations. I am nearing the end of my studies at AUD, but my journey in seeking knowledge is forever ongoing, and to be selected in my senior year to represent my country at the prestigious Roger Hatchuel Academy is an honor and I look forward to learning from the very best.”
“I am certain that attending the Cannes Lions Festival will be an experience packed with creativity, inspiration and just pure passion. My selection is a triumph I am proud of; however, it is not something that I accomplished alone, I owe my thanks to my family who supported me, my friends who were by my side, my university for giving me the foundation I need, and last but not least, Professor Dina Faour, a true role model every student would be lucky to have,” she added.
Dina Faour, Professor of Advertising, Department of Visual Arts, American University Dubai said, “We are so excited to witness yet another year for AUD at the one and only Cannes Lions and, specifically, at the Roger Hatchuel academy. This is a clear attestation to the program, the curriculum, the team, the students and the work. We wish Fatma AlSuwaidi a journey filled with inspiration and creativity, and we just know she’ll do us proud. We want to thank Cannes Lions for supporting students with this exclusive academy that joins the best students around the globe in one classroom and offers them such a unique insight into the industry. Thank you Motivate Media Group and Motivate Val Morgan, for being so professional, you certainly deserve to represent this festival.”
The Roger Hatchuel Academy class of 2022 will host 30 students in total, and throughout the week-long programme, students will dissect diversity and unlock a greater understanding of each other, the world and the nature of the industry.
Other areas covered include:
This year’s Roger Hatchuel Academy will run in parallel to the Cannes Lions Festival from 20 – 24 June 2022. Motivate Media Group and Motivate Val Morgan wishes Fatma Al Suwaidi the best of luck as she embarks on this journey, and we hope her experience and learnings at the Roger Hatchuel Academy will create positive impact and contribute to her future endeavours in the industry.
Each year, Motivate and Motivate Val Morgan, the official UAE representatives of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, nominate one student to attend the Roger Hatchuel Academy – which runs under the auspices of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.
This year, Lina Ibrahim – a third year student of the American University in Dubai (AUD) who is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree of Fine Arts in Visual Communication (majoring in Advertising) has been selected to represent the UAE at the prestigious Roger Hatchuel Academy.
The five-day training course will be held in Cannes, France, from 18th – 22nd June 2018.
This programme is carefully designed to offer students of advertising, communications and other creative disciplines, the head-start they need to secure a role within the competitive creative industry post-graduation.
Students can expect a programme tailored to the current industry landscape, one which combines classroom sessions and a selection of official Festival content.
Academy students get full access to the Cannes Lions Festival, including the five Award Shows and the Young Lions Party. They will also have exclusive access to the Jury rooms – which are closed to all other attendees of the Festival. This is a unique way to navigate the world’s most important discussion of creativity in communications, and an unrivalled opportunity to network with other future Lions-winners.
Creative leaders that have previously lectured at the Academy are – Bob Greenberg, Bob Isherwood, Neil French, David Droga, Jim Stengel, Michael Conrad and Tham Khai Meng, to name a few.
Commenting on being selected, Lina Ibrahim stated, “For the past three years in AUD, I have enjoyed learning, experiencing and achieving any opportunity that has come my way. I have made friends and built connections with people from all over the world. Within these few years, I have accumulated tools and skills that will help me better myself, my understanding and knowledge, my experience and my connection with anyone I may cross paths with. I have learned how to identify problems and create solutions, to think and execute ideas creatively, and to work and share ideas with my peers. Although some challenges were difficult to face, I can proudly say that I have handled those challenges with the up-most pride and positivity. A special thank you to Professor Dina Faour who has constantly been supportive, encouraging and a huge push in the right direction. I am so very thankful for you and all the help and encouragement you have provided for me and other students. Lastly, I am honored, proud and excited to be part of this year’s selected students for the Roger Hatchuel Academy in Cannes. I am more than grateful to be representing the UAE, the MENA region and AUD as a Visual Communication student. I will try my absolute best to make everyone proud. Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity.”
Dina Faour – Academic Coordinator and Associate Professor of Advertising at AUD, said, “Everyone here at AUD is proud and excited for Lina. We are certain that the Roger Hatchuel Academy at Cannes Lions will equip Lina with the creative inspiration, the global insight and the personal incentive that will boost her performance when she comes back to continue her coursework. The advertising industry in this region is definitely booming with young talent, determined to make a difference. We want to thank Motivate Val Morgan for helping such talent sharpen their skills and shine. This is an opportunity that remains unmatched.”
Motivate and Motivate Val Morgan would like to wish Lina Ibrahim the best of luck and we hope her enrollment at the Roger Hatchuel Academy will create a positive impact – in both her professional and personal life.
