The International Institute of Space Commerce (IISC) has awarded SES Space Executive MBA scholarships for 2009 to two locally-based individuals: Dr. Helmut Kessler, General Manager of CVI Technical Optics Ltd and Michelle Mendes, Head of Marketing and Business Development for Araxis Ltd.
SES Satellite Leasing Limited generously agreed to sponsor a five year programme, commencing January 2009, with an initial investment of 30,000 Euros and an additional 50,000 Euros per year from 2009-2013.
'We are committed to the Isle of Man and proud to be able to sponsor this exciting MBA programme,' said Martin Halliwell, Chairman of SES Satellite Leasing Limited. 'SES invests over one million euro a year in the training of its workforce, and it is in this spirit that we are investing in the future of students from the Island. Through this programme, we can give back to the community that has so warmly welcomed us, while helping to prepare students for a bright future in space-related activities.'
Treasury Minister Allan Bell MHK commented 'The Isle of Man is delighted that SES Satellite Leasing has chosen to base its operations on the Isle of Man, and equally delighted that it has chosen to sponsor Isle of Man students and help build up local expertise for the future benefit of the Island’s space industry.'
'The growing success of SES and the other space-related companies on the Island is further evidence of the growing diversification of the Island’s economy,' added Alex Downie MLC. 'From the outset, SES has brought considerable benefit to the Island and this latest sponsorship is further evidence of their commitment.'
Dr Kessler said of his scholarship that 'it provides a fantastic opportunity. In recent years, the space industry has seen tremendous growth and with this set to continue, I am looking forward to aquiring greater background knowledge to feed back into our company. CVI Technical Optics already manufactures and supplies to the space industry and through the MBA, I will not only gain new leadership skills but identify further areas of activity for our business.'
The IISC, which was formally opened in December 2008, was established by the International Space University (ISU) of Strasbourg to be the world's leading 'think tank' and authority on space commerce. The IISC is based at the International Business School in Douglas; the Isle of Man was chosen as the location for the IISC because of its growing importance and position in the world's space industry.
In view of the Island's key role in space commerce, one of the residential sessions of the MBA programme will take place on the Island, with the other sessions taking place at the ISU in Strasbourg, the SES in Luxembourg, and at the George Washington and Colorado Universities in the U.S.A.
