KEF Holdings' Chairman Faizal E. Kottikollon appointed to SRTIP Board of Directors
Sharjah: Faizal E. Kottikollon, Founder and Chairman of KEF Holdings, has been appointed to the prestigious board of directors at the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park (SRTIP). This appointment represents a significant milestone for KEF Holdings, with Faizal Kottikollon bringing his expertise and entrepreneurial vision to contribute to the development of SRTIP under the leadership of Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi.
SRTIP is poised to become a leading hub for cutting-edge research, technological advancements, and innovation in the region. The inclusion of Faizal Kottikollon on the board of directors reinforces KEF Holdings' commitment to innovation and sustainable impact in the fields of offsite construction, healthcare, education, and clinical wellness.
The esteemed board of directors comprises distinguished individuals such as His Royal Highness Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Sheikh Dr. Majid bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Dr. Abdulaziz Saeed bin Butti Al Muhairi, Dr. Hamid M.K. Al Naimiy, Hussain Mohammed Al Mahmoudi, Dr. Susan Mumm, Najla Ahmed Al Midfa, Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, Khaled Issa Al Huraimel, Dr. Aisha Bint Butti Bin Bishr, Adel Abdullah Ali, Samer Salim Al Sayegh, Abdulaziz Basem Al Loughani, Mudassir Sheikha, and Alisha Moopen. Together, they will shape the strategic direction of SRTIP.
Faizal Kottikollon expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration with SoiLAB, a venture within SRTIP, which aims to cultivate an environment conducive to creativity, technological advancement, and lasting impact on innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological progress not only in Sharjah but also beyond.
Faizal is the son of renowned Malayali entrepreneur and philanthropist PK Ahammed, Chairman of Peekay Group of Companies. He is married to Shabana Faizal, daughter of Late B Ahmed Haji Mohiudeen, Founder of B A Group, Thumbay, and a prominent business and community leader.
About KEF Group
KEF Holdings invest in businesses that are innovative, sustainable, cost-effective, and deliver positive disruptive solutions across core business sectors encompassing infrastructure, healthcare, and technology, to benefit society and build a better tomorrow.
It has a 20-year legacy of building successful businesses. It began its journey in 1995 with the opening of Al Ahamadi General Trading in Ajman, following this it launched a world-class Foundry, and a valve trading company JC Middle East. It then created Emirates Techno Casting, an integrated facility incorporating cutting-edge engineering and design lab, the world’s largest automatic molding line, steel refining furnace, machine shop, and research and development lab, rated among the top 3 technologically advanced foundries in the world.
In 2012 Tyco International, bought the business for USD 400 million, becoming the impetus for the launch of KEF Holdings' two new verticals KEF Investments and KEF Infra. KEF Investments, have built a global investment portfolio by capitalizing on low-risk, high-income opportunities in growing markets.
In the year 2018, KEF Infra announced a strategic merger with Katerra, the Menlo Park US-based technology company, revolutionizing the design and construction industries.
Staying true to its belief of being a social enterprise the company, in close collaboration with stakeholders in the public and private sectors, actively drives, funds, and supports high-impact social activities undertaken by the Faizal & Shabana Foundation
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Shivakumar opposes ‘One Nation One Election’, calls it ‘unworkable’
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday strongly opposed the central government’s proposed ‘One Nation One Election’ initiative.
Shivakumar expressed his views at a dialogue on ‘One Nation One Election’ organised by the Joint Parliamentary Study Committee.
He said the plan is a politically motivated, power-centralising scheme that would seriously damage India’s federal structure by weakening states and poses a threat to the democratic system, according to a statement from his office.
As KPCC president and deputy CM of Karnataka, he categorically rejected the proposal, stating that it is being crafted to suit the convenience of those in power at the Centre.
Shivakumar said that the Karnataka Legislative Assembly had already passed a resolution opposing ‘One Nation One Election’ and read out the resolution at the meeting.
He firmly stated that it is “not a workable plan” and added that it is “practically impossible.”
“If a government falls midterm due to political instability, a no-confidence motion, or loss of majority, what is the solution?” he asked.
“Elections are held at different times in different states for different terms. Karnataka had its election in 2023, while Tamil Nadu and Kerala had theirs in 2021, and Punjab and Telangana in 2022 and 2023, respectively. How can these elections with varying schedules be synchronised?” he asked.
He added that the proposal is a ploy to suppress the voices of regional and Opposition parties.
He also said the Karnataka government does not agree with the proposal and remains committed to the position of the Congress party’s national leadership.
