Latest news with #RebeccaOlson
Zawya
07-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Building Oman's Human + AI Edge: From vision to practical action
As Oman moves toward achieving its Vision 2040 goals, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not just a technological tool but a national capability that can boost productivity, prepare the workforce, diversify the economy, and strengthen global competitiveness. Oman has long been a nation of bold navigators and early adopters. Historically, its sea-faring pioneers embraced complexity and opportunity with a sense of purpose. Today, that same spirit of fearless and purposeful innovation can guide the nation as it enters the AI era – with strategic clarity, skilled and ready workforce, and execution discipline at the core. The future of AI in Oman lies not in grand but abstract ideas or one-off pilot technology projects, but inpractically harnessing AI capabilities within daily work. The real breakthrough happens when individuals – regardless of technical background – adopt AI to streamline processes, enhance decisions, and free up time. The current wave of AI innovation is a great equaliser. It's intuitive, accessible, and powerful – giving individuals and organisations new ways to work smarter and grow faster. As AI upskilling and adoption expands, so do the possibilities for Omani entrepreneurs to create entirely new business models and community solutions. This is where GDP impact – potentially $1bn or more – can emerge. Making AI real: Focus on human, not hype Last month, Oman American Business Council (OABC) hosted a webinar led by HumanSense Labs and a guest speaker who previously led Microsoft Office AI initiatives. The goal was to demystify AI and put people's minds at ease. The event drew a diverse audience ranging from government representatives to SMEs and General Managers to technologists. That engagement reflected a key insight: Oman is ready for AI! Participants were keen to drive practical outcomes. One leader emphasised the opportunity to use AI to unlock valuable organisational knowledge hidden in documents, especially in Arabic, where AI could bridge information gaps. Another was curious about how to improve prompting skills, a new but critical competency for professionals looking to use AI tools effectively within their daily workflow. A third acknowledged integration challenges across legacy systems, and we emphasised that AI journeys must be business-driven – not treated as typical IT projects. Rebecca Olson, CEO, Oman American Business Council noted, 'Oman has the opportunity to lead not by chasing trends, but by applying AI in ways that are grounded in its people and its priorities. The interest showed by business leaders during our recent session was unmistakable – there's real appetite to move from curiosity to practical action.' Start where you work While AI has existed since the 1950s, today's AI is different: it is practical, intuitive, and accessible even to non-technical professionals. That creates both a powerful opportunity and a navigational challenge: Where do you begin? How do you make AI truly useful? How do you keep pace? The good news: AI doesn't reward perfection, it rewards momentum. Momentum begins with one empowered employee, one process, one decision. Pick a specific function or set of tasks that are repetitive or time-consuming Experiment using GenAI as a digital co-worker and trusted colleague Explore how you might re-imagine entire workflows using Agentic AI While national strategies and governance frameworks are critical, the best starting point is simple: treat AI like a core life skill – on par with reading, writing, and arithmetic. This is the moment to move from curiosity to confidence building, from being a bystander to becoming a confident adopter. One practical step is to assess your organisation's AI readiness to gain insights into your current capabilities. Oman has a rare opportunity to harness the power of AI – building on its legacy of exploration and its tradition of thoughtful, purpose-driven development. The Human + AI Edge is not about replacing people – it's about empowering each person to achieve their fullest potential and contribute to a greater national vision. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Muscat Daily
06-05-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Building Oman's Human + AI Edge: From vision to practical action
By Sainath Nagarajan As Oman moves toward achieving its Vision 2040 goals, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not just a technological tool but a national capability that can boost productivity, prepare the workforce, diversify the economy, and strengthen global competitiveness. Oman has long been a nation of bold navigators and early adopters. Historically, its sea-faring pioneers embraced complexity and opportunity with a sense of purpose. Today, that same spirit of fearless and purposeful innovation can guide the nation as it enters the AI era – with strategic clarity, skilled and ready workforce, and execution discipline at the core. The future of AI in Oman lies not in grand but abstract ideas or one-off pilot technology projects, but inpractically harnessing AI capabilities within daily work. The real breakthrough happens when individuals – regardless of technical background – adopt AI to streamline processes, enhance decisions, and free up time. The current wave of AI innovation is a great equaliser. It's intuitive, accessible, and powerful – giving individuals and organisations new ways to work smarter and grow faster. As AI upskilling and adoption expands, so do the possibilities for Omani entrepreneurs to create entirely new business models and community solutions. This is where GDP impact – potentially $1bn or more – can emerge. Making AI real: Focus on human, not hype Last month, Oman American Business Council (OABC) hosted a webinar led by HumanSense Labs and a guest speaker who previously led Microsoft Office AI initiatives. The goal was to demystify AI and put people's minds at ease. The event drew a diverse audience ranging from government representatives to SMEs and General Managers to technologists. That engagement reflected a key insight: Oman is ready for AI! Participants were keen to drive practical outcomes. One leader emphasised the opportunity to use AI to unlock valuable organisational knowledge hidden in documents, especially in Arabic, where AI could bridge information gaps. Another was curious about how to improve prompting skills, a new but critical competency for professionals looking to use AI tools effectively within their daily workflow. A third acknowledged integration challenges across legacy systems, and we emphasised that AI journeys must be business-driven – not treated as typical IT projects. Rebecca Olson, CEO, Oman American Business Council noted, 'Oman has the opportunity to lead not by chasing trends, but by applying AI in ways that are grounded in its people and its priorities. The interest showed by business leaders during our recent session was unmistakable – there's real appetite to move from curiosity to practical action.' Start where you work While AI has existed since the 1950s, today's AI is different: it is practical, intuitive, and accessible even to non-technical professionals. That creates both a powerful opportunity and a navigational challenge: Where do you begin? How do you make AI truly useful? How do you keep pace? The good news: AI doesn't reward perfection, it rewards momentum. Momentum begins with one empowered employee, one process, one decision. Pick a specific function or set of tasks that are repetitive or time-consuming Experiment using GenAI as a digital co-worker and trusted colleague Explore how you might re-imagine entire workflows using Agentic AI While national strategies and governance frameworks are critical, the best starting point is simple: treat AI like a core life skill – on par with reading, writing, and arithmetic. This is the moment to move from curiosity to confidence building, from being a bystander to becoming a confident adopter. One practical step is to assess your organisation's AI readiness to gain insights into your current capabilities. Oman has a rare opportunity to harness the power of AI – building on its legacy of exploration and its tradition of thoughtful, purpose-driven development. The Human + AI Edge is not about replacing people – it's about empowering each person to achieve their fullest potential and contribute to a greater national vision.
Times of Oman
24-04-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Europcar Presents the Oman Internship Fair 2025 - Bridging Talent and industry
Muscat: The Oman Internship Fair 2025 was proudly presented on 21st April 2025 at the Diplomatic Club by Europcar, powered by Oman American Business Council (OABC), in partnership with The Diplomatic Club, Strategic partners the British Business Forum (BBF) and the Indo Gulf and Middle East Chamber of Commerce( INMECC), and supported by Crowe, in collaboration with the Arab Open University, German University of Technology, and Majan University College. The landmark event brought together over 60 leading companies, 300 aspiring interns, and 5 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for a day of professional networking and career exploration. In its first edition, the fair provided a dynamic platform that forged new pathways for Omani youth to engage directly with potential employers and discover internship opportunities across various industries. Advisory board comprising distinguished leaders from industry and academia played a pivotal role in shaping the fair's program and ensuring its relevance to both students and employers. The advisory board members included: • Nitin Sapre, CEO of Europcar Oman & Bahrain • Rebecca Olson, CEO of OABC • Charm Majolica, Director of The Diplomatic Club • Maggie Jeans OBE, Founder Director of BBF • Davis Kallukaran, Director of INMECC and Managing Partner of Crowe • Dr. Kabaly Subramanian, Dean Faculty of Business Studies, Arab Open University • Dr. Fatma El Madkouri, Head of Registration & Student Affairs, GUtech • Dr. Ramalingam Dharmalingam, Asst. Professor Faculty of IT, Majan University Collage The fair offered a rare opportunity to meet prospective employers and explore real-world career pathways. Participating businesses – spanning sectors from finance and technology to tourism and engineering – showcased structured internship programs and were able to identify promising talent early. The inclusion of five NGOs underscored the broader community's commitment to youth development, highlighting avenues for social impact careers alongside corporate opportunities. Together, the diverse participants created an energetic environment of mentorship, professional growth, and community engagement aimed at empowering Oman's next generation of leaders. Nitin Sapre, CEO of Europcar Oman & Bahrain, underlined the company's commitment to youth empowerment and professional development. 'At Europcar, we actively hire young talent and believe in their long-term value — not just for our business, but for Oman. We wanted to do something meaningful for the country, so we brought this idea forward and invited business groups to join us. Internships are a practical way for companies to give back while discovering future talent,' said Sapre. Rebecca Olson, CEO of OABC, highlighted OABC's role in connecting students with industry. 'OABC's member companies were thrilled to meet so many talented future employees at the internship fair. It was a win win for all attendees and a great chance to connect face to face with other employers as well.' Olson stated. Charm Majolica, Director of The Diplomatic Club, reflected on the venue's mission to host transformative, community-impacting events. 'We are honored to host this impactful event and support initiatives that build bridges between education and industry,' noted Majolica. Maggie Jeans OBE, Founding Director of BBF, spoke on the importance of nurturing young talent for Oman's economic future. 'BBF is delighted to support this initiative. Investing in youth talent is crucial for the future of business in Oman,' said Jeans. Davis Kallukaran, Advisory Board Member, Director of INMECC, and Managing Partner of Crowe, emphasized the long-term economic significance of such initiatives: 'Oman's youth are among its greatest assets. By connecting them early with the business ecosystem, we not only empower individuals but also lay the groundwork for a more innovative and resilient economy. INMECC is proud to be a part of this mission.' The Oman Internship Fair 2025 stands as a testament to the power of cross-sector collaboration in cultivating the next generation of Omani professionals. By bridging the gap between academia and industry, Europcar Oman and their partners have created a sustainable platform for talent development that will benefit Oman's economy for years to come. Organizers of the fair expressed optimism that this successful inaugural event will pave the way for future editions, further strengthening the link between education and employment in the Sultanate of Oman.
Observer
23-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
450 students turn up at the internship fair
As many as 450 students from different colleges and universities, along with more than 50 corporate representatives and employers, turned up for the internship fair hosted by the Diplomatic Club in Al Qurum recently. The Fair, the first of its kind in Oman, aimed to match students with prospective employers for paid internships. Companies from all sectors, including corporates and SMEs, attended the Fair. Participants noted that the fair provided a platform to explore job and internship opportunities, a crucial step in their career preparation. In addition to networking opportunities, the fair offered CV review sessions and mock interviews to help students refine their resumes and improve their interview skills. The day-long event also provided students and graduates with a vital opportunity to connect with industry professionals and build skills necessary for success in a competitive job market. "The internship fair was a great success, providing participants with valuable practical feedback and helping them understand employer expectations to enhance their job market prospects," said Nitin Sapre, CEO of Europcar in Oman & Bahrain, who initiated the idea for the Fair with his team. The event was supported by the British Business Forum (BBF), Oman American Business Council (OABC) and the Indo Gulf & Middle East Chamber of Commerce (INMECC). "The OABC's member companies were excited to meet talented future employees at the internship fair. It was a win-win for all attendees and a great opportunity to connect face-to-face with other employers," said Rebecca Olson of OABC. Plans are already in motion to repeat the event annually and bring in more participants to provide guidance for their careers, added Maggie Jeans from BBF. GUtech, represented by the Student Affairs Department, previously hosted its annual Career and Internship Fair, bringing together students, graduates and company representatives for networking and professional development.
Times of Oman
09-04-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Europcar Oman presents 'The Internship Fair 2025: Bridging Talent and Industry'
Muscat: Europcar Oman proudly presents the first-ever Internship Fair 2025, powered by the Oman American Business Council (OABC) and hosted at The Diplomatic Club, Muscat, taking place on April 21st and supported by British Business Forum (BBF) and the Indo Gulf Chamber of Commerce (INMECC), held in partnership with academic collaborators Arab Open University and the German University of Technology (GUtech). This landmark event is designed to connect students and recent graduates with leading companies across the country, creating real-world career pathways for Oman's emerging talent. Participating businesses will benefit from structured support to create impactful internship programs and identify talent early. More than 30 organizations from various industries will participate, offering students a rare opportunity to meet potential future employers, explore internship programs, and discover the roles that best fit their skills and ambitions. 'At Europcar, we actively hire young talent and believe in their long-term value—not just for our business, but for Oman,' said Nitin Sapre, CEO of Europcar Oman & Bahrain. 'We wanted to do something meaningful for the country, so we brought this idea forward and invited business groups to join us. Internships are a practical way for companies to give back while discovering future talent.' Rebecca Olson, CEO of Oman American Business Council (OABC), emphasized - 'OABC is proud to power this initiative, reinforcing our mission to bridge opportunities between business and future leaders in Oman, and hats off to Europcar for leading the charge on creating real-world career pathways for Oman's emerging talent.' Maggie Jeans, representing the British Business Forum (BBF), added: 'BBF is delighted to support this initiative. Investing in youth talent is crucial for the future of business in Oman.' Charm Majolica, Director of The Diplomatic Club, welcomed the collaboration: 'We are honored to host this impactful event and support initiatives that build bridges between education and industry.' Davis Kallukaran, Managing Partner of Crowe and Founder Director of Indo Gulf Chamber of Commerce (INMECC), commented: 'This initiative is a brilliant example of academia, industry, and community working together to create real-world impact.' Representing the academic partners, Dr. Kabaly, Dean-Faculty of Business Studies from Arab Open University stated: 'We are delighted to see our students participate in a forum that directly connects them to the professional world.' Fatma Al Madkouri Head of Student Affairs & Intern Placements from German Institute of Techology (GUtech), added: 'Such collaborations are vital in preparing our graduates for tomorrow's challenges. We are excited to be part of this journey.' The Europcar Oman Internship Fair 2025 represents a collaborative effort between the private sector, academia, and the broader business community to strengthen career pathways and empower the next generation.
