Latest news with #SultanQaboosUniversity
Muscat Daily
5 days ago
- Science
- Muscat Daily
5 projects from Oman qualify for London International Youth Science Forum
Muscat – The Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation announced the names of the qualifiers for the 66th London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF), scheduled to take place from July 23 to August 6 in London, United Kingdom. Out of 430 research projects submitted in various science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, 30 met the competition's eligibility criteria. Following a rigorous evaluation, the top five projects were selected to represent Oman at LIYSF 2025. Among the selected researchers is Hala al Zaabi, whose project focuses on the dual treatment of waste leachate using date seed tannins and advanced oxidation technology. Al Muntasir al Maamari qualified with a project on AI-supported green hydrogen production from mesquite trees and industrial waste. Saif al Hashar's project, titled Anfay , is an AI-powered plastic classification tool. Zainab al Maharbi qualified with Nadeem , a platform designed to support children with autism and their parents. Dima al Maawali's project introduces Oman's first AI-powered digital platform to identify damaged water pipes. The selected projects were evaluated by a specialised panel comprising experts from Sultan Qaboos University, the University of Buraimi, the Global College of Engineering and Technology, and the Military Technological College. Abeer al Jabri, Research Capacity Building Specialist at the ministry, noted that LIYSF has empowered more than 22,000 students globally since its inception in 1959. Oman's participation has steadily grown over the years, with 817 applicants since 2016, 123 shortlisted projects, and 43 final representatives. The forum aims to foster international scientific collaboration, expose young researchers to cutting-edge advancements, and develop innovation skills through direct engagement with global experts.
Observer
5 days ago
- Science
- Observer
Five Omani projects selected for London science forum
Muscat: The Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation (MoHERI) announced on Tuesday the names of five outstanding Omani research projects that have been selected to represent the Sultanate of Oman at the 66th edition of the London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF) 2025. The announcement follows the conclusion of a national competition that saw 340 research proposals submitted by young researchers across the Sultanate of Oman. After rigorous evaluation, 30 projects were shortlisted, from which the top five were chosen to take part in this globally respected event, scheduled to be held in London, United Kingdom, from July 23 to August 6, 2025. The selected projects reflect a diversity of ideas addressing critical environmental and technological challenges through innovative scientific solutions. The five representatives are: Hala bint Ali al Zuabiyah, for her project titled 'Dual Treatment of Landfill Leachate Using Date Seed Tannins and Advanced Oxidation Technology', Al Muntasir bin Salim al Maamari, for his project 'AI-Assisted Green Hydrogen Production from Prosopis Juliflora and Industrial Waste', Saif bin Jumaa al Hashar, for his environmentally focused project 'Envai,' which integrates sustainability and technology, Zainab bint Khamis al Maharbiyah, for her digital platform 'Nadeem,' which supports social impact projects and fosters community engagement and Deema bint Khalaf al Maawaliyah, for her AI-powered digital platform designed to identify the most damaged pipes within water networks, helping reduce water losses and improve resource management. The evaluation of submissions was carried out by a panel of experts comprising faculty and researchers from Sultan Qaboos University, University of Technology and Applied Sciences (Al Sharqiyah Branch), the Global College of Engineering and Technology, and the Military Technological College. The judging criteria focused on originality, scientific merit, real-world applicability and innovative potential. Speaking on the significance of Oman's participation, Abeer bint Mubarak al Jabri, Research and Innovation Capacity Building Specialist at MoHERI, highlighted that the London International Youth Science Forum is a non-profit social institution established in 1959, which has since transformed the lives of more than 22,000 students worldwide. 'The forum brings together young science enthusiasts from around the world to exchange knowledge, explore cultural diversity, and engage with leading scientists and researchers,' she said. 'It serves as a global platform that empowers future scientists with critical skills, insights, and international exposure.' Al Jabri noted that Oman's participation in LIYSF reflects the country's broader goals of strengthening youth capabilities in research and innovation, encouraging creativity and promoting global scientific dialogue. She added: 'The forum enables Omani students to build networks with peers from different countries, learn about emerging technologies and gain hands-on experience in various scientific domains. It is a space where young minds are inspired to think globally and act scientifically. Between 2016 and 2024, the national competition has attracted a total of 817 applicants, with 123 projects making it to the final evaluation rounds. Of these, 43 students have represented Oman at the LIYSF to date."
Observer
19-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
HR forum empowers Oman's energy workforce
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Energy and Minerals has launched the inaugural Energy Sector Human Resources Forum, held under the auspices of Eng Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals. Taking place from May 19–20, 2025, at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, the forum aims to reshape human capital development in the energy sector in alignment with Oman Vision 2040. DRIVING TRANSFORMATION THROUGH HUMAN CAPITAL Bringing together executive leaders, HR professionals, academics, and policymakers, the forum underscores the urgency of building an agile, future-ready workforce amid rapid changes in the global energy landscape. The event highlights Oman's efforts to promote economic diversification and empower its national workforce. In his opening speech, Eng Salim al Aufi emphasised the forum's role in fostering collaborative thinking and policy innovation. He stressed that empowering Omani talent, enhancing workplace well-being, and nurturing supportive environments are vital to boosting institutional performance and national competitiveness. He called on participants to reimagine HR strategies, strengthen academia-industry ties, and advance public-private cooperation. Held under the theme 'Strategic Human Resources in the Energy Sector,' the forum tackled four priority areas: 1. Leadership Resilience in navigating economic and technological disruption. 2. Innovative Omanization, bridging the gap between education and employment. 3. Future Skills, focusing on digital transformation and workforce upskilling. 4. Mental Health & Safety, promoting stability and productivity at work. The first day featured four interactive workshops facilitated by industry experts. These sessions encouraged participants to propose practical, actionable solutions to HR challenges, which will be reviewed for integration into sector-wide policies. THOUGHT LEADERSHIP AND ACADEMIA-INDUSTRY DIALOGUE A CEO panel headlined the first day, offering insights into labour market shifts, talent retention, and the impact of digitalisation on leadership models. On the second day, the forum hosted an academic session titled 'Integration of Knowledge and Energy', featuring top university leaders from Sultan Qaboos University, the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, and the German University of Technology in Oman. The session focused on aligning academic curricula with industry needs and fostering R&D partnerships to support energy innovation. Participants also joined expert-led knowledge exchange sessions exploring practical solutions to the forum's key themes. Attendees were awarded participation certificates, reinforcing the forum's emphasis on engagement and learning. STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS AND AGREEMENTS The forum also served as a platform for signing several high-impact agreements and MoUs aimed at advancing workforce development and sector innovation. Highlights included: PDO & SMEDA: Supporting SMEs in the solar energy sector through the Ishraq Programme. PDO, Oman LNG & Sur LNG: Enhancing talent mobility through a joint MoU on talent acquisition PDO & Takatuf: Providing advanced human capital services. Shell & Takatuf Petrofac Oman (TPO): Launching training programs for technical operators. OPAL & Oman Energy Institute: Developing clean energy training programmes. OPAL & TPO Centte: Expanding vocational training opportunities. MEM & Rihal: Creating a digital dashboard to monitor rig and jack-up contracts for greater transparency. A PLATFORM FOR SUSTAINABLE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT The forum concluded with a commitment to transforming dialogue into action. Recommendations and insights generated during the event will be submitted to the Ministry of Energy and Minerals to inform future policies and initiatives. As a cornerstone initiative, the Energy Sector Human Resources Forum marks the beginning of a structured, long-term approach to building a resilient, skilled, and competitive national workforce—paving the way for a more integrated, innovative, and sustainable energy future in Oman.
Observer
13-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Opportunities matter as much as skills, says educator
Possessing the right skills is essential, so is creating opportunities for young people to explore and secure meaningful career paths, opines Dr Ali bin Saud al Bimani, who, drawing from his vast experience as both an educator and vice-chancellor at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) and NU. He voiced a growing concern — the increasing challenge of youth unemployment in Oman. The debate over job market success is far from straightforward. Some argue that a strong academic foundation is the key to securing employment, while others emphasise the importance of specialised skill sets tailored to 21st-century industries. Another perspective champions vocational training as a viable and necessary alternative. This divide is further reflected in the sheer number of applications received for job vacancies. 'For a vacancy of 20, there are often over 1,000 qualified applicants. When only 20 are selected, does it mean the remaining 980 lack skills? Or is this simply a reflection of the limited job opportunities available?' Dr Al Bimani posed a thought-provoking question, highlighting the intricate web of factors that influence employment outcomes — qualifications, experience, industry demands, and, above all, the realities of a highly competitive job market. Each year, the country produces approximately 50,000 high school graduates and around 25,000 university graduates — an impressive testament to the government's strong commitment to education. However, despite this investment, the economy is not expanding at a pace that can absorb such a large influx of skilled individuals. He says, as a result, thousands of graduates find themselves struggling to secure positions in both the public and private sectors, leading to rising concerns over unemployment and underemployment. Dr Al Bimani cautions against the tendency to assign blame, emphasising that the focus should instead be on structural solutions. He underscores the urgent need for Oman to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and foster private sector growth. "Expanding economic opportunities is the most sustainable way to bridge the employment gap and ensure that the nation's talented youth have access to meaningful careers," he said. He stressed the critical role of Industrial Internships, hands-on training in bridging skill gaps, and effective entrepreneurship structure at universities advocating for stronger workforce development programmes that combine academic learning with practical life experience. He pointed out three major areas of untapped potential that could serve as engines of economic growth. First, Oman's 3,165-kilometre coastline — stretching along the Arabian Sea, the Sea of Oman and the Arabian Gulf — offers immense opportunities for the fishing and marine industry. Investing in fish processing and export infrastructure could create new jobs and empower Omani entrepreneurs. Second, the country's plentiful sunshine is a largely untapped resource for solar energy generation and potentially innovative battery storage. Third, Oman's diverse mineral resources make it a unique global phenomenon if utilised wisely. Capitalising on these natural advantages could not only boost economic diversification, but also position Oman as a leader in a sustainable economy less dependent on oil and gas resources supporting 2040 vision.
Observer
12-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
SQU concludes its annual celebration of University Day 2025
MUSCAT: The Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) recently concluded its annual celebration of University Day 2025, under the auspices of HH Sayyid Dr Fahd bin Al Julanda al Said, Vice-Chancellor of SQU. The celebrations honoured a number of members in recognition of their efforts during the 2024/2025 academic year and to motivate them towards a future filled with giving and achievement. The ceremony included a number of distinguished students, including the head of the Student Tourism Group, which is affiliated with the Department of Tourism at Sultan Qaboos University. The group's role is to spread tourism awareness to the largest possible audience inside and outside the university, and to promote the group's name and influence within the community through organising and participating in a number of events and seminars related to tourism in the Sultanate of Oman. During the event, HH Sayyid Dr Fahd bin Al Julanda al Said, Vice-Chancellor of SQU, honoured Abdullah al Rawas, Chairman of the Student Tourism Group, in recognition of his efforts in organising numerous events and workshops both inside and outside the university. Al Rawas, speaking at the event, said, "I feel proud and honoured to be among those who excelled in academic activities this year, especially since this honour bears the name of Sultan Qaboos University. It also marks the end of my university career as a badge of honour for me and the group, which will certainly have a significant impact on my personal and professional life." It is worth noting that the group participated in six different events during the Khareef Dhofar 2024/2025, including the Omani Press Conference, which was themed "Investment - Economy - Media," in addition to the Marhaba Dhofar event, where the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism organised joint sessions between tourism sector companies in the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
