VISION FOR GROWTH
Bayan College seeks to play a key role in Oman's overall development by following international standards and best practices while remaining true to the country's values.
BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Modi Juma Saleh Al Ghailani is the Chairperson of the Executive Board, Bayan College. She received the Inspirational Leadership Award 2019 in the category of Excellence in Educational Leadership from ASIC in the UK. She is also the recipient of Woman of the Year Award - Higher Education 2019 for her leadership in the development of quality higher education in Oman.
What is the development plan for Bayan College and how is Bayan College prepared to contribute to 2040 vision?
Working to accomplish the Oman Vision 2040, our vision is to recruit more international students which will contribute to the development of the economy. Higher education institutes (HEI) have a huge impact on a country's overall comprehensive development. In Oman, my focus towards the development of HEI is to recruit more students from different countries. We have taken different initiatives to recruit from Asian countries. Oman is ranked both the safest and the friendliest country in the world for expatriates to live and work, according to a new global report that looks at the countries that are the most welcoming of foreign nationals. This is an advantage that creates peaceful environment for international students to pursue their higher studies in Oman.
Where is the media industry in Oman heading, and how are you adjusting to the trends in the sector?
In media, having an international perspective is crucial, which is why we send our students to Germany, Tunisia, Jordan, Qatar, and Lebanon for intensive 10-day media programs every year. At the same time, we make sure our students stay up to date in terms of advancements, technology, knowledge, and information trends. Bayan College was also the founder of the Arab-European Association for Media and Communication Researchers (AREACORE). All communication professors and representatives that belong to it meet annually to exchange knowledge and participate in workshops, presentations, lectures, and networking. Meanwhile, we also intend for our students to adopt the positives of the media trends of our neighboring countries. However, Oman has its own personality, and Omani media worker should take that into consideration. Blending this international and local touch is thus paramount to grow future media professionals, which is why our teachings are in English and Arabic.
What role will the private education segment in Oman play in the medium term, and what gaps can be filled by the private sector?
Education has always been the top priority of His Excellency, the Late Sultan Qaboos' leadership. The private higher education sector has the ability to fulfill his vision, and position Oman as the leading knowledge hub in the region. The private higher education sector will align its work with Oman Vision 2040 and ensure a vibrant and high-quality educational system with communal partnerships with national and international bodies is maintained and strengthened. Bayan College is committed to complying with the integrated and independent system for the governance and evaluation of the educational system in accordance with national and international standards and priorities. Bayan College is an internationally accredited college with premium institution status by Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges and Universities (ASIC) in the UK. All courses offered by Bayan College adhere to the following principles: value-reinforcing curricula; deep respect for the principles of Islam and the Omani identity; drawing inspiration from the history and heritage of Oman; keeping abreast of the requirements of sustainable development and future skillsets; and supporting diversification of educational pathways. Bayan College upholds a system that empowers human capabilities in the educational sector. It prioritizes scientific research, creativity, and innovation that contribute to building a knowledge-based economy and society. The senior management of the college has always ensured that there is proper funding in place for high-quality teaching and learning and to support and encourage innovative scientific research. It has also implemented various initiatives to identify and motivate national talents with the competitive capabilities and skills, both nationally and globally.
What are the strategic priorities for 2020 for Bayan College?
The first priority is to attract international students and ensure quality education. We are also doing our best to expand through new programs, and we intend to build additional facilities on a large piece of land we own. We will imminently be evolving into a university, upon our merger with Mazoon College.
VISION FOR GROWTH
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Focus: Future foreign policy
Friends to all, enemy to none
In championing the late Sultan Qaboos' non-interference foreign policy, the new ruler of Oman, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, is determined to work for friendship and peace, justice and harmony, and coexistence and positive constructive dialogue.
read articleInterview
David Kalife, CEO, Oman Oil Marketing Company (OOMCO)
Despite Oman's fuel market slowing down, OOMCO increased its sales volume of lubricants by 36% in 2019 and is constructing a greenfield bunker terminal at the Port of Duqm. The company has transformed while growing its expertise in Marketing and Digital.
read articleInterview
Azzan Al Busaidi, CEO, Ithraa
Azzan Al Busaidi is an expert in competitiveness and economic growth. He was appointed CEO of Ithraa in 2019 after 17 years spent covering managerial roles in the organization. Al Busaidi was previously Ithraa's director general of planning and studies and is a strong advocate of the potential of digitization. He holds an MBA from the University of Strathclyde and a BSc in Economics from Sultan Qaboos University.
read articleInterview
Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry & Investment Promotion & Former Chairman, Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Private Omani companies will be able to benefit greatly from the Fourth Industrial Revolution by enhancing their local value-added strategies and upskilling the workforce.
read articleInterview
Tahir Bin Salim Bin Abdullah Al Amri, Executive President, Central Bank of Oman (CBO)
The Central Bank of Oman's job is to ensure there is adequate liquidity in the system and that banks remain robust and resilient to meet the credit requirements of all segments without undermining financial stability.
read articleB2B
Capital markets
CMA and MSM are supporting Vision 2040 by providing financing to government companies that intend to go public, financing expansion of existing and new IPOs, and widening the investors base in Oman by enhancing and developing the investment funds and insurance industries.
read articleInterview
Khalid Al Balushi, CEO, Khazaen Economic City
International investors and business owners can benefit from Khazaen Economic City's strategic location and its close proximity to the main gateways of the country to import, process, manufacture, distribute locally, and export their goods and services.
read articleFocus: Port 4.0
Destined for greatness
Investments in world-class infrastructure have generated huge rewards for Oman. The goal now is to leverage technology as a disruptive enabler, build human capacity across the public and private logistics sectors, and drive operational efficiencies to build an integrated logistics business environment that is benchmarked against the world's best.
read articleFocus: Gap in tourism services
All bases covered
An amalgamation of local companies and unique experiences in Oman has created an original flavor that is further differentiating Oman's tourism offering from other countries and in the process attracting scores of tourists from all across the world.
read articleB2B
Engineering design
Renardet Engineering Consultants and Design Unit Engineering are recognized experts in their fields. While the former is an international company strongly committed to excellent engineering consultancy services and environmental practices, the latter is an Oman-based team of architects and engineers that incorporates local culture and traditions.
read articleB2B
Construction materials
Oman's construction sector is facing a host of challenges, but Hempel Paints and Al Maha Ceramics are confident that a mix of forward-thinking business models, unique products, and strong government initiatives will help them through turbulent times and generate positive returns in the long run.
read articleInterview
Salim Razvi, CEO, Oman Academic Accreditation Authority (OAAA)
Focusing on higher education institutional accreditation, program accreditation, and the updating and maintaining of the Oman Qualifications Framework, OAAA is helping further advance higher education in the Sultanate.
read article
