Panellists at Global Shaper event discourage fear of economic downturn

Panellists at Global Shaper event discourage fear of economic downturn

Photos by AR Rajkumar

Staff Reporter

Muscat: Don’t fear the economic downturn; there will be more opportunities, said panellists during a discussion on the subject of “Igniting Entrepreneurship,” an initiative by Global Shapers Muscat.
The Global Shaper’s Muscat hub organised the discussion for its representation at Shaping Davos 2016, a platform created by the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting to draw light to the existing issues in a region, which would be relayed at the Davos annual meet from January 20 to 23.
According to the panel members, more research and development institutions are required for bridging the opportunity gaps.
“Institutions, such as Injaz are needed more, because one is not enough for a whole nation," the panel suggested.
The panel included Abdullah Al Jufaili, general manager of Sharakah, Dr Adham Al Said, partner at the Firm and assistant professor of Economics at the Sultan Qaboos University, Shabib Al Mamamri, executive director of Injaz Oman, Sharifa Al Barami, executive partner at AGSI, Rym Aoudia, president of Knowledge Oman and Mahmood Zeyad, managing director of Startup Oman and Global Shaper.
Under the patronage of the key speakers, issues, such as injecting ambition in youth, the purpose behind being an entrepreneur, starting and sustaining businesses in the current economic condition were discussed.
According to the organisers, “The primary objective of ‘Igniting Entrepreneurship’ at the Muscat hub is to place Oman’s youth under the spotlight, discuss entrepreneurial implications, hurdles and more in a local and global context and to share the innovative solutions of the Omani youth on a global platform.”
“Igniting Entrepreneurship” also suggested that a more lucrative environment should be created for giving awards.
“With the economic challenges facing the region, entrepreneurship could not be more relevant. Creating opportunities could be the next big challenge for our generation,” Global Shaper’s Zeyad said during the event.
"Once we have entrepreneurs by choice and not by need, we will be able to create a solid, healthy ecosystem" said Al Mamari from Injaz Oman, who has also been chosen as the virtual speaker from Oman for the Live Panel Discussion at Davos 2016.