Manah: The 20th Students’ Forum of The University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) concluded at the Oman Across Ages Museum.
The museum is located in the Wilayat of Manah in the heart of the Governorate of A’Dakhiliyah, Oman Across Ages Museum is just one hour and 40 minutes (160 km) by car from Muscat and 20 minutes (20km) from Nizwa. The museum traces the story of Oman from prehistoric times to the present, spanning different ages, dynasties and civilisation.
The closing ceremony was held under the patronage of Dr. Said Al Rubaie, UTAS Vice Chancellor, in the presence of deans of UTAS branches, academic and administrative staff and students from the various branches.
Dr Mohammed Al Kharusi, Dean of UTAS Nizwa, welcomed the gathering and in his address said: “We conclude the 20th Students’ Forum on a fruitful note. All participating projects were creative and unique. I thank every single member who helped in the success of this forum”. He added: “Oman Across Ages Museum offered us a great support and there could be no better venue for the forum. I also thank our sponsors International Energy and Investment LLC, and Al Saifi Halwa for their support.”
The top three winners of all competitions of the forum including the Hackathon and Students’ Creativity Competitions were awarded. UTAS Nizwa won the Proficiency Shield while UTAS Muscat came second and was followed by UTAS Sohar.
UTAS Shinas team of Khawla Al Omrani, Walaa Al Shidi, Al Anood Al Issaei, Mohammed Al Muqbali, Ahmed Al Muqbali, Manar Al Saidi, and Amal Al Hosni won the top prize in the best Company Idea Competition for their project titled “Dojj Company”, which is related to food security.
In remarks to Times of Oman, one of the students of the winning team, said: “We are working on this idea since 2019. To win the top prize is a moment of pride for us and for our university. The project is in the field of food security, which is an essential one for the Sultanate in the times to come.”
Ali Al Hajri, the head of students’ activities in UTAS, who chaired all the competitions at the Forum said: “During the forum, we witnessed innovation from all branches of UTAS. The talent shown was exceptional and we are proud of our students. They can compete not only on the local level but they will make us proud at the regional and international level in the future.”