By Hasan Kamoonpuri -
MUSCAT — The first annual alumni meet of Ibra College of Technology (ICT) graduates from the Department of Business Studies was a huge success.
The event was held recently on the college premises under the auspices of Shaikh Salah al Ma’awali, Director -General, Small and Medium Enterprises, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and Saeed al Muqbali, Head of Vocational Training Guidance, Ministry of Manpower.
Almost 50 per cent graduates of the Business Department, who are spread across various regions of the Sultanate, participated in the event.
“This clearly highlights the healthy relationship the alumni share with their alma mater”, said Dr Qasim al Mara’shi, Dean, Ibra College.
The occasion was marked with a plethora of activities including presentations, cultural shows and a session for sharing experiences by the alumni. Shaikh Salah al Ma’awali enlightened the gathering about the Small and Medium Enterprises in Oman, including the history of SMEs, how to go about starting a business and the support provided by the ministry in this regard.
The session certainly stimulated the entrepreneurial talents among the alumni community. It was good to note that most of the alumni are doing well in their careers”, said Shaikh Salah about the programme.
Saeed al Muqbali gave the alumni a presentation on the Omanisation process going on in the Sultanate.
He highlighted how the job-seekers can approach the Ministry of Manpower and what services are on offer through the Directorate of Employment. This session was a boon to alumni members who were still looking for jobs.
“This is a very good initiative by the Business Department of Ibra College to bring their alumni back together. I hope other colleges would follow suit soon,” said Saeed al Muqbali.
The session on sharing of experiences by the alumni became emotional with all of them sharing the good old memories of their college life.
They opined that the learning and experiences they gained from the college had played a major role in shaping their careers.
Fatma al Mughairi, who completed her higher diploma in Office Management and is currently pursuing her Bachelors in the Higher College of Technology, said the college has helped her to build her confidence, ability to deal with people and also the ability to meet and overcome challenges. Many of her batch mates shared the same opinion.
“I am very glad to come back to my college and meet my teachers and friends. It was a pleasure to study in this college and I would be very happy to be associated with the college in the future”, said Hussain al Sharji, a Human Resource graduate who is currently working as a staff relations officer with Oman Gas Company.
The gathering also witnessed the formation of an Ibra College Alumni Association which would enhance and support the college’s mission of developing graduates who would contribute effectively to the Sultanate’s ongoing economic development.
The programme concluded with a familiarisation session for the alumni about the alumni portal on the college website that was developed to encourage the alumni to be in constant touch with their alma mater.
The programme was inaugurated on behalf of the College Dean by
Dr Abdullah al Maskari, the Assistant Dean for Academic affairs.
Fatma al Harthy, Assistant Dean for Students Affairs, welcomed the gathering and Abdul Jaleel, Head of Business Department, proposed a vote of thanks.
