MUSCAT: Education in the 21st century spans from cradle to grave, from kindergarten to corporate training to lifelong learning.
This was the focus of discussion at a conference ‘Inside Stories’ organised by Ithraa in Muscat. “Quality education is essential to the economic development of any nation,” explained Talib al Makhmari, Director-General of Marketing and Media at Ithraa, Oman’s inward investment and export development agency, and organiser of the monthly Inside Stories initiative.
This fact is clearly evidenced from past experiences of countries, such as Singapore, Ireland and South Korea.
“The inability to develop future talent with the right skills could potentially prevent Omani companies from scaling up operations, meeting demand in new export markets and launching new products and services. Bringing business and education closer together is key to the Sultanate’s economic prosperity,” said Al Makhmari. Ithraa’s Inside Stories is a seven-part, free-of-charge seminar series designed to help Oman’s public and private sector better understand the opportunities offered in areas, such as hyperlocal tourism, micro-manufacturing, aquaculture, healthcare, food and beverages, and education.
“The old rules of education, training and work no longer apply,” suggested Al Makhmari. “In the years to come, the changes by the Digital Age will reshape not just our concept of education, the workplace and a career, but also the reality of how we study, train and earn a living”. The skills required for future middle and high-skilled jobs are rapidly evolving and interest in issues around national talent development and retention are clearly on the agenda. “Tuesday evening’s panel will discuss how we’ll proactively bridge gaps to make sure Omani workers are educated, trained and prepared to secure sustainable jobs that will enable them to grow and prosper,” remarked Sajda al Ghaithy, Ithraa’s media director.
Education does not just work on the national level, argues Al Ghaithy, it is also key to the success of local communities right across Oman. Skill levels drive local job and wage growth. If some workers get better skills, this not only benefits those workers, but also increases the employment rates and wage rates of everyone else in the local economy. “If we want broad-based economic growth in Oman, then we need to encourage and strengthen links between business and education,” pointed out Al Ghaithy.
Oman’s business community cannot prosper unless schools and colleges graduate a stream of well-educated, self-disciplined and motivated young people. Students finishing school with limited skills will not be able to work effectively as part of a team, operate sophisticated machinery, or take initiative. In short, they will not be able to do today’s jobs well, let alone tomorrow’s.
The Inside Stories panel included Jon Morton, Director of National CEO Program, Wail al Mugheiry, Founder of Engineering Village, Dr Ammar al Ojaili, Assistant Director of Takatuf, Kawthar Suliemani, Head of Investment Section at the Ministry of Education and Sarah Nunn, Founder of Creative Elements. — ONA
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