The National Programme for the Development of Youth Skills is under way in the country under the guidance of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. It is aimed at achieving the objectives set for enhancement of abilities of the Omani youth so they are fully ready for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The programme was started so that young minds could come up with innovations/inventions in the service of society. This will help find a base for skilled youth for active participation in the economy of the future.
The course was aimed at building a society of national young cadres based on knowledge, skills, capabilities and expertise to grab opportunities in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
There were innovative ideas and fertile minds behind the programme. It was designed by Diwan of Royal Court to empower the Omani youth and equip them with values, skills and knowledge.
The programme has been well-described by His Majesty the Sultan, who is the source of inspiration for any youth initiative.
He has said: “Now, this is your turn, young people. Prepare yourselves with education, knowledge, behaviour and guidance to shoulder the responsibilities of the future.”
The programme is an expression of this vision of His Majesty the Sultan for the role of youth, which is required everywhere in the renaissance of nations and its people. This vision is reflected in the care and attention given to youth of the country.
I recently saw several creative ideas presented by young people at the Oman International Convention and Exhibition Centre at a gathering of 600 geniuses of the country.
They had got an opportunity to compete with their best applications to make life easier. Called the ‘marathon of innovations’, it was held to select 100 best ideas from among the participants.
It was heartwarming, satisfying and gratifying for all of us when we saw enthusiasm of the youth of the country who displayed their skills in the technical competitions in keeping pace with rapid developments of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Everyone showcased their best technological innovations in the service of society.
Creative ideas provide practical solutions in areas related to education, tourism, industry, public services, home maintenance, recruitment of domestic workers, among other things. These applications were capable of reducing time and effort required for any task.
This is the place where the future economy begins. It benefits from the information revolution.
The programme has “lit the torch of ideas” among young people of the country in an unprecedented manner through unlimited support from His Majesty the Sultan.
It takes the young hands of the Sultanate to platforms of the future by motivating them to compete so the best are selected to qualify for colleges and universities.
This is how capabilities in areas of applications development are built with local and international cooperation.
The selection of 100 projects in the competition, to be considered as viable projects, is an important step for encouraging creativity and spirit of innovation among the Omani youth.
This can help in enrichment of the economy through technical projects that provide solutions for various problems and make life better and easier.
We hope this national programme will be successful and fruitful for the entire country. The country is pinning hopes on Omani scientists who will not only lead the country but also make human life in the entire world better through their knowledge.
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