‘Leaders of Tomorrow’ gives students chance to learn about industry

The Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) has concluded another successful edition of its Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT) programme for the first time in Oman during the 9th GPCA Fertiliser Convention held from September 18-20 at Kempinski Hotel, Muscat.

Praised as one of the most successful editions to date, the programme’s 8th edition saw 70 students from across the GCC sponsored by five GPCA member companies participate in the event and enjoy an opportunity to learn about the regional fertiliser industry and network with senior industry leaders.

The seminar began with an introduction to Leaders of Tomorrow and GPCA, followed by a presentation by Samir al Abdrabbuh, Executive Vice President Agri-Nutrients, SABIC, who shared an overview of the fertiliser industry and his own career journey. The interactive seminar led by Argus was especially designed to provide students with hands-on experience and case studies in addition to the different career opportunities in the industry. As part of the activities on day one, participants enjoyed a site visit to Oman India Fertiliser Company (OMIFCO)’s headquarters in Sur, Oman where they learned about the company’s operations through presentations by OMIFCO professionals and enjoyed a tour around its facilities and plant.

Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT) is an initiative by GPCA together with its stakeholders that aims to bridge the gap between academia and the industry and promote STEM education. With its first edition launched during the Annual Forum in 2016, LOT aims to gear students up with the hands-on experience and skillset required after graduating from universities and starting their career in the industry.

Leaders of Tomorrow took place as part of the 9th GPCA Fertiliser Convention, held under the auspices of Dr Fuad bin Jaafar al Sajwani, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Oman, who inaugurated the exhibition on day one. Under the theme “New frontiers and opportunities”, the convention highlighted the role of fertilisers in ensuring sustainable agriculture and global food security in a world with rapidly growing population and rising demand for resources.