The official launch was marked by a ceremonial inauguration, followed by an inspiring address from His Excellency Tahir Salim Al Amri, Executive President of the Central Bank of Oman. His Excellency emphasised the importance of FinTech in modernising the economy, and the crucial role education plays in this transformation.

Dr. Alya Al Farsi, Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs, expressed her gratitude to all the guests and reiterated MEC’s dedication to fostering innovation and preparing students for the future job market. She remarked, “The launch of the MSc FinTech programme is a testament to MEC’s unwavering commitment to aligning our educational offerings with industry needs and Oman’s Vision 2040. We are excited to see our students lead the way in the fintech revolution.”

Dr. Vijayakumar Srinivasan, Assistant Head of the Department of Management Studies, introduced the MSc FinTech programme, highlighting its unique curriculum and the vast opportunities it offers to students, inspiring them to excel in the field of financial technology.

Said Al.Hashmi, an MEC graduate expressed his excitement and said, “I am thrilled about the launch of the MSc FinTech programme at Middle East College. As someone passionate about both finance and technology, this programme offers the perfect blend of both worlds. The insights shared during the launch event have reinforced my decision to pursue this programme and be part of a future-ready workforce.”

MEC is dedicated to fostering innovation and providing high-quality education that prepares students for the future job market. As part of its employability push, MEC continually strives to align its programmes with industry needs, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to succeed in their careers and contribute to the nation’s growth and development.

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In today’s digitally interconnected era, the imperative of robust cyber security is more pronounced than ever, especially in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, including Oman.

The escalating cyber threat landscape in Oman and the GCC

GCC countries stand at the crossroads of a digital revolution. From smart cities to booming e-commerce, our economies are increasingly built on interconnected networks. But with great advancements come heightened risks: the invisible threat of cybercrime.

The threat landscape is evolving rapidly. A whopping number of three million attempted cyberattacks in the Sultanate of Oman were thwarted in 2022, according to an annual cyber security report.

The report revealed a significant 55 per cent increase in global threat detections and a massive 242 per cent surge in blocked malicious files in the same year (Oman Observer). These attacks target not just individuals but the very heart of a nation’s critical infrastructure: energy grids, financial systems, and government networks. Cyberattacks can trigger economic havoc, disrupt vital services, and erode public trust. The 2021 attack on Aramco,Saudi Arabia’s national oil company, exposed the potential for regional destabilisation. The GCC’s growing dependence on digital technologies like cloud computing and IoT further necessitates sophisticated cyber security measures.

Taking a Proactive Stance

Recognising the gravity of the situation, the GCC has been proactive in bolstering its cyber defences. Oman ranked third best prepared in the world to thwart cyberattacks by the International Telecommunication Union, is a regional leader(ITU). Saudi Arabia was ranked second in the 2022 World Competitiveness Yearbook cybersecurity index. Initiatives like establishing the GCC Cybersecurity Ministerial Committee(SPA)showcase GCC’s resilience-building commitment.

The fight against cybercrime requires an army of skilled professionals on the frontlines, the digital soldiers safeguarding our interconnected world. The regional demand for cyber security professionals is robust. As per ISACA’s State of Cyber security report, professionals with a blend of technical and soft skills are highly sought after. The region’s cyber security market is anticipated to grow at a 5.90% CAGR from 2023 to 2028, fuelled by increasing cyber threats and massive digital transformation.

Middle East College’s MSc Cyber Security programme: A timely endeavour

In response to this burgeoning need, Middle East College, in collaboration with جامعة كوفنتري, UK, has introduced the MSc Cyber Security programme. This programme prepares students for the dynamic and evolving challenges in cyber security, equipping them with practical skills and comprehensive knowledge. It is worth noting that MEC already offers an Undergraduate Engineering programme, B.Eng. (Hons) in Computer Engineering (Cybersecurity), to prepare young cybersecurity professionals.

The criticality of cyber security in Oman and the broader GCC region cannot be overstated. Educational initiatives like the undergraduate and postgraduate Cyber Security programmes at Middle East College are timely and crucial in preparing the next generation of cybersecurity experts. As they say, investing in cyber security is investing in our future.

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Students from different programmes attended the talk and gained insights that will equip them on their journey to the evolving world of work. MEC Business Meet aims to enhance job market awareness among students, strengthening their employability. It serves as a platform for students to gain insight into the job market and the skills required to succeed. It also encourages collaboration between academia, industry and students to create an actionable framework for innovative practices.

Middle East College is committed to creating opportunities for students to network and build relationships with future employers. The college also provides a range of career-focused academic programmes and career support services to help students make informed decisions about their career paths.

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Over 80 students and senior dignitaries from the Central Bank of Oman joined the expert panel discussion on Day 1. The virtual meet on the second day hosted expert speakers and was attended by over 90 students and officers from the Central Bank of Oman. The third day featured a training workshop for students from Al Riyada School. This workshop featured over 70 students in the presence of senior members of the Central Bank of Oman. Interactive games and QA sessions also took place on Day 3.

This event offered a unique opportunity for attendees from these prestigious schools, colleges, and universities to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of AI and machine learning on the finance industry. The participants included students from the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Al Musannah, Middle East College, German University of Technology in Oman, National University of Science and Technology, Majan University College, Gulf College, The Wave Private School and Al Riyada Private School.

As we look forward to what the near future brings, we want to thank the Central Bank of Oman and Mala’a for this great initiative.

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Dr Saoud Al Shoaili, the DG of Policies and Governance and the Head of the National Space Programme at the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, shared invaluable insights on current job market dynamics, practical job preparation strategies, in-demand skills, personal branding, and job preparation.

Over 450 MEC students gained a deeper understanding of job market demands and a treasure trove of strategies to enhance their employability.

This is the first session of the MEC Business Summit for the Fall 2023 semester. The series will host eminent personalities on campus on various topics of interest to strengthen the employability of MEC students. This platform will provide opportunities for students to engage with industry decision-makers.

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Building Bridges for Mutual Growth
Recognising the tremendous potential in collaboration, both entities have come together with a shared vision. The MoU paves the way for research initiatives, internships, and workshops, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Students at MEC will have the unique opportunity to gain real-world experience by working closely with ILS, one of the leading logistics giants in the region. Conversely, ILS benefits from the cutting-edge research and innovations that MEC’s academic community can offer.

Tapping into Synergies for Broader Impact
The collaboration is not restricted to just academia and industry exposure. Both ILS and MEC understand the importance of community engagement and the broader impact that their partnership can have on the Omani economy. By working together, they aim to enhance the quality of logistics and supply chain management in the region, leading to increased efficiency, reduced costs, and a more robust infrastructure. This alliance will also play a pivotal role in promoting Oman as a logistics hub, attracting more global businesses and investments to the region.

Looking Ahead with Optimism
The MoU signing event, graced by senior representatives from both ILS and MEC, was a testament to the commitment and enthusiasm that both parties bring to this partnership. As Omani Integrated Logistics Services and Middle East College embark on this collaborative journey, the future looks promising, not just for the two entities, but for the entire logistics and supply chain sector in Oman. This partnership, with its focus on innovation, growth, and mutual benefit, is set to be a game-changer.

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Additionally, in an external research funding opportunity this year, researchers in the college were able to attract grants from the A.S. Hornby Educational Trust, U.K., and the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation (MoHERI), Oman.

The faculty and students are excited about the research opportunities provided by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation. 

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The CILT(UK) accreditation will allow students to gain exclusive industry insights, industry intelligence, personal advice and support, and professional development opportunities. This accreditation will support students in developing their careers in the logistics and transport industry in Oman and abroad.

“I am delighted that our programme has been accredited by CILT(UK). We will have a competitive edge when seeking jobs within the logistics sector in the country, inshallah. Being a part of this programme means a lot to us.” said Mr. Ali Saif Salim Al Busaidi, a 4th semester student undertaking the Logistics Management programme at MEC.

It is worth noting that MEC is always at the forefront of providing its students with the best possible education and support. This accreditation is a testament to its dedication to excellence.
 

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Dr Tareq Al Damen
Former Head of Centre for Foundation Studies, Middle East College
Former 1st MEC TESOL Conference Secretary
 

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