English 
العربية 
Muscat, December 13, 2023 — Middle East College, in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), successfully hosted an enlightening panel discussion on “Why Project Management is critical for enhancing graduate employability” in the Student Hub Auditorium. The event was organised by the Quantity Surveying and Construction Management (QSCM) programme team at MEC.
The event witnessed overwhelming participation from industry professionals, academics, and students. Mr. Matt Doran, MENA Regional Manager for CIOB, expertly moderated the panel discussion. The distinguished panellists included Mr Michael Hall, General Manager at Douglas OHI; Dr Intisar Al Sulaimi, Chief Process Engineer at Nama Water Services; Mr Sreejith Kesavan, a Committee Member of the CIOB Oman Hub; Eng. Hanan Mohammed Al Harthi, serving as a Planning and Project Engineer at Petroleum Development Oman (PDO); and Mr. Nicolas Sawaya, a highly accomplished chartered construction manager affiliated with CIOB and working with Sarooj Construction Company.
The panel deliberated on various facets of project management, highlighting its indispensability in today’s dynamic job market. They touched upon the skills required to excel in the field and how these competencies make graduates more employable across various industries.
The panel of experts shared their valuable perspectives on the essential project management skills that empower students toward a successful professional career. The debate on ‘Experience vs Certification’ in construction projects provided valuable insights into career choices. The panellists explored the professional skills that serve as the foundation for a successful career in project management within the construction industry. The experts offered motivational advice tailored to students aspiring to construction careers. In addition, the construction industry’s future was discussed, emphasising AI and IoT technologies.
Furthermore, Mr. Doran provided insights into the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and its membership programmes, explaining how they contribute to the professional development of aspiring project managers.
One of the event’s highlights was the Student Excellence Awards, presented by the CIOB Oman Hub Committee. These awards celebrated the achievements of outstanding students in the field. The winners are Dhoha Hamood Al-Hasani (BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying and Construction Management) and Mohammed Khalaf Hamdan Al Busaidi (MSc Construction Project and Cost Management). Additionally, MEC QSCM faculty member Mr Chiranjeevi Rahul was appointed as CIOB’s ‘Tomorrow’s Leaders Representative’ for the Oman Hub Committee by Mr Doran. This marked a significant milestone in recognising emerging talents in the sector.
Mr. Shalin Prince, the Programme Manager for the Quantity Surveying and Construction Management program at MEC, discussed the innovative methodologies incorporated into the curriculum. These methodologies integrate project management skills seamlessly. The programme is professionally accredited by CIOB, UK.
This event marks a significant step by MEC and CIOB in bridging the gap between academia and industry, preparing graduates with robust project management skills to meet the challenges of the modern world of work.
