Institution news
The reception provided an excellent opportunity for engineers, surveyors and architects to network.
Her Majesty’s Ambassador in Oman, Hamish Cowell, formally launching the network, said.
“The Oman Professional Engineers Network (OPEN) is an excellent initiative and one we at the British Embassy Muscat, are delighted to be able to support and bring UK professional institutions together and further engineering excellence in Oman. 2018 is the Year of Engineering in the UK and we feel that supporting OPEN fits in well with this by promoting engineering as a subject, the promotion of working to international standards and the sharing of best practice and bringing the UK PIs together.”
Following the opening speeches, OPEN signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Oman Society of Engineers, OSE, to advance the practice of engineering in Oman.
The Institution of Mechanical Engineers, in collaboration with the IET, IChemE, ICE, IStructE, RIBA and RICS are supporting the OPEN network to support young engineers, architects and surveyors to achieve globally recognised professional registration and to provide knowledge sharing events and networking to those working in Oman.
Sreejith Kesavan, IMechE Oman Country Representative said,
"The IMechE Oman group worked very closely with the founding members of OPEN, which led to forming a collaboration agreement between both parties. IMechE view OPEN as an important initiative to channel the efforts of various professional institutions in order to raise the profile of engineering in Oman. We are looking forward to be an active partner of OPEN in organising events and development initiatives. IMechE is confident that, by working together, a higher level of engagement and efficiency could be achieved with regards to achievement of our common goals."
On the 26 February, a constructive round table discussion by representatives from each of the institutions was held to discuss how the institutions can work together with OPEN. Ideas included :
- developing strong links with universities in Oman
- increasing the engagement with industry to grow membership in Oman
- providing events and training that meet the industry needs.
Dr Amr Elbanhawy, IMechE MEA Regional Chair is very supportive of these initiatives:
“OPEN is an exemplar of the IMechE’s commitment to support the development of a sister professional engineering institution in the MEA region. This is on top of the regional agenda, and demonstrates the valuable effort by IMechE Oman members to make a lasting and relevant influence in the Omani professional engineering space.”
OPEN’s Vision: To enable engineers, architects & quantity surveyors living in Oman to achieve professional competence and excellence through acquiring internationally recognised professional qualifications (PQs) or attain a comparable level of competence and excellence.
Oman Society of Engineers (OSE): The only professional engineering body recognised by the Government of Oman to represent engineers, architects and quantity surveyors living in Oman. It was formed in 2001 with a current membership of circa 3,000. For more details and how to become a member, please visit their website.