New engineering network group launched in Oman

New engineering network group launched in Oman

1st March 2018

The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) and six UK professional engineering institutions has supported the launch of a new collaborative engineering network in Oman.

Her Majesty’s Ambassador Mr Hamish Cowell officially launched the Oman Professional Engineers Network (OPEN) at a British Embassy reception on Sunday 25 February. During the event, OPEN signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Oman Society of Engineers, pledging to advance engineering in the region.

OPEN is a network of engineers, architects, and quantity surveyors living in Oman that work with and are supported by UK engineering Institutions; IMechE, IET, ICE, IChemE, IStructE, RIBA and RICS. The network exists to advance professional knowledge, and promote engineering, architecture and quantity surveying. It will also assist young professionals in their development and attainment of professional qualifications.

IChemE’s Senior Ambassador in Oman, Henry Mangkusasono, joined the opening celebrations along with Oman Member Group Secretary, Dr Elizabeth Salter.

Salter also attended the first round-table meeting of the group on Monday 26 February. It discussed plans to aid professional development in Oman through assisting potential Engineering Council registrants, visiting Universities and other Higher Education providers to discuss accreditation of study programmes, and establishing Students' Chapters to encourage students to join professional Institutions.

Mangkusasono said:

“OPEN gives professionals in Oman a new channel to network with experts in engineering and other disciplines.

“It is an invaluable opportunity for chemical engineers in Oman to come together with these membership bodies to learn new ways to improve knowledge and skills. By working together to continue and enhance professional development, and helping young professionals achieve recognised qualifications, we can help advance the discipline for the benefit of society in Oman.”

Founding member, Matthew Bishop, a Chartered Chemical Engineer and Managing Director of WorleyParsons Oman, said:

“A university degree is the starting point of a life-long journey of professional development. Continuing to update that knowledge, attain practical skills and share best practice through professional development and achieve professional qualifications is essential. We hope OPEN will make a significant contribution to the professional and personal lives of those individuals in engineering, architecture and quantity surveying in Oman.”

The launch of OPEN coincides with the UK government’s 2018 campaign ‘The Year of Engineering’, which aims to increase awareness and understanding of what engineers do among young people aged 7-16, their parents and teachers. The campaign will also support the engineering profession in recruiting the next generation of engineers.

Throughout 2018, OPEN plans to showcase the variety and creativity of modern engineering to improve understanding of what engineers do.