Sohar Aluminium Company L.L.C (SA) and the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) Suhar, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to fund equipping the Emerging Technologies Lab at UTAS Suhar, under the auspices of His Excellency Dr. Said bin Hamed Al Rubaii, Vice Chancellor of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS).

The agreement was signed by Jameel bin Mohammed Shakeel, Corporate Communications and Social Responsibility Manager at Sohar Aluminium, and on behalf of UTAS-Suhar, it was signed by Honourable Dr. Hanifa bint Ahmed Al Qasmi, Assistant Vice Chancellor for UTAS-Suhar.

The agreement stipulates financing the equipping of the Emerging Technologies Lab with a smart interactive board and state-of the-art All-in-One computers, in addition to the other components of the lab.

The Emerging Technologies Lab focuses on innovation and research in the fields of Hybrid Cloud, Virtual Reality (VR), Blockchain, and Data Science. The lab aims to empower students, researchers, and industry professionals to explore and harness the potential of these emerging technologies through cutting-edge facilities and dedicated initiatives offered by the lab.

The lab will offer the University’s students and faculty a variety of services including workshops and training sessions for students and researchers, mentorship programmes, research projects, hackathons and competitions, technology expos and symposia, a start-up incubator, industry-specific workshops and seminars on applications of emerging technologies, advanced training programmes, as well as consultation services for industries seeking guidance on integrating these emerging technologies.

The General Manager of HR and Corporate Affairs at Sohar Aluminium confirmed that funding the equipment of the Emerging Technologies Lab stems from Sohar Aluminium’s recognition of the pivotal role that education and technological advancement play in shaping a sustainable future.

“Driven by its Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy, Sohar Aluminium is keen to equip young talents with the necessary tools to drive innovation and progress through empowering these future generations and researchers with cutting-edge skills,” Ahmed Al Kharusi stated.

“This project falls within the education, learning, scientific research and national capabilities sector, which is one of the priorities for Oman Vision 2040 that Sohar Aluminium’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Strategy targets funding its projects and initiatives,” Al Kharusi stated.

On the other hand, Honourable Dr. Hanifa Al Qasmi, Assistant Vice Chancellor for UTAS-Suhar, said, “This agreement embodies the University's commitment to fostering an environment for research and innovation by providing the most advanced equipment and technologies that keep pace with scientific and industrial developments. Sohar Aluminium's support for this project is an example of fruitful cooperation between academic institutions and the private sector. We look forward to this laboratory contributing to honing the skills of students and academics in line with the requirements of the modern labour market and being a qualitative addition to Oman Vision 2040 by enhancing the University's outputs.”