The University launched a scientific symposium today marking the 40th anniversary of its inauguration, under the title From Foundation to Leadership: Forty Years of Impact and Shaping the Future. The event is held under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Ghosn bin Hilal Al-Alawi, Chairman of the State Financial and Administrative Audit Institution.

Held in accordance with the Royal Directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the two-day symposium reflects on the University's journey since its establishment as Oman's first university, highlighting its contributions to developing national talent, advancing knowledge and scientific research, and serving the community. It also examines the University's impact on national development and explores its role over the next two decades.

Developing People and Advancing Knowledge

In his opening address, Dr Al-Mukhtar bin Saif Al-Abri, Chair of the Symposium's Organising Committee, said that SQU was not merely an institution of higher education, but an ambitious national project aimed at developing Omani people, preparing skilled professionals, generating knowledge, and contributing to the country's progress and prosperity.

He emphasised that, over four decades, the University had established itself as a distinguished academic and research institution and an active partner in national development.

He noted that the symposium provides an opportunity to reflect on the University's journey, assess its impact, and anticipate its future through four panel discussions and two keynote addresses focusing on its legacy, impact and future. He added that the value of universities should not be measured solely by the number of their graduates or research outputs, but also by the difference they make in people's lives and the knowledge and capabilities they contribute to the nation.

Dr Al-Abri also highlighted the University's importance in the coming phase, noting that Oman Vision 2040 places it at the heart of national transformation and reinforces its responsibility to lead the advancement of knowledge, foster a culture of innovation, and create a lasting impact.

Milestones in the University's Establishment

The first day's programme features two sessions. The first, From Foundation to Leadership: Milestones in the Leadership of Sultan Qaboos University, brings together the University's current and former presidents to review its institutional, academic and research development, as well as the key milestones and decisions that have shaped its journey.

The second session, Memories of the Early Years: Faculty Members and Students of the First Generation, revisits the experiences of the University's pioneering faculty members and first cohort of students. It also documents university life during the formative years and the challenges involved in establishing the academic institution, preserving an important part of its institutional memory for future generations.

SQU's Impact on National Development

The third session, Sultan Qaboos University and Oman: Four Decades of Impact on National Development, examines the University's contributions to developing human capital and preparing national talent, strengthening institutions, and advancing the economic, social and health sectors. It also explores the role of SQU graduates in the transformations witnessed by the Sultanate of Oman.

The session features His Excellency Sayyid Ibrahim bin Said Al-Busaidi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism; Her Excellency Dr Laila bint Ahmed Al Najjar, Minister of Social Development; and Eng. Said bin Mohammed Al-Masoudi, Chief Executive Officer of Sohar Aluminium.

The second day also features a keynote address entitled Reimagining Higher Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence and the Knowledge Economy, delivered by Professor Amr Ezzat Salama, Secretary-General of the Association of Arab Universities. The address explores the transformations taking place in higher education and their implications for the future of universities.

SQU's Future over the Next Two Decades

The symposium concludes with its fourth session, Beyond Forty: Envisioning the Future of Sultan Qaboos University over the Next Two Decades. The discussion examines the University's future model and the requirements for advancing teaching and learning, scientific research and innovation. It also addresses the adoption of artificial intelligence applications and digital transformation, diversifying research funding sources, and strengthening partnerships with government institutions and the private sector to support the University's contribution to national development priorities and Oman Vision 2040.

The session features His Excellency Sayyid Dr Munther bin Hilal Al-Busaidi, Head of the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit at the Ministry of Economy; Professor Amr Ezzat Salama; and Professor Amer bin Saif Al-Hinai, SQU Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Postgraduate Studies and Research.

Documenting Impact and Envisioning the Future

The symposium provides an opportunity to document the outcomes of four decades of the University's journey, assess its impact on society and state institutions, and open an academic discussion on the requirements of the next phase and the University's role in continuing to generate knowledge and contribute to national development.

Its objectives include documenting the founding vision of SQU as Oman's first university and revisiting the key milestones and transformations that have shaped its development over four decades, while highlighting its contributions to national development. The symposium also seeks to analyse the University's economic, social and cultural impact, drawing attention to its role in developing human capital, generating knowledge, strengthening institutions, and serving the community. It will further highlight the contributions of SQU graduates to building state institutions and leading development across various sectors.

The programme also includes a presentation of the findings of a research study measuring the University's impact on society, the economy and culture. Discussions will explore how these findings can inform the development of a sustainable institutional framework for measuring the University's impact in the future. Participants will also examine national and international experiences and practices in assessing the societal impact of universities, drawing on leading approaches to improving impact-measurement methodologies and maximising universities' contributions to development.

The symposium further aims to strengthen dialogue between the University, state institutions, the private sector, the wider community and alumni on the University's future roles and partnerships in supporting sustainable development and addressing national priorities. It will also explore emerging transformations, opportunities and challenges that may shape the future of the University and higher education institutions, particularly in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, scientific research, innovation and global competitiveness.

In addition, the event seeks to expand the University's academic and research partnerships regionally and internationally by engaging academic partners, researchers and representatives of international organisations. This is expected to encourage the exchange of expertise and open up new opportunities for future cooperation and partnerships.

The symposium will conclude with practical visions and recommendations aimed at maximising the University's impact and national role in the coming years, while guiding its national and international partnerships and initiatives in line with Oman's priorities and future aspirations.