Registration for National CEO Programme starts

The programme aims to address the private sector’s need for talented businessmen and businesswomen who are equipped and empowered to meet the challenges of marketplace and create greater opportunities

MUSCAT: Registration for the third cohort of the National CEO Programme (NCP) starts today under the theme, “Game Changers.”

The programme aims to address the private sector’s need for talented businessmen and businesswomen who are equipped and empowered to meet the challenges of local and regional marketplace and create greater opportunities to drive economic growth in the Sulatante.

The application process for NCP3 “Game Changers” will seek to identify potential business leadership talent across the Sultanate in a fresh way.

The NCP’s is to work as widely as possible across the economy to find solutions to some of the blocks that currently prevent clearly defined opportunities from being fulfilled in ways that create jobs for Omanis and prosperity for the Sultanate.

Reggy Vermeulen, the CEO of the Port of Duqm, believes the NCP will help break certain stereotypes associated with Omanis globally.

“I think there are two reasons why I involved myself with the NCP. I think it’s wise to participate in the programme to share knowledge and be a part of the young generation which is assum- ing these positions.

“On a personal note, Oman has a lot of potential but also a lot of stereotypes. An involvement with such initiatives actually breaks those stereotypes and also makes the new generation a part of the efforts to diversify the economy. Even our dock workers are Oma- nis, and the stereotypes that suggest that Omanis are not hard workers are not valid. There is a lot of energy that is sometimes incorrectly tapped or used. There are a lot of stereotypes that can be broken very fast,” Vermeulen said.

Applicants for the NCP’s third cohort must be Omani, should have a Bachelor’s degree and at least eight years of managerial experience. Both large organizations as well as SMEs must apply, even if participants did not make the first or the second cut.

The Director of the NCP, Richard Kemp, insisted that such applicants should re-apply to the programme.

“You must apply for NCP3 even if you applied for the first two cohorts. We highly suggest that you will benefit from the guidelines we have offered on the website and should re-apply,” Kemp said.

“Don’t be afraid to apply. We are looking for diversification and the more people apply, the more gems are to be found. We have seen the energy from the past two cohorts, and it is the people (who brought such energy),” Vermeulen said.

Registration ends on March 13. Applications for the programme can be sent through http://ceo. om/en/admission/applicationprocess-and-key-dates