Key note talk on social media, e-commerce trends held at TIO

Dr Baby Sam Saamuel, director of Knowledge Oman, delivered a presentation on the benefits and impact of social media for businesses as a keynote speaker at the recently concluded IT Conference, ‘Telecom Innovations Oman’ (TIO).

The two-day conference was held on September 25 and 26 at the Crowne Plaza Muscat, under the auspices of The Research Council and the Ministry of Transport and Communications. The event was aimed to bring together the change-makers and policymakers under one roof and highlight the new innovations and trends in technology and its impact on the development of the economy and nation.

The day one of the conference focused on Telecom Innovations while the day two was dedicated to ICT SME Development Chal- lenges and Opportunities.

The session by Dr Saamuel titled ‘The Economics of Social media’ shed light on the new technological trends in business-customer interaction like social shopping and e-commerce and encouraged businesses and entrepreneurs to utilise the untapped potential of social media in e-commerce to create innovative and high-impact ventures.

“Social media has been a game changer globally. It is going to further revolutionise the way we live, interact and work. Integration of social media channels with e-commerce and other business interfaces will bring about a personalised, social experience to all e-business transactions. It is an area that offers tremendous possibilities for existing as well as would-be entrepreneurs or enterprises,” said Dr Saamuel who has had decades of experience with digital media.

Dr Saamuel is a renowned business consultant with valuable experience in Business Management, with core expertise in Business Mentoring and Turnaround Management. He has been serving as business advisor and mentor for many startups and social enterprises and has recently completed a doctorate in the field of entrepreneurship.

He has been associated with Knowledge Oman, the nation’s award-winning volunteer organisation, as, first, its brand strategist, later vice president and now, director. Knowledge Oman through its cross-cultural mixture of volunteers is aiding in Oman’s development and is an active presence at various national and international events.