SHELL INTILAAQAH OMAN HONOURS ‘FIKRATI’ COMPETITION WINNERS

Under the patronage of HE Dr. Humood bin Khalfan Al Harthi, Undersecretary of Ministry of Education for Education and Curriculum, Shell Intilaaqah Oman and the National Career Guidance Centre have jointly congratulated 73 winners of the ‘Fikrati’ best business idea competition.

Winners took part in the competition following their participation in Intilaaqah Light programme, an entrepreneurship training programme dedicated to grade 10 students across the Sultanate. The main aim of the programme was to train career guidance specialists and equipping them with the knowledge and skillsets required to teach students about the importance of exploring entrepreneurial opportunities at an early age.

Chris Breeze, Shell Country Chairman said, “Shell Intilaaqah Oman is committed to creating and developing SME business leaders across the Sultanate of Oman. Our partnership with the Ministry of Education’s National Career Guidance has been beneficial and has directly impacted the young and aspiring people while harnessing their innovative and creative potential.”

Najwa bint Mansoor Al Kindi, Director of Shell Intilaaqah Oman said, “Upon successful completion of the Intilaaqah Light programme, these aspiring entrepreneurs went on to feed their competitive spirit in the ‘Fikrati’ competition and succeeded in submitting a selection of very promising ideas, products or services. Our role is to nurture their talent, hone their skillsets, and develop their entrepreneurial drive. All key elements in having them be catalysts of social and economic development.”

Dr. Sanaa Bint Sabeel Al Baloushi, General Director of the National Career Guidance Centre, said “As Oman’s population comprises largely of the younger demographic, it is essential that we empower young talent and enrich their knowledge on how to explore the abundant opportunities in the world of entrepreneurship. This was indeed a successful collaboration with Shell Intilaaqah Oman to better serve our aspiring Omani youth and help develop their skills and capabilities.”

The Intilaaqah Light programme and the ‘Fikrati’ competition initiative are in line with Shell Intilaaqah Oman’s agenda of investing in the future of entrepreneurship in Oman. The top three innovative projects were recognised during the ceremony by the Ministry, Shell Intilaaqah Oman and their peers from across the Sultanate.