Major forum to focus on building national talent
Times News Service
MUSCAT: Riyada, Takatuf, SME Development Fund and National Training Institute (NTI) have signed up as partners for the Oman Forum 2018, a one-of-itskind platform that will bring together a broad spectrum of stakeholders, to share their expertise on “Creating an enabling environment for SMEs and Building National Talent”, at Crowne Plaza Muscat on December 17.
Oman Forum is an annual Arabic debate organised by the leading Arabic business magazine, Alam Al Iktisaad Wal A’mal (AIWA), published by United Media Services (UMS).
The 2018 edition will comprise two panel sessions. The first panel session will deliberate on ‘‘Creating an enabling environment for SMEs” and the second panel on ‘‘Building national talentstrengthening competencies”.
The forum will explore ways to increase credit access and improve SME innovations, as they are the catalysts for empowerment and growth.
The session on “Building National Talent” will look at effective training, planning and management to develop and retain Omani talent in the rapidly evolving and fast-growing manufacturing and other sectors. It will also look at developing the skillsets of the local human capital.
Takatuf is the HR Knowledge Partner, while the SME Development Fund is the Associate Partner, and NTI is the support partner. Times of Oman and Shabiba are the media partners.
The forum is being held in partnership with Riyada (Public Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development).
“Oman Forum’s primary objective during the past six years has been to facilitate a live public discussion on topics concerning Oman’s economy and society. The 2018 edition will look at creating an ecosystem for SME development, as economic growth and employment creation are driven by a vibrant spectrum of productive enterprises such as SMEs,” said Alpana Roy, Executive Vice President, United Media Services, the publisher of AIWA.
“Moreover, sustainable human resources development is one of the key priorities of the government. The public and private sectors have a critical role in creating job opportunities for locals,” she added.
Alongside the forum, a special workshop will be conducted by Hilal Al Jadidi, Takatuf Consulting Services Director, on “Managing and Attracting Talent in SMEs”. The workshop to be held in partnership with Riyada will address key issues such as attracting and retaining talent, training and development and filling skill gaps.