New skills for digital workplace discussed
The participants discussed new business models built on big-data analytics, robotics, cybersecurity and cloud computing
Times News Service
MUSCAT: The outlook for employment in the manufacturing sector was one of the main topics at the first Public -Private industry discussions held by Oman’s “Future of Skills” initiative in partnership with the World Economic Forum (WEF).
The meeting included leading industrialists from key Omani manufacturing sectors including electronics, transportation, food production, metal manufacturing, maritime, power and petroleum.
The discussion, chaired by Dr. Ali Al Sunaidy, Minister of Commerce and Industry and Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council, focused on the impact of the 4th Industrial Revolution on labour market dynamics and how Oman can adapt to the skills needed currently and in the future.
Al Sunaidy said, “The 2040 Industrial strategy currently under review investigates the future of Jobs in Manufacturing. It is critical for the public and private sector to collaborate to effectively harness Oman’s competitiveness, capabilities and skills to deliver the industry and national strategy. CEO’s should make use of resources such as the National Training Fund to further train their workforce for future jobs.”
During the session Al Sunaidy added “These discussions enable companies and the relevant government departments to learn from each other by providing them with a platform for dialogue with a focus on adapting, adopting and aligning more quickly to the skills needed in the labour market.”
Omani industrialists shared their expertise and insights into the future of manufacturing along with potential areas of collaboration and reform. The participants discussed global manufacturing trends, adopting new business models built on big-data analytics, robotics, cyber security systems and cloud computing and how the workforce needs new skills and capabilities to thrive in a digitised workplace.
During the meeting, Adnan Al Shuaili CEO of eMushrif said, “The manufacturing industry is going digital. eMushrif is one of the earliest adopters of innovative technologies to enhance industry productivity and competitiveness. As an SME, we have seen a greater focus on innovation in both products and processes as our economy matures. However, without having access to the right talent, our businesses growth will be affected. It is therefore critical for us in the private sector to have such a platform to effectively convey the market requirements for competitiveness, capabilities and skills within the industry as the economy and our business needs grow.”
Oman’s Future of Skill’s initiative aims to address the labour market changes predicted from the Internet of Things, the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR) and other technological advancements by helping Public-Private collaboration to close the skills gap in line with Private sector needs.