Henry Mangkusasono, Technical Safety Engineer at Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), has been appointed as the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) Senior Ambassador in Oman. The new role was announced at the first IChemE Oman Member Group launch event, held at Muscat University.
More than 150 delegates were present at the event, sponsored by PDO, to congratulate Mangkusasono on his new appointment and hear how he planned to initiate a programme of volunteer-led activity. The programme will provide the Omani chemical engineering community with opportunities for continuing professional development, support with achieving professional qualifications, and networking – either at local member events or virtually with a network of 44,000 other IChemE members.
He said:
“The Omani chemical engineering community is thriving, and I am honoured to lead this group on behalf of IChemE. With their support, Oman will have an active network of chemical engineers committed to professionalism, advancing the discipline, and inspiring the next generation.”
Muscat University’s Interim Vice Chancellor Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic Affairs Professor Yusrah Mouzughi welcomed delegates, and introduced the evening’s keynote speaker IChemE Safety Centre Director, Trish Kerin.
Kerin gave delegates an overview of the Centre’s current work in process safety, and introduced its interactive case studies – designed to tackle the problem of hindsight bias. In the case studies, interactive video footage is used to present the trainee with various decisions as a process safety incident unfolds, without prior knowledge of the outcome.
The Safety Centre recently launched Process Safety for a 21st Century – the result of collaborative working across the globe, in which chemical engineers working in process safety have given their thoughts on the current, and future, challenges and opportunities for the discipline. The document is currently open for consultation, and delegates at the event were urged to give their expert input to help grow Middle East representation.
She said:
“I am delighted to be here in Oman today and give a keynote speech on the current work we are doing within the IChemE Safety Centre. The Centre simply would not exist without enthusiastic members, and I hope my being here today will encourage members in this region to get involved, helping to guide future work programmes.”
Oman Member Group Secretary, Dr Elizabeth Salter added:
“I had a vision to get chemical engineers together in Oman and I am so pleased that it has come to fruition in such a marvellous way this evening. The interest has been better than expected, with 150 people in attendance tonight and over 260 people who would like to be involved in the future.
Everyone is really enthusiastic in supporting this newly established member group, but this is just the beginning.”
IChemE members looking to get involved with the Oman Members Group should email Henry at [email protected]
