The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) and six UK professional engineering institutions has supported the launch of a new collaborative engineering network in Oman.
Her Majesty’s Ambassador Mr Hamish Cowell officially launched the Oman Professional Engineers Network (OPEN) at a British Embassy reception on Sunday 25 February. During the event, OPEN signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Oman Society of Engineers, pledging to advance engineering in the region.
OPEN is a network of engineers, architects, and quantity surveyors living in Oman that work with and are supported by UK engineering Institutions; IMechE, IET, ICE, IChemE, IStructE, RIBA and RICS. The network exists to advance professional knowledge, and promote engineering, architecture and quantity surveying. It will also assist young professionals in their development and attainment of professional qualifications.
IChemE’s Senior Ambassador in Oman, Henry Mangkusasono, joined the opening celebrations along with Oman Member Group Secretary, Dr Elizabeth Salter.
Salter also attended the first round-table meeting of the group on Monday 26 February. It discussed plans to aid professional development in Oman through assisting potential Engineering Council registrants, visiting Universities and other Higher Education providers to discuss accreditation of study programmes, and establishing Students’ Chapters to encourage students to join professional Institutions.
Mangkusasono said:
“OPEN gives professionals in Oman a new channel to network with experts in engineering and other disciplines.
“It is an invaluable opportunity for chemical engineers in Oman to come together with these membership bodies to learn new ways to improve knowledge and skills. By working together to continue and enhance professional development, and helping young professionals achieve recognised qualifications, we can help advance the discipline for the benefit of society in Oman.”
Founding member, Matthew Bishop, a Chartered Chemical Engineer and Managing Director of WorleyParsons Oman, said:
“A university degree is the starting point of a life-long journey of professional development. Continuing to update that knowledge, attain practical skills and share best practice through professional development and achieve professional qualifications is essential. We hope OPEN will make a significant contribution to the professional and personal lives of those individuals in engineering, architecture and quantity surveying in Oman.”
The launch of OPEN coincides with the UK government’s 2018 campaign ‘The Year of Engineering’, which aims to increase awareness and understanding of what engineers do among young people aged 7-16, their parents and teachers. The campaign will also support the engineering profession in recruiting the next generation of engineers.
Throughout 2018, OPEN plans to showcase the variety and creativity of modern engineering to improve understanding of what engineers do.
Related links
Image
Leaders in Oman come together to launch the Oman Professional Engineers Network (OPEN)
Right to left:
Eng Fuad Al Kindi, Vice Chairman of Oman Society of Engineers; Eng Khamis Al Souli, Chairman of Oman Society of Engineers; HE Mr Hamish Cowell, HM’s Ambassador to Oman; HE Dr Rasheed Al Huraib, Chairman of the Tender Board; Mr Maqbool Sultan, Chairman of the Omani British Friendship Association; and Dr Sadiq Al Muscati Chairman of OPEN’s Steering Committee.
Notes to media
For more information please contact:
Tara Wilson, PR and Communications Manager, IChemE
t: +44 (0) 1788 534454
e: [email protected]
Rachael Fraser, PR and Communications Executive, IChemE
t: +44 (0) 1788 534435
e: [email protected]
What is chemical engineering?
Chemical, biochemical and process engineering is the application of science, maths and economics in the process of turning raw materials into everyday, and more specialist, products. Professional chemical engineers design, construct and manage process operations all over the world. Oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, synthetic fibres and clean drinking water are just some of the products where chemical engineering plays a central role.
IChemE: www.icheme.org
With an international membership exceeding 40,000 in around 100 countries, the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) aims to be the organisation of choice for chemical engineers. It promotes competence and a commitment to best practice, advances the discipline for the benefit of society and supports the professional development of its members.
IChemE is the only organisation to award Chartered Chemical Engineer and Professional Process Safety Engineer status.
OPEN
OPEN is a network of engineers, architects and quantity surveyors living in Oman. It aims to enable the achievement of professional competence and excellence through acquiring international recognised qualifications. For more details, and to request to join, please email [email protected]
