Muscat, 21 February 2016
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Nurturing the development of Oman's next generation, Ooredoo's participation in a semester-long project with Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), the College of Economics and Political Science came to a successful end as third-year undergraduate students were empowered with key experiential skills. The project, developed within the framework of the University's Business Communication course, provided students with the chance to put their theoretical knowledge to the test by teaming up with one of Oman's leading corporations to offer hands-on business experience as they researched and developed solutions to a set of real-life commercial challenges.

'Ooredoo is a strong supporter of capacity and capability building and this partnership has reaffirmed our belief that the youth of Oman are one of its strongest assets,' remarked Kumail Al Moosawi, Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer at Ooredoo. 'These talented and motivated young people are the Sultanate's future industry and business leaders and their career achievements will steer the country to continuing success and prosperity. It has been our pleasure to guide them and help them fulfil their potential, setting them on the road to realising their ambitions.'

Designed to support their transition from the classroom to the workplace, 24 students were given live case studies from Ooredoo and were tasked with providing educated and innovative solutions to each. Working together in groups, students conducted industry research, stakeholder interviews, and data analysis, in order to build a solid plan that was then presented to the company executives.

Al Moosawi continued: 'Backed by thorough research into domestic and international best practice, the students' fresh approaches produced insights and strong recommendations in the final presentations. We will most certainly be reviewing and taking note of their findings and look forward to future joint activities.'

Dr. Said Al Muharram, the Dean of the College of Economics and Political Science said, 'Collaborative projects are highly appreciated and encouraged'. 'They act as an effective platform, providing space for creativity flow and knowledge exchange between SQU and business community of Oman', added Dr. Ibtisam Al Wahaibi, The Head of Business Communication Department.

'The College of Economics and Political Science has been offering courses designed as a project-based learning experience for over three years. A number of local and international companies have participated in those projects as collaborative partners and have gained valuable insights proposed by the students. Ooredoo brought collaboration with academia to a new level and expanded the vision, scope and deliverables of the existing model of learning from and with the industry', explained Dr. Victoria Dauletova, an Assistant Professor of Communication at SQU, who started the initiative of linking academic courses with real-life business practices.

With a firm and enduring belief in the potential of Oman's young people, Ooredoo offers talent development programmes, sponsorships and internships. It is committed to giving opportunities to Omani graduates as it looks for the best talent to help achieve its vision to enrich the lives of the people of Oman by providing reliable, innovative and excellent communications products and services.

Omani Qatari Telecommunications Company SAOG issued this content on 21 February 2016 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 21 February 2016 09:02:51 UTC

Original Document: http://www.ooredoo.om/Ooredoo/MediaCentre/PressReleases/Detail/tabid/1192/ArticleId/3233/Ooredoo-Partners-with-SQU-Student-Consultants.aspx