The College of Economics and Business Administration-Salalah (CEBA) at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS), Salalah, organized and hosted the much-anticipated ‘Buzz Fest 2023’ on Wednesday 24^th May 2023 in the multi-purpose hall. The theme of this year’s event was ‘Act Responsibly to be Sustainable’.  This event was organized under the Patronage of Dr. Mohammed Rashid Al-Mamari, Dean, UTAS- Salalah. The meticulous planning and execution of the event was led by Dr. Ghanim Bakhit Shamas, Head of the CEBA-Salalah, with immense support from the sponsors and administrators.

Buzz Fest 2023, served as a co-curricular platform for the CEBA-Salalah students, enabling them to showcase their knowledge and skills. It aimed to familiarize students with the sustainable development and socio-economic challenges, simultaneously fostering an environment that encourages the development of skills, values, and an understanding of sustainability.

Ms. Asma Abdullah Saeed Al-Dini, a first-year Diploma student, skillfully undertook the role of the master of ceremonies, steering the proceedings with professional aplomb.

To start the proceedings on an auspicious note, Holy Quran was recited by one of our students, Mr. Suhail Musallam Mohammed Al-Maashani.

Welcome Speech

In his welcome speech, Dr. Ghanim Bakhit Shamas, HoD, CEBA-Salalah, called for the staff, students, and the stakeholders to be the leaders in adopting the changes towards attainment of sustainability goals. Dr. Ghanim stressed the need for promoting the ideology of sustainable development into society. He also suggested that the higher educational institutions and the young generations should adopt and carry forward the ideals for future generations in the best interests of humanity.

Keynote Speech

Mr. Andrew Orru, General Manager of Al Baleed Resort by Anantara, delivered the keynote speech. He shared valuable insights on Sustainability from his decade-long professional journey. He emphasized the importance of sustainability in the tourism sector and outlined the environmental preservation measures adopted by the Anantara projects.

Panel Discussion

The main highlight of the program was a panel discussion on "Sustainability Awareness and Organizational Growth". This session was moderated by Dr. Ali Akaak, HoS- HRM section. The panel consisted of Ms. Khadija (Manager, Salalah Freezone) and Ms. Muna (Manager, OQ), Mr. Lalith (Project Consultant) and Mr. Andrew Orru (Anantara). The panelists enlightened the audience on how sustainability awareness can help in organizational growth, the challenges in adoption of sustainability measures and amicable solutions. They also expressed their views on adopting a sustainability culture and incorporating the same into operations.

In acknowledgment of the support of this event, Dr. Mohammed Rashid Al-Mamari, Dean, UTAS-Salalah and Dr. Majdi Mohammed Said Bait Ali Sulaiman, Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs, presented mementoes to the sponsors; MG- MHD Group, Gypcore, Moon Dhofar, Khimji Ramdas, 30 Games, Dhofar Cattle Feed Co. and Al Mudhish. All the dignitaries from the sponsor companies and department council members were served with sumptuous breakfast at the end of the first session.

Company Booths

A total of 8 booths were established for this program. Many sponsor companies, young entrepreneurs and Business Club with innovative and sustainable ideas participated in the event. Each booth provided a unique experience for its visitor as they belong to different categories. The booths received a big number of enthusiastic visitors with lots of queries.

Games and Activities

The curiosity and enthusiasm of the students, teachers, administration, and the staff reached its peak when the games and events were in progress. The first event was a quiz bee competition, which was organized and conducted by Mr. Neil Saletrero and his team members. The quiz competition was about the general business acumen among the students.

A series of games and activities including Matching Sustainability Goals, Identifying the Recycled Material in specific products, Green-Charade and Creating Wealth out of waste were well organized by the team of Ms. Seemab Rana, Dr. Ramanadh Kasturi, and Mr. Ricardo Biason. In addition to these activities, Mr. Hassan Salim Al Ojaili, a student from Advance Diploma, presented a PPT on Sustainability.  He presented his ideas in a very interactive, data based and unique manner to educate the audience on the different ways of sustainability.

Prize distribution and Award Ceremony

In the last session of the program, all the winners for different games, activities and lucky draws received attractive prizes from Dr. Ghanim Shama, HoD, CEBA-Salalah. To acknowledge the hard work and contribution of CEBA-Salalah staff members, Dr. Ghanim Shamas, along with the respective HoS’s presented a certificate of appreciation for the AY 2022-23 to all the staff members.

Vote of Thanks

Dr. Amit Sharma, as the main organizer of this event, delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the organizing committee. He thanked the UTAS-Salalah management, valuable sponsors, department council members and various Buzz Fest ad-hoc committee leaders, members, and participating students for their prolific participation & valuable support for making the event a grand success. He attributed the success of the event to the collective efforts of the organizing committee. This committee was made up of various ad-hoc committees, each composed of individuals committed to making the event a success. They worked together to ensure that all of the necessary details were taken care of and that the event was a success.

In their concluding statements, the Dean, Assistant Dean, and Dr. Ghanim expressed their heartfelt appreciation to all staff members and students for their hard work and dedication, ensuring the successful execution of Buzz Fest 2023. This resounding success showcases the importance of community collaboration, the sharing of knowledge, and the continued pursuit of sustainability in today's world.