2022 © University of Technology and Applied Sciences - Salalah
The University of Technology and Applied Sciences-Salalah marked an institutional milestone in holding its Graduation Ceremony on March 8thth, 2023 at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Center-Salalah.
Under the Patronage of His Excellency, Dr. Abdullah Ali Al Amri, Chairman of Environment Authority, the graduation of Five Hundred Seventy Four (574) students were conferred from the Colleges of Engineering and Technology, Economics and Business Administration and Computing and Information Sciences.
The momentous occasion was graced by the presence of the members of the University Management, honored guests from the different educational institutions, public and private sectors and the academic and academic support staff of the College.
On his commencement speech, the Branch Dean, Dr. Mohammed Rashid Al Mamari, congratulated the graduates on their well-deserved success and expressed his pride on their achievements. The Dean likewise relayed some of the University’s major accomplishments in the previous academic year which represent a culmination of the University’s progress.
In continuous adherence to one of the University’s goals to develop and strengthen institutional relationships in all relevant aspects with the stakeholders, the College Dean, Dr Mohammed Rashid Al-Mamari, welcomed Mr Naif Hamed Fadhil, Chairman of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry -Dhofar Region and Mr Mohammed Al Barami, Director of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry -Dhofar Region for a collaborative meeting.
Mutually beneficial ways on how both parties can work in partnership were the focus points of discussion such as extending two-way support in the areas of community service, entrepreneurship, academics and other facets significant to both parties. The Dean proudly conveyed that UTAS-Salalah continuously initiates and supports the public through different community outreach programs and its commitment to be a responsible participant in the local and national community.
The meeting concluded with affirmations that both parties will continue to strive in mutually strengthening their roles and social responsibilities to the students, to the public and to the community.
The University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Salalah has commemorated the "Research Day" event in the Multi-Purpose Hall under the auspices of Dr. Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maamari, Dean of the Salalah branch of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, and accompanied by representatives of the academic and administrative staff, as well as students who attended on behalf of different college departments.
The event has witnessed the presentation of a number of research projects for faculty members as well as students, whose research projects were funded by the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation. The event has also witnessed the official institution of several individual patents, which were recently obtained by a number of academic staff at the UTAS Salalah branch.
Looking at these developments more closely, Dr. Yasir Al Yafaei, Chairman of the Research and Consultancy Committee at UTAS-Salalah has validated the outstanding amount of effort by the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Salalah in disseminating the culture of scientific research amongst its staff and promoting the principle of research and innovation activities amidst faculty members and students alike. He has further corroborated that the University Branch Research and Consultancy Committee strives to continuously enrich scientific content of research and instill this culture among academics and students, alongside its obligation to recognize and celebrate the achievements of distinguished researchers, through the conduction of “Research Day" as an annual convention to be held on the grounds of the university's Salalah campus.
It is worth noting that the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Salalah has obtained research funding from the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation for 17 individually initiated scientific research projects worth a total of forty-seven thousand seven hundred and thirty nine Omani riyals, so that this research funding will act as a further incentive to better develop and build the research capabilities of the university community.
The members of the Student Advisory Council for the Academic Year of 2022-2023 were welcomed and met by Dr Mohammed Rashid Al Mamari, Dean of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences-Salalah, together with the Assistant Deans and Heads of Academic Departments on December 13th, 2022. The Dean commended the students’ efforts and stressed on the significance of the formation and the roles of the Student Advisory Council in maintaining the connections between the administration and the student community. The Dean likewise solicited and besought their support in various aspects connected to their duties as members of the student council which will assist UTAS-Salalah in fulfilling its mission and vision.
The members of the Student Advisory Council presented their action plans for the current academic year and laid the subjects discussing key issues and important topics impacting the students’ educational experiences and the management’s perspective to the queries and concerns.
Finally, the Dean expressed his confidence that the dedication and commitment of the members will ultimately lead to new initiatives for the University.
In continuous adherence to the principle of strengthening the strategic collaboration between UTAS-Salalah and other Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), the University of Technology and Applied Sciences-Salalah represented by the Dean, Dr Mohammed Rashid Al Mamari, has signed a cooperation agreement with Mazoon College Muscat. This research- focused memorandum mainly aims to contribute to the advancement of research, the imparting of various skill sets, and the maximization of national capabilities between the 2 HEIs. Mazoon College-Muscat was represented by the College’s Acting Dean, Dr. Rashid Al Azri.
The other broad objectives of this MoC are to promote educational and academic exchange, collaboration and research-focused cooperation between the 2 educational institutions.
Dr Mohammed Al Mamari, the Dean, commenting on the new initiative, stressed on the importance of such partnership between academic institutions in sharing best practices and collaborative academic activities which would assist the University in achieving its mission and vision.
Adhering to the principle of strengthening the strategic partnership and enhancing cooperation between academic institutions and the industry, the University of Technology and Applied Sciences-Salalah has signed a cooperation agreement with Oman Electricity Transmission Company (OETC) on December 5th, 2022.
The agreement was underwritten by the Dean of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Dr Mohammed Rashid Al Mamari and Oman Electricity Transmission Company (OETC) was represented by Mr. Salim Ahmed Al Zubaidi, Senior Manager Transmission (Dhofar). The agreement signed by UTAS-Salalah with OETC focuses on mutual collaboration on the areas of research and innovation, student on-the-job trainings, mutual sharing of human and physical resources, and sharing of innovative ideas that would mutually benefit both organizations.
Commenting on the agreements, Dr Mohammed Al Mamari elaborated that this type of partnership between the private sector and higher education institutions is of utmost importance as it creates opportunities for integration between the two sectors, and contributes to raising the level of readiness of our graduates from the education sector. The Dean added that UTAS-Salalah shall maintain its dedication to the process of qualifying its students and providing them with scientific and practical skills that are in line with the needs of the labor market.
The University of Technology and Applied Sciences-Salalah has signed a cooperation agreement with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on December 5th, 2022 in continuous adherence to the standard of strengthening and enhancing the strategic partnership and cooperation between academic institutions and the industry.
The agreement was signed by the Dean of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Dr Mohammed Rashid Al Mamari while the Civil Aviation Authority was represented by Mr. Mohammed Ahmed Al Yafai, the Acting Director of CAA Dhofar Office. The memorandum of cooperation signed by UTAS-Salalah with CAA focuses on communal cooperation on the areas of research and innovation, student on-the-job trainings, mutual sharing of human and physical resources, and sharing of innovative ideas that would mutually benefit both organizations.
Dr Mohammed Al Mamari, the Dean, stressed on the importance of such partnership between the private sector and higher education institutions as it will benefit the students’ competitiveness and readiness in the industry. He added with an assurance that UTAS-Salalah shall continue maintaining its commitment in undertaking steps to provide the students with the necessary scientific and practical skills that are in line with the needs of the industry.
On November 22, 2022, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Student Branch of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences- Salalah (UTAS-Salalah) held its officer election program. In order to assist the IEEE branch activities in the University, three more positions such as secretary, treasurer, and webmaster are elected.
The IEEE Student Branch works to fulfill a number of objectives intended to progress technical knowledge and improve understanding of recent technological advancements in relevant fields that benefit student communities in the University.
The IEEE branch coordinator-IT, Dr. R. Venkateswaran extended a warm greeting to all IEEE members and discussed about the importance of each officer's tasks and responsibilities.
In addition, Mr. Arun Balaji, IEEE branch Coordinator-Engineering Department emphasized the branch activities, encouraged students to take part in all IEEE events, and indicated a workshops that would soon be held at the University.
Officers and members of the IEEE Student Branch are:
Name of the Staff/Student Member | Position in the University | Role in the IEEE Student branch |
---|---|---|
DR. MAJDI MOHAMMED SAID BAIT ALI SULAIMAN | The Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs(ADAA) | IEEE – Student branch Chairperson |
DR. VENKATESWARAN RADHAKRISHNAN | Sr. Faculty - Information Security , IT Department | IEEE Branch Coordinator-IT Department |
MR. ARUN BALAJI | Sr. Faculty-Electrical Section, Engineering Department | IEEE Branch Coordinator – Engineering Department |
SALMA ALI AKAAK | IT Student | IEEE Student - Chair |
MANWAH MOHAMMED ALI AL MASHANI | Engineering Student | IEEE Student Vice-Chair |
MALAK SAMI AL AAMRI | IT Student | IEEE Student - Secretary |
ALHUSAIN ALAWI HUSSAIN AL MSHHUR BA OMAR | Engineering Student | IEEE student – Treasurer |
SAUD SALAH AL NAJJAR | IT Student | IEEE - Web-design Master |
AMRU HASSAN NAIROOZ AL SUWAISI | Engineering Student | IEEE Member |
ABDULLAH SALIM AHMED AL ZUBAIDI | Engineering Student | IEEE Member |
SALIM AHMED SALIM BA ALAWI | Engineering Student | IEEE Member |
SALEM NASSER SALIM HUBAIS | Engineering Student | IEEE Member |
FATIMA NAIF AL AAMRI | IT Student | IEEE Member |
YUMNA HANI AL SALEEM | IT Student | IEEE Member |
ALI GHAWAS AL KATHIRI | IT Student | IEEE Member |
DURR SALIM AL GHAREEBI | IT Student | IEEE Member |
Dr. Majdi Mohammed Said Bait Ali Sulaiman, the Chair of the IEEE Student Branch and University’s Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs, commended the newly elected members as well as the entire team for this program.
The webinar was arranged on November 15th 2022, at 12.00Noon on ‘Microsoft Teams’. The resource person for the webinar was Mr. Kevin W. Holt, Founder and CEO of Co. Innovation Consulting
The inauguration session for the webinar was addressed by Dr. Yasir Al-Yafaei, chairperson of the Research and Consultancy Committee,
Subsequently, the resource person started the session with enthusiastic insights focusing on the nuances of implementing the ‘New Differentiation Strategy in the organization’. The speaker discussed, ‘how collaboration drives innovation and how innovation drives the competition’. He elucidated that, the organization should use collaborative partnership models, where ideas, risks and outcomes are shared to drive innovation and differentiation. This learning was well received by the attendees of the webinar.
The resource person asserted that in open and competitive markets, firms are driven to adopt more efficient production processes, and are eager to offer new and improved products and services to customers to withstand the competition. He also explained on five-step process for creating a differentiation strategy that is exclusively applicable to the academic institutions.
Also, the resource person has emphasized on the important factors related to competition and organizations’ performance that are necessarily to be considered while planning for a new differentiation strategy.
The webinar turned livelier during the ‘Question-Answer Session’. The attendees were active to clear their ambiguities by posing questions to the resource person.
The webinar was ended by a Vote of Thanks given by Dr. Yasir Al-Yafaei.
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The University of Technology and Applied Sciences-Salalah proudly announces that seventeen (17) research projects from UTAS-Salalah have secured research funding from The Research Council (TRC) with a total budget research grant of RO 47,739 .
Commenting on the received research grant from TRC, the College Dean, Dr Mohammed Rashid Al Mamari said, “The management of UTAS-Salalah continuously stresses on the significance of research and knowledge-driven growth based on research and innovation for an academic institution. We continually encourage and motivate our staff and students to conduct research activities, submit proposals for research grant and we hope that for next year, more research projects from UTAS-Salalah will guarantee research funding. We would also like to express our appreciation to TRC for continuously supporting researchers in their research endeavors and for promoting research and innovation in Oman.”
SN | PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS | DEPARTMENT | APPROVED BUDGET(in RO) |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Dr Mohammed Salim Al Mashni | Engineering Department | 19,994 |
2 | Dr. Aju Thomas | English Language Center | 3,000 |
1 | Ms. Lakhayar Al Amri | Engineering Department | 2,000 |
2 | Ms Khayar Al Amri | English Language Center | 2,000 |
3 | Er. Hashim Al-Haddadi | Engineering Department | 3,000 |
4 | Ms.Kamla Koofan | English Language Center | 2,000 |
5 | Mr. Salim Al-Maashani | English Language Center | 2,000 |
1 |
|
Engineering Department | 620 |
2 |
|
Engineering Department | 1,500 |
3 |
|
Engineering Department | 1,500 |
4 |
|
IT Department | 1,500 |
5 |
|
Business Department | 1,200 |
6 |
|
Engineering Department | 1,475 |
7 |
|
Engineering Department | 1,500 |
8 |
|
Engineering Department | 1,500 |
9 |
|
IT Department | 1,450 |
10 |
|
Business Department | 1,500 |
The College Dean of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences-Salalah, Dr. Mohammed Rashid Al Mamari welcomed the delegation from the Dhofar Governor’s Office and the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation headed by the Director General of Innovation Center (MOHERI), Ms. Najah Mohammed Al Rashdi.
Focus of the meeting is on the establishment of an Innovation Center in the Dhofar Region with the major aims of promoting innovation, creativity and engagement in the region and building an ecosystem to foster future technologies and innovation.
Aligning with one of the University’s mission of promoting excellence, research and innovation, UTAS has established an Entrepreneur and Innovation Department (EID). Some of the main objectives of this department is to establish a mutual relationship between the College and the business sectors and provide guidance, support and entrepreneurship experience for the students in a real business environment. The department likewise assists students in the preparation of business plans from their innovative business ideas and, whenever applicable, in starting their own business ventures. UTAS-Salalah, as a tool for accelerating entrepreneurship and innovation, has secured five (5) student incubators. An internal completion on student innovations was also established to further promote and encourage innovative projects among students.
The management delegation comprising of the Deans, Assistant Deans and other College Council
members of UTAS-Salalah College of Technology and UTAS-College of Applied Sciences met on
November 6 th , 2022.
Focus of the meeting was on commencing the central integration procedures in relation to merging the
two branches and in identifying the key items moving forward.
Subject of continuous collaboration between the two branches was likewise discussed on the areas of
research, staff and student activities such as workshops. Future meetings are planned to be held both at
the university and departmental levels to further strengthen the cooperation between the two
branches.
A delegation from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning conducted an “Awareness Workshop on Spatial Planning in Dhofar Region” for the staff and Civil and Architecture students of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences-Salalah and guests from Dhofar University on October 18th, 2022.
The delegation from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning headed by Mr. Sultan Hamed Al Gafri, the Director General in Dhofar, was welcomed by the College Dean, Dr. Mohammed Rashid Al-Mamari. The event was conducted as part of the celebration of the October Planning Month.
Such events are in continuous adherence to one of the University’s goals to develop and strengthen institutional relationships in all relevant aspects with the stakeholders
His Excellency Dr. Saeed Hamad Al-Rubaie, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, visited the University Branch in Salalah on October 16th, 2022 as part of his inspection visits through the various branches of UTAS. The Vice-Chancellor’s delegation was welcomed by the management team of UTAS-Salalah headed by the Dean, Dr. Mohammed Rashid Al Mamari and the University Council members.
HE, the Vice-Chancellor opened the assembly by conveying the progress concerning the new academic programs, the merging process of the University branches, the link of the University to the industry and the community, and the initiatives being undertaken to improve the capabilities of UTAS. His Excellency likewise relayed his belief that the staff and students are the University’s greatest assets and so, our institution should work to enable them to fulfil their full potential to become experts in their respective fields and in return, be resources as consultants to the industry and community.
Following are the main highlights of His Excellency’s visit:
• Meeting with the members of the University Council in Salalah. The Dean together with the Council members presented the current status, profile and progress of the branch in terms of students, staff, resources as well as the achievements and accomplishments of the branch in the aspects of research and innovation, staff and student activities, industry and community engagement and other initiatives towards the fulfillment of UTAS’s Vision and Mission.
• Launching of the website of the 1st Sustainable Energy Conference which is scheduled on February 15-16, 2023. The conference website was launched by HE, the Vice-Chancellor.
• Meeting with the heads of the various academic and administrative bodies in the branch.
• Meeting with the new members of the Student Advisory Council, where HE, congratulated the new members and relayed ideas that may contribute to the development of the work system at the University branch and lead to the development of the educational process. A short forum convened to discuss key issues and explore important topics impacting the students’ educational experience at the University and the management’s perspective to the queries and concerns.
• Examination and visit of the new classrooms of the English Language Center.
HE, the Vice-Chancellor, relayed his sincere appreciation and gratitude to the entire UTAS-Salalah community for their hard work and dedication as well as the support that they have extended to the University management. Finally, the VC reassured that the University management recognizes UTAS-Salalah for its outstanding contributions to the success of the entire University and he looks forward to its continued success.
2022 © University of Technology and Applied Sciences - Salalah