Al Sunaidy to Patron Intilaaqah Awards
Its that time of the year when local entrepreneurs meet to celebrate success and compete for the Intilaaqah Annual Entrepreneurship Awards. For the fifth year Shell-Intilaaqah holds an annual entrepreneur award competition. The aim is to recognize successful entrepreneurs, create more awareness about entrepreneurship and the use the competition as a platform to inspire others to start their own businesses. Entry to the Intilaaqah awards this year was open early in September at a press conference at Knowledge Oasis Muscat (KOM). Similarly, it was announced in various media channels. The Awards applications were distributed in all Shell Select stores as well as SANAD programme offices, Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry branches across the Sultanate and the training partners Institutes.
Further, a special category was announced for Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) Students in collaboration with SQU Center of Career Guidance for Best Business Idea. The objective behind this is to encouraging student to think about entrepreneurship as a career option and stimulate their mind to think of creative ideas. Application forms and posters have been distributed in different locations of SQU campus. Entries for this category is till open until the end of November. A panel consisting of renowned members of the faculty will filter the applications and select the best business plans and they are:
Mr. Suleiman Al Jahwari Head of Vocational Relationship Department Career Guidance Center
Dr. Rafi Ashrafi College of Commerce and Economics
Dr. Yousif Al Busaidi College of Commerce and Economics
“We have received more than 172 applications this year. The finalists applications will be evaluated on the basis of the company overview (current status, clear vision and objectives), their products or services (do they have a competitive advantage?), the market analysis (how they position themselves in the market?), management team capabilities, critical risk (do they have contingency plans?), Finance (clear accounting guidelines), marketing strategy, percentage of Omanization (nationalization) and how innovative the business is. We are privileged to have with us professionals from various organization in our judging panel.” Said, Salma Noor Counselling Manager and they are:
Mrs. Fawziya Ghazi Al Araimi – AGM – Human Resources & Services
Mr. Hassan A.Amir Shaban – Assistant General Manager Corporate Communications National Bank of Oman
Mr. Saif Suleiman Al Muzaini Commercial Supplement In-Charge –Muscat Press & Publishing House
Mr. Ibrahim Salim Al Alawi SANAD programme Director Muscat-Ministry of Manpower
Mr. Saleh Abdullah Al Zadjali Head - Clients Relationships Executive Director Office- Oman Air
Mr. Abdulnasir N. Al Raisi Head – SME Programme Lending BankMuscat
Mr. Mohammed Ahmed Al Hinai Knowledge Mine Management (TKM)
“Successful entrepreneurs deserve to be recognized and outshined. The Intilaaqah Awards search for creative, talented and hardworking Omani’s who have proven capable of running their business. The first few years of operation are very critical for any business and we value those who have managed to overcome obstacles and make their business a success.” Said Abdullah Al Jufaili, Intilaaqah Director
The winner will be announced at the Gala Dinner on December 22, 2008 under the auspices of H.E. Engineer Ali Bin Masoud Al Sunaidi Minister of Sports Affairs to announce the winners.
Intilaaqah is one of Shell Social Investment initiatives in the Sultanate of Oman that has been modelled on Shell funded initiative called Shell-LiveWIRE running in 26 countries worldwide. Intilaaqah aims to stimulate and encourage Omani youth to consider the option of setting up their own businesses, and to provide assistance to those who aspire to seek this opportunity, by providing them with training and business development service. The Programmes receives support from various organizations including SANAD Programme, Knowledge Oasis Muscat, Sultan Qaboos University, Bank Muscat, National Bank of Oman, Oman International Bank and Oman Air.
