Muscat, Oman

Under the auspices of Her Highness Dr. Mona bin Fahad Al Said, Assistant Vice Chancellor for International Cooperation, Sultan Qaboos University, Ooredoo celebrated its 22nd Springboard and 8th Spring Forward graduation. Inspiring the next generation of digital entrepreneurs and industry leaders while contributing to the development of national talent through education, more than 120 graduates were recognised during the celebration.

Springboard and SpringForward are taught by professionals over three intensive months and support Omani participants in transforming their leadership style, honing their skills and ultimately achieving their goals. The graduates this year included Omani women incubators and represented various government entities as they completed the leadership development programmes delivering projects with a real-world impact.

Feras Al Shaikh, Director of Branding and Communications at Ooredoo, said, “The immersive Springboard and SpringForward initiatives are about developing skills to enable participants to become tomorrow’s leaders and successful digital entrepreneurs. From spotting a problem-based opportunity to creating a project and building a successful and sustainable start-up, we help them to leverage their talent and reach their full potential in order to contribute to Oman’s digital economy.”

As part of the graduation ceremony, the shortlisted teams showcased their project videos and two winners were selected; the one with the highest committee score and the “peoples’ choice” award.

Ooredoo’s Springboard programme was created by women for women and promotes the inclusion of Omani women in the workplace. Meanwhile, the SpringForward Programme supports the professional development of women and men, in leadership and digital entrepreneurship. The education opportunities empower them to maximise their full career potential as well as achieve a healthy work-life balance.