• Huawei will hold the Tech4Good global competition for the second year running, targeting youth with ideas that can address social issues by leveraging the latest ICT technologies  

 The 2022 edition of the annual Huawei's Seeds for the Future has opened in Oman, offering college undergraduates and fresh graduates the opportunity to join an online experience around technology innovation and cross-cultural exchange. Held under the patronage of H.E Rahma bint Ibrahim Al Mahrooqi, Minister for Higher Education, Research and Innovation, and supported by Omantel, the initiative will see Oman’s youth access Huawei's cutting-edge ICT, experience traditional and modern Chinese culture, and hone their professional development.

Huawei will also hold the Tech4Good global competition for the second year running, inviting young people to explore how digital technologies can address social issues. Through group projects, Tech4Good aims to increase social entrepreneurship, build problem-solving and leadership skills through teamwork, and deepen the sense of social responsibility.

The opening ceremony in Muscat was attended by top officials from the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation and executives from Omantel and Huawei. H.E Dr. Rahma bint Ibrahim Al Mahrooqi, Minister of Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, reiterated the government's support for public-private sector partnerships to drive ICT skills development.  

"The National Digital Economy Program is one of the main pillars of Oman Vision 2040, our long-term plan to achieve economic expansion and diversification. The Vision's success relies on an effective ICT skills development strategy to match. Initiatives such as Seeds for the Future equip our youth with the capacity to make a difference while contributing to the socio-economic growth of our nation", H.E. Mahrooqi added.

Mr. Aladdin Baitfadhil, Chief Commercial Officer of Omantel, said, "As Oman's leading enabler of innovation, we take pride in initiatives that help advance our country's capabilities in the ICT domain. We are again glad to collaborate with our long-term partner, Huawei, in this year's Seeds for the Future as we continue to support Oman's digital transformation agenda."  

Chen Jianhan, CEO of Huawei Oman, said, "Oman students have been enthusiastic participants in our skills development initiatives over the years. They have repeatedly demonstrated creativity and problem-solving skills, with the quality of their contributions continuously rising year after year. We will continue to support Oman organizations achieve their digital transformation goals by providing cutting edge technologies and ensuring they have access to the technical expertise to take full advantage of these digital innovations."  

During the eight-day Seeds for the Future program, participants will receive entry-level and advanced courses on key technologies, including 5G, cloud computing and A.I. They will also experience virtual tours of Chinese scenic spots or fast-growing companies and a glimpse at Huawei's history and technological developments, including virtual exploration of Huawei exhibition halls, campus and stores. Huawei experts, entrepreneurs, professors and scientists will also be at hand to share perspectives on a wide range of topics, from cybersecurity to the aerospace industry.

Seeds for the Future is built around communities so participants can immerse themselves in interactive and dynamic classrooms where group discussions, debates, and round table dialogues will be arranged to ensure cross-cultural exchanges with global peers. Meanwhile, an eventful alumni calendar features year-long exclusive webinars, round table dialogues, celebration events, and more to strengthen community spirit. Oman students also have an opportunity to compete for prizes in a global contest that pits their innovations against technological projects from their global peers.

Since Seeds for the Future was launched in 2008, more than 12,000 students have participated from 137 countries and featured 180 endorsements from top government and non-government officials. Last year's event attracted 25 Oman students shortlisted from different universities across the Sultanate.

The 2022 Seeds for the Future campaign is just the latest collaboration platform between Huawei and its Oman partners, particularly Omantel. The two entities joined forces to establish a regional ICT training center aiming to support talent development in the Sultanate of Oman, advance new technologies, and support progress towards Oman Vision 2040, of which building a knowledge-based economy is a key pillar.