Release of the Third Issue of ‘Afaq’ Magazine
Wagulf- Muscat
The University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) has released the third issue of its quarterly magazine ‘Afaq’, published by the university’s Communication and Media Department, as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance academic and knowledge-based content and to highlight its role in supporting the higher education and scientific research ecosystem in the Sultanate of Oman.
This issue reflects the university’s direction toward developing knowledge-driven media platforms that contribute to spreading scientific and cultural awareness and strengthening institutional engagement with the community. The issue features a diverse range of topics addressing education, technology, and innovation, alongside highlighting key student initiatives and academic achievements accomplished by university students across various fields.
The issue includes a collection of articles and analyses that examine the role of academic institutions in supplying the labour market with qualified national competencies, enhancing research and innovation capabilities, and aligning with national priorities and the goals of Oman Vision 2040, particularly in the areas of the knowledge economy and digital transformation.
The magazine also dedicates space to specialized topics in technical and applied education and its impact on meeting comprehensive development needs, as well as showcasing successful educational experiences and best practices that contribute to improving the learning environment and motivating students toward creativity and innovation.
Additionally, the issue features interviews with a number ofacademics and experts discussing the future of education amid rapid global changes and the importance of developing curricula and academic programs to meet labour market demands and enhance graduates’ competitiveness at both local and international levels.
Also, the magazine highlights topics that promote national identity and authentic Omani values, in addition to showcasing youth creativity and inspiring success stories, as well as covering scientific and cultural events and activities organized by the UTAS, reflecting a vibrant intellectual and knowledge movement.
The issue also includes a special feature on the university’s strategic plan, which focuses on developing an integrated educational system based on innovation and quality outcomes, strengthening scientific research, and linking education to labour market needs, in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040. It also reviews the “Bio-Rap” project, reflecting the UTAS’s direction toward leveraging scientific research in innovative fields, and highlights the university theatre and its role in fostering students’ cultural creativity.
Moreover, the magazine discusses the cloud computing program as one of the modern academic programs aligned with digital transformation, and highlights the role of the Training and Career Guidance Centre in preparing students for the labour market and enhancing their professional readiness. It also covers the activities of the second annual student-led startup forum, reflecting the spirit of initiative and innovation among Omani youth.
The magazine highlight on the university’s research achievements, including one of its studies winning the National Research Award, demonstrating the quality of its research outputs and its contribution to advancing innovation. It also addresses the UTAS community by exploring the role of the academic work environment in enhancing productivity and institutional excellence, in addition to presenting the “ISESCO Chair for Artificial Intelligence Ethics” as a scientific platform focused on ethical issues related to modern technologies.
The issue further includes opinions and analytical articles on redirecting higher education toward flexibility and professional efficiency, as well as a scientific feature on the synchrotron centre, reviewing its journey from a scientific idea to a successful research proposal.
The release of ‘Afaq’ magazine serves as a knowledge platform that documents the university’s achievements and strengthens communication with the community, supporting the advancement of higher education and scientific research in the Sultanate of Oman.
The third issue of the magazine can be accessed via the following link:
https://utas.blob.core.windows.net/fqr/Afaq3.pdf
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