20-06-2018

 

Times of Oman

Muscat: A Memorandum of Understanding was signed yesterday to provide Chevening Scholarships for two Omani students to study in the UK.

The agreement was signed between the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and BAE Systems.The latter is one of the world’s leading global defence, security and aerospace companies, which has supported Oman for more than 50 years.

Signing the agreement on behalf of BAE Systems Oman, General Manager Ian Lane said, “We’re proud to renew our support for the third year in a row to the FCO for the excellent initiative that is the Chevening Scholarships. We were honoured to be part of the programme’s re-launch in Oman in 2016, and are pleased to continue providing the opportunity for bright young Omanis to study in the UK.

 “We believe the future of Oman will be built on national talent with international capabilities, which supports the national vision of building a sustainable knowledge-based economy, so we are delighted to maintain our support of Chevening as one of the several education-focused programmes we are involved with in the Sultanate.”

The Omani candidates who receive the scholarships, and the UK universities they will be studying at, will be announced later in the year. Regarding the scholarships, British Ambassador Hamish Cowell said, “We are delighted to continue our cooperation with BAE Systems Oman in developing the Chevening programme in the Sultanate. Chevening Scholarships are a real concrete demonstration of the UK’s long-standing commitment to support the development of education and talent in Oman.”

Kulthoom Al Khmaiyasi, Co-Founder of the JISSER Internship Platform and a 2016/2017 recipient of a Chevening Scholarship added, “The significance of a Chevening scholarship and the large opportunities it brings to join an international alumni network of outstanding young leaders and influencers was a key driver for me to compete for it. This academic year in the UK opened countless doors for me to progress academically, professionally, and socially. I am especially thankful to BAE Systems and all the other parties involved in bringing this programme to Oman, and for their continued support in developing Omani youth.”

Named after Chevening House, the official residence of the British Foreign Secretary in Kent, England, Chevening Scholarships have benefited over 44,000 individuals from 160 countries and territories in the past 33 years. , including more than 3,200 students from Oman, Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon and Palestine.