Liwa: The Vocational and Technical Education Exhibition (VTEX), organized by the Directorate General of Education in North Al Batinah, was officially opened today in the Wilayat of Liwa.
According to Oman News Agency, Dr. Walid Talib Al Hashmi, Director General of Education in North Al Batinah, emphasized the exhibition's objectives, which are focused on spreading awareness of vocational and technical education. This initiative aims to enhance community understanding of the significance of vocational and technical education and its role in cultivating national expertise that contributes to sustainable development.
Dr. Al Hashmi mentioned that the exhibition's organizing committee aims to introduce students to vocational and technical specializations and study programs available in the governorate's schools. This educational pathway is designed to align with students' interests and future goals. The exhibition encourages students to explore vocational and technical education through interactive experiences and applied demonstrations that aid in identifying their professional interests. It also highlights the collaboration between educational and training institutions and their contribution to the sector's development.
Dr. Mohammed Ali Al Balushi, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, elaborated on the exhibition's structure and activities. The event comprises eight main sections with over 53 interactive and live platforms. These include sections for vocational and technical education, specializations, educational and training institutions, and the "Try Your Profession" area. Other sections include virtual reality simulation, vocational innovation lab, future skills, and a private sector showcase. Additionally, 49 teams that reached the finals of the Vocational and Technical Innovation Hackathon will be evaluated over three days with support from OQ Company.
The exhibition includes several seminars and panel discussions. Topics cover vocational education and economic trends in North Al Batinah Governorate, partnerships for future development, and educational options and opportunities in vocational and technical education. Discussions also focus on business administration and information technology specializations, as well as engineering and industrial specializations, featuring participants like students, parents, and specialized institutes.
The event is accompanied by over 40 applied workshops across four creative laboratories: the Artificial Intelligence Lab, the Ideas Lab, the Innovation Lab, and the Cybersecurity Lab. These workshops address subjects such as the Internet of Things (IoT), AI robotics, electrical circuits, mechanical manufacturing engineering, and more, providing practical experiences in various technical fields.
The inauguration was held under the auspices of Dr. Said Hamad Al Rubaii, Vice Chancellor of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences.