The Business Studies Department of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Shinas, Oman collaborated with the College of Business of the Systems Plus College Foundation, Angeles City, Philippines in conducting the first “International Student Interaction” on 31^st March  2022, through MS Teams.

Ms. Khadija Al Isaei, the Head of the Business Studies Department, UTAS Shinas, and Dr. Marilou Q. Tolentino, Dean of the College of Business, Systems Plus College Foundation, Angeles City, Philippines were the main organizers of the event. The event was initiated by Mr. Joefrelin Ines, DBA from the BSD, UTAS Shinas, Oman. The initiative was a virtual exchange of culture and academic experiences during the pandemic among students in the participating institutions. The main theme was towards understanding diversity, exclusivity, and inclusion (DEI) which serves as a mechanism for enhancing career readiness of graduating students.

Selected students from Oman and the Philippines anchored, facilitated and engaged the participants during the session. The representative of UTAS Shinas, Oman were Qutada Al Maqbali, Rima Al Shibli, Hamed Hamdan Al Shibli and Omar Al Balushi while the Systems Plus College Foundation, Philippines, was represented by Harvey Edtralin, Kenge Herron, Nobutomi Onuma, Mirasol Espadero.

There were 105 student participants from the BS Accountancy, BS Business Administration, BS Real Estate Management, and BS Customs Administration programs of the College of Business, Systems Plus College Foundation. There were 115 student attendees from the Business Studies Department participating online for the UTAS Shinas Team. Seven Faculty Members of the SPCF College of Business and 15 lecturers of the BSD, UTAS Shinas also joined the session.

The interaction focused on overcoming difficulties encountered in the academic journey and finding individuality, particularly during the pandemic. The students also exchanged views on how to deal with the challenges of joining the industry. They discussed ways to contribute to the world as graduates of Business Studies. Lastly, the student facilitators explored possible opportunities for future collaboration. Interactions led by Qutada Al Maqbali and Harvey Edralin encouraged participants to have an open mind and explore new ideas. Hamed Al Shibli and Kenge Herron, an American student, emphasized that the activity was an opportunity to meet people from other cultures and other countries, to learn about their challenges and opportunities. Omar Al Balushi and Nobutomi Onuma, a Japanese, shared ideas on the educational systems, and career options. Rima Al Shibli and Mirasol Espadero led the discussion on broadening perspectives on daily life, possibilities and challenges faced by students, particularly for women from their respective countries.

The host, facilitators, and interactors were proud to serve as cultural ambassadors throughout the event. All acknowledged that the activity opened up new doors for long-term friendship and would pave the way to form an Omani-Filipino Student Club or Association providing a venue for exchanging culture, academic life, knowledge, skill-sharing and development opportunities. The event would help develop future global leaders and serve as a platform for global learning to bring the world together.