Sohar International is hosting the 5^th virtual edition of its popular Chairman’s forum - Viewpoints, on Sunday, January 17, 2021 starting at 7:30pm, on the bank’s official YouTube channel. Chaired by Mr. Mohammed Mahfoudh Al Ardhi, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Sohar International, the latest edition of Viewpoints titled “The Future of Science & Technology”, will host guest speaker, Dr. Robbert Dijkgraaf, the Director and Leon Levy Professor at Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton (New Jersey), USA – one of the world’s foremost centers for curiosity-driven basic research.

Over the last many years, mankind has researched and experimented to make significant breakthroughs in the world of science. Several methodical revolutions have given birth to the concepts of Quantum technology, genetic engineering and artificial intelligence, that are now accelerating scientific ideas, with important applications to real world problems, as has also been witnessed during the on-going pandemic. In light of these, Dr. Robbert Dijkgraaf will offer a truly international perspective on what these complexities imply for the future of science and technology. An impassioned and eloquent advocate for pure scientific inquiry and the vital importance of encouraging creativity, imagination, and “out of the box” thinking, he will tread into global adaptability of technological advancement and their imminent usage.

Sharing his views on the subject, Mr. Al Ardhi said, “In its endeavour to encourage and inspire Omani youth and aspiring entrepreneurs by exposing them to global ideas and personalities, Viewpoints reflects on the need for futuristic concepts and their local adaptability. The subject of the upcoming session justifies this line of thought. We aim to deep dive into finding newer meanings of the imminent use of science and technology, especially in a new digitised, virtual world. I also believe that the role our citizens will play in this regard, to make the Sultanate future ready, is critical. The youth, including students and entrepreneurs, must understand the significance of their contribution to make a positive impact on the society and the nation at large.”

“A key pillar in Oman’s Vision 2040 aims at empowering citizens and equipping them with a high degree of scientific and practical capabilities required for building a prosperous society that is capable of coping with the tremendous international changes and challenges. It also aims at helping the locals acquire the necessary future skills to prepare them for the enormous technological leap in all aspects of life. We hope that with the upcoming session we are able to contribute to this ambitious goal of the Sultanate.”, he added.

Dr. Robbert Dijkgraaf is an effective communicator and teacher, a leader in science policymaking, and a trained artist. He offers a global perspective on science and policy having served as President of the InterAcademy Partnership, a consortium of more than 130 of the world’s national science academies, and Co-Chair of the InterAcademy Council, the global alliance of science academies advising the United Nations, the World Bank, and other international organizations. He co-authored ‘The Usefulness of Useless Knowledge’, which articulates how essential basic research and original thinking are essential for innovation and societal progress.

Be a part of Oman’s banking industry’ most anticipated knowledge session! Subscribe to Sohar International’s YouTube channel to watch the 10th edition of Viewpoints live, https://www.youtube.com/c/SoharInternational, on January 17, 2021 starting at 7:30pm.