Monday 28 / April / 2025
Muscat: To strengthen international academic cooperation and achieve academic excellence, and as part of the college's commitment to developing the higher education sector and exchanging successful global experiences and expertise, as well as exploring avenues for improvement and development across various fields in support of the strategic objectives of Oman Vision 2040, the Global College of Engineering and Technology (GCET) has signed an academic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Curtin University in Australia.Curtin University is one of the most prestigious academic institutions, ranked first in Australia and second globally in the field of metallurgical and mining engineering. It also holds the 174thposition worldwide according to the QS World University Rankings.
The agreement was signed on Thursday, 24th April 2025, under the patronage of Her Excellency Professor Rahma Ibrahim Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation, at the ministry’s headquarters in Muscat. The signing ceremony was attended by Professor Geoffrey Elliott, Dean of GCET; Dr. Suleiman Al-Hasani, Deputy Dean for Academic Affairs and Resources at GCET; and a delegation from Curtin University led by Professor Xiaotian Zhang, Vice President for Global Affairs, accompanied by Mr. Nigel de Silva, Director of Transnational Education and Partnerships, and Professor Klaus Regenauer-Lieb, a global distinguished expert in energy and mining resources engineering.
This partnership establishes a strong foundation for cooperation between the two parties in higher education, development of academic programmes and joint degree offerings, joint scientific research, faculty and student exchanges, and fostering academic integration and sustainable development in Oman and the wider region.
The MoU facilitates the exchange of expertise to support GCET’s aspirations and expand its academic and research presence in sectors such as energy, sustainability, digital innovation, and mining technologies.
In her opening speech, Her Excellency Professor Rahma Al Mahrouqi praised the ambitious cooperation between the two institutions and emphasized the importance of strategic international partnerships in developing the higher education ecosystem in the Sultanate. She highlighted the role these collaborations play in empowering students, enhancing global education opportunities, and facilitating the exchange of expertise, talent, and best practices in the field.
Professor Geoffrey Elliott, Dean of GCET, reaffirmed the college’s commitment to fostering joint cooperation with institutions at local, regional, and international levels. He stressed that such efforts align with the college’s continuous strategy to enhance the educational experience for its students and contribute to the development of higher education in the Sultanate. He also highlighted GCET’s dedication to supporting students, especially in academic and research fields, to develop their skills, competencies, and capabilities, ensuring their readiness to compete in the job market and seize the best opportunities, ultimately contributing to building Oman’s future in line with national plans and future visions.
It is worth noting that GCET offers academic programmes and qualifications at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in Engineering, Computing, Urban Planning, Cybersecurity, Environmental Management, and Technology. The college is committed to delivering a high-quality educational experience in line with international standards and evolving national and regional priorities, while pursuing academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement. It also focuses on graduating highly qualified professionals equipped to meet workforce needs and achieve strategic goals.
