We recently had the privilege of interviewing Rami J. Oweis from the Modern College of Business and Science (MCBS). Rami is a renowned educator, researcher, and academic leader who has made a strong impact in the field of higher education. As an established academic leader, Rami has held various senior positions. MCBS is a private college offering educational programs tailored to meet the needs of individual students as well as the demands of the business and industrial communities. In this insightful interview, Rami J. Oweis shares information about the college, its courses and research initiatives, its innovative approaches, and the challenges in this field.
Genesis Of MCBS
We started the interview by asking, “How did MCBS get started, and what led it to where it is today?”
Rami J. Oweis shared, “The Modern College of Business and Science (MCBS), the first fully accredited private college in Oman, was established in December 1996 in Muscat. Its mission was to bridge the gap between science and business, addressing the growing demand for interdisciplinary education that integrates these two critical fields. The college aimed to equip students with a strong foundation in both corporate strategy and scientific research.
As a pioneer in business education, MCBS offers the most comprehensive range of business programs in the region. Over the years, its offerings have expanded, continually adapting to meet the demands of a dynamic global market. With a steadfast commitment to innovation and excellence in research and education, MCBS has become a leader in blending scientific discoveries with business principles, shaping the next generation of professionals.”
Courses and Initiatives at MCBS
We were curious to learn more about MCBS’s offerings and asked, “Can you share more about the college’s current role and the programs it leads?”
Rami J. Oweis explained, “The Modern College of Business and Science (MCBS) plays a vital role in preparing students for careers at the intersection of business and science. It offers 32 academic programs, including more than 23 undergraduate majors, 7 MSc programs, and 2 PhD programs. While a few programs are offered in Arabic, the majority are delivered in English. These programs span departments such as Business and Economics, Math and Computer Science, and various science disciplines.
Additionally, MCBS has created specialized centers to foster innovation and sustainability. The Sustainability Centre promotes awareness of sustainable practices in education, environmental protection, and economic growth. It encourages student engagement through workshops, community meetings, and field trips while providing opportunities for faculty to learn about the latest sustainability trends and practices, including the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Moreover, MCBS is the first college in Oman to establish an X Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre, which nurtures young students to turn their innovative ideas into entrepreneurial ventures and start-ups. This initiative aims to build the next generation of business leaders, empowering them to drive positive change and economic growth in Oman and beyond.”
Overcoming Major Challenges
Eager to learn about the challenges faced by MCBS, we asked, “What challenges has the college faced as a business leader, and how has it overcome them?”
Rami noted, “One of the college’s biggest challenges has been ensuring its academic offerings remain relevant in an environment where both business and science are evolving rapidly. The curricula have had to be regularly updated to incorporate new technologies and address the growing demand for industry-relevant skills.
Staying true to the college’s core values—such as honesty, transparency, and ethical practices—while striving to achieve its vision and goals has also been demanding, though attainable. These values serve as the foundation for the college’s academic programs, policies, and practices.
To overcome these challenges, the college has focused on building strong, trust-based relationships with industry partners and continuously evaluating developments in business and science to ensure its programs meet current demands. Additionally, maintaining a competitive edge and fostering a culture of innovation and scholarship have been critical in adapting to change and driving global leadership.”
Embracing Digital Transformation and Technology
We further asked, “How does the college see technology, especially AI, impacting its industry? Are there any innovative practices it’s implementing?”
Rami J. Oweis shared, “The college recognizes the profound impact technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), is having on how science and business are taught and practiced. MCBS is already integrating AI into its academic programs, leveraging its potential to enhance learning experiences through data-driven insights and personalized education. AI is also being used in research to analyze complex data sets, accelerate scientific discoveries, and refine business strategies.
To stay ahead of emerging industry trends, the college is actively incorporating AI-powered tools into its research and teaching methodologies. Furthermore, in response to the critical role of SMEs and entrepreneurship in diversifying the Omani economy, MCBS’s Center for Entrepreneurship & Business Incubation (CEBI) focuses on research, leadership development, and education to support aspiring entrepreneurs and foster an entrepreneurial mindset among Omani professionals and students.”
Vision for the Future
Finally, we asked, “What are the college’s views on the future of the industry it’s associated with?”
Rami J. Oweis concluded, “The college sees significant opportunities ahead for both business and scientific sectors, particularly as new technologies, sustainability challenges, and global issues continue to evolve. MCBS is committed to advancing research in cutting-edge areas such as AI, digital transformation, cybersecurity, global trade law, and aviation technology.
By equipping students with multidisciplinary expertise, MCBS is preparing them to navigate the complex challenges of the future. With strategic emphasis on research, development, and consulting, the college aspires to remain a leader in shaping the future of education, science, and business.”
Follow Rami J. Oweis on LinkedIn.
Find Modern College of Business and Science on LinkedIn and visit their website http://www.mcbs.edu.om
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