The British Ambassador announces the re-launch of UK Chevening Scholarships
HMA Jonathan Wilks, hosted a reception at his Residence celebrating the uniquely close friendship between UK and Oman
HMA Mr Jonathan Wilks
The British Ambassador, Mr Jonathan Wilks, hosted a reception at his Residence on Tuesday 19 May celebrating the uniquely close friendship between the United Kingdom and the Sultanate of Oman on the 45th anniversary of the Omani Renaissance.
Guests at the event received a celebration brochure highlighting the contributions of a wide range of British companies and organisations to Oman’s national development; ranging from investment in human capital, diversifying the economy, technology transfers, sport and cultural exchange.
During the event, Mr Wilks announced the re-launch of UK Chevening Scholarships in partnership with British business. During the event, Mr Wilks announced that the Chevening Scholarships programme will be re-launched for Oman in partnership with a number of British businesses active in the Sultanate. Chevening Scholarships are the UK government’s global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner organisations. The scholarships are awarded to outstanding established or emerging leaders to pursue one-year Master’s degrees in any subject and at any of the UK’s leading universities. The programme ran in Oman from 1983 until 2010 when it was no longer available in GCC states.
(Chevening Scholarships are the UK government’s global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner organisations. The scholarships are awarded to outstanding established or emerging leaders to pursue one-year Master’s degrees in any subject and at any of the UK’s leading universities).
Speaking at the event, the British Ambassador said:
“The friendship between Oman and the United Kingdom is more than just a friendship between two Governments. It is between two peoples. It is based on loyalty and commitment and delivers benefits for both countries’ security, prosperity and influence. I hope this event will in a small way help to highlight the continued importance of this remarkable partnership now and in the years to come”.
He added:
“I am delighted to announce the re-launch of the UK Chevening Scholarships programme in Oman in partnership with British business. The value of this programme in building links between future leaders in UK and Oman is well known. I am delighted that it will once again play an important part in strengthening relations between our two countries. In particular I want to thank BAE Systems for pioneering this re-launch through their generous sponsorship. And we look forward to the participation of other British business sponsors in this exciting new initiative.’
Matt Foster, General Manager for BAE Systems in Oman, commented: “Having supported Chevening Scholarships in Malaysia, we felt that the programme would be perfect for Oman so following our recommendations, we are pleased that the British Ambassador is making it a reality. By sponsoring Chevening Scholarships, BAE Systems will play a key role in ensuring that Oman’s future leaders have the right skills and experience to be able to take the country to the next level. From our Science/Technology/Engineering/Mathematics (STEM) schools programmes through to sponsoring students through their Masters degrees, we are committed to inspiring and educating a new generation of leaders in Oman.”
The event was sponsored by the Omani British Friendship Association, the Anglo-Omani Society, Babcock, BAE Systems, BP, Carillion, HSBC, Shell and InterContinental Hotels Group.
